There was a general sense of shock when I announced my intention to visit Albania. Thanks to a certain Liam Neeson film, safety was everyone’s only concern for my trip. Admittedly, safety was my primary concern but it transpired to be the least of my worries.
Only a handful of destinations I’ve visited were both captivating and generated a sense of achievement. Albania is one of them, and here I outline my reasons to visit Albania.
10 REASONS TO VISIT ALBANIA
Stunning Natural Beauty
Albania’s diverse landscape includes beautiful beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and the majestic Albanian Alps that extend throughout the bulk of the country.
Major lakes include Lake Komani, Lake Ulza and Lake Banja. Albania shares Lakes Shkodra, Ohrid and Prespa with Montenegro, North Macedonia and Greece respectively. The Vjosa River is the world’s first wild-river national park.
Such a varied landscape makes for a very picturesque country and this is one of the main reasons to visit Albania. These natural wonders also provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and swimming. So if you love outdoor sports, Albania is well worth visiting.
Happening Urban Centres
While Albania’s urban centres lack the world-class cultural attractions of Paris, Rome and London, they have their own unique charm. They offer a mix of historical landmarks, modern architecture, shopping opportunities, and lively nightlife.
I found Tirana to be vibrant, quirky and pleasant. The biophilic landscape of the city impressed me. Other cities recommended by travellers included Shkodra and Vlora.
Affordable Travel Destination
Albania is budget-friendly compared to other coastal European countries such as Italy, France and Croatia. Therefore, it’s a great alternative to a traditional Mediterranean beach holiday. Because of its affordability, Albania is the place to splash out on a four or five star hotel. The only item that was on par with other European countries, price-wise, was car rental.
Warm Hospitality
In the Balkan region, Albania is known for its warmth and tolerance towards visitors from different cultures. Albanian hospitality is highly under-rated in international circles, and I felt welcome by the locals throughout my stay. Solo female travellers should put Albania on their list as I experienced no harassment or safety issues. People were happy to help when I approached them.
Rich History and Cultural Heritage
Albania has been part of the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Serbian, and Ottoman empires and this has given the country a rich historical and cultural heritage. Albania also suffered under Mussolini, the Nazis and communism.
The defence bunkers built under Enver Hoxha’s communist rule are one of the most intriguing historical sites in the country. Numbering over 170,000, they are also the most accessible.
Albania has a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites: Butrint, Berat and Gjirokastra historic centres, the Ohrid region, and the Beech forests of Rrajca.
Good Location
Not only does Albania’s southern European location mean it gets warm weather, its proximity to a number of countries means it’s possible to combine it with a trip to another country. Albania shares a border with Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Albania has numerous ferry links to Bari, Brindisi and Ancona in Italy.
Culinary Experiences
Albania’s location also influences its cuisine. Menus consist of dishes with Italian, Greek and traditional Albanian styles of cooking. Seafood dishes are popular in the coastal areas while red meat, particularly lamb, features prominently elsewhere.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance. Peppers stuffed with minced meat seem to be ubiquitous. Fergese is a type of traditional stew that also uses peppers. Like other Balkan countries, burek pastries are popular.
Honey features in Albanian desserts/cakes, either as an ingredient or as an accompaniment. Shendetlie is a walnut and honey cake, and the Turkish-inspired Baklava also features honey.
As for drinks, Albania produces its own beer, wine and brandy. However, raki is considered the national drink and is made from a variety of fruits.
Support The Albanian Economy
When I asked locals what Albania’s largest export was, people was the reply I received. Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe and tourism is one way of injecting money into its economy. As I outline in my Why is Tourism Important post, tourism creates jobs, directly and indirectly. It also ensures a more equitable spread of revenue, particularly if the tourism facilities are locally owned.
No Mass Tourism
As Albania is still off the beaten track, mass tourism and the crowds that it brings is not an issue in Albania. The Albanian Riviera gets tourists from Eastern European and other Balkan countries, while the whole country gets a sprinkling of intrepid tourists from Western Europe and non-European English-speaking countries.
With a lack of mass tourism, the connection with locals and the regions visited feels authentic. However, you do have to pack a sense of adventure when visiting Albania as information on services like public transport can be difficult to obtain.
And Finally…Go There Now
It’ll be a while before Albania experiences overtourism in the way places like Dubrovnik and Barcelona do. When the masses discover Albania, places like the Albanian Riviera will be profoundly uncomfortable to visit. I predict Tirana will become a stag party destination so experience it now before it dies a bacchanalian death.
CONCLUSION
Albania is a small yet captivating country and it offers an intriguing blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here I have listed 10 great reasons to visit Albania, but as you experience the country for yourself, I’m sure you will discover more.
For further information on Albania, please check out my Travel Tips for Albania post.
Arrivals Hall 