10+ Reasons why you need to visit Southern Albania

When I say I want to travel, I don’t mean I want to stay at fancy resorts or buy key chains from souvenir shops. When I say I want to travel, I mean I want to explore another place and become part of it. I want to discover wild nature and hidden paths. I want to hike mountains and walk along quiet beaches. I want to meet people who are not like me, but people who I can like all the same. I want to photograph the people and places I see. I want my mind to be in constant awe of life on earth. I want to see things with new eyes. I want to look at a map and be able to remember how I was transformed by the places I have been to, the people I have met and the things I have seen. This, I think, is what is at the heart of real adventure and that is exactly why I plan on making my life one.

That’s why I choose this path, of an adventurer, of a hiking guide, who faces the unknown with determination and curiosity.

Very few people can claim to have visited “the Land of the Eagles” and experienced what it’s really about. Today Southern Albania is probably one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Europe. Exhale in the rural landscapes and mountains of South Albania. Made up of well-known local destinations like Papingu, Cajupi, Frasheri and Murgana Summit the area is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. But it doesn't take much to find the regions less traveled and get off the beaten track. The great unknown lures people in and the friendliness and hospitality, paired with some of the most amazing landscape, do their part to make the visitor fall in love with the country.
Is this the reason why the National Tourism Board dubbed it “A new Mediterranean Love”? Most Probably...Join our community!
Is this the reason why the National Tourism Board dubbed it “A new Mediterranean Love”? Most Probably...Join our community!

Below we are listing 10 reasons why you need to visit Southern Albania:

1. The locals are friendly especially to the foreigners. They trust a lot the tourists to lend their homes. Some of them have turned their homes to hostels so they can accommodate more people inside.

2. The food  is delicious. Especially the traditional dishes. Our cousin is a mixture of Turkish, Greek and Italian style but you can find also some unique traditional Albanian dishes. And don't forget most of Albanian food is organic so that why it probably taste great. Some local Albanian dishes that you should try: Fergese, Tave Kosi, Perime Ne Zgare, Burek, and Speca me Gjize.

3.The countless castles to explore. Albania, a country full of history since ancient times, witness to countless battles through history. Therefore, here in Albania, you can be sure to find some spectacular castles – from ancient times to medieval fortresses. Scattered all across the country, most are steeped in history, and some are still inhabited to day. 

4. Albania has some of the best beaches in Europe.

Albania’s rugged coastline, with traditional villages nestled in isolated bays and golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, was a revelation when travelers first started discovering the country during the turn of the century. Since then Europe’s last untouched beaches have changed almost beyond recognition, but there’s still plenty of reason to come here and explore this magnificent coastline where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.

5. It's safe to travel even solo. Relatively new to tourism, Albanians are very friendly and are proud that you’ve chosen their country to visit so they will help you with information if you plan to travel solo to a local destination.

6. Albania has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Home to a number of landmarks with valuable cultural and historical importance, Albania is a destination not to be missed for those passionate about cultural tourism. Several of these have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites because of their uniqueness and importance to the collective interests of humanity. Albania has four World Heritage Sites in Total – one natural, one mixed, and two cultural.

7. It's relatively unexplored country, but soon it will change. How much do you really know about the Albanian country and culture? My guess, probably not that much. You might have heard things about the lovely Albanian Riviera and its beaches, but in general, it’s largely unexplored. That’s because it was having a bad reputation of being unsafe and unstable before, and the infrastructure isn’t the best either. However, things are changing for the better, and the future is bright for this lovely nation. While the infrastructure still are struggling, there is always someone who’s willing to drive you anywhere you want for a couple of Euros. They are also very friendly, so it’s even possible to hitchhike and explore off the beaten path without having to worry.

8. It's cheap, very cheap. You want to travel, but don’t want to break the bank? I got news for you. When you visit Albania, you can splurge without breaking the bank. Prices are at least half of the rest of Europe, thus making it easy to get a good value for your money.

9. Albania is a unique country, unspoiled and seems like a space frozen in time. 

MY PERSONAL OPINION ON WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ALBANIA

First of all, why not? I mean, the major cities and destinations in Europe will probably stay the same year after year, but Albania is an upcoming destination, and it’s now that you can really experience the authentic Albanian culture. Tourism in Albania was largely just for nationals, and it wasn’t until recent years international tourists started to visit Albania.

Travel companies from the Nordic countries are now offering direct flights and packages to Ksamil and Saranda, which means more tourists are on their way to explore Albania and all of the hidden gems.That’s probably the main reason why you should visit Albania in 2020. But also, because it’s such a lovely place to travel. It doesn’t matter that the locals rarely speak English, it doesn’t matter that Master card isn’t accepted, and it doesn’t matter if a local taxi driver hustles you on 1 or 2 Euros while driving you 1 hour away for just a couple of Euros.

Albania is dirt cheap and it’s freaking awesome. I had the best Burek in my life for as little as 1 Euro and I had a really nice Frapuchino for 1 euro down in the harbor of Saranda. We went on a 6 hours bus ride for 5 Euros where we even got ourselves a local old lady who was eager to show us all of the old castles, despite the fact that she didn’t speak a single word in English.

It’s one of the least explored countries in Europe, and that’s why you should visit Albania. It’s really beautiful, and cheap!

10. Nature is incredible and it gets even better if you drink some "raki ball kazani". 

Antiquity has given a wonderful present to Albania, thanks to the ruins that are spread in many archaeological parks across the country. Some of them are built on the top of the hills, which gives to everyone the possibility to make both a trip in Albanian history and its beautiful nature. Albania is known for its rich water resources. Here you’ll find also beautiful crystalline rivers that flow between breathtaking mountains. In Albania are located some of the highest mountain peaks of the Balkans. Touristic villages in picturesque valleys and familiar traditional atmosphere make Albanian mountains a must-visit for all the nature lovers. Start a journey into the green world of Albanian natural parks, where you’ll have the chance to discover lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, and many other surprises. Start a journey into the green world of Albanian natural parks, where you’ll have the chance to discover lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, and many other surprises. 

If all the above reasons were not enough, lately a lot of foreigners have decided to stay at our country especially at the cities of Saranda, Permet, Gjirokaster. Besides the clean air , you will find lots of friends, in all this beautiful cities because Albanian are known for staying a few hours at coffee shops drinking coffee and strong raki.

This article is prepared by: Alexander Paskali - movement activist for the promotion of remote rural areas for more access and development “Dropull a rural experience” Coordinator of “Hiking South Albania” group, leader of personalized local guides in Dropull area for 6 years , visits to cult sites and areas of particular importance, very good connoisseurs of mountain trails. 

All rights reserved "Hiking South Albania" - Mountain Guides and "Dropull, a Rural Experience"

For more information you can find us at: 

https://www.facebook.com/Albanian.Adventurer/