For a country that was closed to the world for much of the twentieth century, Albania has opened up to tourism remarkably fast. Albania’s development in terms of resorts and new hotels has been rapid, and its beach resorts are now as sophisticated and busy as anywhere in the Med. Prices too are now close to or on a par with modern day Greece in the resort areas - but if you venture a little off the beaten track you will find an older (and much cheaper) Albania, especially up in the mountain villages: a contrast that offers a fascinating insight into the country that was.
Albania is a beautiful and historic land with a most welcoming people. She has one of the oldest flags and tongues in Europe, and preserves traditions and culture unadulterated by the outside world for centuries. Her long coastline is washed by the Ionian and Adriatic sea and hides some wonderful beaches. The mountain scenery is stunning; not for nothing do the Albanians know their land as Shqiperia - Land of the Eagles. Here was ancient Illyria; and here too that great Roman road, the Via Egnatia, began its long march east to Constantinople.
Some scars of the past remain - notably the many infamous concrete bunkers, some of which have been transformed into art installations or bars - but these are insignificant compared to Albania's many treasures and natural beauty. Our cultural tour will show you much of what the south has to offer.
Saranda is the main town in the south and easily reached by regular ferries from Corfu in as little as 30 minutes. Built on top of a Roman port (which surfaces here and there) and crowned by a 16th century castle, Saranda today is a large modern town of some 33,000 inhabitants. Built above a wide bay, the town now extends up to the top of the hills and along the coastline, which is fringed by pebble beaches. There is a wonderful long wide promenade above the beach, planted with palms, flowers and shrubs, and backed by an array of smart restaurants, cafes and bars. .
For some superb beaches not too far from town, head for pretty Ksamili near Butrint. Traffic permitting it is a half hour drive (there are regular buses). It is the new poster child for beach holidays in Albania, having a number of pretty small bays and beaches, and several islets just off-shore which you can be taken to by boat or even pedalo they are so close (strong swimmers could make it too). Some fine seafood restaurants and a wide choice of cafes and bars complete the picture. Ksamil is now very popular and heaving with visitors in high season.
The Albanian Riviera to the north enables a stunningly scenic drive high above the sea, passing close to a number of traditional villages. The road has been improved and it now takes only 80 minutes to the developing beach resort of Himara. Built behind a pair of long wide organised sand/shingle beaches, there is no shortage of restaurants and cafe bars to choose from in this small resort. Other excellent beaches can be found within a 30 minute drive north and south, and the high mountains behind hide a number of traditional villages where life continues much as it always has. Views are spectacular!
Albania is still rough around the edges so do not expect the sophistication and service you are used to receiving in countries that have been hosting north Europeans for years. Although on a fast learning curve, Albania is still one of the poorest countries in Europe, so do bear this in mind. That said, we believe a week here followed by a week at one of our Greece resorts makes for an intriguing and contrasting holiday experience.
