Albania will become one of the countries that surprise you at the first sight.
At least, there are 3 reasons why Albania is worth to visit:
· Its natural wonders: the most beautiful views of this country are its mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and a long etcetera. The beauty is endless.
· Its gastronomy: delicious and very economical. You can come to eat in restaurants with spectacular views for ridiculous prices.
· Friendly English-speaking spots: Sometimes, you do not need a travel guides to let you see around. People there fluently speak English (though, with some European accent)
1. Waterfalls in Grunas
What to see in Albania: amazing the rainbow, right? From Shkodër you will arrive at Theth using one of the traditional vehicles that the Albanians use as public transport to visit their country.
The trip is slow because of the dozens of stops along the way. This, together with the fact that the roads for most of the journey are not paved, makes about 80 kilometers become many hours of journey.The good thing is that during the whole trip you will find spectacular perspectives to photograph.
From Theth you can perfectly do a lot of walks with spectacular views for several days.The best part is in the area of Grunas. It's about 3 kilometers to get to the waterfalls.
And why is this the number 1 place?
Because if you get to the waterfall between 4 and 6 in the afternoon, the sun's rays penetrate it and a beautiful rainbow forms between the water and the mountains.
It is a sight worthy to enjoy for hours.
2. Blue Eye
Only the walk is worth it. Because of the number of places you will visit, it will leave you with their mouths open. However, getting to Blue Eye is worth it.
Over there, you will find a very cool little restaurant with wooden ledges. It is essential to have a beer here or eat. They also have ridiculous prices for food.
An important tip: to trace all these routes use the free application called Maps.me. Every time, it works well, even these complicated mountain routes are marked.
By the way, in this area of the mountains of northern Albania, it will be the first time you will see fireflies. The sensation is not the same when you see them in video or in photographs. It’s epic!
3. Skadar Lake
This lake divides Montenegro and Albania. It also unites Montenegrins, Albanians, and cows during the sunset.
From Shkodër, you can walk the south edge or use bicycle. There is a village called Zogaj, 13 kilometers from Shkodër. Once you have reached here, you can continue forward along the dirt road leaving the mosque on the right.
A few meters away, you will find a path, also dirt road, that goes down to a restaurant. This place sells grilled fish and a salad.
Enjoy the views of the mountains of Montenegro while you relax leaving the little fish located on the lake to "clean" your feet.
In North Albania, you will also find Valbona Valley National Park. When you visit this national park, it is just like you are seeing your familiar Windows wallpaper, but in real life! The altitude of the park, which is part of the Dinaric Alps , varies between 400 and 2,692 meters above sea level . The park is located between the Thethi National Park to the east and the Lumi I Gashit National Park to the west.
The next maritime experience you must see is Koman Lake boat trips. Here, you will experience the mix of Caribbean and Asian Life Floating in a ferry.
4. Turquoise blue rivers
All the way from Përmet to Fier you will find crystal clear rivers. You can also travel these rivers by road from Gjirokaster to Përmet, although the first option is the most impressive. The ‘blue eye’ (Syri Kalter) is located halfway between Saranda and Gjirokaster is a water spring and natural phenomenon. This deep spring feeds the Bistrica River and its actual depth is unknown, although divers have descended to fifty metres. The surrounding clear turquoise waters are a popular option for swimming particularly in the summer. This is an excellent option for a half day trip for those based in Gjirokastra.
5. Hot springs Banjat e Benjës
The city of Përmet is not a big thing. However, you have two interesting points nearby.
The first is the route that takes you to the village of Leusë. You will find a church with some very interesting frescoes (as long as you like the art) and wonderful views of the river from a very high point.
The other point, and the best one without a doubt, are the thermal waters that are in the area of Benjë Novoselë.
If you do not have a car, it's hard to get there walking from Përmet. It is 14 kilometers. Fortunately, you can find taxi there. Although the water does not come out too hot, the place is a wonder. Thanks to the views it has. Above all, you will like it if you do not go during peak hours or weekends.
If you have enough time, you must visit Ksamil. I can’t stress this enough! The coast of Ksamil is famous for its spectacular archipelago and turquoise waters. The tourist town of Sarande is just less than 10 km away.
3 CITIES YOU CAN NOT MISS
Finished this natural tour through the most beautiful natural landscapes of Albania, now I want to tell you what to do and what to see in Albania regarding its cities.
These are the 3 of them that mostly impressed us.
1. Gjirokastër
It was the first place you will meet in Albania. Undoubtedly, it captivates you as soon as you get to the city.What you cannot miss in this city are:
· The castle
· The internal bunker under the castle (to access question at the tourist information office)
· Skëndull House
· Zekate House
These houses are kept as 19th century period houses. If you have to choose one of the two houses, I'll take the last mentioned because the owner lets you walk through it completely as you wish.
To stay, without a doubt, we recommend Stone City Hostel. Wouter, the Dutch owner with Albanian heart will always attend you with a big smile. Undoubtedly, it is the best hostel in the city in relation of quality price. Good breakfast (you can order more food until you get full), good beds, good bathrooms (shared) and a great atmosphere.
The hostel is totally new and Wouter is thinking of including some improvements in the exterior and guided tours of the nearby mountains.
2. Berat
Berat, or better known as the city of a thousand eyes by the configuration of the windows of the houses, is a world heritage site since 2008 together with the aforementioned Gjirokastër.
The roads to Berat are not complicated. From any of the most well-known cities, there is a traditional public transport that goes here. Then, what to see in Berat?
· Castle and its citadel or Kalaja district: located on the top of the mountain on which the Mangalem district rises.
· Mangalem neighborhood: historic district of reference.
· Gorica neighborhood: this is where you can find the cheapest accommodation and restaurants with the best views of the city.
Also, walking through the new Berat is interesting. The building that comes out above all, is the historic university. Moreover, you will also find berat’s castle and stunning Gjirokaster castle on your way.
It is all worth entering and walking around.
3. Tirana
Tirana is no exceptional. I cannot tell you that it is a beautiful city or what, but you have many nearby natural areas as well as attractive parks. Why do we recommend it?
At least, there are two reasons:
First, because it is the place where you will find more contrasts between its people and between the neighborhoods: the poor and the rich is intermingle in a somewhat strange way. In the same street you can find an all-terrain Porsche and a 30 years old Fiat parked in front of it.
In this city, you will also find Kruja Castle. In the past, it was the main witness of the balalla of Skanderbeg against the Ottoman Empire.
The second reason is because its culinary experience. You will enjoy the best homemade ice cream and the best pizzas made in a wood oven. You can also eat baked chicken for 3 euros (whole chicken) and Kebab with a great meat for just about one euro.
Finally..
Do you know what these cities got in common? In each city, you will find a stunning castle. For example, in Berat, you will find Berat’s Castle. If you’ve traveled there, let us know in which other cities you find a castle in the comment below!
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