Albania
Lonely beaches, impressive mountain scenery, authentic towns, quiet villages, and hundreds of bunkers. This is Albania - a country that has not yet been completely overtaken by mass tourism.
(First published in Issue 5, June 2022, alongside the article Take it easy) Albania is a small state on the Balkan Peninsula, characterized by high mountain ranges and picturesque landscapes along the Adriatic coast. It borders Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.
In contrast to other Balkan states, Albania is still minimally developed for tourism. However, the country is in no way inferior to its neighbors in terms of beauty and vacation appeal. Especially for budget travelers or those who enjoy calm and quiet conditions, a trip to Albania is worthwhile. The prices for accommodations and food are comparatively low, and large crowds or overcrowded tourist attractions are almost nonexistent.
A stretch of coast known as the Albanian Riviera is located in the very south of the country. Beachgoers will find similar conditions to those in nearby Greece. Steep cliffs, picturesque bays, and turquoise waters define the landscape. On secluded sandy and pebble beaches, nature can be enjoyed to the fullest.
There are two ways to reach the rather remote Albanian Riviera. One is a scenic, hour-long drive along winding mountain roads through the barely inhabited countryside. The second, faster option is arriving by ferry from nearby Greece. The Greek island of Corfu is within sight of the Albanian coast, and the ferry crossing takes just over 30 minutes.
Hikers and mountaineers also get their money‘s worth in Albania. The Prokletije, often referred to as the Albanian Alps, are a mountain range along the Montenegro and Kosovo border and are considered a largely unknown insider tip. Small villages, green valleys, mountain lakes, and snow-capped peaks make up the charm of Prokletije. Visitors appreciate the remoteness of the mountain landscape and the breathtaking views. There are numerous well-marked hiking trails, and local guides offer organized mountain tours. Moreover, the highest mountain peak in the Dinaric Alps, Jezerca, is located in Albania.
In other countries on the Balkan peninsula, large areas are contaminated with landmines from the Yugoslav wars. Relaxed walks in the countryside are therefore only possible to a limited extent in many places. In Albania the situation is different, the minefields in the border regions have been cleared and the country has been officially mine-free since 2009. Thus, nothing stands in the way of excursions into the diverse nature of the small Balkan state.
Albania is rich in cultural treasures and boasts a long history of settlement. About 70 kilometers south of the capital, Tirana, is the city of Berat. This 2,000-year-old city, nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Windows," has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The name comes from the old town buildings, whose countless windows look out over the Osum River valley. The architecture of the city has a strong Ottoman influence, with centuries-old mosques and ornate buildings bearing witness to the versatile history of Berat.
Between 1944 and 1990, Albania was a communist country. During this time, hundreds of thousands of bunkers were built all over the country in fear of foreign invasion. Most of these concrete structures are still standing and are a fixed part of the landscape. They can be found in towns and villages as well as in the mountains and along the coast. Since the bunkers no longer serve a military purpose, many of them have been put to other uses. Today, some of them serve as stores, stables for livestock, storage buildings or even chapels. For tourists, these bunkers have become a popular photo subject.
One reason why tourism remains relatively undeveloped in Albania is the lingering negative speculations and prejudices regarding the country's security situation. However, these concerns are unfounded today. In fact, Albania is no more dangerous than any other country in the Balkans and more and more tourists are discovering that!
A trip to multifaceted Albania is an ideal alternative to the well-known vacation regions on the Mediterranean. It is an extraordinary country, both calm and exciting, leaving a lasting impression with travelers. Albania sure knows how to enchant its visitors.
