The Albanian Coast
Did you know that the Albanian coast is divided by two seas? Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea. The Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place to spend the summer holidays. Although 70% of the country is made up of mountainous areas, the western part of Albania is bordered by 316 km of coastline, full of virgin and overcrowded beaches during the summer season. They can start from North to South or vice versa to explore every corner of our coast. In recent years, it has been proclaimed by European tourist magazines and television stations as “The Jewel of Mediterranien”, due to the fact that Albania is the most unknown and unexplored country on the Balkan peninsula.
The Adriatic Sea, consisting of many sandy beaches where you have to walk a few meters to reach the depth needed for swimming, make it the ideal place for family holidays with young children. The deep and crystalline Ionian Sea, known for pirate caves and bays with ancient names, have served sailors for centuries, where dark blue waters fascinate you and keep you swimming for hours. We can also call it our precious treasure as it is part of the Albanian Riviera. Unlike the sandy beaches the Ionian Sea has a rocky terrain, consisting of small stone shores.
The division of the two Adriatic and Ionian seas takes place in the city of Vlora, near the tunnel, in the place called “Cold Water”, where we can see how the rocky shore begins to show its forms. The entire coastal area of Albania is part of ancient history and legends. Illyrians and Illyrian civilization were our first, masters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Poseidon, Rodoni the masters of the seas, from the pagan faith and the sailors who fell in love with the beautiful sirens bring us closer to the many mysteries of our shores. Among other things, something that will really impress you, are many bunkers that you will encounter throughout the Albanian coastal area. This consequence of the fantasy of Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, as if Albania was in danger of being invaded by the capitalist western world. Around 700,000 bunkers were built during the communist regime, which lost their value with the advent of democracy in Albania in 1990. They are now everywhere, across coastal or border areas, but are often colorful and serve as works of art to tell a painful part of our history. What else can we know about the Albanian coast? I think culinary is one of the strengths of our country. The fresh seafood is so delicious that you will be amazed. Italian cooking culture mixed with traditional will make you love the food in Albania. Usually the food products are organic and local, where you will immediately realize their special taste. 300 days of sunshine accompany Albania throughout the year. The endless beaches, sunny days, such delicious food and above all Albanian hospitality are the reasons why this place should not be missed.
By Bergi Agalliu