Albania:
the unknown Mediterranean
12:30. Albanese wine tasting event in Roshnik Village
Go to the Butrint theatre but not to see a play, but to see history
Get lost in Berat, the city of a thousand windows.
At the antipodes of touristic massification, Albania has a lot to offer.
An eminently Mediterranean country and an eminently Balkan country. Albania possesses many sides, a polyhedral and thus interesting country.
Side one. Over 400 kilometres of coast with crystal-clear waters and hidden inlets between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Ksamil might be the most impacting one. Arriving there means an entertaining journey through mosques’ minarets and bell towers of churches that seem to compete to see which one is in a more beautiful place.
Side two. Vestiges of history. Such a privileged location has left a mark in the country. Through Albania passed the Via Egnatia that connected Rome and Constantinople. The Hellenic culture also left its footprint. Today, visiting the archeological parks of Apollonia and Butrint is a trip through history. And if you want more classes, the Durrës amphitheatre, the Royal Tombs of Selca, or the Amantia Archeological Site.
Side three. Unexpected mountain scenery. Albania possesses a mountainous geography. From North to South, the Albanese Alps are a biodiversity paradise. The Blue Eye water spring, the Theth waterfalls, or the Osum Canyon are must-sees for nature lovers.
Side four. Cities to get lost in. Like Berat, the curious city of a thousand windows. Or the rock city, Gjirokaster, with its Otoman-style houses in the shape of turrets.
Side five. Tirana, the city where to find a vertiginous evolution after years of communist regime. Mosques, cathedrals, and Ottoman temples complete a curious day.
Side six. Gastronomical variety. The country’s cuisine is a continuous fusion of Greek, Turkish, and Italian influences always accompanied by the interesting Albanese wines.
Side seven. Stay in shape. Snow sports, trekking, or climbing are practiced in many areas of the country. We can’t say that skiing in Albania doesn’t sound exotic.
We’ve spoken about seven sides, but we’re sure that there are many more waiting in any corner of its sinuous roads.
Jordi Ferrer
Population
2.827.821
Capital
Tirana
Currency
Lek
Time difference
0 hrs
Language
Albanian
Travel recommendations for Albania
Discover Albania with these five evocative experiences:
- Essential: the Blue Eye waterfall, a deep spring from where turquoise waters emerge that remind of the iris of an eye
- Go into a bunker. And not to protect yourself, but rather to see an exposition. These are the things that make Tirana unique
- Driving along Albania’s coast means discovering one crystal-clear gem after another
- I want adrenaline! Raft down the Osum river between its impressive canyons and waterfalls
- Alps, Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada? Ski in Albania, and let’s see who else will tell you they’ve done it too
Tailor-made trips
At Ferrer & Saret we are artisans of dream journeys, always inspired by your desires and interests to offer a genuine, personalised, and revealing experience.
