I was fortunate to have just returned from an amazing FAM trip with Just You & Travelsphere to Albania. If you're looking for a destination that combines fascinating history, stunning scenery, authentic culture and excellent value, Albania should be firmly on your travel radar. My recent trip showcased exactly why this Balkan gem is becoming one of Europe's most exciting emerging destinations.
We flew direct from London Heathrow with British Airways to Tirana International Airport. The flight itself was around 3 hours. After a short transfer we arrived at our first hotel in the capital. After a quick freshen up we headed out to explore the area and found a lovely local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon we had some free time to look around the area and we found a lovely garden oasis in the heart of the city with a bar where we sampled a local beer before heading back to the hotel to change for dinner. Our first evening was spent at a nearby Albania restaurant where we sampled 5 courses of delicious cuisine which included salads, breads, savoury pastries, meats and a fruit platter to finish.
After a leisurely breakfast in our hotel, we commenced our walking tour of the city through Skanderbeg Square visiting the Mosque and Cathedral we had a morning break for a coffee and continued to learn all about the rich history of the country and capital. Tirana is a city which has been transformed hugely in recent years, it is known for its vibrant Ottoman, Italian and Soviet-era architecture, bustling café culture and intriguing history. One of the highlights here is the fascinating House of Leaves Museum, once the headquarters of Albania's secret police surveillance operations. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the country's communist past and the resilience of its people.
This was followed by a delicious traditional Albania lunch before departing for our next stop Gjirokastër.
As our journey continued south, Albania's rich heritage unfolds through a series of remarkable towns, villages and archaeological treasures. The UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, traditional stone houses and impressive castle overlooking the Drino Valley. The castle itself houses a weapon museum and offers spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.
History lovers will be equally captivated by visits to the ancient archaeological sites of Butrint and Apollonia. Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a fascinating glimpse into Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilisations, while Apollonia offers a remarkable step back in time through one of the most important ancient settlements in the region.
No trip to Albania would be complete without experiencing the breathtaking Albanian Riviera. We enjoyed temperatures of 25oC even in October which was very pleasant.
Perhaps one of the greatest surprises during this trip was the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Albanian people. We also explored the rural village of Lazarat enroute to Sarandë where we had a unique experience with a local family with cheese tasting and polyphonic experience in partnership with Planeterra. Here the local family preserve and apply natural grazing techniques on the rich local pastures, producing cheeses and other dairy products using traditional small-scale recipes that avoid industrial methods whilst passionately sharing their country's traditions and story.
The resort town of Sarandë enjoys an enviable location between the sparkling Ionian Sea and hillsides covered with olive groves. The coastline here rivals some of the Mediterranean's most famous destinations, offering crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain scenery and authentic seaside charm. A visit to Porto Palermo Castle, perched on its own peninsula overlooking the sea, adds yet another layer of history to this spectacular coastal region. We also visited Ksamil and Durres, two more coastal locations with turquoise seas and beautiful beaches.
Our journey also took us through the charming town of Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." Its beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture, hillside castle and historic Onufri Museum make it one of Albania's most treasured destinations. On the evening, we visited a local winery where we were lucky enough to sample some locally produced wines with our dinner. On returning to our hotel the night was still young so we decided to venture down to the promenade to sample the local nightlife.
Our last day was spent visiting Krujë.
After breakfast we had some time to explore Krujë, a medieval settlement with a rich history and offers a glimpse into Albania's national identity, with its historic fortress and connections to national hero Skanderbeg, who led resistance against the Ottoman empire. We also spent time looking around the Ethnographic museum which provided a deeper understanding of local traditions. We then had some free time to explore the local bazaars before lunch and then we transferred back to Tirana in the afternoon for our return flight home. Albania was a delight and I will definitely return.
If you would like to find out more about Albania and start planning your next getaway, why not pop into Miles Morgan Travel in Trowbridge for a friendly chat with Colin? He’ll be more than happy to share his knowledge, offer advice and help you plan your perfect Albanian escape. You can contact Colin on 01225 945096 or email [email protected].
