Among tourists, this direction is not yet as popular as Greece, Croatia or Italy. And completely in vain.
The nature of Albania is surprisingly beautiful: there are green mountains, which are often compared to the Swiss Alps, and mirror lakes, and as many as two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian.
Albania is not yet very popular among vacationers, because tourism has emerged here relatively recently. Even now, its development is hindered by a number of factors, including the lack of qualified workers in this industry, disputes over land ownership, and the low quality of communal services. In short, it is risky to invest serious money in tourism here, so mini-hotels and hostels flourish, and there are few large hotels.
But at the same time, Albanians are aware of the prospects of resorts in their country, so they are trying with all their might to attract foreigners. And if earlier, mainly residents of neighboring Macedonia, Kosovo, Poland, and the Czech Republic came here to rest, now the country is gaining more and more popularity among residents of Western Europe.
Holidays in Albania can be really budget-friendly: in some cities like Elbasan, a night in a hostel will cost only 5 euros. Yes, it is not one of the popular resorts of the southwest coast, but there is also something to see: an Ottoman fortress of the 15th century, the local Museum of Guerrilla War, Kuterman Mountains.
As a last resort, you can go to Tirana, the capital of Albania, for a day, visit the unusual BunkArt and Skanderberg Square, the national hero of Albania, who led the anti-Ottoman uprising in the 15th century. By the way, tourists should know that even in the capital of Albania it is not possible to pay by card everywhere, so it is better to carry cash with you. And preferably, not euros, which are also not accepted everywhere, but Albanian lek.
Vacation in Albania – seas, hotels and beaches
If palm trees, sunbathing and the sound of the surf are ideal vacations for you, pay attention to the west and south-west coasts: Durres, Ksamil, Borsh, Lukovo, Vlora and Saranda. Depending on your preferences, you can choose either a noisy resort with a lot of bars and nightclubs, or a quiet town where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Durres is the second largest and the first most popular city in Albania
Durres, a city of the same age as Rome and Constantinople, is located on the Adriatic Sea. It has the greatest popularity among tourists due to the developed infrastructure, territorial proximity to the capital and a huge number of architectural monuments.
They are proud of their rich history, preserving material reminders of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman eras. You should start your acquaintance with the historical side of the city by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Durres, the entrance to which will cost you only UAH 70 in local currency, and continue with a tour of the Roman baths and the Amphitheater with amazing mosaics.
The beach area of Durres stretches for 11 km. There is a sandy beach and a fairly shallow sea, which families with children will appreciate. Beach bars, cafes, and attractions are located along the coastline. In general, this beach is not the best choice for an introvert, as it is very popular with tourists and locals. But those who want entertainment and appreciate the service will like it here.