About Albania
About Country Cheat Sheet
Divided into 61 municipalities.
Total: 691 km, Border Countries: Greece 212 km, Kosovo 112 km, Macedonia 181 km, Montenegro 186 km
About Albania
Albania is officially known as the Republic of Albania.
It is a country in Southeast Europe on the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea
within the Mediterranean Sea. It may be a small country with 11 sq miles
but it does not lack in things to see and do. From the city’s
archaeological sites to the outward stunning beaches of the Riviera and
many others, it is an ideal destination place for any kind of traveller.
Albania Geography
Albania is bordered by Montenegro in the northwest, Kosovo in the
northeast, North Macedonia in the east and Greece to the south. It
displays varied geographical, climatic, morphological and hydrological
conditions. The country has a diverse range of landscape ranging from
the Albanian Alps, Ceraunian Mountains to the hot coasts of the Ionian
Sea and Adriatic along the Mediterranean Sea.
History of Albania
Historically, the land of Albania was inhabited by various Thrcian,
IIIyrian and Ancient Greek tribes. In the 3rd century, it was annexed by
Romans and became part of some of the Roman Provinces, and then the
Byzantine came in to capture 1190. After it has so many other rulers,
and in 1991 it was dissolved form the People’s Socialist Republic and
Albania were established.
Albania Climate and Weather
The climate in the country varies due to the
difference in longitude, latitude and altitude. It has four distinct
seasons and five major climatic types ranging from the Mediterranean to
Sub-Artic in the eastern half of Albania. The warm areas are around the
sea coasts and the cold areas are in the highlands. Rain also varies in
different season and year to year.
Albania Food and Cuisine
The dish of Albania is rooted from the ancient Ottoman
Empire with a huge influence from Greece, Turkey and Italy. Their main
staple is meat and vegetables along with heavy stews, cheese, bread,
cheese, cabbage and smoked meat. The popular vegetables used in most of
the dishes are tomatoes, cucumber, eggplants, peppers, olives and
legumes.
Albania Culture and Traditions
The culture and tradition have influenced the daily
life of the Albanian people for centuries which progress over centuries
of its distinct historical evolution. It is a hospitable culture which
has been shaped by the history and geography of Albania. They are culturally distinguished into two groups such as the Tosks and Ghegs.
Facts about Albania
1. The official's language of Albania is Albanian.
2. Only three million people live in the country.
3. The country’s heroine is Mother Teresa.
4. Islam was introduced in the country during the 17th century.
5. The country has 13 small islands.
6. Albania is the world’s largest hydroelectricity producer.
7. Albania is known for its weightlifting.
8. It was a communist island.
9. There is no Mc Donald’s in Albania.
Tourism
Albania Tourism
The country’s economy has been dependent on its tourism which is
characterised by the country’s cultural and archaeological heritage
dating back to the period when the region was inhabited by Greeks and
IIIyrians. It was after the end of communism in 1991 that Albania
started to open its gates to the tourist. As time went by, its rumpled
mountains and scenery, noisy capital and dreamy beaches continued to
enchant many travellers till today. It is the 25th most visited country
in Europe and ranked as number one most to be visited destination in
2011.
Tirana Tourism
It is a prismatic capital city of Albania which has undergone a huge
transformation in an extraordinary proportion since its freedom from
communist slumber. Today, Tirana is unrecognisable from
its darks days with so much of vibrant whirl, painted buildings in
colours, streets and amazing public squares which are a joy to wander.
The charming city also has its unique history and monuments which dates
back beyond the Ottoman Empire. The boulevard is lined in with amusing
relics of its Italian, Ottoman and communist past.
Different Types of Tourism in Albania
1. Historical Tourism in Albania
Albania is rich in its archaeology which there the
historical tour of this country worth exploring. The country has rich
historical sites dating to the Roman, Greek and Ottoman periods some of
which are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Some of the historical sites in Albania such as Apollonia, Ardenica Monastery, Butrint, Durres Roman Amphitheatre, Kapllan Pasha Tomb, Kruje Castle and many others.
2. Cultural Tourism in Albania
Cultural and heritage tourism plays a major role in
the development of the country. Tourist comes to visit monuments,
museums, castles, archaeological parks and other sites in Albania. There
are five sites listed in UNESCO heritage in Albania
namely, Berat, Butrint and Gjirokastra. As for the other two including
Orchid Lake and Gashi River, the authorities are still working on the
list.
3. Sea and Nature Tourism in Albania
It is home to some of the biggest and oldest lake of Southern Europe,
and it’s also rich in water resources. Some of the highest mountains
peaks of the Balkans are located in Albania which makes it a must-visit
place for nature lovers. There are also lakes, waterfalls, beaches,
natural parks and it is easy to fall in love with the landscape of
Albania.
4. Sports and Adventure Tourism in Albania
Albania has a number of sites which offers opportunities for mountain
climbing, outdoor camping, trekking or just walk along the narrow trails
and parks and enjoy nature. Due to its elevated and terrain mountain,
Albania has a suitable condition for hosting a winter sport for ski
lovers as the snow remains here for more than 100 days in some areas of
the country.
5. Honeymoon Tourism in Albania
Albania is gifted with diverse and fascinating coastlines where you can
bath in the sunshine of the country. There are a number of unexplored
coves and beaches where couples can enjoy alone time surrounding
themselves with nature, fruit trees and olive groves. Even more, they
can walk the rare ancient cobbled street of Gjirokastra and Berat and
preserved the architecture of the Ottoman period.
6. MICE Tourism in Albania
Albania is a great destination for M.I.C.E
as it is meeting up with the international standards of the
infrastructure of other countries. There are many nice conference halls,
event halls, meeting hall etc to meet the standards of the corporate
world. There are also five-star hotels and restaurants which provides
international standard amenities.
7. Health and Wellness Tourism in Albania
The Spa business of the country has expanded on luxury hotels which provide all sorts of health and wellness related services. The Spa centres
are growing all over the country and have made the services affordable
for a sustainable life. Spas are now becoming a necessity rather than
luxurious and are driving tourist into the country into receiving
wellness services.
8. Culinary Tourism in Albania
Albania lets you indulge in the best traditional food and drink wherever you go. The cuisine of Albania
has a Mediterranean influence to it with the importance of fruits,
olive oil, vegetables and fish. Every region in Albania offers different
cuisine; for instance, to the northern region, meat, fish and
vegetables are their main ingredients, while the central region is rich
in fish with several meat specialities and deserts and the southern
region use garlic and onion a lot.
9. Nightlife Tourism in Albania
Albania nightlife happens around the capital city,
Tirana where everything stays the open very late night. The city has a
number of bars, cafes and clubs which plays live music and especially on
the weekends. While outside of the city, it is less common, but there
are few bars and cafes along the road. During the summertime, it is fun
by the coastal town as big hotels organise big parties, music and
dancing.
10. Winter Tourism in Albania
Most of the tourist in winter likes to spend their winter vacations in
the winter sports centre and winter resorts. Some of the most popular winter sports in Albania
are Valbona National Park, Theth National Park, Dharda Village, Razma,
Vermosh and few others. Skiing is great in Albania and its ranks among
the most affordable ski destinations in Europe.
Travel Guide
Albania Tour and Travel Guide
Albania is the best wish list for a European
destination for its rich history, warm weather, excellent mountain
scenery, beaches and bargain prices. The Balkan Country
has gradually developed from a communist cocoon to a savvy traveller
spot. The country is becoming a more popular holiday destination as it’s
is less crowded and affordable. There are innumerable things to see and do in this country
and Albania’s long coastline is also one of the world’s most beautiful
coastlines. The country still remains unexplored and undiscovered with
few places. It’s an affordable trip to make to Albania and enjoy what
the country has to offer like no other place in the Balkans.
Tirana Tour Guide
Tirana is a cosmopolitan capital city of Albania whose
communist-era building blocks are enliven by bright paint, lick of
brash in shoulder to shoulder with Italian and Ottoman Empire. It may
look chaos, haphazard, yet it’s constantly alive with the buzz of people
and constant sounds of the traffic and cars. The Albanian Riviera draws
a number of tourists yearly especially in the month of July and August.
Even so, some of the heavenly places and attractions are still fresh to
many foreign tourists.
1. Accommodation in Albania
Tirana has a wide range of hotels ranging from luxury
form business, family-run establishments to budget options. Outside the
city, you can find accommodation in family guests’ houses or hotels
which are of an acceptable standard. There are some nice beach resorts
also at Durresi, Saranda and Vlora. There are cheaper forms of
accommodation such as camping, hostels. Etc.
2. Transportation in Albania
To get in and around the county, you can hire cars in Tirana as it’s is
less stressful and easier to get the car at an instant. For short
journey within city limits, taxis are plentiful and buses are also very
cheap with flat fare but usually overcrowded. Trains are diesel and slow
and the national railway network in Durres.
3. Shopping in Albania
If you want to shop for traditional items in Albania
is Kruja which is less than an hour from the capital city, Tirana. You
will find a number of rug weavers, felt makers and antique dealers.
Otherwise, if you are looking for souvenirs, you will find many of the
items such as copper plates, Albanian flag and beautiful ashtrays in the
Kruja shops.
4. Best Time to Visit Albania
Albania has a good climate throughout the year, and
it’s favourable for travellers to travel all year round. For those who
love summer, the month between April-June is amazing as it the right
beach or holiday season. The peak season starts from the month of
July-August with scoring heat but most visited by tourist. Winter is
great with its winter sports, ski resorts and centres.
5. Albania Travel Tips
• Albanians are friendly people
• Albania is more than just beaches
• It is a safe country
• It is affordable
• Try local food
• Learn basic Albanian words
• Know the prices of everything
• Talk politics
• Study a bit about their history
• Talk philosophy
• Carry cash
6. Albania Flight Connection
The main international airport of Albania is Tirana
International Airport Nënë Tereza. The main carriers for travellers
flying to Albania from India are Finn air, Aeroflot, Ukraine
International Airlines and Turkish Airlines from the main metropolitan
cities of India.
Visa Information
Albania Visa Information
Documents Required
• Valid Passport
• A Passport Scan
• A Digital photo of you
• E-mail address
• Means of payment
Estimated Time:
• The best time to apply for your Albania visa is 1-2 months before your travel date.
