Exploring ancestral lands- fascinating Albania

"Traveling in the ancestral lands of Alexander the Great, I recently explored the unique sights found in the Balkan countries of Macedonia, Albania and northern Greece.
The three Balkan countries I visited preserve a tremendous amount of antiquity and ancient history, as they all have very rich heritages..

Our journey from Greece took us across the border to fascinating Albania, which was the most isolated and closed country in the world following World War II.
Its brutal Communist dictator had closed its borders, and his irrational fear of an invasion led him to construct an unbelievable number of 700,000 small bunkers, plus tunnels, to allegedly protect his population. I have never seen such a weird sight as these bunkers still lining the highways and its cities.

Stunning Ottoman-style homes, ancient fortifications
In Albania, we spent two evenings in the UNESCO world heritage city of Gjirokaster, a very old historic town on a steep hillside containing several Ottoman-era mansions with stone slate roofs and crowned by a massive 15th century castle.
We visited its Ottoman bazaar dating from the 17th century. Later we toured the town of Berat, containing stunning Ottoman-style homes and a 2,500 year old fortification.

Tirana, Albania's capital, was our next destination. It is a fairly modern city with wide boulevards, parks and high rises.
Here we learned about the turbulent history of the country that included 400 years of occupation by the Ottomans, Italians and Nazi's during WW II, and the 45 years of a Communist dictatorship."



 "Exploring ancestral lands", is an article published in Sun Times by Dave Pattison also known as “The Marco Traveler". The author choose these 3 places Albania, Greece and Macedonia to write about in his last article for the Sun Times."This is my last article I will write for the Sun Times, which is ceasing publication, and I hope readers have enjoyed learning about places known and unknown, and have gained an understanding about unique and varied cultures that can be discovered around the world", he wrote.


Read full article:

http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/story/travel/2016/07/05/exploring-ancestral-lands/86714636/

Telegraph: Albanian riviera- go now before the developers spoil the magic

A gorgeous Mediterranean shore of stunning beaches and breathtaking coves

You might think the last time that was the case was when the Ancient Greeks were in residence. Welcome to the Albanian Riviera.
While holidaymakers flock everywhere else around Homer’s wine-dark sea, the 50-mile coast remains refreshingly off the radar – thanks to decades when Albania was a communist dictatorship and was previously ruled by a monarch glorying in the name of King Zog.
Yet Albania has deep roots, back to when it was the Ancient Greek colony of Ilyria, with important cities such as Apollonia and Butrint.
Their romantic ruins are a wonderful complement to pretty coastal towns such as Vlora or more lively spots such as the seafood mecca Saranda.

Butrint is flanked by an inland lagoon and sparkling straits with views to nearby Corfu, a wonderful distraction as you wind along a coast road backed by densely forested hills, olive groves and pretty villages offering characterful cut-price places to stay or eat. As well as fresh seafood, enjoy succulent grilled meats and simple salads.
If the summer heat does not demand cold local beer, sip wine from an ancient viniculture region that the Ancient Roman writer Pliny described as “luscious” 2,000 years ago. Today’s best bottles are made from Kallmet (red) and Debine (white) grapes.

National parks

The Karavasta Lagoon is Albania's largest, with a rich ecosystem including vast flocks of penguin and shallows teeming with eels, surrounded by the rich forest of the Divjaka National Park. It is a fantastic spot to combine seaside pleasures with nature tourism.
The National Park of Llogara, meanwhile, marks the dividing point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Walk in some of Europe’s most beautiful pine forests, or get an adrenalin surge by paragliding off its dramatic hills to swoop towards the nearby beaches.

Beaches

Dhërmi
This is probably the most best-known beach in Albania, stretching for miles and lapped by deep blue water. While plenty of locals head here in high season, it is long enough to find a quiet spot. Venture along to the coves and little bays around the stretch known as Drymades beach.

Ksamil
Sitting close to both the pleasant buzz of Saranda and the historic Unesco World Heritage wonders of Butrint, this is a perfect mix of beach and culture. There are also grand views of Corfu, as this is the closest point in Albania to the Greek holiday mecca.
Unsurprisingly, it is a hotspot for holidaying locals. But just as with Dhërmi, you can escape frolicking locals, this time courtesy of a trio of tiny islands into the turquoise waters of its bay. Swim out if you are feeling strong – or just take a local boat.

 

Bunec
Some may be put off by this being a pale pebbly strand, but it has a genuinely distinctive charm. A cool little river runs down the middle of a beach that remains pleasantly quiet even in high summer. A couple of cafés will keep you fed, and there is also a hotel right by the water.

Borsh
At four miles, this is the longest unbroken beach in Albania – an impressive sight as it comes into view along the coast road en route to the town of Borsh.
Despite its size, olive oil production is the main local activity rather than sun-worship and swimming, so there is little in the way of tourist trappings beyond a few laidback restaurants and bars. Go now before the developers spoil the magic.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/untapped-destinations/albanian-riviera/

Albania – Europe’s Hidden Jewel

"Pure, beautiful and full of spirit. This was the essence of Albania", described through amazing photos of Albania taken by Michael Jurick one of the best known as New York City’s photographer.
The article and photos was published in his website with the tittle: "Albania – Europe’s Hidden Jewel" (http://www.jurick.net/2015/08/abania-europes-undiscovered-jewel/ ). There are about 90 photos of #Albania, especially the seaside, southern riviera, as well as UNESCO cities of Berat and Gjirokaster.

Here is a summary of his article:
By Michael Jurick

"When we told our friends and family that we were going to Albania for our summer vacation, they all asked the same question, “why Albania?” After you see these photographs and read this journal, all your questions will be answered. We found Albania to be a gorgeous jewel of Eastern Europe’s southern riviera.

The lead photograph from our journey is of our daughter Eden. We stopped for chocolate and vanilla ice cream macchiatos at the edge of a cliff-side mountain cafe. Fashionista Eden soaks up sunshine between billowing drapes that reveal a jaw-dropping deep azure sky thousands of feet above straw-colored beach umbrellas. To me, this was the essence of Albania. Pure, beautiful and full of spirit. After establishing its independence from dictator rule in 1991, the country has now spread her wings to shre the world the hidden gems within. The Albanian riviera was a fabulous highlight of our trip.
The views from our drive along the rugged coast south from Vlora to Llogora to Himara were staggering! Most of Albania’s roads are steep, swirly switchbacks – but all reveal magnificent vistas at each hairpin turn. Soaring green mountains drop straight into the Ionian Sea thousands of feet below.
 Once we arrived in Himara, the charm of the Albanian riviera had completely taken over. The weather was absolutely pristine with just a hint of soft wispy breezes and 81 degree temps. The crescent cove of the coast anchored both the charming village below and homes that dotted the hillside rising into the mountains. The sun bathed it all in gold.
The drive from Himara to Sarandë featured another awe-inspiring set of breathtaking views of the southern Albanian riviera. Homes peppered the rocky edges and donkeys shared the winding roads. We stopped for lunch and cappucinos at the gorgeous panoramic cafe, Perla and ate fish soup and fresh salads. When we pulled into Sarande, the sun glittered on the colored hotels lining the crescent cove directly across the Greek Island of Corfu.

The penultimate stop on our Albanian adventure took us to the southern tip of the country to a town called Ksmali which featured small islands lining the channel to Greece’s Corfu island. Small rustic fishing boats anchor off the beach. There was color everywhere. We jet-skied, we ate fresh fruit, we enjoyed life. The vibe in the air here in Ksamili was perfect pristine paradise.

On our drive to Berat, we witnessed the most unusual and peculiar thing that ended up being the topic of conversation the entire trip. We saw hundreds of half-completed homes in nearly mint condition. We later learned from the people of Albania that after gaining their independence in 1991, Albanians began to build a home to secure property rights. Those homes are built in phases and until each phase has the funds, it remains incomplete. See the pink house in the photograph below to see what I’m talking about. You will also see how we shared the roads with all types of livestock.
When we arrived in Berat, we were smitten with it’s ancient charm. We explored the Citadel castle in Berat and walked, talked, and laughed until sunset. At sunset, we came to the peak of the castle mount and glanced across the Osumi River tothe Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi.

The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangelemi. We then walked along the promenade for a stroll to enjoy summer life among this quaint Albanian town. The view of the white houses climbing up the hillside to the citadel is one of the best known in Albania and features homes with windows that seem to stand above each other. This city is the pride of Albanian architecture, and under the protection of UNESCO .I took many different photographs in this city – it was visually striking!

What we found so unique about Albania was it’s deep family roots. Everywhere we went, we experienced family-run businesses. Hotels, inns, restaurants, businesses, shop-keepers, and farmers all had multi-generational family members involved in some part of the business. Everything was organic. With farms everywhere you looked, and fresh seafood at arms length from most restaurants, the food was fresher than you could imagine.

On our drive back north, we stopped in Gjirokastër an ancient hilltop village rich in history.

If you like these photographs, do your self a favor and book a trip to Albania!

How to go to Karaburun Pennisula, near Vlora Albania?

Karaburun Pennisula is the new destination to be explored in Albania. 

Many people are going there by boat every day to see the undiscovered land in front of Vlora city. 

Karaburun is the biggest Peninsula in Albania, which is situated between the Vlora Gulf and the Otranto Canal. Its 16 km long, but have no good road for driving. People are using a narrow remote road starting from Pasha Liman military base, where you can drive only with '4X4' cars.
The easiest way to reach the site is by boat, only for 30 minutes. 

In 2014, the Regina Blu ferry was established by a Radhime-based hotel owner making trips to Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island while stopping along the secluded beaches. This year there are many boats and speedboat which sends more and more people to see and explore Karaburun. There are some beaches and the first restaurants, where you can drink, eat, and rest for all the day. But not to spend the night, because there are not hotels yet.   

One year ago, the Pennisula was all dark, no lights. But now you can see the first lights of bars in the other side. It’s amazing for the people of Vlora to see this view in front of their city.
Rexhina ferry remains the cheapest way to go in Karaburun. It costs about 12 euro per person for a trip of 7 hours. During this trip you can see some beaches of Karaburun, explore Sazan island, which is now open for the public after 25 years isolation, and also you can see the Haxhi Aliu Cave, an awesome place situated in the Cape of Gjuheza, at the end of Peninsula.  Then you continue the trip in Shen Vasili beach, were you can sunbathe for two or three hours and in afternoon come back to Vlora. It’s an amazing trip where you can see the pristine beaches, the amazing nature and crystal waters of our country. Feels like opening up a box of treasures  hidden for year from Albanian public eyes. (Photos: AH)

"Albania" - We can do it !

Just heard from the media about this wonderful project of Elisa Dushku. This is probably the first initiative of this kind in promoting Albania, even though it is a common thing in promoting destinations all over the world to attract the attention of tourists and investors to visit a country. Greece had a similar campaign few weeks ago which ended with success and reached its target.

I believe that we Albanians can also show that we can do it. I don’t think our Elisa Dushku, Fadil Berisha and the rest of the team are not able to find 60 000 $ to support this promotion campaign, but this should come as support of as many Albanians as possible, because this country belongs to all Albanians and needs our support. So please donate as much as you can!
Especially at this moment when Albania and its tourism is getting the attention from the well known media such as LonelyPlanet, CNN, Frommer's etc. this can be the best promotion material to keep the beat going. The entire Albanian travel industry will profit from this, which means better image for Albania and more money for our economy.

We can and should make it! I believe this can be the best promotion gift Albania tourism can get in its 100^th Independence anniversary.

Kliton Gerxhani
Albania Holidays DMC