Top 10 places to visit in Albania
It is truly difficult to choose the best 10 places to visit in Albania, but we have made our choice!
Rana e Hedhun, It is located in the city of Lezha, near the beach of Shengjin. It is truly a place not to be missed, completely untouched and of a virgin nature. The whole slope of the hill is covered with sand so you are really amazed at how sand dunes can be found in the Balkans and not just in the famous Middle Eastern Sahara. Once we climb to the top of this dune, we can roll upwards and end up straight and into the sea. The particular part of this beach has no end, as there are small places where the sand is completely black and most vacationers completely paint their body and face as it is claimed to have curative properties. A special place and definitely not to be missed. Time will pass so fast that you will leave with a smile on your face. Koha ka për të kaluar kaq shpejt, saqë do të largoheni me një buzëqeshje në fytyrë.
Bashtova Castle, It is located in the village of Vila Bashtova, a few kilometers from Kavaja and has long been known as a river port in Shkumbin, near the beach of Spille. It has a quadrilateral shape and most notably, it is the only fortress built in a field area in the Balkans. With 9-meter-high walls, it retains an excellent shape, thinking it belongs to the Century XV. Its classic look, along with the nature surrounding it, gives life to this castle. The image she conveys in a photograph gives you the impression of being a professional photographer.
Rozafa Castel, The dominant location at the entrance to the city of Shkodra gives it great pride in appearance. Visiting the castle of Rozafa, you really remain speechless. Walking through the castle you become really confused which balcony to choose to enjoy. The centuries-old Shkodra Lake or the giant Alps, large enough to resemble sharp-edged peaks. Although the castle in the interior does not have many monuments to visit, the walled Rozafa legend grips you, and you remain inspired by the landscape that offers you. Moreover, where it is more beautiful than a fortress, it is symbolized by the name of a woman with manly bravery … Just Rozafa
Blu Eye Theth, Imagine traveling deep into the Albanian Alps, where mountain fairy tales and legends of supernatural men have no end in sight to discover this treasure of nature. The journey takes about an hour, on narrow mountain roads or otherwise called goat roads where you really think about where you are going, or what I want here. Fatigue makes you wonder if it was worth the trip to the Blue Eye. After leaving rocky areas with steep uphills, vegetation begins to dominate and numerous signs make you realize you are nearby. Keep going, what it will be like and suddenly start smiling, here’s the blue eye, a giant water fountain in the middle of nowhere. Start thinking about whether Tarzan will suddenly emerge after dense vegetation. Sit on the gigantic trees that are set to rest and enjoy telling yourself it was worth it to see this natural beauty.
Valbona Valley Park, is located in the northern part of Albania, surrounded by the Alps. Located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters from where the Blue River of Valbona flows, this color is unique to the chemical elements it contains. The guesthouse and the Towers, a valley surrounded by rocky, steep mountain peaks, highlight the beauties of this Alpine village. The River of Valbona is the diamond that adds value and uniqueness to the village of Valbona, where in recent years its residents have tried to keep it untouched by the slogan #MosMaPrekValbone. In Valbona you can spend the night in a guesthouse understanding the traditions and customs of the Highlands, even enjoying traditional food. Something you will question which was the most beautiful part of this Alpine village ?! An evening that offers you starry skies but as close as you can touch them, or the cool morning surrounded by majestic mountains enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Termal Baths Bënjë, Sulfur water springs create several hot water baths, surrounded by untouched nature in the Permet area. Their location is near the village of Banje about 30 min from the main road Kelcyra – Permet. The characteristic of this magical water lies as it is possible to dive inside it, in any season, even in the cold winter months. The landscape in this area is very attractive and there are many opportunities to explore. Arriving at the destination, we will walk for a few minutes and immediately take pictures, as medieval bridges from the Ottoman period and steam baths above them create the perfect place for an attractive photo. Nowadays it is one of the most visited places. After exploring the nearby canyon and enjoying every bit of nature, get ready to relax under the thermal waters, with the view of Nemërçka Mountain facing as if you were watching a giant Explorer Channel screen.
Llogara, Llogara National Park, part of the Akrokeraune Mountains, or the Lightning Mountains as they are called, in popular language. The abundance of fauna and flora make you realize how fertile the nature of this park is. Otherwise we can also call it the Albanian Riviera Balcony. During the climb we can stop to refresh at the many springs, with the water that Llogara offers. Tall pines so old, are everywhere and endless to keep Llogara Park ever green and vibrant. “Caesar’s Neck” is called a crossing of the mountain where the powerful Roman Emperor Julius Caesar allegedly passed along with his army to attack Pompeii, a traitor to Rome. Even the story goes back to earlier times: Zeus the god of the gods, in the pagan faith period, is alleged to reside among the mountains in Llogara. Crossing the Llogara Mountain offers you two parts: the one surrounded by huge pines and that of the Ionian coast, which leaves you speechless, even the most famous place to enjoy the Albanian Riviera. It’s usually a form where we can post on social media photos to tell friends that the holidays have just begun. Albanian Riviera, I’m coming…
Porto Palermo Castle, South Pasha Castle, “Ali Pasha Tepelena” born in Tepelena town and ruler of Sandzak of Ioannina in XVIII century. The triangular castle is located on a small peninsula in the bay of Porto Palermo. Its location is in an area with perfect natural protection. This fortress built in a virgin bay for the time was used as a holiday home by Pasha. In its interior it is divided into relevant rooms like: servants, military garrison, guest room and of course the all-powerful pasha’s room. As we climb up the castle, the view grips you, even walking for a moment thinking that you too have a pasha or king power. The crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea and the structure of the castle in the style of the XVIII century create a link with the past and history. The castle of Porto Palermo does not leave without stopping and visiting it if you cross the road near it…
Three Ksamil Islands, Otherwise known as the treasure of southern Albania. Saranda is known for 300 days of sunshine per year, the Ionian coast and the Mediterranean climate, creating the perfect temperatures for citrus fruits like orange, lemon, citrus and the classic olive tree. Apart from the fertility of the land, the secret of Saranda is the Three Ksamil Islands which form a dominant attraction on our coast and are located only 6 miles from the great Island of Corfu. For years the village of Ksamil has received a galloping development as it is the most visited place in southern Albania during the summer season. Emerald waters and islands just off the coast give you the idea that you are in the Caribbean and not the Mediterranean Sea. The food on offer is very tasty where seafood dominates the area’s menus. And where it is nicer than waking up early in the morning, when the beach is empty with a cup of coffee in front, we can confidently say that it is the most relaxing awakening you can enjoy in our beautiful Albania.
Butrint, It has been part of UNESCO since 1992, but its history begins before our time. The oldest symbol found around VI-VII BC, is a stone plate with a lion carved, with the head of a buffalo in its mouth, which symbolizes power and bravery in these ancient times. Butrint was part of the Illyrian tribe of Kaones. Italian archaeologist Ugolini was the first to discover and could excavate only 25% of this archaeological site. Originally a fishermen’s village, it was later developed into Hellenistic-style constructions, until the Roman Emperor Augustus proclaimed it an empire colony. In the Roman period, it had the greatest development reaching and being a bishopric center. Butrint has so many historical periods through the centuries, with very important events for the time to visit and leave us open-mouthed. It is one of the oldest sites maintained throughout the Balkans. As the Roman poet Virgil quoted in one of Aeneas’ travels after the conquest of Troy: “When we were approaching, we saw a Troy in miniature” If you want to live and touch on what life was like in the past and be close to stories related to the great Roman Emperors like Caesar and Augustus, go to Butrint. Simple Buthrotum, the ancient name meaning “Wounded Taurus”
By Bergi Agalliu
Turistic Guide