THE 4 TOURS OF ALBANIA

 AN ITINERARY DESIGNED TO DISCOVER THE LAND OF THE EAGLES

1. FOOD & WINE 

Tave Kosi - a traditional Albanian dish

Tave Kosi - A traditional Albanian dish 

Albania is famous for its refined cuisine. From Durrës to Vlorë, there are plenty of places for you to stop and enjoy the celebrated Albanian gastronomic delights. Hotel Plaza Tirana Starting in Tirana, which is just 30 minutes from Durrës, you cannot fail to stop and admire the elegant Hotel Plaza Tirana, a 5-star hotel right in the city centre. The 23-storey high Plaza Hotel Tirana has stylish rooms, a relaxing wellness centre and a state-of-the-art gym. It is also the ideal place to stay for foodies, with three restaurants (Panevino, Convivium and Savor) offering excellent choices for even the most demanding palates.

Fish restaurant If you are looking for pure freshness, we recommend the Xha Barka, one of the best fish restaurants in the city. Quality, freshness and variety are hallmarks of this restaurant.

Farmhouse restaurant We highly recommend the Mrizi i Zanave farmhouse restaurant opened by the world-renowned chef, Altin Prenga. This splendid location, in the village of Fishtë, has become the top place for slow food in Albania. The farmhouse restaurant is immersed in naturally beautiful surroundings, equalled only by the delicious food at zero miles, and offers the chance to taste traditional dishes.

Mrizi i Zanave Restaurant

Mrizi i Zanave Restaurant 

Things to see The Bunk’art Memorial Museum offers new generations and foreign visitors the opportunity to learn about the bunkers built during the dark years of the communist regime. The first Bunk’Art, located five minutes from the central Skanderbeg square, is connected via an underground tunnel to the Ministry of the Interior. The rooms used by the interrogators have been reconstructed inside the structure and the rudimentary tools used by spies are on display. The second Bunk’Art is located on the outskirts of the city. This nuclear bunker extends over 2680 square metres and was intended to house the dictator, Enver Hoxha, whose private study, bedroom and even the spartan toilet can be visited, and the other exponents of the regime. The next stop on the ideal itinerary is Berat, where you can stop and taste the typical dishes of Albanian cuisine.

Wine tour The Cobo Winery is the perfect wine cellar for a pleasant pit stop. Vineyards lie at the foot of Mount Tomorri and, inside a spacious kulla (a traditional Albanian form of architecture), the wine cellar has its elegant wine presentation area.

The Cobo Winery tour includes a chance to see the entire wine making process and a visit to the park. Guests are then invited to enjoy a glass of wine and chat with a member of the Cobo family, together with a chance to taste a range of home-made Albanian cheeses. The tours are only available by appointment and usually last between two and four hours.

The city of a thousand windows. Continuing on the journey, around 90 km from Tirana is the city of Berat, crossed by the Osum river and one of Albania’s oldest cities. This historical city dates to the Ottoman period and is a Unesco World Heritage site. It is known as the city of a thousand windows, due to the vast number of glass windows reflecting the sunlight in the Mangalem and Gorica districts. The high walls of the Castle tower over the numerous white houses.

An amazing place The Hotel Castle Park in Berat is a truly fascinating destination, in a spectacular location at the heart of an enchanting oasis. A magical place created through a close attention to detail, with a restaurant boasting the very best traditional recipes using hand-selected organic produce. Fresh and natural ingredients are the key to every recipe.

The city of two seas. An ancient city and natural harbour in the Strait of Otranto, Vlorë lies at the point where the Adriatic Sea gives way to the Ionian Sea and is certainly not to be missed. In addition to the renovated area of the seafront alongside the harbour, Vlorë also has numerous historical monuments, such as the Muradie Mosque dating to 1500 and the ancient city walls from the sixth century BC. Vlorë is certainly well worth a visit. As you stroll through its streets, you will come across a monument, a church, a historical building or simply a table at a bar in the shade of a tree.

Fish restaurant The Joni Vlore Restaurant should not be missed when you come to Vlorë. The restaurant will refresh your palate with the true flavour and pleasure of seafood. It offers Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. The location is characterised by a meticulous attention to every detail and designed to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing experience. The staff is highly qualified and a delicious meal is guaranteed.

Hotel on the beach. The Coral Hotel Resort is a delightful structure just a short stroll from the beach. With a perfect balance between comfort, quality and convenience, the hotel welcomes its guests in a youthful and dynamic setting, ideal for families.

2. ALBANIA ADVENTURE

Osumi Canyon

Osumi Canyon

The Albania Adventure Tour offers our guests an unforgettable trip through the hinterland and along the coast of Albania. The first few days are spent enjoying the numerous attractions of the central-northern part of the region. At Durrës, home to one of the major ports in the Balkans, it is possible to visit the Roman Amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum. Another attraction is unquestionably the Skënderbeu Winery, a historical wine cellar standing on a beautiful hill close to the city. The city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also has three famous residential areas: Mangalem (Muslim district), Gorica (Christian district) and the majestic Citadel, as well as the Onufri Museum with its collection of Albanian icons. The second day will be dedicated to activities ‘in the wild’, including rafting on the waterfalls of the Osumi Canyons. Lunch under the crystal-clear waterfalls is an experience not to be missed. The tour will then take you to Lake Ohrid, Pogradec, where there will be a chance to taste the typical specialities of the small local producers and traders, before heading to the city of Korçë. For the most daring, the tour will continue to the Langarica Canyons, along a road that is slightly jagged, but well worth the trip. The last stop along the Adriatic coast is Përmet, where visitors can start by taking an unforgettable stroll along the rivers, surrounded by nature, to reach the basins of the natural springs. After Gjirokastra, where it is possible to visit the celebrated home of the Skënduli family, the tour moves to the Ionian coastline. Well worth a visit along the way is the Blue Eye spring in the village of Muzine, after which we leave the mountains and head towards the splendid beaches and clear waters of Saranda. It is possible to take a stroll along the Borsh cliffs, as far as the village of Qeparo. We then head towards Porto Palermo, close to Dhërmi. A day will be spent in Dhërmi enjoying a boat trip to visit the most hidden and uncontaminated bays. For the more adventurous among you, before returning to Durrës, there is the chance for a pleasant walk through Gjipe Canyon. 

3. CLASSIC ALBANIA

 Butrint Amphitheatre

Butrint Amphitheatre 

After the ferry docks in the port of Durrës, there will be a chance to visit the ancient Medieval city walls, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ardenica Monastery, built in the thirteenth century on the ruins of an ancient Pagan temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. The tour then heads towards Albania’s capital, Tirana. Here, it will be possible to visit the eighteenth-century Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Bunk’Art and admire the Italian-style architecture of the ministries, as well as the middle-class district of Blloku, where the communist elite lived for over forty years. Nearby, there is the Kruja, the medieval city with a heavy Ottoman influence lying at the foot of the mountain. There will also be the chance to stroll through the bazaar, the citadel and the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to the fifteenth-century national hero of Albania. The following days will be dedicated to southern Albania, in the direction of Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a visit to the houses with their characteristic tower shape, the tour heads to the famous Blue Eye spring. The night will be spent near Butrint, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. The stop includes a visit to the ancient Greek-Roman city, which was inhabited up to the end of the Middle Ages. The following days will be dedicated to the sea and the enchanting beaches of Saranda, a coastal city off the coast of the island of Corfu. The return journey includes Berat, known as the "city of a thousand windows" and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, it will be possible to visit the residential districts of Mangalemi and Gorica, on the banks of the river, and there will also be plenty of time for a visit to the Onufri Museum.

4. ALBANIA & THE METEORA MONASTERIES

 Meteora

Meteora

After docking in Durrës and a brief visit of the city, the tour heads towards Elbasan. The heavily Ottoman influenced city here is well worth a visit. The tour than continues on to Pogradec, a city on Lake Ohrid, the deepest lake in the Balkans and one of the oldest in the world. We then continue on the road towards Korça, a major cultural centre in the south-east of the country, surrounded by mountains. Here, there will be a chance to visit the city and its ancient Ottoman bazaar, the Orthodox Cathedral and the old town with its early twentieth century houses. The following day we will head to Greece. The first Greek city on the itinerary is Kastoria, famous for the leather and fur trading. Kastoria is followed by the city of Meteora, where it will be possible to visit two important monasteries reaching a height of 600 metres and inhabited since the fourteenth century. After leaving Meteora behind us, the tour continues along mountain roads to Metsovo, an attractive Greek village known for the production of a typical smoked cheese. Continuing along the road, there will be a chance to visit Ioaninna, the cultural and historical capital of the Epirus region located on the banks of Lake Pamvotida. The city is home to the majestic Aslan Pasha Mosque and the Byzantine Museum, both located inside the ancient city walls. There will be the chance for a boat trip on Lake Pamvotida and a visit to the island. At the end of the Greek part of the tour, we will return to Albania and head for Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World heritage site, with its imposing citadel and characteristic, Turkish-period houses. After a visit to the typical houses of Gjirokastra, the tour heads to Butrint. A stop at the Blue Eye spring along the way is an absolute must. Butrint is an ancient city with a splendid archaeological site that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day ends at the white beaches and crystal-clear waters of Saranda. The return towards the central-northern part of the Land of the Eagle cannot fail to include Berat. Before stopping in Berat, the city of a thousand windows, there will be a chance to visit the bay of Porto Palermo and its nineteenth century fortress, but also the Ardenica Monastery, built in the thirteenth century on the ruins of an ancient Pagan temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. On the following day, before heading towards the port of Durrës, the enormous citadel of Berat and the Onufri Museum are well worth a visit. The tour then heads to Kruja, one of Albania’s most attractive cities, with its typical Ottoman bazaar and the paved streets heading towards the Museum dedicated to the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. The tour continues on to Durrës in the afternoon, for the journey back to Italy.

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE

 ALBANIA: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR JOURNEY!

 

VALID DOCUMENTS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL

Identify card valid for foreign travel or passport.

TIME ZONE

Same time zone as Italy.

Albanian is an Indo-European language with many words of Greek, Latin and ancient Slavic origin. Italian is widely spoken among both the old and the young.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, extremely mild, particularly along the Ionian coast, with cold winters and sub-zero temperatures during the night. Rain showers in late autumn and spring alternate with a large number of sunny days throughout the year. The summer is extremely hot, particularly in the cities, where temperatures reach 40°C in July. Spring and autumn are excellent periods for the tours, but beach lovers can also enjoy a holiday in September and October along the southern coast.

CURRENCY

The Albanian currency is the Lek (ALL), which has a fairly stable exchange rate against the Euro (currently 130 Lek to 1 Euro). Local currency can be obtained from cash-point machines and other ATMs. The major credit cards can be used in the cities. Many shops and hotels accept payment in Euro.

ELECTRICITY

Standard 220 V. sockets.

TELEPHONE

The country code is 00355 to call Albania from Italy. Mobile telephone charges vary according to the provider.

TRANSPORT

Albania can be reached by land and by sea and has a fairly good and rapidly improving transport network. Private or public minibuses and coaches offer frequent connections between the major cities.

VACCINES AND MEDICINAL PRODUCTSI

No vaccines are necessary to visit Albania. As always, it is a good idea to bring any personal medicinal products with you, as they might not be available locally. It is recommended to drink bottled water.

TIPPING

Tips are always well-received during the tour and should be divided between the driver and the tour guide, at the discretion of the participants.

RELIGION

The country is 70% Sunni Muslim, with 20% Orthodox Christians and 10% Catholics.

Albania was officially an atheist country between 1967 and 1990, but has now entered a new phase in which the number of churches and mosques are multiplying.

CUISINE

Albanian cuisine combines various traditions, similar to Turkish cuisine, with fish and a large quantity of meat, in the form of meat skewers and meatballs (shishquyebap, gofte), various stews, roasts and sour cream and yoghurt based sauces. The local beer is good and the red and white wines are not bad. The traditional local spirits are raki and Greek ouzo.

TAKING YOUR VEHICLE TO ALBANIA

You must take out a mandatory insurance policy when you cross the border into Albania. The cost varies according to vehicle type and the length of your stay.

 

CONTACTS

Call Center: 071 50211621

Whatsapp: 335 06348921

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lungomare Vanvitelli 18 – 60121 Ancona

ALBANIA: THE NEW DESTINATION OF ITALIAN TOURISM

Himarë Beach

 Himarë Beach

The coastline and sea of Albania are attracting an increasing number of tourists, particularly from Italy.

With five thousand years of history, archaeological parks, Unesco World Heritage sites, over 400 km of coastline and inland areas that are still virtually unknown, Albania is a fascinating destination, with uncontaminated beaches, premium hospitality and breathtaking views, all at truly reasonable prices: Albania is the perfect low-cost summer holiday destination.

Things to see in Albania

Albania is a unique experience for anyone seeking a holiday surrounded by the countryside and culture and also for culinary enthusiasts.

Ksamil Beach 

Ksamil Beach

Ksamil is in southern Albania, on the Ionian Sea, facing the island of Corfu (the word “ksamil” actually means “six miles” in Albanian): it is part of the Butrint national park, a protected natural area and also a major archaeological site. Just like the Apollonia site, founded by the Greeks and conquered by the Romans, which is in central Albania. Together with the beaches of Dhermi and Himarë, Ksamil is one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations.

Durrës Tower

Durrës Tower

Travelling by sea from Trieste, Ancona and Bari with Adria Ferries takes you to Durrës, Albania’s major port. This ancient city, which was founded by the Greek colonies and known as Dyrrachium, was the capital of Albania until 1920 and is now its most important port. The Via Egnatia, the ancient Roman road linking Durrës to Istanbul, started here and near the port it is still possible to see the ruins of the Venetian Tower and the Castle, destroyed and rebuilt, one of the major defensive positions of the Balkans. Close by there are the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre built in the second century by Trajan, the largest in the Balkans, with room for 15,000 spectators. Major archaeological finds are housed in the Archaeology Museum and the Ethnology Museum, but the market is the place to discover the true spirit of any city, offering an insight into its local customs and products. At the end of Bulevardi Dyrrah, the indoor fruit market offers a myriad display of colours, flavours and stories of the local population.

The capital, Tirana, is easily reached from here. It is a modern city, enlivened by the bright colours chosen by the “Artist-Premier”, Edi Rama, as mayor of the city, and characterised by skyscrapers, mosques and open churches. The places to visit are Skanderbeg square, dominated by a statue of the national hero on horseback, the Bunk’art Museum, the castle fortresses, Kroit Chruch, Tanners’ Bridge, Ethem Bey Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection. Tirana is a university city and a seat of culture, with museums and five libraries, including the national library, housing one million books. 

Tirana – View of the city

Tirana – View of the city 

Also well worth a visit is Berat, the museum city of a thousand windows lying on the side of a hill and a Unesco World Heritage site. A fortress stands over the town, which is surrounded by city walls with twenty-four defensive towers, enclosing the white Mosque, the Dormition Cathedral, numerous Byzantine churches, the Onufri Museum and the Ethnography Museum. Many excellent wine producers have opened over recent years around Berat, a land of vineyards, such as the “Cobo Winery”.

City of Berat

City of Berat

Another delightful seaside town is Vlorë, in southern Albania, which is already a highly developed tourist destination, with hotels in various categories, apartments, B&B, restaurants and bars. Vlorë has the entire range of tourist facilities and could be a valid alternative to the well-known tourist destinations of the Adriatic. Places to visit there include the Muradie Mosque, the Monument to Independence in Flag’s Square and the ancient districts, including the Jewish quarter.

Vlorë Beach

Vlorë Beach

It is an easy trip from Vlorë to Apollonia, dedicated by the Greeks to the god Apollo and founded in 588 BC, a strategically and logistically important city-state for sea trade. It is now possible to visit the archaeological site, but only a small percentage has been excavated so far and almost all the treasures remain underground. It was an extremely rich city, at the centre of trade and a crossing point of the Via Egnatia leading to Constantinople. Important ruins from the classical era lie alongside Byzantine churches with their Romanesque capitals, creating a fascinating combination. Berat is already a Unesco World Heritage site, as an example of an Ottoman city, and Apollonia has been nominated as one.

Apollonia – Archaeological Site

Apollonia – Archaeological Site

Another Ottoman city is Gjirokastër, in southern Albania, the museum city located on the side of a hill looking over the valley and famed for its massive use of stone in building the houses and the streets. It is known as the “city of stone” and represents a meeting point of Albanian, Greek, Ottoman and Roman culture. The city developed around the castle at the top of the hill, the second largest in the Balkans and dominating the surrounding plain. The characteristic old town of Gjirokastër stands at the top of the hill, with its splendid houses, artisan workshops, restaurants and charming hotels.

Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Castle

The number of foreign visitors attracted by a country that retains its cultural identity and hidden treasures continues to increase. Albania offers a wide range of solutions to suit all tastes: there are plenty of open-air activities for sports lovers and culinary enthusiasts can enjoy the flavours of a genuine culinary tradition based on the products of the land and the sea, accompanied by the excellent local wines. Visiting this country offers the chance to enjoy its attractions, but also to contribute to spreading its culture and values and allowing it to take its rightful place among the great countries of the Balkans and the Mediterranean. Italian tourists also choose Albania because it is an inexpensive option, with lower costs than other tourist destinations on the Adriatic, and also easy to reach. Adria Ferries connects Italy to Albania with a journey of just a few hours and departures from the ports of Ancona, Bari and Trieste, according to need.

 

Check out our articles here: 

  • "Adria Ferries punta sul turismo verso l'Albania" - TREND
  • "Albania, viaggio nel Paese delle Aquile da Tirana a Durazzo" - ANSA ViaggiArt
  • "Le spiagge più belle dell’Albania adriatica"Siviaggia
  • "Albania trendy tra movida e spiagge caraibiche" - Tgcom24
  • "Albania Storia e bellezza da scoprire al di là dell'Adriatico" - Emotions Magazine
  • "Viaggio in Albania da Tirana a Apollonia, passando per Berat e Valona" - Il Sole 24 ore

WATCH THE VIDEO

DISCOVER ALBANIA'S LEADING TOURIST DESTINATIONS WITH ADRIA FERRIES  

Gjipe Beach

Gjipe Beach

Discover the unexplored land of Albania, a country that will offer you hospitality and care. – “Anyone entering the home of an Albanian has always been considered as a ‘god’, so the guest always takes first place” – Edi Rama. Adria Ferries has been operating between Italy and Albania since 2004 and is working to promote the country and its beautiful beaches in the south and mountainous areas in the north. Albania, or Shqipëria as Albanians call it, offers numerous hospitality structures where you can spend your holiday. Enjoy the delicious foods and wines of the country against a backdrop of history, nature and culture.

VLORË – PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED 

 Vlorë Beach

 Vlorë Beach

An ancient city and natural harbour in the Strait of Otranto, Vlorë lies at the point where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet and the waters become increasingly deeper, the coastlines more jagged and the beaches rockier. Vlorë has always been an important city, as the home to one of the Mediterranean’s major ports.

After being dominated for centuries by the Greeks, Romans and Turks, it became the capital of the newly founded state of Albania in 1912, before passing this title onto the current capital, Tirana. Vlorë is a favourite destination for tourists from across Europe. It is a typical, slow-paced southern city, with low buildings and sunshine for over 260 days a year, with the result that summer temperatures are high and the winters are never too cold.

In addition to the seafront and the harbour area with their fashionable restaurants and bars, Vlorë offers the chance to admire important historical monuments, particularly in the hidden streets of the city. Amidst the run-down old buildings, there are local fruit and vegetable markets and small shops selling all types of goods. The main points of historical and cultural interest of Vlorë, the Muradie Mosque and the ruins of the walls of Aulona, are located along Rruga Sadik Zotaj, a palm-lined avenue that starts from the roundabout facing the port. The sights in Vlorë include the Monument to Independence built in the 1970s to commemorate the liberation of Albania from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

Vlorë is unquestionably worth a visit and one of Albania’s major tourist destinations. It is easy to reach for anyone travelling from Italy, with Adria Ferries departures from Ancona and Bari for Durrës, as it is just over one hundred kilometres from the main Albanian port.

VLORË – STUNNING BEACHES

Vlorë has some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches. Almost all the beaches in Vlorë are on highway SH8, which links Vlorë to Sarandë. The first beaches on arriving in Vlorë are located close to the city.

Plazhi i Vjetër: the vast and uncontaminated sands of the old beach of Vlorë, where you can soak up the sun surrounded by the pine grove or snorkel to discover the numerous relics and caves on the seabed.

Plazhi i Ri: the new beach of Vlorë is unquestionably more modern and has numerous bars, restaurants and bathing facilities, for anyone seeking lively social activities.

Uji i Ftothë: Continuing to the south of Vlorë, just outside the town, there is Uji i Ftothë, an enchanting beach stretching for over two kilometres, with a fascinating panorama created by the majestic mountains that almost seem to merge into the crystal clear waters.

Orikum: Another seaside town not to be missed when you visit Albania, and particularly Vlorë, is Orikum. This ancient, small town is full of history, as it was considered a strategic outpost on the sea. In addition to the visitor attractions of the necropolis and the naval base, it is home to one of the country’s most celebrated beaches for the seabed and the turquoise waters, perfect for a family holiday with children. 

VLORË – THE BEST HOTELS FOR YOUR STAY

Hotel Liro **** Located in Vlorë, the Hotel Liro offers a private beach with free use of sunbeds and beach umbrellas. It has a bar and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, with a spacious terrace as the perfect place to enjoy the dishes and free Wi-Fi in all areas. The rooms all have air conditioning, a balcony with sea view, satellite TV, a mini-bar, safe and ensuite bathroom with shower, hair-dryer and complementary toiletries. The Hotel Liro offers various water sports to enjoy on the private beach, such as windsurfing, diving or snorkelling for the more adventurous. Hotel Liro also has free parking. It is located opposite the local bus stop and 150 km from Tirana Airport.

Hotel Palace **** Hotel Palace is located in Vlorë, just 750 metres from the closest beach. The modern rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and private parking included in the price. Several rooms have an ensuite bathroom with jacuzzi, while others provide bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms have a lounge area for greater comfort and others have a terrace or balcony. Guests are provided with complementary toiletries, a hair-dryer and flat screen TV. Hotel Palace is located 50 km from Dhërmi. It offers a bike rental service and can also organise a shuttle service on request.

VLORË – TYPICAL PLACES TO TRY SOME ALBANIAN CUISINE

Restorant Joni Vlorë A place not to be missed for true seafood lovers. "Restorant Joni Vlorë" serves traditional Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and is also a pizza parlour. Authentic ingredients are the order of the day, not just for the seafood dishes that are the highlight of the menu, but also for the desserts, which are all home-made with the same care and attention as all the other specialities. The dishes are all made to order and although this sometimes means you might have to wait a little bit longer, the delicious and refined dish will always be worth the wait. Healthy food and delicious flavours are guaranteed. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere, created through a meticulous attention to every detail to ensure your comfort. The highly qualified staff will take the time to help you choose your dish. Al fresco dining is possible during the summer.

Tragjasi Bar and Restaurant A top-class restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine. It is open 24/7 and all the dishes are made with fresh fish, meat and many other ingredients. The garden offers a stunning view of the lake and is ideal for breakfast, dinner or a cocktail served at the outdoor bar. It is the ideal setting to enjoy the world’s freshest seafood, served with expertise by highly qualified staff who can help you choose from the wide range of dishes.

DURRËS – PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

 Durrës Beach

Durrës Beach 

Durrës is home to one of the largest ports in the Balkans. Adria Ferries calls there and offers tourist packages to Albania with low cost travel from the ports of Trieste, Ancona and Bari. The city is characterised by a combination of fabulous beaches and historical monuments. The first stop after docking in Durrës could be a visit to the Archaeological Museum, built by the archaeologist Vangjel Toçi in 1951, and the Roman Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is particularly interesting. It was built in the early 2nd century AD and has numerous architectural aspects worth seeing. Experts believe that the entire archaeological site has yet to see the light of day. It was put forward as a potential Unesco World Heritage Site in Albania in 1996. The amphitheatre is located in the city centre and has an elliptical shape, with a diameter of around 140 metres and seating capacity for up to 20,000 spectators. In addition to the history and the architectural curiosities, heading beyond the city centre to the south there is a seafront over six kilometres in length, with stunning beaches where you can enjoy a delightful day by the sea. The promenade adjacent to the beaches has sunbeds and beach umbrellas and numerous kiosks, restaurants and bars.

DURRËS – STUNNING BEACHES

A sandy seabed and fully equipped beaches are close by in Durrës. Various activities are available on the beach, such as beach volley, fishing and bowling, and your comfort is guaranteed by the state-of-the-art structures that delimit the coastline.

Golem and Mali i Robit Heading south, Golem and Mali i Robit beaches lie side by side around 10 km from the centre of Durrës. These are wide, sandy beaches stretching for several kilometres, surrounded by pine groves and numerous historical monuments for tourists looking for cultural activities.

Gjenerali Beach The unusual name derives from the fact that a rich general loved to spend time at this beautiful and clean beach. The beach is 400 metres long and 50 metres wide and the principal attraction that brings so many tourists to its shores is the birth of sea turtles. The beach has bathing facilities and restaurants open throughout the summer season. Although the road to the beach is not among the best, the beach is also equipped to receive campers, who often set up on a small stretch of land by the sea.

Kallmi and Curilla Heading north from Durrës takes you to the two beaches of Kallmi and Curilla. Two creeks bathed with the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and a stunning seabed if you fancy snorkelling. Nature reigns supreme here, although there are several bathing facilities on the beaches.

DURRËS – THE BEST HOTELS FOR YOUR STAY

Hotel Villa Brais ***** The perfect location for your stay in Durrës. The hotel is located 200 metres from the Amphitheatre and the rooms have TV, PC and a DVD player. The bathrooms have shower and/or jacuzzi, hair-dryer and complementary toiletries.

Palace Hotel e spa ***** The hotel opened in 2013 and is located on Durrës seafront, facing the splendid beaches. It has thirty-three rooms with a sea view. The delicious breakfast offers seasonal dishes and you can also enjoy evening dinner on terrace, accompanied by piano music.

DURRËS – TYPICAL PLACES TO TRY SOME ALBANIAN CUISINE

Restorant Artur: typical cuisine in Durrës, with a wide range of seafood hors d'oeuvres, first courses and main courses, pizza and excellent wine. This restaurant is located on the seafront and has a spacious dining area and a terrace where you can enjoy your meal in the warmest seasons. Another attraction is unquestionably the Skënderbeu Winery, a historical wine cellar standing on a beautiful hill close to the city.

SHKODËR – PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

 Rozafa Castle

Rozafa Castle 

The places to visit in the Land of the Eagle include the stunning Shkodër. If you are wondering what places to visit in Albania to discover the history of its people and have fun at the same time, this city is unquestionably one of them. Shkodër is in the north of the country, close to the Albanian coast, and is one of the oldest cities still existing. Shkodër’s greatest treasure is indisputably the nearby lake of the same name. The atmosphere is also what keeps the tourists coming to one of Albania’s liveliest locations. The sites that should not be missed when you visit Shkodër include: Rozafa Castle at the top of a hill, offering a stunning view of the city, the Ottoman era Mesi Bridge, under which the clear waters of the Kir river flow, the “Marubi” National Photography Museum, one of the largest archives in the Balkans, the Lead Mosque, thus named because its cupola is covered in lead tiles, and St Stephen's Cathedral, one of Shkodër’s major historical buildings.

Komani Lake

 Komani Lake

As already said, the social life in Shkodër is a major attraction for tourists, and, in the afternoon, the city fills with young people and families who have come to enjoy the sunset in the numerous bars along its streets. If you decide to take your holiday in Shkodër, it is also worth visiting the Valbonë and Thethi National Parks and also leaving some time to visit the stunning Komani Lake. Albania ferries to Komani Lake depart from Shkodër every day at 9.00 a.m. and the trip lasts around one and a half hours. You can also embark with your car.

SHKODËR – THE BEST HOTELS FOR YOUR STAY

Hotel Colosseo **** Luxury and a highly professional staff are the keywords at the Hotel Colosseo in Shkodër. The rooms have TV, balcony with view, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and mini-bar. The hotel also has a spa, where you can relax and allow yourself to be pampered by the specialised staff. Like most hotels in Albania, this hotel also has an excellent restaurant, for anyone wishing to take their meals there.

Luani Arte **** An excellent combination of the classic and the modern, ideal for anyone seeking relaxation and pleasure. The hotel has a jacuzzi and a fitness area for all guests. All the rooms have a view of the magnificent countryside around the city. Clean and comfortable.

SHKODËR – TYPICAL PLACES TO TRY SOME ALBANIAN CUISINE

Hotel Tradita Restaurant The restaurant has the typical courtyard, warm and welcoming, with a large brazier where traditional dishes are prepared, then served by the skilled and helpful staff. The price/quality ratio is excellent. 

Bar/Restaurant Elita The restaurant serves excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Live music and the quality of the wines will make your dining experience even more pleasurable. The dishes are cooked fresh and the presentation is perfect. Attention to detail is everywhere. Well worth a visit!

VALBONË  – PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

 A river running through Valbonë National Park

A river running through Valbonë National Park 

The tourist itinerary we propose in Albania for anyone wishing to get away from seaside tourism includes the Valbonë National Park, located 200 km from Shkodër, in the district of Tropojë. The park is surrounded by the limestone rock of the Albanian Alps and extends over 80 km2. This is precisely what makes it so popular for anyone seeking an adventure holiday in Albania in an uncontaminated setting like this one.

There are two types of excursion to choose from:

  1. By car: follow the directions for Bajram Curri along the handy new motorway and head towards Valbonë for 30 km.
  2. By boat: enjoy an amazing trip on board the small boats that sail up Komani Lake as far as Fierzë. This type of excursion is certainly recommended if you want to enjoy the view.

The ferries depart from Bajram Curri every morning at 9.00 a.m. and travel to the district of Tropojë. The journey lasts around three hours.

Once you arrive at your destination, you can continue by car towards Valbonë, or take one of the many buses available in Tropojë.

The temperatures in Valbonë are always medium to low, as it is in the mountains, although they rise considerably in the summer. Spring and summer vacations are certainly recommended, since rainfall is frequent during the rest of the year.

Besides being the ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts, Valbonë National Park also offers various sports for adventure lovers, such as climbing and rafting. It is also ideal for nature lovers and anyone seeking a more adventurous and low-cost holiday, as it is possible to camp in certain areas of the valley, in full respect for the environment.

Vista dall'alto del Parco Naturale di Valbona

 Valbonë National Park  

VALBONË – THE BEST HOTELS FOR YOUR STAY

Nature reigns in Valbonë, so the hospitality structures are limited, but still as hospitable and welcoming as all hotels in Albania. It is therefore recommended to book well ahead of time.

Hotel Margjeka *** The hotel is close to the trekking paths and has an excellent restaurant offering fresh produce. The hotel is surrounded by the countryside and mountains, and its simple but welcoming rooms have free Wi-Fi and a splendid view of the mountains.

Kol Gjoni Guest house A highly welcoming guest house surrounded by the mountains. It has free Wi-Fi and a restaurant where you can enjoy the delicacies of Albanian cuisine. It also welcomes campers with their own tents in the garden. Only a small number of rooms have an ensuite bathroom, so anyone with particular needs should contact the guest house well ahead of time.

VALBONË  – TYPICAL PLACES TO TRY SOME ALBANIAN CUISINE

Rilindja Restaurant The restaurant is located on the road to Thethi and serves fresh and authentic traditional Albanian cuisine. The warmth and hospitality of the staff contribute to making your stay even more enjoyable. The restaurant also has a terrace, where you can admire the beauty of the Albanian Alps.

THETHI – PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

 Thethi National Park

Thethi National Park 

Thethi is a small village lying 70 km from Shkodër, in an area of majestic and uncontaminated natural beauty. Thethi is the perfect destination for trekkers and walkers, as the small village lies amidst the highest mountains of Albania, which reach an altitude up to 2500 metres. The Thethi and Valbonë National Parks lie among the deep canyons with their numerous rivers. It is not an easy place to reach, as the mountain roads are twisting and bumpy, so it is best to organise a visit to the village of Thethi well ahead of time.

The Grunas Waterfall

The Grunas Waterfall 

Various excursions for nature and adventure lovers start in Thethi, to be taken either independently or with a guide. The most popular, and the most difficult, lasts six hours and links Thethi to Valbonë. There are also easier itineraries for non-experts, although they are still fairly demanding, such as the walk to the 30-metre high Grunas waterfall. This is a brief, one-hour walk. Tourists who visit this park are always enchanted and amazed by the beauty of the surroundings, far from the stress of day-to-day life, telephones and the Internet. The concept of time is relative in Thethi.

THETHI – THE BEST HOTELS FOR YOUR STAY 

Bujtina Berishta Thethi If you arrive from the Valbonë-Thethi walk, this guest house is perfect, as it is close to the path. It is a jewel nestled among the mountains and offers its guests an all-round and quality service. The guest house is all run by a friendly and hospitable family, from the food to the rooms. Visitors will feel totally at home there and pleasantly surprised.

Kullat and Sadri Lukes Located in an excellent position just 3.5 km from Thethi, the guest house has rooms with a shared bathroom, a play area for children and a restaurant where you can relax and immerse yourself in Albanian culture. The guest house has a 24-hour reception, luggage storage and parking. The price-quality ratio is excellent! 

THETHI – TYPICAL PLACES TO TRY SOME ALBANIAN CUISINE

Villa Gjecaj Restaurant An excellent restaurant located in this enchanting valley 10 km from Thethi and an excellent pit-stop for anyone trekking the mountains. It is family-run and offers customers an excellent service and superb hospitality. It serves refined, home-made dishes that are hard to forget. 

DIVJAKË – PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

 Divjakë

 Divjakë

Continuing south towards Durrës, there is a chance to visit the splendid Divjakë National Park, in Fier County. It is home to the Karavasta Lagoon, the largest in Albania. The park stretches over 5000 hectares and has unique natural features. It is perfect for a day outdoors and a heavenly bonus to add to your seaside holiday in the land of the shqipëtar. The lagoon is separated from the sea by a stretch of sand covered by a pine forest and is linked to the sea via three large canals, two natural and one artificial, to allow fishing, which is the main source of sustenance for the surrounding villages.

Divjakë Lagoon

Divjakë Lagoon 

Over 45,000 animal species live in the Divjakë Lagoon, which is why it is included in the protected areas of Albania. An absolutely unique feature is the celebrated pelican that lives in the Divjakë Lagoon. There are currently fifty pairs living on the surrounding beaches. If you want to see this protected species up close, it is possible to hire a boat with a local guide and take the chance to see all the unusual features of the area.

 

DISCOVER ALL THE DISTANCES TO REACH ALBANIA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES

 

Route

Distance

Journey time

Durrës-Divjakë

53 km

50 min

Durres-Shkodër

107 km

1 h 45 min

 

Tratta

Distance

Journey time

Divjakë-Vlorë

82,8 km

1 h 30 min

Shkodër-Valbonë

188 km

4 h 45 min

Valbonë-Thethi

260 km

6 h 45 min

  

 ALBANIA: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR JOURNEY!

 

VALID DOCUMENTS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL

Identify card valid for foreign travel or passport.

TIME ZONE

Same time zone as Italy.

Albanian is an Indo-European language with many words of Greek, Latin and ancient Slavic origin. Italian is widely spoken among both the old and the young.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, extremely mild, particularly along the Ionian coast, with cold winters and sub-zero temperatures during the night. Rain showers in late autumn and spring alternate with a large number of sunny days throughout the year. The summer is extremely hot, particularly in the cities, where temperatures reach 40°C in July. Spring and autumn are excellent periods for the tours, but beach lovers can also enjoy a holiday in September and October along the southern coast.

CURRENCY

The Albanian currency is the Lek (ALL), which has a fairly stable exchange rate against the Euro (currently 130 Lek to 1 Euro). Local currency can be obtained from cash-point machines and other ATMs. The major credit cards can be used in the cities. Many shops and hotels accept payment in Euro.

ELECTRICITY

Standard 220 V. sockets.

TELEPHONE

The country code is 00355 to call Albania from Italy. Mobile telephone charges vary according to the provider.

TRANSPORT

Albania can be reached by land and by sea and has a fairly good and rapidly improving transport network. Private or public minibuses and coaches offer frequent connections between the major cities.

VACCINES AND MEDICINAL PRODUCTSI

No vaccines are necessary to visit Albania. As always, it is a good idea to bring any personal medicinal products with you, as they might not be available locally. It is recommended to drink bottled water.

TIPPING

Tips are always well-received during the tour and should be divided between the driver and the tour guide, at the discretion of the participants.

RELIGION

The country is 70% Sunni Muslim, with 20% Orthodox Christians and 10% Catholics.

Albania was officially an atheist country between 1967 and 1990, but has now entered a new phase in which the number of churches and mosques are multiplying.

CUISINE

Albanian cuisine combines various traditions, similar to Turkish cuisine, with fish and a large quantity of meat, in the form of meat skewers and meatballs (shishquyebap, gofte), various stews, roasts and sour cream and yoghurt based sauces. The local beer is good and the red and white wines are not bad. The traditional local spirits are raki and Greek ouzo.

TAKING YOUR VEHICLE TO ALBANIA

You must take out a mandatory insurance policy when you cross the border into Albania. The cost varies according to vehicle type and the length of your stay.

 

CONTACTS

Call Center: 071 50211621

Whatsapp: 335 06348921

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Lungomare Vanvitelli 18 – 60121 Ancona