“To travel is to live”
I couldn’t have better quote- credit- Nicolas Zangenberg
Hello fellow travelers & world explorers!
It’s certainly been too long for me since I last traveled. So how can I start my introduction to Albania without getting into my personal journey first? Life, after all, is a continuous journey!
It was three years since I last got onto a plane. Obvious reasons like COVID and all the travel restrictions kept me grounded. Three years did fly so quickly, and I can report that my time spent has been good. What has kept me motivated and encouraged during the pandemic and as the restrictions are becoming lesser by the day is ME!
My ability to remain thankful even for the smallest of things. My enthusiasm and eagerness to keep learning from the world around me no matter where I am.
Life can only be lived through gratitude!
It’s so easy to allow loud voices in our heads to erase the fruitfulness of our existence. No matter where you are and who you might be, I believe there is always something to feel grateful for.
I am deeply grateful for being able to travel this year. I have lived in a country with various COVID restrictions throughout the 3 years. The city of Abu Dhabi, rules from work, and all the quarantine requirements abroad personally prevented me from wanting to risk traveling. I wasn’t afraid of getting the disease but more of placing myself at risk and not being able to go to work.
Thankfully I can travel again. So where to? The April vacation came and went. I did travel somewhere, but that’s another blog post.
Luck fell upon me when the UAE declared a long Eid holiday. Traveling felt like a much-needed reward after a blessed Ramadan and many other life happenings.
This was a spontaneous Solo trip. However, I needed to act quick because the prices of flights were increasing as many people were taking the chance to go abroad.
I wanted to go to a country I had never been to, and I needed a breath of fresh air. My heart and soul craved the sound of rivers, waterfalls, and animal sounds. Nature was calling me and I needed desperately to respond!
Albania called me the loudest! I always believe that a country chooses you and not the other way around. Have you ever thought of going somewhere and going somewhere else instead? Why does this happen? Have you ever thought that maybe there was a deeper reason for the change in plans?
Where is Albania?
A European country located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. In Albanian, the country is called shqipëria, which means ” the land of eagles” The Balkans, also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographic area in southeastern Europe. There are 11 countries on the Balkan Peninsula called the Balkan states. This region lies on the southeast edge of the European continent. Some Balkan countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia were once part of Yugoslavia.
If you plan to travel to all Balkans, here is the list!
Albania – is located in the western part of the Balkan peninsula and features a long coastline facing the Adriatic Sea. Albania’s capital city is Tirana, and its official language is Albanian.
Visa requirements – If you have a multiple entry USA Visa (previously used in the USA ), Schengen Visa, or your country is listed as visa-free to travel. All other nationalities need to apply for a visa.
Covid Rules & regulations – Vaccination or Negative PCR result
A vaccination certificate or PCR Test (72 hours) before arrival is required.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Located east of Albania, and its capital city is Sarajevo. Population 3.8 million.
Visa Requirements – https://bhmc.ae/visa-information
Covid Rules & regulations – Vaccination certificate and Negative PCR Test
Bulgaria
Occupies the whole eastern part of the Balkans, and is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
Visa Requirements – https://www.onlinevisa.com/visa-policy/bulgaria/
Covid Rules & regulations – https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/bulgaria/
Croatia
Located on the western edge of the Balkan peninsula along the Adriatic Sea. The crescent-shaped country features low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, flat plains hug the Hungarian border, and many islands.
Visa Requirements – https://www.onlinevisa.com/visa-policy/croatia/
Kosovo
The Republic of Kosovo has approximately 1.9 million people, and the official languages are Albanian and Serbian.
Visa & Covid Requirements – https://www.ivisa.com/kosovo-visa
Moldova
Located in the northeastern corner of the Balkan region of Europe. Its capital city is Chișinău.
Visa & Covid Requirements -https://www.onlinevisa.com/moldova-visa/
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/moldova/
Montenegro
Montenegro’s administrative capital is Podgorica, though its cultural center is the historical capital and older city of Cetinje.
Visa & Covid Requirements –https://www.gov.me/en/government-of-montenegro/visas-and-entry-requirements
North Macedonia
Bordered to the north by Kosovo, Serbia, the east by Bulgaria, the south by Greece, and the west by Albania. The capital is Skopje.
Visa & Covid Requirements – https://visaindex.com/visa-requirement/north-macedonia-passport-visa-free-countries-list/
Serbia
Boarded by Hungary, Romania, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The capital and largest city are Belgrade, one of the oldest and largest cities in Southeastern Europe.
Visa & Covid Requirements – https://econsulate.gov.rs/
Negative PCR test- (48 hours) or Vaccination certificate.
I hope this brief list helps you plan your next trip! There are so many countries in the world, and sometimes it does become hard to choose. It can become overwhelming when thinking of traveling because you always want to make the right decision and spend your money and time wisely.
Traveling Tip– If you have the time and finances, it’s best to travel in and out of the Balkans. For example, when I was in Shkodër, Albania, the border post to enter Montenegro was very close, but I didn’t have enough time.
My Albanian Travel Itinerary
I flew Wizz Air – https://wizzair.com/#/
You can register online and enjoy all the airline has to offer.
Arrived in Tiran at 6:30pm.
Traveled to Shkodra (Shkodër) via tourist company- Private car
Day 1-3 – Shkodra (Shkodër)
Waking up to the sound of rain especially living in the UAE, was absolute bliss. My hotel room made me feel like a medieval princess. The room was cozily perched high on the top of the 2nd floor overlooking the courtyard. The windows were cottage-style. The interior was medieval, and everything was made of wood. The embroidery on the bed and curtains made the room feel cozy and warm. I changed rooms on the last day at the hotel because each room offers a unique experience, and I wanted to share more with my readers.
Welcome to Hotel Tradita – Follow this link http://www.hoteltradita.com/ to immerse yourself in the actual hotels, history, heritage, and experience. The hotel also offers tours.
I booked my stay via booking.com.
Hotel telephone– +35522809683
Location -Street Edit Durham nr 4. , Shkodër, 4001, Albania
The hotel offers tours – 3 days trip – Koman- Valbona- Teth (247 Euro/ person- prices can change! )
The price includes 3 nights hotel with breakfast, dinners, guides, and transportation.
I wish I had booked this tour instead-but already made previous travel arrangements with a tour company I found on Facebook. Sometimes your moral compass keeps you stationed at the decisions you make. My feelings at the time were to continue to trust my gut instinct and place my faith in the company I found. The guy chatted with me via WhatsApp and agreed to arrange my trip in Shkoder and further onwards towards Tirana.
I hope that my experience will allow you to have a much smoother experience.
I did enjoy all the days in Shkoder, the hotel, the city, the castle, and the natural views and experience.
Day 1 – Depart from Hotel Tradita to visit Mesi Bridge/ Tamara/ Lëpushë
The Mesi Bridge is the largest bridge in Albania that remains from the Ottoman period, and as such, it is a highly treasured cultural monument. Walking on the bridge and taking pictures was definitely a good start to my trip.
Traveling Tip– Make sure to take an umbrella and keep track of the weather. Albania does experience rainy days, and you wouldn’t want to miss experiencing the beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. However, it definitely is worth having a sunny day to enjoy Shkoder.
More information – https://www.alaturka.info/en/albania/shkoder/3513-the-ottoman-bridge-ura-e-mesit-at-shkodra#prettyPhoto
After a meaningful awakening of my soul and appreciating the opportunity to walk on a historical monument. It was time to drive to Tamara.
Tamara is considered one of the pearls of the Albanian Alps. The drive is breathtaking, with so many turns and twists around the mountain. There is a panoramic balcony where cars and buses stop so tourists can take pictures of the famous turns. You can also see Montenegro. Once you arrive at the village, you will be able to enjoy the waterfall and river at the back of the promenade. Our guide took us for lunch at a local guest house.
The restaurant décor and ambiance intrigued me more than the food. So I opted for bread, jam and cheese with a glass of mountain tea.
Travel tip– If you are unsure what to order and have doubts, the local bread and cheese is always a safe option. However, if you are gluten intolerant, I suggest taking your own snacks and fruits, so you don’t feel hungry.
After lunch, we continued Lëpushë onwards. There is a lovely hike past the river towards the waterfall. Walking around the area, you will discover unexpected bunkers– defensive military fortification designed to protect people and valued materials from falling bombs, artillery, or other attacks during past times. A symbol and a practical means of preventing Albania’s subjugation by foreign powers.
Traveling Tip– You will be able to spot various bunkers throughout your trip, so keep looking!
Arriving back in the evening. My guide, a Russian tourist, and I went for a walk in Shkoder, where we stopped to see the Ebu Bekr Mosque. We were lucky to see how Muslims were celebrating the last day of Ramadan, enjoying the Iftaar (breaking of the fast) outside in the garden.
Walking down the streets, you can see how the locals enjoy life, sitting outside sipping on coffees and chatting away. Loud music can be heard from the many restaurants, and the feeling of being part of Europe kicks in. The nightlife is definitely worth experiencing while you are in Shkoder.
My main goal before ending my evening was to take a picture with the mother Teresa monument. Born in Macedonia to Albanian parents, Mother Teresa is claimed by both countries.
This modest statue of Mother Theresa is one of the newest and most well regarded in Shkoder, erected in 2006. The statue is beautiful. Situated at the end of the pedestrian street.
Walking in Shkoder is a must, and it’s the best way to spot the mosques, Cathedrals, and museums. Shkoder is best known for cycling, and if you have the time, I suggest renting a bike for the day. More information http://lanuweb.fh-eberswalde.de/cmat/tours/shkodra_lake
Hotel Tradita is well known for live music and its delicious Albanian food if you still have energy.
Day 2 – Full day In Theth. The region is called the ‘Albanian Alps .’You can see high peaks, stone houses, sheep, and horses. The drive up the mountain was impressive, and I was able to see the remaining snow from the previous winter. The village of Theth is beautiful, with stone houses, animals grazing in the fields, and a church that has a beautiful tree.
Hiking to Blue eye is a must! The blue eye is a water spring deep in the mountains of Albania. The hike can take 6 hours, but if you don’t want to spend 6 hours walking, you can take a 4×4 up and hike for one hour.
On the way back, before heading to the hotel, we ate pizza at the Pizza place next to a café. You can’t miss this as its on your way out!
Traveling Tip– There is always a place that has good Wi-Fi. I chose to disconnect myself when I was outside and instead checked my messages and emails in the evening at the hotel.
For more information –https://dennyandnikki.com/theth-albania/
Day 3 – Last day In Shkoder
It was Eid morning, so I was up early. It was raining throughout the night, the day started wet. I love the smell of rain and the coolness in the air so, taking a walk on Buna bridge was a perfect idea. The mosque at the end added to the Eid feeling. The sound of the morning prayer filled the air. I stood on the bridge, watching the black ducks sail underneath. The view of Rozafa Castle in the distance is breathtakingly beautiful. Nestled high on top of the mountain overlooking Shkoder and is worth visiting.
A quick drive and my guide took me to Shiroka, Located just four kilometers from Shkodër, on the shore of Shkodër Lake and at the foot of Mount Taraboshi. I imagine spending an entire day by the lake soaking in the sunshine, watching the ducks navigate the waters, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are many cafes, restaurants, and a big play area for kids, and the promenade creates the perfect opportunity for a walk. I simply enjoyed spending an hour taking pictures.
After a hearty breakfast and a change of clothes, I was ready for checkout. My final tour would be Rozafa Castle.
The Rozafa Castle rises on a rocky hill to the west of Shkodër. It is surrounded by the waters of three rivers, Buna, Drini, and Kiri. Rozafa is one of the major castles in Albania and the most important tourist attraction. Albania is known for castles, but Rozafa’s legend makes it unique. When you enter the castle gates, it’s hard not to fall in love with the castle’s beauty. The castle’s history gives it great significance but the story of the brothers who build it is what draws travelers towards it. A sad and sacrificing tale that passes on from generation to the next.
Three brothers wanted to build a beautiful castle, but the walls kept collapsing. One day they met an old man, and he advised them. The only way to build a strong castle was to sacrifice one of their wives. The brothers would bury the wife that brought them food the next day. The brothers decided not to tell the wives. Sadly the two brothers broke their promise. The younger brother kept his secret, and his wife Rozafa brought the food. Rozafa accepted her fate, but only if part of her body remained free to comfort her infant son.
The views from high up at the castle offer some breathtaking panoramas of the beautiful Lake of Shkodër and the city’s rivers and expansive mountain ranges. To the southwest of the castle, in the third courtyard, you can make out where the three rivers of Drin, Kir, and Buna join; the views are worth visiting.
In the late afternoon, I arrived in Tirana.
I chose to spend one night at the B&B Artistic hotel, Tirana.
Location – Myslym Shyri, 34/1, Apt.1, 1007 Tirana, Albania
The hotel is unique and interesting. It’s owned by a son and his mother, so I was told after an introduction. Each bedroom is unique. A shared kitchen space equipped with a kettle and coffee mugs can be used.
I think its great to see how people create their own incomes and B&B is a good option for tourists.
Breakfast changes each day, and the mother prepares it. They will ask you what time you prefer to be served. There is a good Wi-Fi connection, and all the main sights are within walking distance.
Day 4- Tirana to Belsh – Berat – https://www.albaniantourist.com/berat_castle.html
Woke up in my final hotel for my holiday.
Location – Rr.Ramiz Kovaci Nr 8, Tirana, 100, Albania
Phone +355692084516
The hotel has a big balcony within walking distance of Skanderbeg Square. I loved my room’s green color, wooden ceiling, and décor. I felt happy waking up to the sunrise shining through my windows and keeping the balcony doors open while I lay in bed listening to the sound of morning. In the evening, I could see the sunset on the other side of my balcony. The breakfast was simple, great coffee but the same every day, so if you want a variety of different options, I suggest going outside for breakfast.
Belsh is a municipality in Elbasan County, central Albania. My tour began with a picturesque walk around the lake and watching the ducks waddle. It was lovely enjoying the fresh air and sitting by the lake. I like to enjoy different experiences when traveling, so this was a perfect way to start my day.
I booked a private car to take me to Berat. During my 7 days stay, it only rained twice, and I was lucky to have sunshine throughout my holiday. The tour to Berat castle was rainy, but even the rain couldn’t ruin my experience.
Berat – The city of a thousand windows. The cobblestone streets and unique houses are a UNESCO world heritage site. Bridge of Gorica is one of the most beautiful Ottoman bridges in the Balkan region, and taking a stroll across it is a fantastic feeling.
As the rain subsided, my driver took me to Golem beach. I couldn’t wait to take off my hiking boots and feel the ocean between my toes. It was as if the sky was shining and welcoming me. I loved the beach, and I highly recommend making it part of your trip.
As we drove back to Tirana, a beautiful rainbow appeared before us. It looked like candy cotton strewed across the sky. The colors were so big and bright. I felt like a kid seeing a rainbow for the very first time. We were lucky to see two rainbows appear next to each other. My driver kept expressing how lucky I was, and I couldn’t agree more. Of course, rain can ruin a tour, but I guess my excitement to experience rain and appreciate it’s smell was rewarded with a beautiful rainbow.
Day 5 – Tirana to Lake Bovilla – Kruja- Full day!
Lake of Bovilla lies on the northeastern side of Tirana, between two mountain ranges. The drive to the lake is stunning. I live in a city, so seeing goats and sheep is a sight I can’t get enough of. The countryside is intoxicating, and sticking my head out of the window is a reward for dealing with air pollution, smog and traffic noise!! My feelings of joy and complete bliss just driving toward a mountain is like a child in a candy store.
The view of the lake is stunning. You can walk up the mountain and enjoy the little caves. Getting to the edge and taking in the scenery is a life experience and an appreciation for nature. You could spend half a day relaxing with a picnic at the lake. Albania has so much to do and experience that I wouldn’t mind living there.
After a wow experience in Bovilla, the sun shining beautifully, we headed to Kruja. I had to read up on the castle’s history because my driver was not a guide. However, it was nice to chat with him, and we enjoyed lunch at one of the restaurants near the castle.
Traveling Tip– I can’t recommend Albanian cuisines or food as I ate whatever I felt like. My mission on this holiday was to enjoy the scenery and not focus on finding places that served good food. I have food restrictions when I travel, so a margarita pizza was a go-to for me. I will post some of the foods I enjoyed at the end of the blog. Keep Reading!!
Kruja Castle was historically one of the most important defensive strongholds in the country, fending off legions of foreign invaders throughout the centuries. For 15 centuries, the castle has stood above a rocky cliff, with magnificent city views. As you walk and explore the grounds, you will discover a beautiful restaurant with a play area for children. You don’t pay to walk around the castle but going into the museums is a required fee. Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. These collect materials related to Albanian history in the 15th century and objects associated with the history of Albanian daily life.
Walking towards the castle, many shops sell handmade Albanian items. The products are unique, and you can buy souvenirs.
More information –https://www.historyhit.com/locations/kruje-castle/
Day 6 – Tirana – Full Day exploring on my own!
Traveling Tip– As a solo traveler, safety is always a priority, so planning things in advance is always good. I try not to ask locals because they might not be able to speak English, and I don’t want to waste time feeling lost.
My day started with a good coffee; Albanians enjoy coffee, especially Espresso. After breakfast, I headed towards Skanderbeg Square. The walk past the cafés and over the bridge with views of the canal excited me. I was lucky to have another sunny day. I discovered places and parks along the way. Watched people walking their dogs and the daily life of Tirana.
I found Toptani Shopping Center is a shopping mall. I went inside the grocery store, browsed for a bit, and left very quickly as malls don’t really interest me when I’m on holiday. However, if you need essentials and are unsure where to eat, you could go to this mall. It’s very close to Skanderbeg square.
So my adventure began by hopping onto the local bus called L.11 Porcelain. It’s a blue bus, and the stop is across from the Friendship monument. The bus cost 40 cents compared to the 1000 lek (10 Euros) I would have paid. It took around 15 minutes with stops along the way to the Dajti Express-Cable car station.
Dajti Express – https://dajtiekspres.com/
I would recommend going early because there is a lot to do.
Horse riding
Adventure park- 5 levels of obstacle courses
Mini Golf area
There is a restaurant on site. You could just walk around and enjoy the outside area. The walk to the adventure park is beautiful, and you feel like you are in a forest.
The cable car towards the mountain top takes more than 10 minutes, passing the villages and lakes below. However, it’s worth the experience of seeing everything above and enjoying the surrounding views. I am delighted I did this and recommend including it on your trip.
After completing all five levels on the obstacles and walking around, I left and headed for lunch. There are so many places to eat near the cable car station.
The bunk ‘art –http://bunkart.al/
The bunk’art is close to the Dajti express, but they close at 4pm. Check the timings, so you don’t miss it.
It’s a bunker turned into a museum. After the inauguration in June 1978 by the dictator Enver Hoxha, opened to the public, the anti-nuclear bunker was built by the communist government. Make sure your camera is ready because it’s an interactive experience, and there are so many rooms to explore.
Heading back to Tirana city by bus was equally satisfying. I was now able to explore the places and monuments at Skanderbeg square. My first stop was a souvenir and antique store that I saw while the bus was riding. The two Albanian ladies were friendly and helpful. I bought a traditional Albanian outfit that cost 70 Euros, a relatively reasonable price since handmade clothes are costly.
I love churros, so when I discovered there was a cute little café across from the famous Skanderbeg monument, I had to have a Café latte and Churros. This was a perfect way to end my day.
Day 7– My final Day in Tirana
Waking up to the birds chirping and reflecting on my trip, I always wish I could have seen and done more, but I replace that feeling quickly with a sense of gratitude and blessing. There is not that much helpful information regarding holidaying in Albania, so my experience was entirely planned by me. I would have loved exploring the south, but time-wise and wanting to do the things I did, was obviously impossible.
I decided to spend a relaxing morning in the hotel, taking my time to eat breakfast. I left earlier than needed to the airport because, from my experience, arriving at a small airport, the immigration took very long. With that in mind, I arrived four hours early for my flight. Time moves quickly when you were occupied. I enjoyed a gelato ice cream at the airport, bought some snacks, and enjoyed my own company. I didn’t want to take a chance on the last day of sightseeing because things could happen, and missing my flight would have disrupted my plans back home.
So, this was my experience and a brief summary of my holiday. Of course, it’s completely different when you are there, but I hope the information and my thoughts will give you a better idea of what to do and where to go.
I have included helpful information at the end. Save the best for last!
Helpful Information- Travel to Albania
Arriving at the airport– The airport is expanding, so things will change. When you arrive, immigration can be busy; this depends on the season, flight time, airlines, etc.
The baggage is right after you exit immigration, and then you will exit the arrivals terminal.
There is a Vodafone store, you can get a sim card or, like me, rely on Wi-Fi. There is a KFC restaurant to the left. I suggest using their free Wi-Fi, being friendly, and ordering something. If you are hungry, this is an excellent option to get a quick meal.
The bus station is across the KFC, and this is an option for getting into Tirana. I didn’t use it.
Once you leave the airport, you will see many more small restaurants and car rentals. Many new & experienced tourists prefer renting as it appears to be a cheaper option than paying for taxis and guides. I personally want to relax and look out the window than worry about GPS and traffic rules.
Guides/ Tourist Companies
I researched a few places I found online, got quotes, and had to choose.
These are companies I found helpful. Please use companies at your own discretion. Trust, affordability, and time should be necessary when working with a tour company. Most tour companies will send you a standard itinerary, and prices will change according to demand and season. You can communicate what you want to see and do if you wish to be in a group or in private.
Option 1- Tourist Driver / private car
Aleks Alban Kapllanaj- + 355 68 543 1122
See Albania – + 355 68 208 1899
Option 2- Albania Tours- Pearl Correai – www.facebook.com/wanderoff.in
Instagram – wanderoffonadventure
Check weather updates– Take an umbrella, good walking/ hiking shoes, sunhats, and a comfortable bag.
It can rain a lot; tour guides aren’t going to tell you the weather conditions, so it’s better if you stay up to date.
Traveling out of Tirana can be expensive if you use a taxi; there are buses, but you will have to check the routes and schedules.
Traveling around Tirana city can be done on foot. The blue buses around Skanderbeg Square stop along with many places but check where you are going before getting on.
You can spot many bunkers around the city; bunk ‘art 1 and bunk ‘art 2 are the best ones to visit.
Safety- I felt very safe, but I am a cautious person. Since I was traveling solo, I spent my evenings relaxing at the hotel. Exploring the nightlife wasn’t essential for me. I was very tired after exploring and connecting with family was important for me.
Albania has an active night scene if you are meeting up with friends and want to enjoy the bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Currency– I used Euros mostly and received Albanian Lek in return. I didn’t find the need to use an exchange since Albanians don’t mind receiving Euros.
1 Euro = 120 Albanian Lek
Albania is a relatively new tourist country. While the country’s foundation and history have existed for centuries, tourism was never part of the economy. Things are changing in Albania, and the country’s borders are open and welcoming. The country is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Unlike many busy touristic countries, you can still enjoy this country without the stress of crowding tourists. The Albanian people are welcoming and friendly.
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