Albania Vacations

Overview

Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Albania offers its tourists a wealth of attractions. The country has a rich history dating back to the Illyrians. There were a string of attacks on this country by the Greeks, Romans, Serbians, Venetians, and Ottomans before it finally gained independence in 1912. Tirana is the capital of Albania and it is bordered by Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece, and Serbia. Apart from the capital, the major cities of Albania include Butrint, Gjirokaster, Kruje, Sarande, Elbasan, and Shkoder. Statues of revered historical figures like Fan Noli and Skenderberg speak to the peoples' love for their country.

Activities & Attractions

Albania is well known for its lakes, archaeological sites, beaches, and castles. Tirana is the country's economic, industrial, and cultural center. It has many interesting places like the Garden Park, Tanners' Bridge, Enver Hoxha Pyramid, and Et'hem Bey. The Skenderbeg Square, which is right in the center of the city, catches tons of attention because of the Clock Tower, National Opera and Ballet Theater, National Library, and National Historical Museum. Blloku is a place where the communist elite used to be, and it has now become the hotspot of nightlife. Each one of these places has a story to tell about Albania's rich history.

The Museum of Medieval Art is located in Korça. The Museum City, Gjirokaster, also attracts tourists because of its impressive architecture. The Dajti Mountain is visited by over 200,000 people annually, from both Albania and other parts of the world. "Traveling by rope" is an adventurous ride which takes people to almost the top of the mountain. One of Albania's important ports, Durres, is located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The other main seaports are Vlore, Sarande, and Shengjin. Vlore has a number of historical monuments like the Mosque of Muradie and the Museum of Independence. The Albanian Riviera, which is the most beautiful part of the Albanian coast, is worth exploring.

Lodging

You can find all kinds of hotels in Albania ranging from business hotels to mountain hotels and city hotels anywhere in the country. One of the popular hotels in Tirana is Hotel Mondial, located about 1,000 meters from the center of the city. Rooms are available starting at EUR 80 per night. The region's first five-star hotel is Sheraton Tiranë Hotel and Towers, which is also located in the heart of the capital. One night for two adults costs about EUR 216.

Transportation

From the rock-strewn roadways and unstable rail lines in the past, Albania has come a long way today. The country now has an estimated 759 kilometers of highway linking it with its neighbors. Tirana has air links with all the major European cities including Paris, Rome, Zurich, Vienna, and Budapest. Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza, named after Mother Teresa, is the country's first international airport.

Dajti Ekspres cable cars run from Tirana to Dajti Mountain, giving the rider an excellent view of the capital and Dajti Park. The cars start at the Instituti I Fizikes Berthamore and rise to 1,230 meters above sea level to nearly the peak of the Dajti Mountain.

In the capital, busses run until noon or early afternoon. Car rentals are easily available in Albania. For the ferry and cruise services, you need to reserve in advance. Yacht charters are popular ways to tour and indulge in fun activities in the Mediterranean Sea.