Albania: 7 good reasons to travel to Albania in 2023

Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next road trip? Look no further: Albania is THE place to go. The country is blessed with everything you can wish for! And you will likely enjoy great weather during your holidays as Albania boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year. It is still an off-the-beaten-track destination. You will find a fascinating mix of rich heritage and traditions, delicious cuisine, pristine nature, scenic mountains, and gorgeous beaches. If you still hesitating to buy your flight tickets, I give you one extra reason: the country is more than affordable, but you will do a lot of good by supporting  the local economy. Hurry up: this gem will not remain hidden for much longer!

Stunning beaches

Albania is home to one of the most beautiful seasides in Europe. It stretches for more than 450 km along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas near the “heel” of Italy – Apulia – and the Greek island of Corfu. The water is very warm with an average temperature of 25.5 °C (78 °F) during the summer. The coast is also full of small bays and coves encompassing hidden beaches that are simply stunning! As a result, the Albanian shoreline will delight couples, friends and families with children alike.

Scenic mountains

Albania is a perfect playground for outdoor lovers. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life for a while and enjoy untouched nature, try the Albanian Alps – or the Accursed mountains, as they are also called. It is one of the most spectacular parts of the Balkans. To make your travel experience even more remarkable, do not miss remote, lost-in-time villages such as Theth and Valbona.

Natural wonders

Besides the gorgeous shoreline and mountains, Albania boasts plenty of other natural treasures. One of the most famous is the “Blue Eye”. It is a large water spring – with a depth of over 50 metres – that is akin to a big eye due to its deep sapphire blue water in the centre and shimmering water surrounding it. There are even two of them in the country: one is located in the northern mountains, a short hike away from the charming village of Theth, and the other one is situated in the South, near the border with Greece.
Albanian lakes and canyons also deserve special attention. Koman lake is one of my favorite in Europe! While your ferry is gliding across that mesmerizing lake, you have the feeling of being somewhere in between Norwegian fjords and a fairy tale. Simply magical!

Source: Unsplash, Yves Alarie

Fascinating history and welcoming people

In this country, you can see history all around you. What we know as “Albania” and what locals call “Shqiptar” had many different conquerors and occupants over the centuries. This land belonged to Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Communists and each of them left their mysteries and secrets that you may try to untangle yourself during your journey.
Meeting with Albanian people is another reason to visit this wonderful country. They are very kind, welcoming, simple, and friendly towards foreigners.

Source: Unsplash, Drini Teta

Local and eco-friendly products

The country benefits from a mild climate, perfectly suitable for agriculture. There are plenty of various local food products, all very fresh and delicious. In every town, there are small, cosy markets where you can buy directly from the producers. With olive oil, delicious cheese, seafood, meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, Albania is a paradise for foodies!

Handcrafts are the core elements of national identity. Wood, iron, copper, wool and leather are the most popular around the country.

Mouth-watering cuisine

With all this variety of staples that would be a sin not to have nice cuisine!

Albania will not disappoint you in this regard either. Its cuisine is a blend of Balkan, Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, with a special flavour that sets it apart. To name but a few, do not miss “byrek” – the most popular fast food in the country, “dhalle” – a beloved local dairy product, or “fërgesa” – a tasty dish made of peppers, onions, tomatoes, cottage cheese and spices.

Source: own picture

Very affordable prices

In Albania, you get so much more for your money. It is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. There you can treat yourself to the best possible accommodations, restaurants and experiences without ruining your budget.

There are many other good reasons to come to Albania, and there is one thing I know for sure: this destination will enchant everyone!

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About The Author:  Anastasia is a passionate traveller. She always wants to understand properly the destination she visits, its traditions, history, and mindset. During her trips to the Balkans, she

realised that these countries remain unknown to many Western tourists, which is a pity. That is why, together with her partner, she founded Velstana, a travel agency organising tailor-made journeys to European destinations full of hidden gems and local secrets.

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Image Source: Unsplash, S. Vasylenko