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In case you are searching for an reasonably priced, offbeat summer time vacation spot that mixes pristine nature, enchanting castles, idyllic seashores, and up to date historical past collectively, Albania needs to be on high of your listing!
Singing cicadas in pine bushes, turquoise water, pleasant folks and a few of the Balkan’s finest meals – this put up offers you concepts on learn how to finest spend 7 days on this (wrongfully) underrated nation!
Albania is a small mountainous nation in Southeast Europe, belonging to the Balkans. Albania has entry to the Adriatic and Ionian shoreline and has a Muslim majority. Moreover, the nation’s solely Nobel Prize winner, (born within the now-capital of Macedonia), Mom Teresa was Albanian!
To get probably the most out of 1 week in Albania, hiring a rental automotive would be the best choice – particularly when you wish to discover locations following your individual agenda. Costs begin from as little as 20 Euro per day and embody insurance coverage.
In case you are a bit extra money-acutely aware (& adventurous), the Albanian public transport system is another choice. You primarily discover buses and furgons (shared minibusses) that work pretty properly, connecting most cities with one another.
This itinerary will present distances and timings for each choices.
Expertise Various Tirana
Tirana, Albania’s capital, is a refreshing metropolis with a mixture of colourful Ottoman structure, avenue markets and a hip meals scene. A variety of Tirana’s sights are in shut distance to one another. It’s simple to stroll inside the metropolis heart and there is sufficient to probe for not less than 2-Three days!
How To Get Into Tirana
Tirana could be simply reached by aircraft from each main European metropolis. The worldwide airport is barely 17 km from the town heart and properly related. There’s a shuttle bus going (referred to as Rinas Specific) which drops you off at Skanderbeg Sq. in the midst of the town. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes and prices 250 lek (2€).
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a taxi for 2500 lek (20€) which might take round 20 – 25 minutes otherwise you get your rental automotive straight away from the airport.
Tip: Deliver a bit of money in Euros to pay for the fare and attempt to change it later within the metropolis, reasonably than on the airport.
Highlights Of Tirana
For a full listing of what to do and see in Tiraa see right here, or else these are my should-see sights.
Skanderberg Sq.
The primary plaza within the heart of Tirana covers an space of 40.000 sq and assembles many main sights of the town. The Nationwide Opera, the Palace of Tradition, the Nationwide Historic Museum, the well-known Clock Tower and the Metropolis Corridor are simply to call just a few. Try to be a part of a free strolling tour to find out about Albanian historical past proper from the supply!
Bunk’Artwork Museum
When you ever needed to go to an actual bunker – in Tirana you have got the possibility to take action. The Bunk’Artwork museum is a spotlight when visiting the town. Transformed from a Chilly Conflict bunker, it spreads over 3000 sq meters underground. It allows you to uncover darkish tunnels, personal chambers in addition to exhibitions of up to date artwork.
From the close to the Clock Tower, take the bus line ‘Metropolis Centre – Porcelan’.
Et’hem Bey Mosque
A shocking landmark of the town, the little Et’hem Bey Mosque depicts waterfalls, bushes and different motifs not often proven in Islamic artwork.
The place To Keep In Tirana
Located in an previous 1930-era villa, Padam Resort is one among Tirana’s most trendy boutique lodges with the most effective eating places of the Balkan on web site. For a social and low cost keep, go for Journey’n Hostel close to Skanderberg Sq..
For a full listing of locations to remain in Tirana, examine right here.
The place To Eat In Tirana
For a few of the luxurious Albanian delicacies, sourced instantly from small farmers, head over to Mullixhiu. In case you are after an inexpensive, conventional meal, go to Oda – Conventional Albanian Delicacies and take a look at their stuffed peppers! Get pleasure from panoramic views of the city from a rotating restaurant at The Sky Bar and ensure to attempt Rakija, Albania’s nationwide drink!
For a full listing of our favourite locations to eat and drink in Tirana, examine right here.
How To Get Out Of Tirana
Probably the most handy strategy to get out of city is by rental automotive. Tirana has no central bus station but, however reasonably three terminals distributed via the town.
Day Journey To Historic Shkodër
Tirana – Shkodër: 1 hour 50 minutes by automotive | 2 hours by bus
One of many oldest cities in Europe, Shkodër is an actual gem that simply enchants you with its cultural heritage. Numerous poets, artists, musicians, and photographers have been born there and it serves because the gateway to the Albanian Alps.
Get Into Shkodër
Get settled into your rental automotive and make your manner up north early morning. Buses from Tirana in direction of Shkodër depart roughly each hour and value round 500 lek (4€). Head to Zogu I Zi and you discover the furgon bus cease close by.
Highlights of Shkodër
Rozafa Fort
The Rozafa Fort is a particular place and a should-see when in Shkodër. There’s a legend accompanying it, {that a} lady needed to be sacrificed with a view to end it.
Worth: 200 lek (1.50€)
Lake Skadar
On a sunny day, rent a motorbike to cycle alongside the shores of the gorgeous Lake Skadar. It’s an important half-day journey that leads you previous fishing villages, carpet weaver and rewards you with the very best scenic views!
Worth: 9€ | Period: 3.5 hours
Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit
In case you are after one thing very distinctive, go and go to the Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit. It obtained probably the most various and luxurious assortment of Venetian masks! Every masks is a singular piece of artwork that went via the fingers of 12 to 13 professionals. Simply gorgeous!
The place To Eat In Shkodër
Settled in a gorgeous previous villa, tVila Bekteshi provides out of doors seating excellent conventional meals. For some tasty, moderately priced seafood, head over to Rozafa Sea Meals and take a look at their octopus!
Tirana To Berat
Tirana – Berat: 1 hour 45 minutes (123km) by automotive | 2 hours 15 minutes by bus
To proceed your journey in direction of Berat, take a bus from the Terminali i Autobusave të Veriut dhe Jugut, for round 500 lek (4€). Berat, “The City of a Thousand Home windows” as its lovingly referred to as is an actual should-go to. A primary instance of Albanian structure, Berat is a UNESCO world heritage web site and greater than 2,400 years previous.
How To Get Into Berat
Berat, take a bus from the Terminali i Autobusave të Veriut dhe Jugut, for round 500 lek (4€). advert to Terminali i Autobuzave të Jugt for buses going the North and the South of Albania. They depart usually in direction of Berat and coast round 400 lek (3,25€).
The bus will cease at Terminali i Autobuzave Berat from which you’d take one other native bus which takes you to the centre.
Highlights Of Berat
Berat Fort
Towering over the town, Berat Fort (or the Citadel of Berat) is a properly-preserved fortress with many Ottoman mosques and Byzantine church buildings. From the courtyard, you bought the very best panoramic views of the town and the Osum River alike.
In contrast to different castles, there may be nonetheless a completely functioning city contained in the fortress! One with homes, bars, eating places, church buildings and museums. Don’t miss this one!
Worth: 300 lek (2.45€)
Mangalem Space
On the underside of Berat Fort lies Mangalem, a historically Muslim space. It’s most well-known for its three mosques and the Ethnographic Museum that includes artefacts from the Ottoman space.
Worth: 300 lek (2.45€)
Tip: For the right picture alternative of Mangalem’s white Ottoman homes head over the bridge into the Gorica space.
The place To Keep In Berat
For an inexpensive keep in a 300-year previous UNESCO home with many authentic options, guide an evening in Berat Backpackers. If staying an evening within the fortress intrigues you, guide your self into the normal Resort Klea.
For a full listing of locations to remain in Berat, examine right here.
The place To Eat In Berat
A novel eating expertise, Do-it-yourself Meals Lili is a restaurant, run from the house owners household dwelling. There are solely 3-5 tables, so ensure to reach early – it’s value it! For a pockets-pleasant choice that additionally serves vegan choices, head to Temi Albanian Meals.
Journey Day Journey To Osum Canyon In Çorovodë
Berat – Çorovodë: 1 hour by automotive
Çorovodë just isn’t solely a handy stopover in your strategy to the Albanian Riviera, but it surely is also a should-cease for each journey and watersport lover! A tour via the Osum gorge is one among Albania’s most enjoyable actions. The Osum gorge is 26km in size, with many unexplored caves and underground passages.
A technique of exploring this pure attraction is happening a rafting tour. Rafting via the gorge provides you the possibility to discover the imposing Bogova Waterfall in addition to spectacular vertical slopes that may vary as much as 80 meters. The rapids are thought of a Class II which implies no prior white water expertise is required – good!
Another choice is to place in your mountaineering sneakers, and go on a guided stroll via the gorge, with spectacular vistas of the encompassing space assured!
The place To Keep In Çorovodë
To increase your time (and spend an evening) in Çorovodë take into consideration ending your day on the Nurellari Vineyard Cellar and Visitor Home. The household-owned vineyard provides great excursions across the vineyard, adopted by a wine tasting. Why not spend an evening at their adjoining visitor home? Additionally they serve scrumptious conventional meals!
Berat To Sarandë
Çorovodë – Sarandë: Three hours 15 min or Berat – Sarandë: Three hours 30 min
Thought of because the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, Sarandë is the right place for a summer time getaway. In case you are searching for pristine seashores, some vitamin sea and a thriving nightlife – Sarandë has obtained all of this and extra!
How To Get Into Sarandë
There are two buses working from Berat to Sarandë, one round eight am and the opposite round 2.30 pm from the primary bus cease. The bus will take between 5-6 hours, with a cease in Girokaster, and prices 1200 lek (9.70€).
If you wish to lease a automotive as soon as in Sarandë, examine right here for ideas.
Highlights of Sarandë
Ksamil Seaside
Ksamil seashore with its clear turquoise water is a spot you simply might mistake with a seashore in a tropical nation. This gem on the Ionian Sea is a well-known summer time vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike. The realm is made up of many small coves, wrapped round a jagged shoreline.
Butrint Nationwide Park
Simply probably the most romantic of Albania’s historic websites, a go to to the UNESCO web site of Butrint ought to undoubtedly come onto your listing! Settled inside a nationwide park, the ruins have been inhabited since prehistoric occasions and was once a web site of a Greek Colony and a Roman Metropolis.
Solely 20 km from the town, it takes round 2-Three hours to discover.
Worth: 700lek (5,70€)
Buses from Sarandë depart outdoors the ZIT Info Centre on the hour and take 20 minutes.
Worth: 100 lek (0.80€).
Tip: Attempt to go to early morning or late afternoon, to keep away from the cruise ship vacationers!
The place To Keep In Sarandë
For a hostel with nice views, pleasant hosts and 20 metres from the ocean, select Bushy Lemon Hostel. For a high-notch 4-star lodge on the seashore, with breathtaking views of the ocean and in proximity to many bars, guide at evening at Resort Brilant.
For a full listing of locations to remain in Saranda, examine right here.
The place To Eat In Sarandë
For an genuine meal or espresso subsequent to the ocean, head to Limani Bar & Restaurant. This household personal restaurant provides tremendous Mediterranean eating since 1998. To see the sundown, attempt SunSet Saranda Restaurant. Dishes are low cost and portion sizes are huge, a win-win!
How To Get Out Of Sarandë
Probably the most handy strategy to finish a incredible week via Albania is by leaving from Corfu, in Greece. From Sarande you’ll be able to take a ferry (takes 70 minutes) or a speedboat (takes 30 minutes) to get to Corfu to catch your flight again dwelling.
No matter choice you select, simply ensure to depart sufficient time between you leaving Albania and having to get to the airport 2 hours forward of your scheduled flight!
Relying on the season there are 2 – 13 departures obtainable and ticket costs vary from 18 to 24 euros. There are three completely different corporations working the traces, so examine for occasions for every individually: Ionian Seaways, Finikas Traces or Pleasure Traces.
From the Port of Corfu, you solely want 15 minutes to the Corfu airport. An airport taxi prices round 15-20€ and operates 24/7. The Bus Line no. 15 prices 1,50€, takes about 20 minutes and operates between 7.50 am – 9.50 pm.
This put up is hopefully providing you with sufficient concepts on learn how to spend 7 great stress-free, adventurous and historical past-packed days on this Balkan gem.
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