German Travel Magazine: Albania -Between sea and mountain

DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) is the largest Mountain Sports Association in the world and one of Germany's major sports and nature conservation associations. DAV recently published an article about Albania, specifically about Southern Albania written by journalist Joachim Chwasczca.

Mediterranean landscapes of the southern Albania can be enjoyed by walking or biking on the roads with spectacular views from the sea. Llogara Pass is one of the most beautiful roads in Albania, is a high mountain pass with the highest point of 1, 027 m within the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera.  The platform allows you to have the best view of all the area. It seems like you are seeing this view from an airplane. 

Der Llogarapass an der Südküste Albaniens schraubt sich bis auf 1027 Meter empor und ist bei klarer Sicht eine fantastische Aussichtskanzel. Der Pass ist Grenze und Wasserscheide zwischen dem Adriatischen und dem Ionischen Meer. Steht man oben an einer der Aussichtskanzeln, fällt der Blick wie aus einem Flugzeug nach unten und folgt dem tausend Meter tiefer liegenden Küstenbogen bis zur Hafenstadt Saranda, dem antiken Hafen Onchesmos. Die Insel Korfu zeichnet sich ab, Griechenland ist zum Greifen nahe. 

See original article  here!

The Best of Albania Takes Travelers Off the Tourism Conveyor Belt

Francesca Masotti, the journalist and blogger from Italia writes again about Albania and the best places to visit in our country. Stunning shores, fabulous beaches, great food and a wallet-friendly economy only scratch the surface when describing this lively Balkan country. While it is becoming more popular with tourists, Albania (the correct name is Shqipëria or, more officially, Republika e Shqipërisë) remains undiscovered. Certainly there are the terrific coastlines and historic attractions, but the best reason to come to Albania is to discover a completely unknown country wrapped in mystery after decades of isolation.

Prepare to fall in love with this wonderful place: from the capital city Tirana to the stunning clear waters of the south through to the ancient towns, an excursion through Albania is a real adventure.

Albania Drymades beach_Francesca Masotti 

The first place is the capital city of Tirana: “Forget London, Paris or Rome. For a city break rich with culture, history and gastronomy—yet unspoiled by the tourists masses—try Tirana instead. The Albanian capital city is the Balkans Peninsula’s (southeastern Europe) next upcoming travel spot.”

Berat (UNESCO City) is the second city on the list for its impressive white houses with small windows climbing up to the hill to its castle, earning it the title of ‘town of a thousand windows’, and many mosques.

 

albania_berat_francesca masotti

Gjirokastra (UNESCO Site):  Reach the citadel of ancient Gijrokastër for dazzling vistas. Once here, you’ll understand why it is UNESCO world-heritage site. One of the oldest cities of Albania, the name means Silver Fortress, and it clearly shows the confluence of Albanian, Greek and Turkish cultures.

albania_gijrokaster_francesca masotti

The Albanian Riviera: Driving along the Albania’s coastline means rolling past striking landscapes filled with traditional villages, golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, small orthodox churches and mountains that rise dramatically.

The Archeological Park of Butrinti: Before leaving Albania you have to spend few hours in the Butrint Archaeological Park. It is close to the Greek border and less than an hour from Saranda. The ancient ruins of Butrint are in a fantastic natural setting and from a variety of periods, spanning 2,500 years. 

See full article on Paste Magazine: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/05/take-5-albania.html 

Ksamil Beach, hits the list of “20 best beaches to visit in May in Europe” by Telegraph Travel

The crystal waters of Ksamil Beach near Saranda are definitely becoming a hotspot for tourists all over the world. There’s something beautiful and magic on this beach and everyone who visits falls in love with this alluring beauty of Albania. No wonder that Telegraph Travel listed Ksamil among “20 deserted European beaches you must visit in May.

“Albania shows its best side at this delicious cove in the village of Ksamil, nine miles south of the resort town of Saranda. You can swim out to three islands near the bay, admire the outline of Corfu, or slumber after a morning at the Roman site Butrint.” –Telegraph Travel Uk

See full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/beach-holidays/best-beaches-in-europe-for-may/

Albania among Top Budget Destination for 2017 by Rough Guides

Rough Guide is a worldwide travel guide for more than 120 destinations and Albania is one of the destinations recently promoted on the their “Top Budget Destination for 2017” list. The Albanian coast is becoming very ‘famous’ and everyone who visits Albania shouldn’t miss exploring our beaches. Rough Guides put Albanian coast among top budged destinations, part of this list are popular destinations such as: Detroit (USA), Mexico, Greece, Cambodia, The Philippines etc.

Check out what Rough Guide says about Albania:

‘Albania retains one of the last unspoiled coastlines in the Mediterranean. Sun-drenched mountains and white-sand beaches spill into the bright blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, while Ancient Greek ruins and historic Ottoman villages punctuate the surrounding rural landscape.

You’ll find none of the usual high-rise resorts, crowded shores and high prices typical in the rest of the Med here, with fresh seafood, quality bars and comfortable accommodation available at a fraction of the cost.

And with more affordable flights due to connect Tirana with the rest of the continent in 2017, Albania is set to be even more accessible for travelers on a budget.

See original article: https://www.roughguides.com/best-places/2017/top-budget-destinations/