Despite the fact that Albania is far from the most popular country from a tourist point of view, this does not mean that the choice of souvenirs in the country is small. In any souvenir shop or store you can find a lot of interesting things. In addition, there are also colorful Albanian markets where you can find many interesting or even unique things that cannot be bought in other countries.
No matter how strange it may sound, but the main Albanian souvenir is an ashtray, but not an ordinary one, but made in the form of a bunker. This form of ashtrays is not accidental. If you travel around the country, you can see concrete buildings that are half buried in the ground and at first glance resemble mushrooms. In fact, these are bunkers that were built during the reign of the local dictator Hoxha. These bunkers were designed to protect the country from external enemies. In total, about 700 thousand bunkers were built in the country.
Among inexpensive souvenirs, one of the leaders are lighters with the Albanian coat of arms. They are inexpensive, but for some friends it will be a good gift (not everyone buys exclusively expensive souvenirs). In addition, the type of lighters is good, and the quality is at the level.
Many tourists carry the national Albanian flag with a black eagle. But before you buy such a souvenir, you need to make sure of its quality, since many Albanian flags are made in China, and therefore their quality is appropriate. Also on the shelves of local souvenir shops you will find many other souvenirs with national symbols: key chains, glasses, pennants. If you don’t want a far from the most pleasant inscription Made in China to flaunt on a souvenir, then pay attention to copper or marble products that are made in Albania and often by hand. Now, of course, it is summer, but Albanian Christmas decorations are very popular. They are made exclusively by hand from the highest quality glass. The traditions of making Christmas decorations are passed down from generation to generation.
If you want to buy something from clothes as a gift, then you need to pay attention to Albanian clothes, which are made by hand and exclusively from natural materials, while clothes have their own characteristics in each region. If the clothes are of high quality and made in Albania, then their cost will be quite high (from 80-100 euros, depending on the product).
Since ancient times, carpets have been very popular in Albania and over the years their popularity has not decreased. Carpets came to the country from Turkey. The price of a good carpet starts somewhere around $100, but carpets brought from Turkey are cheaper, although they are somewhat inferior in quality. There are still places in Albania where carpets are woven at home. If you can’t afford a carpet, or you just don’t want to have the hassle of transporting it, then you can buy a bedspread or a women’s bag, which are made by the same craftsmen who weave carpets.
For beer lovers, be sure to bring a few bottles of the most popular Korca beer. This beer even has an international standard certificate. For lovers of stronger alcohol, you can buy a bottle of traditional Albanian Skandenberg cognac, which is made from grape spirit. For three years, the cognac is aged in special oak barrels, which gives it an incredible aroma.
There is also an alcoholic drink rakija, traditional for the Balkan countries, in Albania. This drink is based on grape alcohol. Despite the fact that this is a fairly strong drink, the locals use it every day and say that it can reduce toothache, disinfect wounds, etc. Fruit or cheese is often served as an appetizer for this drink.
Of the edible souvenirs, you should pay attention to the olives from the Berat region. Their distinguishing feature is their large size. But it is not necessary to carry the olives yourself, you can buy a couple of bottles of good olive oil, not only in markets or shops, but also from local residents. Tourists bring high-quality spices from the southern regions.
Since ancient times, silver mines have been developed in Albania, so it is not surprising that excellent silver products and jewelry are made in the country. Unlike other purchases, bargaining is not accepted when buying silver (when buying several items, you can get a small ring as a gift).