Located along a river is a tiny slice of paradise called Lumi i Shales. Here you can enjoy the crystal clear waters, while relaxing along the beach of this hidden treasure of the Albanian Alps. Lumi i Shales is a bay is situated along the Shala River in the middle of the Albanian Alps. Located in the center of the north of the country, visiting here is no quick stop, and requires a full day, (or even a night!). The closest big citiy to Lumi i Shales is Shkoder, which is about 55 km south east, and a little under 2 hours away driving. If you'd like to visit from Tirana, it is 130 km away, and the drive is around 3 hours to the start of journey to get to this gem of a place in Albania. The only way to actually reach Lumi I Shales is by boat, which you can catch from the Komani Lake Pier. We stayed in Eagles land in a guesthouse in the middle of the jungle. You can find it on booking.com
- The "Center" of the City - This is Tirana's geographical and cultural center. The iconic "Skanderbeg Monument" which showcases Albania's national hero, and take in the sights from the surrounding area - the national Opera house on the right, the national museum on the left, the iconic 1920's Italian style ministerial buildings on both sides of the street flanking the beginning of the city's main boulevard.
You will notice several bunkers across Tirana (and Albania, for that matter). To make a long story short, these were built in the 60s/70s/80s in anticipation of foreign invasions that never came. While many have been demolished, a few have been turned into quite interesting museums - one of which is in the center of Tirana and a short walk from where many of you will be staying. Go in and check it out! From TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0 rating): "Bunk'art 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. Bunk'art 2 is the first major video museum exhibition dedicated to the victims of communist terror."
- Tirana's "Meatpacking District" - Once closed off to the public and only available to high ranking government officials, Blloku (or the "block") is now a vibrant and fashionable part of town lined with retail shops, cocktail bars and cafes. Most of you will be staying a few minutes walking distance from the Bllok, so find a few minutes to grab a seat outside (this part might be tough) and enjoy some cocktails in the summer sun.
Berat, Albania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Town of a Thousand Windows. Visit Berat on a day trip from Tirana or stay for a night or two. Boasting an impressive fortress, and a UNESCO world heritage historic centre, the Ottoman architectural heritage is uniquely preserved. Beautiful houses range up and down the slopes of the surrounding hills of Berat. It becomes immediately apparent how the Town of a Thousand Windows earned its name! We stayed in Hotel Rezidenca Desaret. We highly recommend.
The city was the former capital, and it is Albania's third-largest city, an attractive option for those looking for a historic beach escape. The city is an inlet on the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by the Akroceraunian Mountains. Vlorë is a wildly popular place for weddings, which can be as simple or as elaborate as your taste and budget dictate. We recommend to stay at the hotel Regina Blu ! Stunning infinity pool.
The park is popular for its diversity which features majestic mountains and a beautiful sunshine-filled coastline. Much of the vegetation is endemic as a result of the combination of the Mediterranean, mountain, and other geographical features that make the region fairly unique.
Dhërmi is a village part of the municipality Himarë. The village lies 42 kilometers south of the city of Vlorë and about the same distance north of the southern city of Sarandë. The village is built on a slope of the Ceraunian Mountains at approximately 200 meters in altitude. It comprises three neighborhoods: Gjilek, Kondraq (also known as Kallam), and Dhërmi itself. The mountains descend to the southwest into the Ionian coast and Corfu in the distance to the south. Recently, the coastal area has seen a boom in the construction of accommodation facilities, such as wooden villa complexes. In addition, it is considered by the Albanian youth as a nightlife destination. We recommend you to stay at the Elysium Hotel or Drymades Inn Complex. The beach club of Empire Beach Resort is highly recommended (https://www.facebook.com/empirebeach/)
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Gjirokastra is a ~3.5-hour drive south of Tirana. Nicknamed the "City of Stone", it was founded in the 4th century AD as a castle on the side of a mountain. Similar to Berat (and many other cities in the region), there is an amazing castle (recognized as the most impressive castle in Albania), a wonderful old-style bazaar running through the center of town, very interesting architecture, local delicacies, etc.
The "Blue Eye" (Albanian: Syri i Kaltër) is a water spring and natural phenomenon occurring in the village of Muzinë in Finiq municipality, southern Albania. A popular tourist attraction, the clear blue water of the river can be seen from a depth of more than fifty metres.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city’s development.