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Cove Team
Cove Team
The Balkan Peninsula is home to Albania, a paradise-like country in the southeastern part of Europe. Albania is totally worth a visit. It lies between the crystal waters of Italy and the northern part of Greece. This small country stretches over the Mediterranean Sea, offering picturesque scenery to behold.
Unlike the majority of European countries, Albania is rather a poor country. The reasons behind that go back to World War II. However, this was never a reason for tourists to keep flocking to this beautiful country. After all, there is so much history to learn here, amazing places to explore, and fascinating culture to get acquainted with.
Did we mention that the Alps range stretches through Albania? Not many people are fully aware of this fact, but the Albanian Alps spot is one to die for. It is one of the best spots in the country, offering splendid views and breathtaking landscapes.
Let us walk you through an exhilarating list of all the things you can do and the best places to see while spending quality time on the Albanian lands.
1. Hike from Theth to Valbona
If you happen to be adventurous, we believe this famous hiking trail will intrigue you. The Theth to Valbona trail is the most popular hiking spot in the North of Albania, drawing lots of fitness gurus and other nature lovers every year. The hike route is deemed moderate, so it fits people of all fitness levels. The trail extends almost 17 kilometres, taking around 7 to 8 hours to finish.
Along the way, you will be fascinated by the impressive views of the Alps. This route features picturesque scenes of raw beauty, alternating between the sceneries and leaving you quite spellbound. Lush forests and green terrains are some of the included views on this eccentric journey. You will also spot amazing animals living on the farms on the sides of the village roads.
2. Check the Albanian Riviera (Bregu)
The Albanian Riviera is an authentic slice of heaven where different elements of nature come together, featuring captivating scenery. It falls in the southwestern part of Albania on the Mediterranean Sea, forming a coastline stretching along Sarandë and Vlorë districts.
Being one of Albania’s most popular tourist attractions, it is also commonly known as Bregu, so you may get this a lot while finding your way around. This spot is the perfect holiday getaway if you want time to relax and chill on one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. There are many villages nearby to explore in case you need to rev up your energy before going back to your chilling spot.
3. Take a Tour to Berat
Berat is an impressive town located in central Albania. You can easily hop on a bus from Tirana that will take you directly to Berat. The town is rather known as the town of the thousand windows, for it is home to lots of archaic buildings with large windows. Thanks to its well-preserved ancient buildings, it is one of the places designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Those buildings feature Ottoman styles, given that Berat was one of the first settlements where the Byzantines made home. Besides this place’s incredible history, there are many attractions to discover, with the Berat Castle at the top of the list. The town is home to many museums that will interest the history buffs. It also embraces historic mosques you would like to explore for a new cultural experience.
4. Soak into the Osumi Canyon
One of the natural attractions in Southern Albania that offers spectacular views is the canyons of the Osumi River. It courses through the whole town of Berat, providing more options to consider while wandering the historic town. The canyons surrounding the river are dazzling to look at. Interestingly, the adventure doesn’t just stop here; you can also enjoy a nice dip in the river.
The most popular activities around this spot are hiking and swimming. Having more than a few options for observing a breathtaking view is always interesting. Guided tours are arranged if you prefer exploring the area with experts. They will help walk you through significant areas and astounding viewpoints you wouldn’t want to miss.
5. Wander the Streets of Shkodra
Shkodra is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Albania and the Balkans region. It is located in the northwestern part of Albania and, given its archaic existence, is rich in history and heritage. Shkodra has always been a popular stopping point among tourists who travel between Albanian cities. However, this city has so much that you will be happy to learn about and explore.
Lake Shkodra is not to be missed. This vast lake is deemed the largest in the whole Balkans region. You can enjoy the fascinating panoramas on the shore while biking, hiking, or relaxing. The Rozafa Fortress is among the most prominent attractions in the city. For so many centuries, it has always been a strategic spot and a sturdy stronghold. Another great spot to unravel history is the Shkodra Historical Museum. This impressive building sits on a steep hill, offering breathtaking views to absorb while exploring its different parts.
6. Discover the Hidden Gems of Tirana
It wouldn’t make sense if you were in Albania and missed visiting Tirana’s capital. This city has impressive panoramas, colourful towns, and fascinating historic spots. Wandering the streets of Tirana will show you why this long-ignored city merits a visit on its own. Many tourists skip this part of Albania and head straight to the renowned Riviera and the Alps.
Embark on your journey by starting at Skanderbeg Square. This splendid plaza is the core of the city and the end of every road in Tirana. Several attractions surround the famous square, including the eminent Et’hem Bej Mosque. The Clock Tower is also nearby, and you can climb it to have an elevated view of Skanderbeg Square and the surrounding streets.
7. Dip in the Thermal Baths of Benja
Albania is home to several natural attractions with an irresistible spellbinding effect, and its thermal baths are no exception. The thermal baths of Benja have always been a major tourist attraction that Albania visitors rarely seem to miss, which is excellent. These natural hot pools are located in the Petran region, around 14 kilometres south of Përmet.
While dipping in those hot, relaxing pools of nature, you will also enjoy some scenic landscapes of the Albanian hills, mountains, and forests. The black mud found around is also a great bath to soak into, given the skin’s healing properties. Not only will you take off Albania with a new cultural experience, but also with radiant hair and skin, thanks to its hot springs and healing muds.
8. Stop at Kruja
Kruja is a beautiful town in north-central Albania. It is one of the country’s most eminent attractions and home to the best sightseeing. Interestingly, it is only 20 kilometres away from Tirana, which makes it quite accessible. Kruja used to be home to the ancient tribe of Illyrians, which makes it an important spot with great historical significance.
Besides this area’s rich history, it embraces a wide range of charming landmarks worth visiting. The Kruja Castle, which dates back to the 5th or 6th century, is the top attraction to explore while stopping at Kruja. You should also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which walks you through Albania’s different customs and traditions throughout different centuries.
9. Visit the Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is a famous attraction in Albania that attracts a great number of tourists from all around the world. It is a nature reserve that should be on the top of the list of every eager traveller. Located near Muzine, you can only get to the Blue Eye by renting a car and taking off from Saranda town for the shortest and easiest routes.
It sits in the middle of lush forests in a heavenly-looking scene that will make your jaw drop. The dense forests’ reflection in the water creates a breathtaking scene, especially given how crystal clear the water is. You can even see more than fifty metres deep down on the banks. Many signs read that swimming is not allowed, yet many people still dive into the waters for a quick dip into this natural phenomenon.
10. Unravel History at BUNK’ART
The BUNK’ART is one of the most popular destinations in Tirana, and every traveller stops there. This impressive building speaks loudly of history and past times, making it a booming destination in the capital city of Albania. It used to be a bunker during the Cold War, and you can’t help but sense the presence of history in every corner.
Nowadays, all its floors house a museum featuring contemporary art and history. While this site is suitable for history buffs, it won’t hurt to take a quick tour inside, even if you are not that into history. The former bunker is an exciting experience that would be a shame to miss. Every room that exhibits art or history was once a shelter for struggling soldiers.
11. Explore the Pearl of Albania – Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is an enchanting town in Albania that has been claimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Given the fascinating treasures it holds within its charming lands, it is also referred to as the pearl of Albania. Gjirokaster is one of the oldest and first inhabited towns in the country. You will know that as soon as you see the archaic buildings that feature an outstanding Ottoman style.
There are so many places to visit in Gjirokaster, with the old bazaar standing out the most. The Old Bazaar is an impressive area in Gjirokaster that displays a line of Ottoman-styled houses, vintage shops and boutiques, and some really old cafes.
While these simple streets speak of great history, you can dive deeper into the past at the Gjirokaster Castle. It is among the oldest and largest fortresses in Albania and is also among the prominent spots that have witnessed long centuries of rich history.
12. Ride the Ferry Across the Lake Komani
Ferries are fun to ride, and you can observe excellent parts of the world from a point that high. In Albania, ferry rides are more than just fun to enjoy the Albanian landscapes. They are used for travelling from and to Albania, known as the International Ferry Crossings. There are ferry ports that allow you to arrive at other ports in Italy or Greece. Quite interesting, isn’t it?
However, since you are probably visiting the Albanian lands as your main destination, you can still use the ferries to observe the country’s raw beauty. One of the most famous spots is the Lake Komani ferry. This ferry operates daily and has been around for decades, commuting between Fierze and Koman towns.
The tour takes around two hours, allowing you to observe the magnificence of the Albanian Alps. The Lake Komani Ferry not only takes you through fascinating mountains and ocean landscapes but also passes by many other destinations that you may be interested in if you want more than just the views. This includes the prominent hike of the Valbona to Theth, where the ferry drops you to the nearest point to start your trekking journey.
13. Drive Down the Llogara Pass
Renting a car and taking a ride down the Llogara pass is the ultimate experience. The Llogara pass is a path road that passes within the Ceraunian Mountains on an elevated level, overlooking the Albanian Riviera and stretching along it.
This mountainous road is a quiet experience, and the addition of the impressive landscapes and scenic views add more to your experience. The pass connects towns and cities in Albania that you can easily access through that road.
One of the popular attractions around this area is the Llogara National Park. It is situated deep in the Ceranuian Mountains, adding a beauty edge to the mesmerising area. The park is home to several trails suitable for hiking and fits all fitness levels. You can go on an adventure within the mountainous park and snap nice pictures of the vast natural landscapes.
14. Go Wild Camping
One of the most significant activities that make Albania stand out among many European countries is the unrestricted ability to camp in the wild. This activity is pretty legal in Albania, with no stated laws against it, no matter what spot you decide to stay at for the night. With the vast landscapes of nature that the Albanian lands possess, you can choose your preferred place with your buddies and chill.
Whether you decide to set up tents or not is totally up to you. Just make sure you don’t leave any disposable items behind and are responsible. Don’t disturb the wildlife that you can occasionally spot roaming around freely. If you have any toilet emergencies, we should warn you that no cabinets are set nearby, but you can check out the nearest local bars.
15. Chill on Ksamil Islands
Ksamil Islands is a group of islets that sits near the shores of the Ionian Sea just South of Albania. It is one of the most popular and hottest tourist destinations, given its tranquil vibes and secluded location away from the bustling cities.
This spot is perfect for chilling, relaxing, and enjoying your holiday in peace. Moreover, the village of Ksamil sits on the eastern side of the islands. You can freely explore it and get closer to the Albanian culture and traditions of the locals.
Albania is one of the most forgotten countries in the Balkans region in Eastern Europe. It is also one of the most affordable places compared to many other European countries. Pack up and fly to Europe and make your vacation count. Go on some unique adventures, explore new spots, and experience a brand new cultural experience, all within the Albanian lands.
