Albania is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, with the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea giving it two lovely coastlines. Albania is fast gaining ground as an oft-frequented retreat, and as tourism in the region expands so do the number of Albania Hotels on offer. As several factors kept globalization away from Albania's shores, tourists find the unspoiled old world charm very alluring. The blend of different cultures and the imprint of the different civilisations that existed here give Albania a distinct appeal.
Sunbathed peaks form a perfect backdrop enhancing the Mediterranean grace of Albania. The people here are very cordial despite the long spell of totalitarian rule that the country has gone through.
Albania's neighbours are Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Macedonia, and just across the Adriatic lies Italy. Albania has abundant natural wealth in the form of seas with crystal blue water and exquisite beaches. Mountains capped with snow, lush forests, gushing rivers and scenic lakes make up the rest of the terrain in Albania. While it is Albania's natural beauty that draws tourists, Albanian is also renowned for the warmth and spontaneity of its hospitality. Taking a tour that visits these beautiful regions will be a real highlight of your Albania holiday.
Summer in Albania is extremely hot while winters are quite cool. The month of May heralds the beginning of pleasant weather, which continues till October. The long days during this season enable tourists to make the best of each day, and you will see many people about and about exploring the wealth of interesting things to see & do in Albania. Our interactive map of Albania is a great way to check out the location of the more famed Albanian highlights.
Albania has an intriguing history. The rich cultural heritage of the country is evident in all its cities, towns and villages. A visit to Butrint, which is on top of a cliff overlooking Corfu, will give you a peek into Mediterranean civilization. You can see the imprint of Greek and Roman periods, and also flashes of the Byzantine and Venetian periods. The Ottoman period has also left its mark in Butrint and this is apparent from the abundant archaeological evidence found here. It is no wonder then that Butrint has been given the status of an archaeological marvel and is recognised as a UNESCO heritage site.
The capital of Albania is Tirana. A walk through the city centre, the Skënderberg Square, is a must-do on the tourist agenda. Tirana's location between Rome and Istanbul gives its architecture an unmistakable mark of Italian and Turkish style. The majestic 5,030 ft Mt. Dajti on the eastern side of the city is a lovely sight to behold. Culture enthusiasts will find many tours in Albania that offer them time to browse through several museums and enjoy the many cultural events that happen here.
Excavations are still going on in Apollonia, which lies at a distance of 12 km from Fier at the mouth of the river Vjosa. Apollonia was a flourishing city in Roman times. Visitors to Apollonia can also visit the amphitheatre, a few remaining parts of the Roman city centre and an arcade of shops. Other Albanian places of interest are an ancient portico, the Mosaic House and monuments of Agonothetes and Odeon. In the period prior to 1946 some pieces of art were removed from Apollonia and shipped out of Albania. A 13th-century monastery now houses a museum where the remaining pieces of art are displayed.
The Church of St Mary, built in the Byzantine style, is located within the monastery. This church is said to have been constructed in the 14th century. Another place of interest, the Monastery of Ardenica is close to Apollonia, and can be visited on the way to Durres.
Albania has the distinction of having been home to Mother Teresa and Skanderbeg, a 15th century hero of renown. Albania is a wonderful place to spend carefree days lounging on beaches and gazing at the majestic mountains and there are a number of hotels in Albania close to both. However, those looking for a more urban scene will not be disappointed. Choose a hotel in the heart of the city; with a variety of transportation options at your doorstep exploring the city will be fun and easy. Dine in a relaxing outdoor café, sampling some fine local cuisine or join one of the many Albania tours encompassing the city. Albania has seen an all-round growth in social, economic and political areas in recent times, making it a tourist friendly place now.
The southern coastline in Albania is a perfect setting for an Albanian beach holiday. The sparkling blue waters and beaches of the coast entice both national and international travelers with exciting activities including sailing, swimming, diving and fishing. Beach holiday accommodation in Albania is becoming more readily available as the region becomes more popular.
Decades of communism have taken a toll on the country's economy, stifling growth and affecting social and economic development. Albania's foray outside its borders began after 1985, with the demise of Enver Hoxha, a prominent political figure till the 1980s. Recent political upheavals have also contributed to the downgrading of the Albanian economy. The economy took a severe beating as the ‘pyramid' investment format, which was a popular economic activity, came crashing down. The downbeat economy discouraged tourism, further impacting the economy negatively.
As Albania slowly limped back to normalcy a Stabilisation and Association Pact was signed with the EU in June 2006. The pact with the EU has opened the doors of international funding for various projects in Albania. Eventually Albania aims to enter the European Union and the NATO like her new European friends, France and Italy.
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