Albania Favorites

  University Kristal
by JLBG
 
  • University Kristal
      University Kristal
    by JLBG
  • University Kristal
      University Kristal
    by JLBG
  • Half bird’s eye view on Korcë
      Half bird’s eye view on Korcë
    by JLBG
  • Older buildings
      Older buildings
    by JLBG
  • A green city
      A green city
    by JLBG
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Pigs

by JLBG

We are so used to see either pigs fed in an industrial pig house and never going out but for final slaughter that it is always a surprise to see flocks of pigs roaming almost freely in the country. Actually, in 1988, we saw that only once, along the road between Tiranë and Shkodër.On the first photo, the group of women in the background are obviously surprised to see a bus stopping and half a dozen citizens taking photos of the pigs! Are pigs that interesting ?On the last photo, the children, that came closer to see who were these strange visitors wave at use while we are leaving. The one in the middle does not care that his fly is fully open! May be it cannot close!

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Donkeys

by JLBG

Donkeys are cheaper to get and to feed than horses. Then, no wonder that in 1988 there were so many donkeys. I do not know the name of the breed of donkeys appearing in the first and second photo (region of Shkodër). They are rather short and with a very thick fur, thicker than most breeds I know. They look like mountain donkeys, adapted for low temperatures.On the third photo, taken in the south, another breed of donkey, darker and with a thinner fur. They are overloaded with bow branches. For what use, I do not know.The fourth photo… Wow, what are you doing here, this is a donkey page! Well, it is true that women too can be used to carry heavy loads (1988)!

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Horses

by JLBG

In 1988, as no private person could own a car and as there were anyway so few cars and trucks in the country, horses were widely used for transport of persons as well as of goods. Breeding and trading horses was mainly the job of Roms (the word "Gypsies" should not be used). In 2005, there are still many horses.Photos 1 through 3 shows a group of Roms heading across the mountains with horses, asses and dogs.On the fourth photo (1988), a herd of horses are lead for grazing somewhere else along the road. When driving, beware of horses!On the fifth photo (1988), three horses are loaded with hidden goods.

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Albania people

by Tobias_Plieninger

All people of Albania are very friendly many of them can speak English.If you speak with them you will make friends soon.Many of them are just interested what other people do.So if they ask many questions don't be surprised.There will be some questions about your car or your wife thats usual.If they invite you. Don't refuse. Thats very impolite!You can invite them for the next round than they will be happy. The best memory of Albania is my first visit to this country.I never expected that people could live in such a poor standard.On the other hand they are very happy and satisfied.That is fascinating.

Entry visas - pretend your Dutch

by sourbugger

If you enter Albania from one of the more obscure crossing point (we entered through mainland Greece) the Immigration authorities have to sell you a visa / entry permit We were ready (this was a few years ago now)_ with about eighy dollars to pay for a visa, but the border guard looked at us and (whilst holding our passports upside down) asked - Dutch ? We said yes, and got in for five dollars !UPDATE : OCT 05, the rquirement for visas has pretty much disappeared now, although there is a 10 dollars charge for entering the country for the citizens of most counntries.

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Travel Guide

by frockland

To me much better than RG or LP is The Bradt Travel Guide to Albania. The author Gillian Gloyer was living and working in the country for four years and gives a very detailed view on Albania.bradtguides

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communications - mobile phones

by ardelean

Mobiles phones work in may places in Albania, but not so many as advertised. The mountains are big. However, you can pick up the Greek circuits in the south and the Macedonian circuits in the east, so all is not lost. Get used to sending SMS as they will arrive when you get in range of someone.

Blue Skies and Beaches

by meep4

It's not only "Blue Skies and Beaches" - Albania has much more to offer. You can find a great mix of cultures, landscapes, monuments and so on.Albania is different - but it's not dangerous. The people - you'll never forget these friendliness!

albanian roads.

by cachaseiro

albanian roads vary a lot in quality.some of the main roads are very good, but most are quite rough and be prepared for a bumpy ride.it was great to mountainbike trhough albania, but on a normal bike you would have problems.

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good internet place.

by cachaseiro

there are several internet places in tirana and they are all around the same price.most places don't have USB connection though, but i found that the internet center at the sheraton hotel has it.it looks very posh and expensive, but it's the same price as the rest of town and the staff is very freindly and helpful.

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Top 3 Hotels in Albania

Sheraton Tirana Hotel and Towers  Tirana

 4 Reviews and 70 Opinions  Having spent approximately 5 months in the Sheraton-Tirana, I know the "ins" and the "outs" of the... 

 Hotels in Tirana

Hotel Berati  Berat

 3 Opinions

 Hotels in Berat

Grand Hotel Europa  Shkoder

 11 Opinions

 Hotels in Shkoder

The Place

Reviews and photos of Albania attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Albania sightseeing.

Experience Albania
 

Questions and Answers

Drugness profile photo

Q:  Hello all I'm planning to visit Albania in 2012 and i need every bit of advice going. There doesn't seem to be a huge amount of... 

cachaseiro profile photo

A: I have been to Albania several times over the years and i would say you should try and make a visit to Berat aswell as Girokaster. These places are very scenic places... 

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