Albania Travel Guide

Tucked in the southeastern corner of Europe along the Mediterranean, Albania is one of the smaller, lesser known European countries. It is characterized by bright sunny days, mild winters, beautiful coastlines and mountainous terrain (over 70%!).

History buffs, nature and bird lovers and sun-worshippers alike will find plenty to see and do. The ruins of Butrint, located near the coastal town of Saranda within the Albania Riviera, offers glimpses of a colorful past, from well preserved monuments, a great basilica and castles, to intact city walls and mythical connections to Troy. Nearby, the Syri I Kalter, or Azure Eye, is a beautiful cold water spring reflecting multiple hues of blues and greens.

The Albanian Riviera boasts stretches of unspoilt sandy coastlines sprinkled with citrus, fig and olive trees, making it a popular destination among honeymooners. Further inland, architectural interests can be found in Bertati and Gjirokastra, as well as at Tirana, Albania’s capital, host to a plethora of medieval museums and architectural sites. Pogradec is yet another charming tourist region, located on the beautiful lake Ohrid, featuring clear water and mountain views, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This predominantly Muslim country is the last known survivor of the Illyrian language, one of the original nine Indo-European languages. From day-trippers coming over from the Greek Island of Corfu to intrepid adventurers keen to discover this mysterious country that is still recovering from its totalitarian history, Albania, while a poor country economically, is rich in historical and geographical experiences.