Due to the cooler temperatures, it's an excellent time to get outdoors and see some of the most beautiful places in Albania. The seaside town of Himara is one of the riviera's best places to visit, while Porto Palermo Beach, Llamani Beach and Filikuri Beach are some of the area's finest sandy stretches, while Drymades Beach is one of the liveliest spots here. When you drive from Vlore city to Saranda city on the coastal road, you must plan a stop on the Llogara Pass. Inside the park, you see the ruins of a former ancient Greek city. Getting to Kruj Castle from cities like Durrs or Tirana as a day trip is a piece of cake. Learning Croatian It's a gorgeous city, and best of all, it may be the most affordable to visit, so you get a great bang for your buck. Known as the city of stone, Gjirokastra is a Unesco city in the south of Albania. 4 Monastery of 40 Saints. San Diego's location on the coast makes it one of the best warm winter vacations for sun . Its really close to the Dajti Express which also features on this list! Butrint National Park 9. Boyne Mountain is 25 minutes south of Petoskey and offers 60 runs. The view itself is worth a visit to the castle. One of the best things to do here, apart from walking the bazaar and visiting the castle of Gjirokastra, is to wander around the Zekati Family Home. Macedonia, Romania, Russia, and Serbia. If you plan on visiting the Albanian Riviera in the south of Albania, you will most likely drive down the coastal road. We arrived at 8 am when the park opened and it was definitely a great time to arrive judging by the size of the queue when we left. Moreover, you can dive of the rocks, go kayaking, snorkelling or diving. The best way to see the scenery of the lake is with a journey on the famous Lake Koman Ferry, which transports you from the town of Koman to Fierza further along the Drin River. Ouch! The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Albania on a Budget, 3 Days in Tirana: The Perfect Tirana Itinerary, 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur: The Perfect Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, 15 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World, 3 Days in Madrid: The Perfect Madrid Itinerary. From the walls of the castle you can enjoy a lovely view of the bay. The archaeological park is a very popular place to have a picnic lunch, because it is surrounded by beautiful olive trees. As well as being a popular choice for history lovers, its also an attractive choice for those seeking a mixture of city life and relaxing beaches. Albanias history is scary, but most certainly fascinating. One Albanian attraction that travelers will need to see with their own eyes is the countrys famous Blue Eye. Especially the latter one is incredibly popular, thanks mainly to the presence of the well-equipped Bigell Ski Resort. In comparison, in summer, this average is 15 hours or more per day. Youll paddle right by the canyon walls and float next to eight impressive waterfalls. The Albanian Riviera is probably the place that brings most people to the country. The village of Lin is not often one you will find in guidebooks. In one of the rooms, for instance, you can hear dictators voice. Known as the city of stone, Gjirokastra is a Unesco city in the south of Albania. Porto Palermo is a unique travel destination because of its triangle-shaped castle. You can explore the best scenery in North Albania by completing the Theth to Valbona hike if youre up for the challenge. To reach the spring, visitors first walk through a forest of oak and sycamore trees before eventually reaching a viewing platform by the water. Read more about the Best Albania Beaches! Here, you can admire the bazaars 13th-century style in the form of old cobbled streets and Ottoman-style architecture. The Karaburun Peninsula is a touristic sight that is hard to reach, but well worth the trip. And finally, you can use Korca as a starting point to explore one of the nearby mountain villages, like Voskopoje or Dardha. You can get this and more, visiting these Top 10 destinations for winter holidays in Albania: 1. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes. Its an absolutely beautiful place to visit in Albania, particularly in the summer. The country is still an undiscovered and unknown destination for tourists. A city nestled within mountains and hills, this modern and cosmopolitan city has so much to offer. On top of your Albania packing list should be warm sweaters, a raincoat, a hat and scarf, and comfortable boots or sturdy shoes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Apart from winter sports, tourists may also go hunting in the dense forests near the village. Shkodra, northern Albania, the ideal place to practice skiing and mountain alpinism. The town is popular amongst locals, because of the the Benja Thermal Baths. In the south of Albania, not far from the Greek border, you will find the town Permet. Skiing of course. Moreover, the hot water is said to have healing powers. From the pass you look down on popular coastal villages and beaches like Palase, Dhermi and Drymades. Try Local Homemade Cuisine at Oda Restaurant. You can get there easily by taking a bus from Tirana which takes around 1.5 hours. It is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch, before you embark on the journey down the hill. The day before Dita e Vers, youll see people searching for a clump of grass containing soil and roots, as they will then keep it in their home as a sign of good luck. San Diego, California. For example, the average temperature in Turin and Milan is between 3C and 8C (37F to 46F). Why visit in January: The Texas Hill Country region and city of San Antonio is home to sweeping valleys, picturesque wineries, and a bold personality. However, the two older brothers cheated and told their wives; therefore, the wife of the youngest brother brought lunch the next day. These regions are perfect for travelers interested in hiking and nature, with plenty of trails that pass through dense forest and past waterfalls and springs. Saranda combines brilliant beaches, pumping nightlife, and interesting historical sights to ensure that it has something for everyone who visits. If the water levels are low at the time of your visit, the canyon is just as beautiful from the top and youll still be able to swim in pools, hike, and enjoy its natural beauty. A day trip to Berat will give you a good amount of time to explore the city. Arguably the leading Albania winter sports destination, the Kor area in southeastern Albania is dotted with ski resorts, groomed trails and slopes, and all kinds of other facilities for wintertime visitors. Not only is it the largest city in Albania and the easiest place to start your journey from, Tirana is a fun, lively place to dive into the countrys culture and history. Its known as the city of 1000 windows due to the symmetrical openings in each building. With such a fantastic coastline, its easy to forget that Albania is also covered by mountains. Moreover, the Theth village is also well-known for its natural beauty. Youll find lots of traditional food, dancing, and general merriment around this time. It is one of the best place for sightseeing in Tirana, because entering the bunker is an experience. The first is the hike to the Blue Eye, which leads you through a forest, over rivers and finally to a vibrant blue natural spring. You must visit the Castle whilst youre in the city, it was the highlight of my visit. Just south of the city of Himare, you will find the castle and the bay of Porto Palermo. One of the best places in Albania to try it is five minutes outside of Kuks. Planning tip: If you would like to do the Theth to Valbona hike and dont fancy taking the entirety of your luggage with you, a popular option is to leave your luggage in the city of Shkoder with your accommodation. . . Its definitely one of the best places to visit in Albania if you love the outdoors. If youre looking for a lake getaway and craving silence and tranquility, visit Lin. Visitors to Saranda also have the option to pop over to Greece for the day, as the popular island of Corfu is just a short ferry ride away. Housed in an anti-nuclear bunker constructed by Albanias communist government under Enver Hoxha, BunkArt 1 is one of the most extraordinary attractions in Tirana and one of the best museums in Albania. All along its northern and eastern border, youll find opportunities to go skiing, snowboarding, or sledding. It simply can't be missed. Although Saranda may be the best known beach destination on Albanias coast, there are a whole host of smaller towns and beach resorts in Albania that are collectively known as the Albanian Riviera. And finally, as you will see on your visit, the pyramid is not in use today. While youre there, do as the locals do and hire a bicycle for the day. Further down the coast, youll find the slightly quieter beaches of Lori Beach and The Last Bay which are just as beautiful and a good option in the height of summer when the main beaches get a little busy. The capital city is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Albania. Winter in Albania is also a great time to immerse yourself in the countrys culture and history. Although there are signs warning against swimming in the icy water of the Blue Eye, many visitors opt to dip their feet in. The castle is impressive, because it was built on a massive rock on the top of a hill. If you like nature and hiking, then Theth is one of the best places to visit in Albania for you! As you can image, the future and the history of the pyramid are both highly controversial subject. When you visit Korce, make sure to stroll through the. The little shops along the road offer a variety of souvenirs and handicraft products. The drive up to this California winter vacation spot is . 16 Best Places to visit in Canada in Winter: Things to do + Events Guide. In some places, it was like the water you see in the Caribbean or in Asia. The city's snow-covered streets, festive lights and multiple . Based in an old nuclear bunker, youll learn all about the history of Albania. On a cold and snowy winter evening in Albania, few things are as cozy, soul-warming, and enjoyable as indulging in a hearty traditional Albanian meal. Thrill-seekers might be interested in a more adrenaline-heavy activity than museums, visits, festivals, and food can offer. The water of the spring has a fantastic bright blue colour. Albanias rugged coastline, with traditional villages nestled in isolated bays andgolden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, was a revelation when, From the rushing rapids of the Vrbas River in the north to the epic peaks of Sutjeska National Park in the south, Bosnia and Hercegovina is a giant,, At 3:30am, on the fifth day of an expedition along North Macedonias mountainous western edge, we traded our trekking poles for reins and mounted horses, Ask any Macedonian to elaborate onthe goings-on at local festivities and theyre likely to begin by reeling off the delicious dishes that accompany the, For the last few years, Kosovo, which celebrates a decade of independence in 2018, has hovered at the radars edge for in-the-know explorers. You might even catch someone having a glass of Raki with their morning espresso! 2 Waterfront of Saranda. If you love wine and want a foodie experience, then you need to take a trip to Te Fucite(The Barrels). No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. This makes an excellent spot for a camping spot along the Albanian riviera coast. Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy. Youll be dropped off by a helicopter at the summit of a pristine, snow-covered peak, after which youll have to find your way down on sheer, ungroomed slopes. There is a popular hiking route across the mountain pass. During my time spent in Albania, I visited these places and chose to add them to the list due to their historical significance, natural beauty, ease of travel and the activities available. The 1,200-acre Balboa Park wows visitors with its lovely gardens, hiking trails, and cultural attractions including 17 museums. Situated in the far north of Albania, bordering Montenegro to the north and Theth National Park to the west, Valbon (or Valbona) Valley National Park is another sensational destination for Albania winter trips. According to the legend, three brothers build the castles walls during the day but very night the walls would collapse. Furthermore, the museum also shows nuclear weapons and protective gear, because the former dictator was paranoid and feared a nuclear attack. I was in constant awe of this country that I knew nothing about before. The water was unbelievably clear, blue and warm. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes. Even though Butrint National Park is situated just outside, and easily visited from, the town of Ksamil, this protected area most definitely deserves its own entry on this list. Visiting a museum or two, exploring a castle, attending a festival, or indulging in typical Albanian food are all excellent winter activities in Albania. Rest and relaxation is definitely on the cards with a visit to Ksamil, whether that means sunbathing, swimming, or taking to the water with a paddleboard. You will ascent more than 800 meters from the Tirana city center to Mount Dajti, a trip that takes about 15 minutes. Gjirokastra has ties to two major Albanian figures: the acclaimed writer Ismail Kadare and the former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, both of whose homes are now museums. Furthermore, from the castle you will have a wonderful view of the Petrela village and its valley with olive trees. Ksamil 7. Although Albania, located between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is best known for its warm Mediterranean summers and amazing beaches, theres plenty to do in Albania in winter. What To Pack For Albania Tourists can either accommodate in hotels or guests houses of locals . It was the birthplace of the former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. As this is a summer destination, most businesses close during the off-season. Required fields are marked *. Come with an open mind and a rough plan, and be ready to be submerged in a rich culture like no other in Europe. You also get an incredible view from the top of Lin and can see North Macedonia as you look over Lake Ohrid. If you would like to explore the Albanian Riviera, then Ksamil is one of the best places to visit in Albania. Therefore, many tour guides say it was constructed by the Albanian lord Ali Pasha, but it is more likely that the Venetians constructed the castle. The sea is on one side, and bars, cafes and restaurants border the other its super pretty. Everybody talks about Venice in the summer - the romantic gondola rides, the magical views from the canals, people watching from the terrace of an outdoor caf. Resting right at the southern end of Albanias considerable coastline, youll find the resort city of Saranda and some of the best beaches in Albania. This is easily the best view youll see of the city. Another attraction is the historical Zekate House. If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of Albania, head to BunkArt1, my favourite museum in Tirana. Its definitely one of the most beautiful places in Albania. Foodies also wont be disappointed here with some amazing restaurants to try in the prestigious neighbourhood of Blloku. Sarand Where to stay in Saranda 7. You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the beaches and quiet bays. The beach site is surrounded by beautiful cliffs. An easy day trip from Kars or a whistle stop on the Dogu Express route, Lake Cildir ('the lake of shadows') is one of Turkey's most quintessential winter destinations. But Pogradec has a few things to offer, too, from its generous beachfront to the wonderful views from its hilltop castle ruins. Kroreza Beach has the most amazing turquoise waters, which evoke pictures of Mexico. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Its the perfect way to finish off a day of outdoor activities, museum visits, or other Albania winter activities. Ksamil beach is the best beach destination of Albania, because it is a paradise on earth with perfect blue water and white sand. The most famous sight are the enormous pillars of the administrative centre dating back to 2nd century AD. The ferry boat journey across the lake of Koman in the north is one of the best places to visit in Albania. I found the locals to be both welcoming and friendly, and felt very safe everywhere I visited. Albania is a country that has so much to offer. By far one of the prettiest cities in Albania youll come across is Kor. 2. After your visit to the castle, travel down the hill towards the touristic Shkodra city and enjoy a glass of wine on one of the many terraces on the boulevard. Its beauty, welcoming people and unique places never failed to surprise me. 2. Planning tip: Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs can be hard to come by, and almost everything will need to be paid for in cash. The country doesn't have any mountains but cross country skiing takes place every year. There are also some excellent winter guesthouses in the area. Beauty, history, culture, and adventure, all wrapped into one. Porto Palermo is filled with history and spectacular swimming bays and has a peaceful positioning along the Riviera. San Diego is a pleasure to visit at any time of year, but it is undoubtedly one of the best warm winter getaways in the United States. Whilst there is petty crime around the country, its nothing that doesnt happen elsewhere around Europe. Its strange to think that in this day and age there are any parts of Europe overlooked by travelers, but one glaringly obvious candidate is the country of Albania. In fact, the wife, who would bring them lunch the next day, would be sacrificed. Albanian villages still preserve values from the nation's tradition as well as different cultures that clashed in the area. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to earn money and travel in a financially sustainable way. The best time to live there, always. Take a Break with a Cup of Coffee at Mulliri I Vjeter Cafe. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in Albania, Ksamil attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Not to be missed is the Mission San Diego de Alcal, a National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1777. Valbona National Park, also called the Albanian miracle of Alps, is a part of the Bjeshkt e Nemuna (Prokletije Mountains). The Blue Eye Spring is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South of Albania. One of the best things to do in Tirana city is: to take the cable car to Dajti Mountain. Since the water is light blue it looks like the iris of the human eye and the black, underwater cave is the human pupil. This hike is easy to moderate and perfect if youre not an experienced hiker. Gjirokastra is one of the best places to go in Albania if you want to see the countrys more traditional side. The cave is famous in Albania, because of a childrens adventure book. What To Wear On A Longhaul Flight. 8 Butrint National Park. Just as gorgeous as Albanias coastline are the countrys incredible mountains that make up the Albanian Alps. At 7,800 feet above sea level, Mammoth Lakes is yet another dream winter getaway destination. In Athens, you can find a lot of fine restaurants that feel irresistibly warm and festive in December. Kruje is lovely at this time of the year, while a trip to Berat, the city with a thousand Ottoman windows is another great idea! Its unsurprising that its bursting with archaeological sites, historic buildings and remnants. In the square, you'll find the impressive Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era market, and St. Mary's Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church. The Dajti Express, a super speedy modern cable car, will take you up the mountain to the park.
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