Mere 30 kilometers from the capital of Tirana, there is Durrës, an easy-going coastline town. Many Albanians would claim there is nothing interesting about Durrës. They are right but go there nevertheless. Why? Local Mediterranean cuisine is simply stellar and the prices as well.
To not wrong Durrës, I must mention that this place is worth visiting even without food. By the way, here is Balkan's largest amphitheater. In the antiqity, over 20 thousand people would fit inside of it. Part of it has been preserved until the present. The same goes city's fortification.
The mosque and the Archeological musem are both worth visiting. At the former you can see remains from the ancient Greece, Rome and Byzantine empire. Durrës was ruled by all these powers. Durrës beaches have been very popular among foreigners and locals alike. However, these are nothing compared to the Albanian riviera in the south of the country.
If even remotely possible, I plan return to Durrës. Mostly for the food. In last several years, Albanian chefs have been moving here, in the past they worked in many top-notch restaurants in Italy. Nowadays they are their own restaurants here. So, what is waiting for you is the best of the best of Mediterranean cuisine – from fish to shrimps, sea fruits, pasta and great salads. Last but not least, you can try amazing Albanian wine.
However, unlike Italy and other Mediterranean tourist resorts, meals in luxurious restaurants are far from costly. Low expenses mean low costs. Gastronomical exerience is stellar.
It is only a matter of time before Michelin Guide reviewers discover Durrës and make it famous all over the world. Once this happens, the prices will skyrocket. So, set off there as soon as possible. It's worth it.
Highly recommended place that I couldn’t forget during my visit to the area of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, lies 28 km south of Ohrid, North Macedonia near the border with Albania. It is the monastery of St. Naum, one of the most important collaborators and followers of Cyril and Methodius.
Although Albania is the poorest country in Europe, it is all the richer in natural beauty and history. Thanks to this, tourism in this country is on the rise. So let's take a look at what the forgotten corner of Europe has to offer its visitors. We chose Durrës for our holiday to be by the sea, but also within easy reach of nature, mountains and monuments.
When I asked my Airbnb host in Tirana where should I go in Albania, he sent me to the small town of Përmet and the Bredhi i Hotovës national park near to it, both in the south of the country. The River Lengarices dug a grandiose canyon there which features thermal springs.
Close to Ohrid lake, large Shebenik-Jabllanica national park is situated by North Macedonian border. It is one of the most remote places in Albania. Its peaks rise up to 2 200 meters and there live many rare animals and plants such as Balkanian lynx. Let's visit the park together.
Albania is not just a country with interesting history and wild nature. There are beautiful beaches scattered almost all along its bcoastline. Today we take a look at the most beautiful section of the coastline, the Albanian riviera in the south of the country.
Near the south Albanian town of Vlorë stretches Llogara mountain national park. Leaving only half-a-day for the park during preparations for my Albanian tour, I regreted this decision when approaching the park already. It is considred one of the most beautiful places in the country. Making treks into the mountains brings great, unforgettable experiences.
Hars nature, mountains, clear water, and the grandiose castle guarding a medieval town. This is Berat, one of the most pouplarp places in Albania and a proud gem on UNESCO's world heritage sites list. Let's take a look.
Albania is a small and quiet country. Tirana, its capital, has very calm feel unlike many other European cities. No wonder. It is home to "only" just over 600 - thousand people. Streets are vibrant and Tirana's magic is unlike of any other city.
After a week we return to the Onufri Museum. Upstairs we discover the unusual painting The Last Judgment. We are also interested in the icon of Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. I have never seen such an icon anywhere. After the tour, we walk through the labyrinth of alleys to the upper fortress, where there is a beautiful view of Mount Skodre, where dictator Enver Hodža had his name etched by acid.
From a trip to the mountains, I return to the concrete jungle of Tirana. The next day I plan a trip to Lake Komani. We drive towards the town of Shkoder, but in front of it we turn along the "yellow" road to the village of Komani. Then we go through the tunnel and get on a super small boat. I feel like I'm in another world. The mountains all around remind me of Norway, but the heat and water remind me of Thailand. Not beautiful.
Whatever you've heard about Albany, it won't stop luring and repelling, enticing and discouraging you. Nevertheless, I gave her a chance and went to form her own opinion of this contradictory country. Full of enthusiasm and expectations, I took a trip from Tirana to the nearest Quafstama National Park by jeep.
We say goodbye to Albania today. Let's start again with a history that is inextricably linked with local monuments. Among the most important politicians after the founding of the Republic of Albania in 1912 was the Muslim Zog. He became Albanian president in 1924 and declared himself king four years later. He realized that Albania was too small a country to prosper on his own, so he established a relationship with Italy.
Amazing beaches, high mountains, beautiful national parks, lakes, traidional farmers, grandiose castle. Albania is a country of many great attractions and sights and it still retains its status of a land not yet discovered by mass tourism. Our following series will take you to some places which are worth traveling to.