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These are the only ruins I saw in Sarande. The only "highlight", and was not even signed, not fenced. It seemed to me a kind of catholic basilica, but I really couldn't tell, as there was no guard, no name, no sign with the date or history. Of course, I could walk over and around freely, and could have even taken some "souvenirs" home if I intended to...
Walking down the streets in Sarande I had the feeling of being in a Sovietic lost city, the same buildings and atmosphere you could find last century in any suburban area of any sovietic city.Albania has been one of the strongest communist regimes in Europe, almost hermetic to the outside influence, and while the other Eastern Europe countries start developing faster and faster, Albania seems still in the 50s...
Albania gave us the nicest welcome one could imagine. The border officials were extremely friendly, telling us that Germans don't have to pay for the visa and at our first stop in Gjirokastra we had just gotten out of the car when we saw THIS (see pic).Now how nice is that?
Okay, old Cliffie hasn't really been there, but he has had some Albanian experiences. Like spending an hour and a half at the Albanian Embassy in Sofia (Can I have a visa? - Laughter!), discussing life in various socialist paradises and leaving with an armful of useful books (such as the Collected Speeches of Enver Hoxha in German). Or like edging over the border and actually onto Albanian soil until the Kalashnikov pointing at the windscreen suggested he should stop, and then having an amicable conversation in pidgin English, German and Macedonian with an officer (no insignia but he had a sidearm) who told him to drive back over the border.
Berati, a city in south central Albania.The town of Berat, overshadowed to the east by mount Tomorr (2400m), is built on an ancient Illyrian dwelling site, which goes back to the sixth century B.C. Its innumerable monuments and beautiful and characteristic architecture of its houses have proclaimed Berat, a museum town.Much of the city is built on terraces in the steep hills overlooking the Osum. A 13th-century citadel built along a ridge high above the river gorge houses a museum and several old churches. The castle and its fortified walls are interrelated just like a mosaic where various stages of buildings such as " Kala ", " Mangalem ", " Gorice " which are settled on hills units of the toun make up an impressive example of our genius creative people.Gorica, on the far side of the river ; Mangalem, on the fortress side of the river; and the residential quarter within the fortress...
Tirana Capital of Albania since 1920, is compact and pleasant enough to explore on foot. It lies almost exactly midway between Rome and Istanbul, and its architecture has been influenced by both. Most visitors to Tirana begin at Skënderberg Square, a great open space in the heart of the city. Mt Dajti, 1612m (5030ft) rises to the east, and the market on that side of town is well worth exploring.The National Museum of History is the largest and finest museum in Albania, and you'll find it next to the 15 storey Tirana International Hotel, the tallest building in the country. A huge mosaic mural entitled Albania covers the façade of the building. To the east, the Palace of Culture has a theatre, restaurant, cafes and art galleries, and the Soviet influence is apparent in its clunky architecture. The entrance to the National Library is on the southern side of the building. Opposite that is...
A few thousand square km smaller than Belgium, Albania basks on the south-eastern shore of the Adriatic, just a hop, skip and a jump across the waves from Italy. It shares its southern border with Greece, Macedonia lies to the east, and Yugoslavia and the troubled province of Kosovo lie beyond its northern border. The interior of the country is mostly mountainous and over 36% is forested. Despite its position in Eastern Europe, you know you're in the Mediterranean as the plains are extensively planted with olives, citrus and vineyards. A few large lakes, one of them the deepest in the Balkans (Lake Ohrid, at 294m or 931ft) stretch along the borders with Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece. The Ionian coast, particularly the 'Riviera of Flowers' from Vlora to Saranda, has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.Albania has six National Forests, 24 nature reserves and 2000 natural...
The rugged countryside, but mind you, I was there when Albania had no infrastructure as we knew it. The main Square in Tirana featured a police man 'orchestrating' trafic consiting of cyclists and horse drawn carriages. Coming from hectic Amsterdam this was a sight I'll never forget. In those days only 1500 forreigner a year visited the country, and I am proud to have been one of them Getting myself shaved at a barbershop in Kruja, with half the town watching this event outside, and exchangin money at a bank, when suddenly the door opened and the total cash receipts of the local shops was beenig conted right next to me. Imagine this happening Amsterdam!Useful info can be found at : http://www.albanian.com/main/countries/albania/
I liken the town of Saranda. Daily ferry from Corfu (Greece) The fondest memory of Albania is the nice people. The nice ones are not necessarily the ones that you meet on the offer you help you around and who knows what.
see Skanderbeg Square in Tirane, it's the centre of everything in the capital, and the only thing that will stop you getting lost. It has to be the people. They are so friendly. They have bad reputations in other parts of Europe such as Greece and parts of Italy because of the illegal immigrants, but they are so welcoming and interesting people.
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...
Hotel Berati Berat
3 Opinions
Grand Hotel Europa Shkoder
11 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Albania attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Albania sightseeing.
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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...
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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