Albania Country Guide | Guide to Albania

Albania is located in the south-eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, a small country bordered by Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Kosovo and Greece. The country has witnessed many vicissitudes in its eventful history - from the passing of Ceasar's army over fleeing refugees and bloody vendettas, to years of dictatorial rule. In sharp contrast with this is the extreme, almost medieval, hospitability of the Albanians. Albania manages to offer tourists the traditional Mediterranean charm and a heady blend of different religions, cultures and landscapes.

Albania is one of the poorest countries of Europe and one of the least visited by travellers. This is partly because travel infrastructure is far from extensive, however this is evolving quite rapidly. Tourist guides as recent as 2003 will tell you it is impossible to use ATM's in Albania - this is no longer true!

But Albania does have many things to offer to the visitor. Rough scenery, a beautiful coast, authentic villages that have survived the communist period and archeological sites to name a few.

Tirana , the capital city, has a small city center that is best explored on foot. The city, however, has got no limits. Its architecture bears considerable influence of Italian as well as Turkish monuments, lying as it does exactly between Rome and Istanbul. The Skënderberg Square is a huge open space in the centre of the city while Mt. Dajti, at 5,030 ft, towers over the eastern side. The city can be described in one word: dusty. Tirana is dotted by many museums and cultural life is on the rise. However this city is not a place to plan your next city trip. Fascinating as it may be, it hasn't got the looks to please.

For the scenery go to the north where you can take the boat across a huge artificial lake from Komani to Bajrum Curri. Komani can be reached by road from Shkoder. In Komani you can drive your car onto the ferry, which depards at about 10 am. This boat takes about 2 hours to cross the lake. Alternatively, at about 9 am there is a smaller bus-boat (take this quite literaly), that takes about four hours to cross. If you can, choose this one! On the other side of the lake you're half an hour by minibus from the sympathetic ugly town of Bajram Curri. This is a good base for exploring the surrounding mountains. From Barriam Curri, you can either take the boat back (fare included in minibusses to Tirana - departing at 6 am), take the much longer road back (this is not a good idea), or go to Kukes via Kosovo (where roads are much better).

The Albanian riviera is like the best Greece has to offer, but without the concrete. Accept for the occasional mushroom shaped bunker on the beach. The stretch between the concrete cities of Vlore and Saranda is particularly beautiful.

If you want to feel like an archeologist for a day, head for Butrint, near Saranda. Not only great because of it's historic importance, but also because it is so underexploited. Make sure to hire a guide. Structures are not marked and guidebooks offer vague explanations of the historical importance of Butrint. English-speaking guides are available at a decent price. Butrint has become one of the most visited places in Albania because of the day-trippers from Corfu.

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Albania Facts

Capital: Tirana

Population: 3,130,000

Currency: lek (ALL)

Religions: Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%

Government: emerging democracy

Languages: Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects

Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter

Phone Code: 355