I had some funny experiences in Albania. The country is a hidden gem. There’s beautiful nature, rich culture and clear blue seas. Here you can read more about my experiences.
Basic information
Capital: Tirana
Language: Albanian
Currency: Lek
Not in the European Union nor Schengen zone.
Durrës
This is a city by the sea. It’s a small, very nice city. It’s just half an hour from the capital and there are nice beaches and beautiful sea. There are a few things to do in Durrës or the surrounding. Sadly I didn’t visit them all.
Things to see
The Amphitheater
It is a landmark of the city. It’s one of the nicest Roman amphitheaters. You can walk around its ruins. It’s really old but in a very good condition. It’s a place you can’t miss visiting Durrës. It’s located straight next to the Great Mosque, very close to the city center. Nearby you can find many little streets with cafes, bars and restaurants and a lot of souvenir shops.
The Venetian Tower
This tower was part of a castle. The city is surrounded by walls that were built in the 5th century. It is located near the sea. It’s a place you can’t miss. The tower is now a museum. Next to the tower is a restaurant and very close is a promenade where you can enjoy a relaxing walk.
The Great Mosque
This mosque is located on the main square next to the city hall. It’s huge so you definitely can’t miss it. It is the biggest mosque in Albania. It was built in 1931 and it went through many reconstructions. The square is big with palm trees and a fountain in the center. It was crowded with people, especially in the afternoon,
Bunkers
These concrete bunkers were built all around Albania in the 60s. It was a project created by a former dictator. The bunkers in Durrës are located on a hill in a park and you can go and visit them as well as enjoy the view.
Sfinksi
This is a big tourist attraction in Durrës. These big steps are supposed to in a way copy the Sphinx. This viewpoint is the best place to enjoy the sunset. I have to say that it is one of the best sunset spots I visited. Next to it is a promenade with many restaurants, benches, lights and a small fair for the little ones. It was a magical place to be when the sun was setting and all the people gathered to watch it.
Pista e Re Bridge
This bridge is very close to Sfinksi. It connects the promenade and a restaurant. The bridge is a very nice place to walk on and take some pictures. Walking to the bridge there are other restaurants and small shops.
Tirana
The capital of Albania is quite a small city. There are not that many activities and I also didn’t spend much time there. Albania has nicer nature and outdoor activities than cities.
Things to see
Pyramid of Tirana
This building is amazing with its surroundings as well. The pyramid is a former museum dedicated to the dictator Hoxha. Now there are other “boxes” with many meanings, serving as cafes, studios, offices and so on. It is a cultural place for youth. There are steps added to the top of the pyramid. There’s a nice park around it and in the evening the lights go on. It’s a great place to see and it’s free.
Park
The Grand Park of Tirana is a great place to go for a walk and relax a bit. Sadly I haven’t had a chance to visit. The park is huge with a lake, monuments, a church or the presidential palace. Close is also a zoo and a botanical garden. There are many things to do and see, so don’t miss it.
Castle
The castle is considered to be the heart of Tirana. It is not big and it is more of a fortress. Behind the walls there are many restaurants and some other buildings. You can also find some remains of the fortress there. Next to it is a walking path with some stands offering food and souvenirs and entertainers. There is also a shopping mall very close.
Skanderbeg Square
This square is located in the center of the city. It’s huge with many people walking around and many entertainers. It’s named after the national hero of Albania. Et’hem Bej mosque is located straight next to it. This mosque has a very nice architecture. There are also many government buildings but also the National Opera, Museum, Library, City Hall, Clock Tower or the Palace of Culture. There are many things to see and do there.
Stadium
The football stadium in Tirana is the biggest one and I liked the architecture. Especially in the evening when the lights went on. Next to it is the National Archeological Museum located and also a university and a congress center. It’s all around Mother Teresa Square. When I was walking there, there was some big event happening with many people and a red carpet. It was interesting to see even tho I didn’t understand anything.
Notes:
- Albania is quite expensive. I was surprised by the prices of groceries. Especially if you compare the prices to the rest of Balkan countries.
- I think Albania is amazing for a road trip. If you can go by car I recommend it, if not maybe fix a guided tour. Staying in the city is quite boring, but the nature there is stunning.
- The bus station was A MESS. Both in Tirana and Durrës. There was no information, no numbers. We had to ask someone where to go, it was very messy. In Tirana there are 2 bus stations, one for international buses and one for national.
- I didn’t have any problems with the language barrier. People spoke English very well. Albanian is very different from the other Balkan languages. The people were very open and talkative.
Story: When we were looking for a bus to Durrës we were lucky. We had to ask some guy that sent us to another guy who stopped an already leaving bus so we could jump on. When we were in the bus, there was a driver and a guy who was selling the tickets. There was no place to sit. They ended up seating us on a seat next to the driver and me on the floor. It was a funny experience but everyone was very kind. Surprising was also that people were stopping the bus just randomly on the street and he just picked them up. The positive side was that the tickets were cheap and the way was like half an hour long. It was a funny experience.
I wish I could see more of Albania. I think it is an amazing country with many things to do. I just don’t think I visited the right places and I didn’t spend enough time there. The sea is beautiful and clean and the mountains are stunning. I’m looking forward to coming back.
I’ll give this trip ⭐⭐⭐⭐
How would you rate this trip?