Albania is one of the most interesting countries in Europe for cheap and wonderful holidays

Albania is one of the most interesting countries in Europe, and one of the friendliest – perhaps in part because it’s so small, with a population of just 2.8 million. It is also a top destination for foodies, with affordable fine dining and delicious local dishes such as fëgesë stew to try. Be pleasantly surprised by the world-class beaches of the Riviera, or find your inner adventurer by hiring a car and driving into the mountains. Here’s what to know before you go.

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Albanians are incredibly friendly

One of the best things about travelling to the Land of the Eagles is that wherever you go, from the capital city to the Riviera, from the mountains to the historical towns, you will be welcomed by the locals. Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll ever visit. So don’t be afraid to ask for directions or other information – there will always be someone who will help you find what you’re looking for, be it accommodation, a place to eat or transport advice. Many Albanians speak English, and tourism is developing within the country and is welcomed as a key part of the country’s economy.

It is a safe country

Albania is one of the least dangerous places in Europe. According to the UK Foreign Office, public safety is generally good, and there are very few reports of crime aimed at foreigners or tourists, although pickpocketing does happen. You can travel to Albania with children, with a loved one or by yourself (women included) without worrying about your safety as you might in some countries.

The beaches along the Riviera are gorgeous

There is a good reason why most tourists visiting Albania come to its beaches: the Albanian Riviera has some of the finest stretches of coast in Europe. These pebbly and sandy shores line crystal waters that could stand toe-to-toe in a beauty contest with the beaches of Italy, Greece or Croatia. The best beaches on the Riviera are Drymades, with clear water, live music and beach bars, and Ksamil, which also has clear-blue water and is part of Butrint National Park. However, you will find sublime stretches of sand all along the coast. Palasa Beach, surrounded by rocky cliffs and green hills, is also a great place to relax, as is Dhermi beach, which has a party vibe.

Albania isn’t just about fantastic beaches

Although the Albanian Riviera and its stunning beaches are great reasons to visit, the country has so much more to offer. Mountains, including the Albanian Alps and the Sharr and Pindus ranges, run along the length of the country. Archaeological sites include prehistoric mounds, as well as ancient Greek and Roman temples and forts, and medieval bathhouses. The country is also rich with lakes and rivers, forests and ancient towns that will take your breath away. Albanian holidays should always be organised with plenty of time built in for exploring the country’s many natural and historical wonders.

Compared to neighbouring nations, tourism in Albania is very affordable. You can spend a phenomenal week travelling through the country without breaking the bank. Tirana, the capital, is the most expensive city, but you still won’t spend too much compared to other Eastern European destinations.

When it comes to activities, parks are free, and while museums require tickets to enter, the fees are low. For shopping and hotels, it is enough to have euros and everything is fine.

Albanian food is delicious

Bring a pair of stretchy pants with you, because Albanian cuisine is fantastic. The best dishes are tasty and affordable. Make sure to try as many as you can while you’re here, but start your culinary experience with fëgesë (a slow-cooked stew made of peppers, onions, spices, tomatoes and cottage cheese); tavë kosi (lamb and rice baked with yoghurt and eggs); byrek (flaky filo stuffed with savoury fillings); speca me gjize (peppers in cottage cheese); baklava (a sweet layered pastry covered in syrup) and trilece (three-milk cake).

How to Spend a Weekend in the Albanian Riviera

Imagine beautiful beaches lapped by crystalline waters, terrific coastal panoramas and cliffside hamlets; the Albanian Riviera is exactly like this. Less touristic than other places located on the Balkan Peninsula, the Riviera is a dreamy destination that every traveler should visit. So get ready to explore the wild coast of Albania before everyone finds out how gorgeous it is. Read our tips for a great weekend in the most magical area of the Land of the Eagles.

Morning

Start your day in Saranda, the liveliest town of the Albanian Riviera, a vibrant summer destination frequented by locals as well as international tourists. The best thing to do here is to sip a coffee and eat a slice of baklava, a tasty cake made with filo pasta, nuts and syrup typical of Turkey and Balkan countries. Then take your time to visit the town and don’t forget to see the ancient rests of the synagogue and to reach the Forty Saints Monastery, located on the top of a hill, to admire gorgeous views over the city.

Saranda, Albania

Afternoon

Reach Ksamil, also called the “Ionian pearl,” one of the most beautiful beaches of Albania and Mediterranean Sea, just 17 km south of Saranda. Ksamil has three small islands within swimming distance and several great restaurants with excellent fish-menus. You can stay here all the afternoon relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear waters or, if you prefer to learn something more about the history of this enchanting country, you can go to visit the near park of Butrint, the largest archaeological site of Albania.

Ksamil, Saranda, Albania

Butrint Archaeological Park, , Saranda, Albania

Evening

After the visit of the archaeological site, you really deserve an excellent Albanian dinner. To eat fresh fish and traditional dishes, we suggest you to go to Guvat, a beautiful restaurant in Ksamil with a terrace that offers gorgeous views over the three lovely islands. Enjoy your dinner while viewing terrific panoramas over the sea and don’t forget to end you meal with a glass of raki, an aromatized Balkan liquor.

Guvat, Three Islands Street, Ksamil, Saranda, Albania

Night

Ksamil may not be exciting as Tirana or Saranda, but it has three beautiful lounge bars always crowded in the summer months: Islands Lounge Bar, Africana Beach Club and Bianco Lounge Bar. All of three are perfect if you want to drink fresh cocktails and listen good music, but Bianco is located in front of the beach and offers heartbreaking views over the three small islands. Ksamil has many hotel options, including the beautiful Luxury Hotel, just a few meters from the Paradise Beach.

Hotel Luxury, Ksamil

Day Two

Morning

It’s time to explore the rest of the Albanian Riviera, so leave Saranda and Ksamil and go north. Along the Albanian Riviera you’ll find plenty of gorgeous beaches, such as Lukove, Piqeras and Borsh, just choose one and relax few hours before to reach Qeparo, a charming hamlet with old houses, flowers and narrow streets, and the Ali Pasha castle, near Porto Palermo, a beautiful fortress. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you because from the castle it’s possible to see terrific views over the sea and the surrounding hills.

Porto Palermo Restaurant, SH8, Himara, Vlora, Albania

Drymades Beach, Dhërmi, Vlora, Albania

Afternoon

The best thing to do before continuing your tour is to lunch at Porto Palermo restaurant, the only restaurant located in front of the fortress. Try the sea fruits risotto and grilled fish and sit on a table located on the terrace to admire the castle from the top. Then continue to the small coastal town of Himara to reach Dhërmi, the most enchanting hamlet of the Albanian Riviera. Near Dhërmi is hidden Drymades beach, the best beach of the country.

Drymades Beach, Dhërmi, Vlora, Albania

Evening

Dhërmi sports plenty of great restaurants at which to eat fish as well as traditional Albanian gastronomy. The best is Sofra e Pashait, located on the road that leads to Drymades Beach. Sofra e Pashait is often crowded, so be sure to come here early to choose your table and have an excellent dinner. The best plates to order here are sea fruits linguine, cooked feta and local salad, but if you want to taste the typical gastronomy you can order a tavë kosi, lamb cooked with yogurt sauce.

Sofra e Pashait, Perivolo, Dhërmi, Vlora, Albania

Night

In front of the beach of Dhërmi, there are several nightclubs to spend the night with your friends and chat with locals, such as Free Day Beach Bar, Havana Beach Bar and Casablanca Club. If you don’t like to dance and drink but prefer quiet and silence, book a room at Summer Dream Hotel, the only hotel located in front of Drymades Beach surrounded by mountains and perfect to spend some time in total relaxation.

Casablanca Club Dhërmi, SH8, Dhërmi, Vlora, Albania

Summer Dream Hotel, Drymades Beach, Dhërmi,

Top Albania Outdoor Activities, the link is

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