You must admit that some parts of Albania really resemble the paradise of the Maldives. But Albania has one significant advantage - its resorts are much more affordable. Find out more about the places to visit during your trip to Albania in 2024

Albania is a country of distinctive culture stretching along the Mediterranean coast. Here you can enjoy the views of majestic mountain castles, breathtaking nature, picturesque beaches and learn about the unique history and traditions of the “country of eagles”. The national symbol of Albania is the golden eagle, which emphasizes its pride and strength. This country has preserved ancient fortresses, majestic mosques and churches, as well as bunkers from the time of Enver Hoxha, which harmoniously coexist with modern buildings, hotels and restaurants.

Tourism in Albania is actively developing, the country is open to travelers with different budgets. Prices at resorts here are significantly lower compared to many European counterparts. The main reason for this affordability is that Albania is not a member of the EU and the Eurozone, which makes it less developed in terms of tourism, but it has its advantages. The Albanian lek remains stably devalued, which helps to keep prices low.

The country has only one airport, which keeps places like Xamil relatively untouched by mass tourism due to their remoteness. The cost of living here is pleasantly surprising: a night in the most expensive hotel in Xamil costs between 70 and 120 euros, and a nice private villa by the sea costs between 50 and 70 euros per night. Other options are even more affordable.

Daily expenses are also low: local beer costs about 1 euro, and lunch in an inexpensive restaurant will cost 7-10 euros. Albania is an ideal destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience at an affordable price.

City and Lake Shkodër

Shkodër is a 2 in 1 city and lake. Lake Skadar, or Shkodër, is the largest freshwater body of water on the Balkan Peninsula, which Albanians share with Montenegro. This coastline is a wonderful world where dense forests give way to sand dunes, small villages to majestic medieval monasteries, and swamps.

The lake coast leads to the city of Shkodër, one of the oldest cities in Albania. It was once ruled by the Romans, Ottomans, and Montenegrins, each leaving their own legacy. One of the city's most prominent landmarks is the Rosafa Fortress. Although it has not been fully preserved, its grandeur still impresses today. The fortress, like many other ancient structures, holds many legends and secrets that take visitors back to ancient times. Shkoder and its surroundings are a real discovery for those who appreciate history and natural beauty.

Ancient town of Durres and beaches

Ancient Durres is known for its clean, well-groomed beaches. But to limit yourself to them is to deprive yourself of the opportunity to immerse yourself in the life of this ancient city. Take a stroll along its streets, and fascinating discoveries will await you at every turn.

One of these attractions is the Roman amphitheater, which, although only half preserved, still looks majestic. It is also worth visiting the Leaning Tower of Venice, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in a historic atmosphere. Don't miss the Fatih Mosque, the oldest in the country, as well as the remains of the huge Roman baths, which are now surrounded by modern high-rise buildings.

Durres is an ideal city for walking without a map. It's hard to get lost here, but it's easy to find something special off the beaten path. Discover Durres layer by layer and you won't want to leave.

The city of Kruja

The first days in Albania may give you the impression that you are haunted by the name Skanderbeg. It's everywhere here - on money, in the names of streets, squares, universities, on the labels of branded cognac, in the lyrics of songs. And for good reason: he is a national hero who devoted his life to the fight against the Turks. To learn more about this legendary character and the history of Albania, it is worth visiting the city of Kruja.

In Kruja, Skanderbeg built a fortress on a hill, which now houses an interesting ethnographic museum. The city is also known for its ancient history and many traditional crafts. At the market at the foot of the castle, you can see and buy authentic silverware, woolen hats like the locals, linen tablecloths, and minted paintings. Kruja is a real window into Albania's past that is worth seeing with your own eyes.

Logara National Park

Get ready to experience déjà vu when you enter the boundless forest of the national park in the mountains of Albania. You will think that you have already seen these magical landscapes in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit or Harry Potter. Although none of these movies were filmed here, the view from the mountain peaks is breathtaking. You want to keep these places in your photos as a memory. In the mountains, you feel especially alive.

Feel like a biologist, find a sailing pine or feed tame deer. After the walk, you can enjoy traditional highlander dishes that reflect the identity of the local culture. This national park gives you an unforgettable experience that will remain in your heart forever.

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Bunkers

On the way to the previous location, you will come across dozens of strange concrete fungi that peek out from the ground even in unexpected places. These are bunkers, of which there are about 750 thousand in Albania. They were built by the odious leader Enver Hoxha, who was afraid of nuclear war.

Many of these bunkers are abandoned, but some have been converted into conceptual restaurants and museums. They are becoming interesting tourist attractions. You can look into any of the bunkers that come across along the road, or you can visit the largest bunker in Tirana. This 106-room underground complex was designed to save the dictator himself and is now the Bunk'art museum. This is a truly unique entertainment that will allow you to plunge into history and feel the atmosphere of that era.

The city of Berat

Albania surprises with a large number of sites under UNESCO protection, including the city of Berat. It is a city steeped in history, authentic, but at the same time lively and full of energy. Berat has its own special atmosphere. One of its attractions is a real fortress with high walls, deep moats, and huge cannons. People still live inside the fortress: laundry is drying, children are playing, chickens are running around, creating the feeling of time travel.

Berat is known for its Orthodox heritage - there are 10 churches here, including the most famous Church of the Holy Trinity (XIII-XIV centuries), which stands on the edge of a cliff like a bird's nest. Despite its orthodoxy, the city is the center of the Bektash religious order, which professes a special version of Islam with Christian elements.

Albanians are famous for their love of wine, and Berat is an ideal place for tasting. Local wineries with old vines will leave the most pleasant impressions.

Karaburun Sazan National Park

This is a small marine reserve consisting of the Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula. Sazan is an uninhabited and very mysterious island: it used to be a military base, and now NATO conducts its exercises here. You can't get to this island on your own accord - you need a permit.

Karaburun is also uninhabited but open to tourists. The peninsula is home to the country's largest mountain cave, Haji Ali. However, the biggest attraction of the park is the underwater caves that attract diving enthusiasts. Here you can not only lie on the clean sand, but also put on flippers, a mask, a snorkel and plunge into the exploration of the seabed. The clear water reveals its treasures: huge caves, the remains of Greek and Roman ships, and unique underwater inhabitants. Karaburun is a real paradise for those who want to explore the underwater world and enjoy the beauty of the sea depths.

The Blue Eye spring

The Blue Eye is a karst cave filled with deep blue water. In its depths, 18 springs begin, but the exact depth remains unknown. The researchers went down to 45 meters, but they were not allowed to go any further due to the enormous water pressure. The depth is not the only reason to refrain from swimming: the water temperature here stays at +13 °C all year round.

It's best to come here early in the morning, beating the tourists to the punch. Sit on the edge of the cave lake and gaze into the depths to feel the incredible atmosphere of this fantastic place. The tranquility and beauty of the Blue Eye is mesmerizing. There is a small cafe nearby where you can have breakfast while enjoying the views. This place is ideal for those who are looking for inspiration and want to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature. The Blue Eye will leave an unforgettable experience and make you come back here again and again.

Xamil Resort

Albania is washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea, and this fact should definitely be taken into account when planning a trip. You should especially pay attention to the resort of Xamil. This is a small, cozy place with excellent tourist infrastructure - modern hotels and hostels, beautiful beaches, excursions, and equipment rental. In addition, European service is combined with affordable prices, which makes Xamil especially attractive.

Xamil has a sincere attitude towards tourists. The locals are hospitable and friendly, welcoming guests not as a source of income but as friends. Be sure to try seafood - it is an important part of the local cuisine. You can buy fresh products at the market and cook them yourself, but most tourists prefer restaurants where fish and seafood are cooked according to traditional recipes and served with local wine.

Opposite Xamil are the Tetran Islands, a small archipelago of four islands. The space between the shore and these islands is an ideal place for diving and snorkeling. Warm water, shallow depths and rich marine life make this place a real paradise for lovers of the underwater world. Some of the islands are so close that you can swim to them on your own or rent a catamaran and enjoy complete privacy. It is worth noting that the snow-white beaches of Xamil are not actually sandy, but pebble, but the pebbles are so small that you can easily confuse them.

Saranda Resort

Saranda is a real gem among Albanian resorts. It has an excellent climate, warm sea with a safe bottom, white beaches and convenient infrastructure. The city is often compared to the Greek island of Corfu, because they are not far from each other, and Saranda is not inferior to it in anything but prices.

It has everything for a comfortable stay, but Saranda also offers a variety of entertainment. The Butrinti Archaeological Museum is located nearby, where you can see the ruins of ancient Roman buildings and historical artifacts. Also worth a visit is the Venetian fortress and the various museums and temples that are scattered throughout the city.

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

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