Albania - sea, mountains and history in one place
General information
Albania is a country of contrasts. Here the sea and the mountains are unusually close to each other, and on the way between them you come across ancient ruins, medieval fortresses, small towns and modern neighbourhoods. Although relatively small, the country has many different faces, and that is exactly what makes it so interesting to discover.
To the west, Albania opens onto the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The coast in the north and around Durrës is flatter and livelier, while to the south the landscape gradually becomes more mountainous and picturesque. Around Vlorë, Sarandë and Ksamil the sea meets the mountains, and small bays and rocky shores create a completely different atmosphere.
The capital, Tirana, is an energetic and colourful city with wide boulevards, cafés, museums and squares, but also with visible traces of the country's turbulent history. Mount Dajti is just a short distance away, and the Adriatic coast is close too.
Along the coast, each of the main resorts has its own character. Durrës is the closest large seaside town to Tirana and combines a long beach with a lively urban setting and ancient heritage. Golem, right next to Durrës, is more of a resort area with wide sandy beaches and many hotels, making it a convenient choice for a classic summer holiday. Further south, Vlorë is where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, and the town is a good base for exploring both the coast and the interior. Further south still, Sarandë has a more Mediterranean feel - it sits in a bay opposite the island of Corfu and is one of the main starting points for visiting Butrint and the southern coast.
In the south the atmosphere changes. Berat is known for its white houses climbing the slopes above the Osum River, while Gjirokastër impresses with its stone architecture and the fortress above the town. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Even further south lies Butrint - an ancient city where remains from different historical periods are scattered among green vegetation. In the north, a completely different Albania begins - one of high mountains, forests and river valleys around Theth and Valbona.
So the country can be experienced in different ways - as a beach destination, as a place for a cultural journey or as a starting point for mountain adventures.
Climate
Albania's climate is mainly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Inland, and especially in the mountains, temperatures are lower and winters can be cold and snowy.
Summer is the best season for a beach holiday. July and August are the hottest months and attract the most visitors, while June and September are a good choice for those who prefer slightly milder temperatures.
Spring and autumn are pleasant for touring the country. The weather is usually ideal for walks and visiting historic sites, and nature is especially beautiful. For mountain routes it is worth bearing in mind that the weather there can differ considerably from that on the coast.
Culture and history
Albania's history began long before the modern state. The ancient Greeks and Romans left their mark on these lands, and later the region was part of various medieval states and the Ottoman Empire.
One of the most impressive examples of the ancient past is Butrint. A walk among its ruins takes you past an ancient theatre, temples, fortress walls and other remains hidden among the greenery. Another important archaeological site is Apollonia, near the town of Fier.
Medieval Albania is felt most strongly in Berat and Gjirokastër. Their narrow streets, stone houses and old fortresses have preserved the character of these towns to this day. In Krujë, history is linked to the best-known figure in Albanian national memory - Skanderbeg, who led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
Traces of the Ottoman period are also part of the landscape. They can be seen in the architecture, mosques, bridges and traditional houses. The country's more recent history was marked by the communist regime and decades of isolation, and today this period is gradually becoming part of Albania's tourist story too.
The country's culture, however, is not confined to museums. Traditional music, dance, costumes and local crafts are still present in different parts of the country. Particularly distinctive is Albanian iso-polyphony - multi-voice singing recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
And of course, the food. Albanian cuisine combines Balkan, Mediterranean and Ottoman influences. In different regions you can try fresh fish, meat dishes, cheeses, vegetables, savoury pies and traditional sweets. In the south the Mediterranean feel is especially strong, while in the mountain areas the cooking is simpler and heartier.
For art lovers, the National Gallery in Tirana presents the development of Albanian art in the 20th century, and the city also has a number of contemporary art spaces.
Why and when to visit
The most obvious answer is the sea, but Albania has plenty to offer outside the summer season too. The coast is the main reason many tourists choose the country in July and August, but just a few kilometres inland a completely different landscape begins.
If you are looking for a classic beach holiday, the summer months are best. Durrës is close to Tirana and easy to reach, while the southern coast around Vlorë, Sarandë and Ksamil offers more mountainous scenery and many places for boat trips.
For lovers of history and culture, spring and autumn are an especially good choice. Berat, Gjirokastër, Krujë and Butrint can then be explored at a relaxed pace, without the summer heat dictating the programme.
The mountains show another side of the country. Around Theth and Valbona there are hiking routes and the chance to see a wilder, more traditional Albania. Here the journey is less about the big tourist centres and more about nature and small villages.
One of Albania's advantages is that different types of trip can be combined. You might start with a few days in Tirana, continue to historic Berat and Gjirokastër and then head for the sea. Another option is a route north to Shkodër and the mountains.
For those who prefer an organised trip, a holiday in Albania with Opus Travel can be a convenient way to combine the sea with visits to some of the most interesting places in the country. If you are looking for more variety, optional excursions let you see not only the resorts, but also touch on some of the country's history and nature.
Albania is at once Mediterranean and Balkan, modern and traditional, coastal and mountainous. Perhaps it is precisely this mix that makes a trip here often turn out differently than expected.
