Find Europe’s Diamond in the Rough
Pop quiz! What do we know about Albania? On the Mediterranean, yep. In or near Europe? (In.) Recent Communist past, correct. Ancestral homeland of Mother Teresa, Jim Belushi and, of course, Dua Lipa. Albania also … well, no worries. As a dark-horse country that’s only been open to the world for 30 years, Albania likely hasn’t made its way to your travel bucket list. But it should, and here’s why.
Only the size of Maryland, Albania’s got nearly 300 miles of coastline, with white-sand beaches wrapped in jagged, Jurassic cliffs and bluffs, but also: Alps rising to nearly 9,000 feet with year-round snowcaps. Sixty miles east of Italy as the crow flies, it has been a home to Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and, well, Albanians over the millennia, all leaving their imprints. If you’re feeling peckish, the sea serves up tiger prawns, mussels and sea bass; the land, olives, grapes, ducks and pigs. And you can get five courses’ worth for under $20.
I’m Ben, a Florida man and longtime New Yorker now living in Tirana, the capital. I can help you plan a trip to this beautiful, largely undiscovered, delightfully inexpensive country, and I also arrange customized, private tours with top guides here. We specialize in Albania’s exciting, up-and-coming wine and food scene. Email or call me to learn more!
History and Culture for the Ages
This sunny swath of land has been home to man since Paleolithic times. In many places, the civilizations that occupied it over the centuries can still be seen: the Illyrians’ hilltop acropolises, the Romans’ amphitheaters, the Byzantines’ basilicas, the Venetians’ medieval castles, the Ottomans’ luxe mansions, and the monumental statues and state buildings of the Communists.
Food and Drink, From the Source
Albania is a natural nirvana for farmers and fishers, and the traditional dishes are not to be missed. The best fine-dining from local ingredients can include fresh shellfish, a farm-to-table experience or wine made from grapes native to the region, with culinary influences from Italy, Greece and the Middle East. Dig in.
Beaches, Gemstone-Blue Waters
Swimmers, watersports enthusiasts and all-around beach bums can get their fix a stone’s skip away from many parts of the country. The Adriatic-facing beaches west of Tirana keep folks cool in the summer and come alive at night. In the south, the “Albanian Riviera” offers a less-trammeled alternative to Corfu, as it has since Roman times. And don’t sleep on the best lakes in the Balkans … or do.
Alps. Yep, in Albania
During the summer months, head for the hills. The “Accursed Mountains” (a.k.a. the Albanian Alps) feel more like Switzerland than Sardinia. There’s snow in July, trails for days, caves, springs, waterfalls and sleepy villages with inns for sleepy hikers and backpackers looking to gather by the fire pit.
Genuine Folks with Generous Souls
Albanians may appear in the movies as gangsters and drug lords, but violent crime is exceedingly rare here in reality. To the contrary, most Albanians are extraordinarily welcoming and hospitable, eager to chat, lend a hand and share what excites them about their home and heritage. The people are the best and truest recommendation for Albania.
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