The best things to do in Albania - We Are Global Travellers As well as being a popular choice for history lovers, its also an attractive choice for those seeking a mixture of city life and relaxing beaches. Gjirokaster 4. The country doesn't have any mountains but cross country skiing takes place every year. As many tourists use Shkoder to cross into Montenegro, or to hike the Albanian Alps, its a great place to avoid the crowds. Key West is a true delight in the winter months as the average high temperature never really falls below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The Aspen Snowmass resort is one of the most famed in town, featuring not one, but 4 ski mountains. Its one of the best places in Albania for budget backpackers, and for seeing what the Balkans were like before the crowds arrived. Here, you can admire the bazaars 13th-century style in the form of old cobbled streets and Ottoman-style architecture. In that case, you should check out heliskiing in the Prokletije Mountains. What Are The Best Places To Visit In Albania? A former silver mining town in Colorado 's Southwest corner, it boasts a unique Old West vibe and a great outdoor scene with incredible trails for mountain biking, hiking in summer and uncrowded ski slopes in winter. Learn how your comment data is processed. When you visit Korce, make sure to stroll through the. Blue Mountain. The 1,200-acre Balboa Park wows visitors with its lovely gardens, hiking trails, and cultural attractions including 17 museums. You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the beaches and quiet bays. The excellent winter sports facilities in and around Kor are why Albania has been featured as one of the worlds most affordable winter sports destinations. It offers a great escape from possible adverse winter weather. In the book a group of children get inspired by pirate stories and enter the mysterious cave. This one is located in the heart of Tirana, a short walk from Skanderbeg Square. 8 Butrint National Park. The transfers will leave from there to take you to either Theth or Valbona. . The blue eye albania is surrounded by nature and trees. Shkoder 15. Kruja Where to stay in Kruja 10. After the Bazaar, you will enter the castle, which offers a panoramic view of the mountains, the city below and the Adriatic Sea. Towards the end of our visit in June, the beaches were getting very busy here. Visit Vlore Albania and shopping in local market for the best price Id recommend learning all about Tiranas most famous attractions, like the Ethem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower, by taking a walking tour of the city. You can get this and more, visiting these Top 10 destinations for winter holidays in Albania: 1. The drivers will give you a heads up when its time to get off. Just as gorgeous as Albanias coastline are the countrys incredible mountains that make up the Albanian Alps. 10 Best Things to Do in Saranda, Albania - Tourism in Albania Youll paddle right by the canyon walls and float next to eight impressive waterfalls. One of the best places in Albania to try it is five minutes outside of Kuks. While youre in the area, make sure you visit. Today, Apollonia is a UNESCO world heritage site that still features archaeologists uncovering new ruins and artifacts. Chteau-d'Oex: Best Balloon Festival in Switzerland winter bucket list. Today, the site has ruins from all the different periods in history that it was developed. Telluride is one of the best winter destinations in the United States for many reasons. When you visit Albania in winter, you should pack for chilly, humid, and wet weather conditions. 32 BEST Destinations to Spend Winter in Europe - The World Pursuit Its around 1000 lek, ($9), for a return ticket. It's a great base for singles and couples. In 2021, fed up of her job as a lawyer, she quit to pursue her travel dreams and became a freelancer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 11 Best U.S. Destinations to Escape Winter - The Weather Channel in the south of Albania. In terms of attractions, Lekursi Castle sits at the top of the list, both for its hilltop ruins but also its epic sunset views. From the city centre, it is about a 20-minute drive to the foot of the Dajti mountain. Its also close to many of the best places in Albania. I loved the sweet little artisan shops, charming cafes, and unique restaurants. The baths are found by Katiu Bridge, a gorgeous old stone bridge that offers stunning views of the distant mountain ranges. Some occupy remote. On the verge of the tourist season, the Albanian Riviera and especially Dhermi Beach remain the most popular destination for tourists, both locals or emigrants. Also, when you reach the top, youll experience a magnificent 360 view. For nature seekers, Bovilla Lake, and The Blue Eye, are two of the most beautiful places in Albania. The cave is famous in Albania, because of a childrens adventure book. The Alps are home to two of Albania's most beloved national parks, Theth National Parkand Valbona Valley National Park, widely agreed to be two of the most beautiful places in Albania. Entrance costs 1000 LEK, ($9), per person, and its best to arrive here first thing as it can get incredibly warm, and the crowds intensify as the day goes on. I am an Albania Tour Guide, who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania. This is the best museum to learn about the many people who fell victim to communist terror. Sarande[SEE MAP] Sergii Zysko / Dreamstime With its stunning location on the Ionian Sea, Sarande is blessed with year-round warm weather, sparkling waters, and a relaxed way of life. The main Ksamil beach, (Plazhi Ksamilit), and Plazhi Bora Bora, are usually the busiest as they have the most beautiful, shallow water. One of the best things to do in Tirana city is: to take the cable car to Dajti Mountain. Rent a car in Albania tips. There are tons of excellent state and national parks in California that make for great wintertime destinations, but this one stands out. Always ensure you are taking a guide on winter hikes if this is your first time. Its absolutely stunning. 11. Furthermore, from the castle you will have a wonderful view of the Petrela village and its valley with olive trees. If youre looking for a destination where you can lay about and get a sun tan while enjoying a dip in the sea, then you need to visit, Its one of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera and home to many summer music festivals, including the. Thrill-seekers might be interested in a more adrenaline-heavy activity than museums, visits, festivals, and food can offer. That's where you'll find most of the ski resorts. In the Albanian Riviera, temperatures remain relatively comfortable through the winter, while the inland mountains can see temperatures drop below freezing. With over 3,000 years of history, Durres is both the second largest, and most ancient city in Albania. With such a fantastic coastline, its easy to forget that Albania is also covered by mountains. To see some of the clearest water in the region I would recommend that you take a boat trip. 9. 4. It has some relaxing, pebbly beaches, and the most beautiful promenade right on the water. 30 of the Best Places in the World to Visit in November Mount Dajti 348 Mountains By DrSpaceBoy From skiing to Byzantine art local traditions and delicious cuisine, here are the best places to travel during wintertime in Albania. This is called the Balcony of Tirana for a good reason. Situated in the far north of Albania, bordering Montenegro to the north and Theth National Park to the west, Valbon (or Valbona) Valley National Park is another sensational destination for Albania winter trips. Voskopoja Voskopoja is located about 13 miles (21 km) from Korca. Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Winter 2022 | Trip.com Saranda also has some amazing restaurants, with some tasty seafood on offer. The Bunk Art museum is one of the best places to visit in Albania as it is very impressive and admittedly a little creepy. Why visit in February: St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, is home to European-style architecture, rich cultural heritage, and gorgeous coastal scenery. The parks Gashi River is part of the multi-unit UNESCO Primeval Beech Forests World Heritage Site, which encompasses sites all over Europe. All those ingredients lend themselves perfectly to a wide variety of grilled, roasted, or stewed meats. Planning tip: Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs can be hard to come by, and almost everything will need to be paid for in cash. Since the water is light blue it looks like the iris of the human eye and the black, underwater cave is the human pupil. Sarand Where to stay in Saranda 7. 7. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to earn money and travel in a financially sustainable way. Try Local Homemade Cuisine at Oda Restaurant. As this is a summer destination, most businesses close during the off-season. Required fields are marked *. In the square, you'll find the impressive Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era market, and St. Mary's Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. There are also very few hours of sunshine per day in winter in Albania. The best time to explore Osumi is in Spring. Finally, on the history front, theres the Independence Proclamation Building, where Albania declared its independence in 1912, as well as the ruins of Kanina Castle. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Make sure you book well in advance if youre visiting in July & August, as hotels can be booked out due to the festivals mentioned above. Suppose youre visiting the country on March 14; technically still winter in Albania. Its a country with the most stunning scenery, the friendliest people, and an intriguing history thats guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. Let me suggest you top 4 touristic destinations to visit during winter in Albania. There are a lot of museums in Athens, among which the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are the best for ancient history lovers. Ksamil, Saranda, and the Albanian Riviera are the best places in Albania for beach lovers. The capital city is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Albania. Then in 167 BC, the Romans ruled the city and expanded it further. This small village nestled in between the Albanian Alps is perfect if youre looking for the best hiking in the country and dramatic landscapes to enjoy. You can hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, which is a fresh water pool in the mountains. The cable car journey takes you from the foot of the hill to the upper station in 15 minutes. With energy bills at an all-time high, Brits are opting to spend the winter in Albania, where pints cost 1 and staying in a hotel is cheaper than paying rent 2 Waterfront of Saranda. Its a delicious dish you can only find in Gjirokastr. Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs can be hard to come by, and almost everything will need to be paid for in cash. Moreover, you can dive of the rocks, go kayaking, snorkelling or diving. The Valbona National Park is the ultimate mountain destination and therefore very popular amongst hikers. A classic winter scene on Turkey's Lake Cildir. 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Albania - Culture Trip One of the most popular hiking trip usually lasts 3-4 days. Ksamil 8. But check my guide for more tips. To reach the spring, visitors first walk through a forest of oak and sycamore trees before eventually reaching a viewing platform by the water. Its sister resort, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, is 15 minutes north of Petoskey and you can catch gorgeous Lake Michigan views from the top of the mountain on a clear day. A day trip to Berat will give you a good amount of time to explore the city. The gorgeous city is famous for being one of the world's most liveable cities. If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of Albania, head to BunkArt1, my favourite museum in Tirana. You can get buses all over the country and across the Macedonian border from here. At the site you can see the ruins of an ancient Greek town dating back to the 6th century BC. The Osumi Canyon is the perfect place for white water rafting if youre visiting Albania at the right time. In the past, the castle used to belong to lord Skanderbeg, who is a national hero because he fought against the Turkish Ottoman armies to defend Albania. But Albania has plenty of attractions and sights to offer tourists. Best Places to Visit for a Winter Getaway in California 5. The Llogara Pass is the highest point on the coastal road. You will look down on the tree tops, the city of Tirana, little cabins below and the beautiful nature. Butrint is an archaeological park in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border and the city Saranda. Furthermore, you can see fishermen came ashore with fresh fish. Its depth makes it look black, like the pupil of an eye, and the bright blue around its centre is akin to an iris. You can hardly believe youre in Europe. The most famous sight are the enormous pillars of the administrative centre dating back to 2nd century AD. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes. 10 Best Places to Visit in Oregon in Winter | PlanetWare This national park is truly dreamy in the winter as the snow covers Half Dome . You'll find hints, tips and tricks for traveling Albania on a budget in this blog post. Korca - the city of serenades. Without question, a major Tirana highlight and one of the most fun tourist attractions in Albania in winter is the Dajti Ekspres. Gjirokastra is called the stone city, because of the traditional stone houses and cobblestone streets. Best Destinations for Winter Holidays in Albania IIA You must visit the Castle whilst youre in the city, it was the highlight of my visit. Largely abandoned during the cold, icy winter months, the Accursed Mountains, better known as the Albanian Alps, come alive during the summer months. Bovilla Lake 12. Furthermore, there is also a lovely bazaar market where you can see traditional stone carvers. 3 x t-shirts; 2 x shorts . However, there are plenty of quieter towns along the Albanian Riviera where you can easily spend a few days relaxing by the beach, such as Himara, Borsh, Palase, and Vuno. Head to Orikum Beach to the south for a bright white pebbly beach, or Narta Beach to the north for sand. Other fascinating historical attractions in the city center include the 18th-century Ethem Bey Mosque and Bunkart 2, one of two Cold War bunkers in Tirana cleverly converted into art and history museums. Visitors can walk through the passageways and rooms where ex-dictator Hoxha and his aides were to seek shelter from possible nuclear attacks during the Cold War. But after the collapse of the communist regime in 1991, the building was transformed into a conference centre and exhibition venue. Its different regions have climates that range from subtropical to warm Mediterranean and continental. After all, it was from Kruja Castle that Skanderbeg rebuffed the Ottomans for decades, a feat that made him a national symbol. The little shops along the road offer a variety of souvenirs and handicraft products. For beaches, theres the long stretch of sand at Plazhi i Ri or the more central beachfront at Plazhi i Vjeter. She asked her family to expose her breast, so that she could feed her new born son. If youre looking for a lake getaway and craving silence and tranquility, visit Lin. 1 Saranda Port. Albania is a real treat for those travelling on a budget, with prices just a fraction of the costs in many other European countries. From the ferry you can enjoy views over the water which are breath-taking. Home to terrific beaches, the town witnesses the huge influx of tourists. Stampace, where you'll find the Roman Amphitheater and other Roman ruins the Botanic Gardens colourful Villanova La Marina, home to many small bars and restaurants Make sure to head to Poetto Beach, Cagliari's main urban beach. Osumi Canyons 6. Although there are signs warning against swimming in the icy water of the Blue Eye, many visitors opt to dip their feet in. Even if the road didnt take you to panoramic viewpoints, the drive through the Llogara Pass would be well worth the journey. 16 Absolute Best Places to Visit in Canada in Winter This traditional house was built between 1811-1812 and is a beautiful example of some of the most fascinating Albanian home and marriage traditions. Try the traditional alcoholic drink called Raki, made from distilled grapes and very popular in Albania. Staples are garlic, onions, and herbs, which are used in the majority of recipes. Albanian villages still preserve values from the nation's tradition as well as different cultures that clashed in the area. 7 Ksamil. One attraction that is worth venturing out onto the lake to see is Maligrad Island, where youll find the remote Church of St. Mary inside a cave. If your visit falls over the colder months, you should take a quick trip to Permet, which is just outside of Gjirokaster. A boat trip is a must, as many of the beaches close to Saranda can only be accessed by the water. 32 Best Places to Visit in December in the USA As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In the 6th century BC, the Greeks from Corfu built a trading city on the hill of Butrint. Croatian Cooking, What To Pack For Croatia Shkoder is a great city to base yourself in. Although Saranda may be the best known beach destination on Albanias coast, there are a whole host of smaller towns and beach resorts in Albania that are collectively known as the Albanian Riviera. Required fields are marked *. Top Things to See and Do in Valbona, Albania - David's Been Here Lovely bazaar market where you can see temperatures drop below freezing its valley with olive trees winter. Learn more about the fascinating history of Albania delight in the United States for many.. And cultural attractions including 17 museums interested in a more adrenaline-heavy activity museums! 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