Albania is a misunderstood nation with tons of misconceptions from the surface world. Whereas many individuals assume Albania is a backward, repressive, and chaotic nation, that couldn’t be farther from actuality. Sure, Albania was a Communist nation for over 4 many years and remoted itself like modern-day North Korea. Nonetheless, instances have modified, and Albania is open for tourism.

And for Individuals, Albania is amongst Europe’s most pro-America nations. In case you don’t consider me, go round telling locals you’re from America and depend what number of instances you converse to a relative in the USA on the telephone or get provided free raki. Albanians are heat, hospitable folks, and so they made us really feel proper at residence throughout our 2.5 weeks there.

This stunning, underrated Balkan gem will quickly explode on the tourism market. With untouched nature, historical historical past, and glorious espresso tradition, Albania will spotlight any European tour. Listed here are my 7 finest locations to go to in Albania for an thrilling trip.

Sarandë Blue Eye

Only a 30-minute drive from Sarandë, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a water spring set inside a verdant forest. The crystal-clear water and shades of turquoise amongst the dense foliage kind a fairy-tale setting. Descending to over 50 meters, the Blue Eye pumps contemporary water to the floor with unbelievable drive. An underwater cave sits beneath the blue water and resembles the pupil of a watch, therefore the nickname. When you can rent a taxi or lease a automotive, a minibus from Sarandë is the most affordable option to get there.

The Blue Eye is the supply of the Bistricë River, and its crystalline waters move into the Ionian Sea. Whereas indicators say no swimming, guests usually dive from a platform into the spring. Diving is harmful because the water is freezing chilly, and the extreme water stress can carry you downstream. The fast-flowing stream pulled one lady from the spring, and a good friend rescued her.

Eating places, cabins, and reward retailers sit alongside the paths and boardwalks for respite on this pure paradise. Discover a secluded place to sit back, and chances are you’ll spot some wildlife amongst the oak and sycamore timber. Whereas I sat beside the aquamarine water, a snake began swimming straight at me. The unbelievable readability of the water helped me spot the slithering serpent from far-off, and I discovered one other hangout spot.

Ksamil

Positioned 14 km south of Sarandë on the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil is certainly one of Europe’s most underrated seaside locations. With small, white-sand seashores, turquoise bays, and forested islands offshore, Ksamil is my favourite spot on the Albanian Rivera. The Greek island of Corfu sits reverse alongside a slender channel, so your Ksamil seaside vacation will mimic a Greek trip. Nonetheless, your cash will go additional lounging on the gentle sands of its idyllic coves.

Every cove could have a restaurant or bar that lays out lounge chairs for its patrons. And in case you don’t pack a lunch, seize some fresh-caught fish straight from the Ionian Sea. Many coves have platforms the place beachgoers can dive straight into the chilliness waters and swim again to shore. It’s also possible to lease a kayak and paddle across the Ksamil Islands. Whereas excessive season (July-August) can get busy, shoulder season affords a calmer vibe to search out secluded spots across the village.

Butrint Nationwide Park

Simply 4 km past Ksamil lies Butrint Nationwide Park, residence to an historical Greek and Roman metropolis. Maybe essentially the most well-known archaeological website in Albania, Butrint resembles historical ruins present in Greece and Italy. Previously referred to as Buthrotum, the Epirote Greek tribe of the Chaonians have been the unique inhabitants of the realm. Based on legend, Helenus, son of King Priam of Troy, based Buthrotum after the autumn of Troy.

Buthrotum later grew to become a Roman colony in 44 B.C., the place it was residence to veteran troopers. Buthrotum vastly expanded throughout Roman rule, and plenty of constructions from this era stand in the present day. All through its historical past, Buthrotum witnessed durations of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman. 

Among the most preserved monuments of Butrint embody the Roman theatre, the Nice Basilica, Venetian Citadel, Lion’s Gate, and baptistery. An archaeological museum beside the Venetian Citadel tells Butrint’s unimaginable historical past and has artifacts discovered throughout previous excavations. The pure surroundings of Butrint Nationwide Park is wealthy with marshlands, freshwater lakes, grasslands, coastal islands, and verdant forests. Butrint’s numerous ecosystem homes bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, otters, crimson foxes, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, aesculapian snakes, and extra.

Llogara Go

Albania’s SH8 is among the many finest coastal drives anyplace on the planet. Stretching alongside the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, the drive showcases the beautiful fantastic thing about Albania’s shoreline. The star attraction and highest level of this street journey is the Llogara Go at 1,043 meters. As you drive the serpentine freeway, you rise into the clouds and face the Ceraunian Mountains.

The twisting street has a number of pullouts to admire the epic surroundings the place the mountains meet the ocean. Llogara Nationwide Park sits beside the cross and has thrilling paragliding departure factors. The crisp mountain air, pine forests, and Ionian Coast vistas make Llogara a spotlight of your Albania street journey. Llogara Go has a number of eating places that mix conventional Albanian delicacies with spectacular views.

Sarandë

Positioned on a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Ionian Sea, Sarandë is the tourism epicentre of the Albanian Riviera. The resort city involves life throughout summer time and hosts sun-worshippers looking for their seaside paradise. Whereas Sarandë options luxurious condos, pristine seashores, and fabulous seafood eating places, it has sights for any traveler.

Rolling inexperienced hills adorned with olive groves distinction in opposition to the turquoise Ionian waters lapping in opposition to pebbled shores. For the very best panoramic views of Sarandë, head to the hilltop Lëkurësi Citadel that overlooks the seaside city. The medieval fort that when helped guard the strategic harbor now homes a restaurant. Wander the grounds fort grounds to search out concrete bunkers relationship to the Communist interval.

Doubling as a bus cease, the Sarandë Synagogue ruins date to the fifth century A.D. and embody elaborate Jewish mosaics. Additionally a part of Sarandë’s historical historical past is the Monastery of 40 Saints that overlooks the Ionian Sea. The Japanese Orthodox monastery was a serious pilgrimage website of the area for hundreds of years. And for wine connoisseurs, Shesh i Bardhë white wine from the close by Delvinë District is a wonderful alternative.

Krujë

Simply 30 km from the Albanian capital of Tirana, Krujë is pricey to the hearts of Albanians. Krujë is Albania’s medieval capital and the place nationwide hero Skanderbeg defended the nation from the invading Ottoman Turks. In the course of the fifteenth century, the extremely expert navy commander fended off a number of Ottoman sieges till his dying in 1468. Krujë Citadel is the place Skanderbeg led the revolt, and the medieval fortress stays a supply of Albanian delight. 

Krujë sits on the base of Mount Krujë at roughly 600 meters above sea degree. From the fort, admire the wonderful vistas overlooking Tirana, Durrës, and the Adriatic Sea. For genuine Albanian souvenirs, wander the cobblestone streets of the Previous Bazaar. The colourful market options boutiques that promote silver jewellery, ceramics, leather-based items, handcrafted materials, copper decorations, and nationwide costumes. 

Inside Krujë Citadel, the Skanderbeg Nationwide Museum is regarded by many as Albania’s most vital museum. Reveals current the proudest moments of Albanian historical past and showcase the chronicles of their nationwide hero. The museum additionally features a duplicate of Skanderbeg’s sword and horned goat’s head helmet. Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum holds the genuine objects resulting from Skanderbeg’s spouse taking them to Italy upon his dying and their passing to quite a few noblemen. 

Throughout our keep in Krujë, we slept beside the fort on the base of Mount Krujë. The host household ready a sundown dinner for us with a picturesque setting overlooking the attractive panorama. And with views of rocky peaks from the bed room, it was a romantic keep for {couples}. 

Theth

I have to admit one thing earlier than I start. Throughout our journey, we didn’t get the chance to enterprise to Theth. Snow blocked the street resulting in the magical alpine village in Might. Theth was the highest vacation spot on my Balkan bucket checklist, and the information upset me. Each time we return to Albania, Theth is cease #1 for our subsequent journey.

Positioned within the Albanian Alps, Theth is a mountain lover’s fantasy with rugged landscapes and epic hikes. To succeed in the village, you possibly can lease a 4×4 car or take a 3-hour minibus journey from Shkodër. City life fades into oblivion because the street winds deep into the Accursed Mountains. Whereas exploring the northern reaches of Albania, it’s straightforward to confuse them with the Swiss Alps. The highlights of the distant village embody the Nineteenth-century church, Kulla “blood feud” Tower, and Theth Waterfall.

However in case you’re an avid hiker like myself, the spotlight is the adjoining Theth Nationwide Park. The park options the Shala Valley, granite peaks, karst formations, verdant forests, and crystal-clear rivers. No hiker ought to miss the breathtaking Theth to Valbona hike that programs by means of the 1,795-meter Valbona Go. Throughout your time in Theth, don’t miss the attractive trek to the Theth Blue Eye. And for an additional must-do exercise in Northern Albania, journey the two.5-hour Komani Lake Ferry that connects Koman and Fierze.