In the land of the double-headed eagle: this is why you should go to Albania now

class=”sc-29f61514-0 jbwksb”>

Fortunately, traffic regulations for Albanian highways are only a suggestion. This gives the necessary freedom for three carriages in the double lane, horse carriages on the hard shoulder, cyclists in the opposite direction and vegetable stands in the collision barrier.

Driving in Albania requires a spirit of adventure and a willingness to anticipate the unexpected. But precisely for this reason, the only real way to get around the Balkan country is a road trip. Rent a car, navigate ruts as deep as ditches, eat meatballs at roadside taverns, and explore dreamy little villages.

It took us just over a week to explore the sightseeing spots in the south of the country: the mystical Lake Ohrid, the forested Llogara National Park, the Butrint archaeological site and the Unesco World Heritage sites Gjirokaster and Berat.

Albania’s capital is colorful (a lot of paint has been painted on old facades in recent years), but Tirana isn’t pretty. But that’s no reason not to spend a few days in the city of 400,000 people. Because Tirana inspires above all with its energetic vibe – many students provide the best nightlife in the area. “Folie Terrace” is one of the most popular clubs. (Shëtitorja Murat Toptani, Tirana)

Important to know: in Albania, people throw themselves into the sexiest clothes in the closet – otherwise the bouncers will turn you away. Everyone there should also enjoy the cafe and pub culture that has a long tradition in Albania. Especially many nightlife options can be found in the Blloku district, where communist politicians used to live. And something is going on with the plates too: More and more creative restaurants are popping up.

And it immediately becomes clear: Albania is an exciting mix, especially for those interested in culture and history. Because, thanks to its central location in the Balkans, the region has seen many rulers over the centuries: ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Turkish Ottomans for nearly 500 years. All of them helped shape the country, and the latter surpassed not only their architecture and culinary skills, but also their religion: Albania is the only Islamic country in Europe.

Berat is a jewel, especially with its Ottoman houses: Old people carry their purchases home on narrow streets paved with coarse river pebbles, and there children jump on the rubber bends. Fresh laundry flutters in the wind. Practical things are piled up in front of the riverside shops: plastic buckets, tin pipes, PVC floor coverings. Daily life.

However, like the rest of the country, Berat is at a crossroads. Many people are moving from the centuries-old houses to the new city, which surrounds the old core like a ring. Knowledgeable businessmen are taking over historic buildings and turning them into boutique hotels, restaurants and shops. In a few years, old cities will be transformed into amusement parks in historical garb, like most tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

This means: The best time to visit Albania is before the tourism machine knocks over Europe’s last white spot. Tourism infrastructure is still poorly developed. This is also due to the fact that Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe.

1. Butrint

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the Butrint peninsula in the south of the country shows a kaleidoscope of various histories. There are temples, streets, theaters and churches from the ancient Greeks, Romans, early Christians and Ottomans. Also not to be missed during a visit is the Archaeological Museum, where you can admire the best finds on the peninsula.

2. Gjirokaster

Southern Albanian Gjirokaster is aptly known as the “City of Stones”. The houses in the mountain town (20,000 inhabitants) are made of local gray stone that even covers the roofs. The old town has around 600 buildings from the Ottoman period (15th to 19th centuries), which is why Gjirokaster was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Some of the magnificently decorated houses can be visited, such as the opulent “Zekate House” towering above the old city. Mosques and places of worship belonging to the Islamic Sufi order can also be seen.

3. Albanian Alps

The mountains in the north of the country are also known as the Albanian Alps. Although the peaks “only” reach just under 3000 meters, the mountains, with their lush valleys and partly dense forests, are still a jewel. Appropriately, the Albanian name also translates as “Enchanted Mountains”. So it goes without saying that lynxes, wolves and bears sneak through the bushes and eagles surround the hills. Besides hiking, you can also do rafting. Hint: Many hiking trails are marked – but often not enough. Good equipment and good maps are therefore particularly important.

4. “We were Europe’s North Korea”

The reasons are mismanagement and corruption, as well as the former dictatorship under Enver Hoxha (1908-1985), which held the country stiflingly for 40 years. People say, “We were the North Korea of ​​Europe”. Hoxha enforced an extreme form of communism and isolation (about 200,000 bunkers across the country testify to his paranoia).

In 1991 the system collapsed and unfortunately with the chaos came the construction frenzy. Due to the lack of a regulated building code, many apartment blocks have been pushed up and this has devastated the seaside resorts of Ksamil, Saranda and Vlora in particular. It’s a pity, because in the south of the country, the beaches where the mountains go down to the sea are like lovely little coves with tropical clear waters.

The best way to discover them is to walk along the beach. From the small town of Himara, roughly in the middle of the Ionian Sea, a well-developed hiking trail curves north into various coves. Then Albania reveals its true beauty: ossified olive trees and pine trees grow here, rosemary, thyme and goats bleat through the bushes. We find a rocky cove not much bigger than the garden of the house. Nobody is coming. Splendid.

5. Original charm

We only return to the small town of Himara after sunset, as people stroll along the mini promenade. Everything looks as calm as it did in other beach destinations 30 years ago. It may not be suitable for Instagram photos, but it has a unique appeal that you won’t find in many vacation destinations.

Pack a piece of tolerance, innovativeness and pioneering spirit! Get close to people even if you don’t speak the same language – sincerity knows no language barrier! You will take this country and its inhabitants to heart. Albania stands out with its magnificent beaches, simple but delicious food and unspoiled nature. But not all beaches are truly beautiful, and when it comes to dining out, it’s an advantage if you’re a lamb lover like me.

The beaches in the south of the Ionian Sea, called the Albanian Riviera, are more beautiful in my opinion than the ones in the north. One of the most beautiful beaches is Gjipe Beach, which can only be reached on foot or by 4×4 vehicle. About half an hour’s walk to the beach is well worth it. Everyone knows it in Albania, but it’s completely unknown here: the Folie Marine Club on Jale Beach. This club complex is ideal for party goers who want to dance the night away by the pool in July/August. If you’re not traveling to Albania in high season, it’s worth a visit to Syri i Kalter (black eye). This spring has the most water in the country with impressive colors.

Transport: Swiss flies regularly from Zurich to the capital, Tirana. More information at swiss.com.

to wander: A rental car is a must if you want to explore Albania. Although buses run between towns, they take a lot of time. However, drivers must drive very defensively, especially in oncoming traffic.

Enter: Passport is sufficient for entry.

Book: Swiss travel agency «Meersicht» specializing in the Balkans offers individual rental car tours and tours. More information at meersicht.ch.

Money: The official currency is the Albanian lek: 1 franc is approximately 107 lek. The price level in the country is very low. Credit cards are only accepted in major hotels. Otherwise, you should have enough cash with you.

Source : Blick