Albania

Albania Flag

Why visit Albania?

For their art, birdwatching, capes, coves, covered bays, culture, forests, hiking trails, lagoons, lakes, landforms, mountains, rivers, ruins, sea caves, undeveloped beaches and white-water kayaking.

Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër), Albania. Photo Credit: Ervin Gjata/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, ceramics, cognac, copper tea sets, filigree (intricate metalwork), glassware, local handicrafts, olive oil, pottery and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Börek (filled pastries). Fërgesë (vegetables and cottage cheese), Ferges (veal stew). Flia (layered crepe served with cream). Lamb Stew. Lemon-Flavored Rice Soup. Local Delicacy, Ohrid Lake Trout. Sarma (cabbage rolls). Petulla (fried dough). Pite (stuffed baked pastry), Tavë Kosi (soured milk casserole).
• Local Drink to Try: Albanian Wine. Local espresso. Raki (alcoholic drink).

Sarandë, Albania. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Fun Facts

• In 1967, proclaimed to be the world's first atheist. Local Law banned all antisocialist activity, fascist, propaganda activity and religion; preaches carried a 3-10 year prison sentence.
  
• In 1972, for the first time they participated in the Olympic Games.
  
• Birthplace (Tirana) of Ermonela Jaho (1974), Operatic Soprano to "the world’s most acclaimed soprano".
• Once upon a time, non-Muslims had to pay exorbitant taxes thereby leading to conversion and high percentage of Muslims.
• World's leader producer and exporter of chromium.
  
• Home to Europe's longest history of viticulture (winemaking).
  
• Lake of Ohrid, one of the oldest continuous lakes in the world.
  
• Studying a forgein language (English, French, German, Italian) is mandatory in elementary school.
• All native citizens are provided free and universal health care.
• An attire such as the fustanella (skirt), plis  (white felt cap) and opinga (shoes) are worn for special celebrations/events.
  
• Has more coffee houses per capita than any other country in the world.
  

Berat, Albania. Photo Credit: Ervin Gjata/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: Day off for Summer Day (March), Day Off for Nevruz Day (March), Nevruz Day (March), Summer Day (March), Eid al-Fitr (May), June Solstice (June), Feast of the Sacrifice (July), Mother Teresa Beatification Day (September), September Equinox (September), Flag & Independence Day (November), Liberation Day (November), National Youth Day (December) and December Solstice (December).
  
• Occasions: 1954 Cannes Film Festival (March), National Festival of Urban Folk Songs (March), Korça Beer Festival (August), Durrës International Film Festival (September), Gjirokaster Folk Festival (September), Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF) (September), International Festival of Modern & Contemporary Dance (October).
  

Dhërmi Beach, Albania. Photo Credit: Linda Saitos/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Road conditions are poor.
• Daily power outages are common. 
  
• Restaurant sanitary conditions are usually considered sufficient.
  
• Unexploded land mines still exist along the Kosovo border.
  
• Resident's are frequently known to drive under the influence (DUI). 
• Smoking is banned in all public places.
  
• Be prepared to reciprocate after a gracious round of cigarettes or drinks.
• Known for fishing: carp, crustaceans, mussels, sea bream and trout.
  
• Greek is the second most-spoken language in the country.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Crime is considered relatively high.

• Best Time to Visit: April - June & September - October
• Coldest Months: October - May (cold and wet)
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: July - August

Kisha e Shën Triadhëst (Holy Trinity Church), Berat, Albania. Photo Credit: Makri27/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Butrint, Historic Centres of Berat & Gjirokastër, Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians & Other Regions of Europe and Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region.

Apollonia, Fier County, Albania. Photo Credit: Ervin Gjata/Pixabay 

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.