5 Things to Do While You’re in Albania

From the idyllic beaches that dot the Adriatic coastline – often called the Albanian Riviera – to the cosmopolitan (with Communist reminders!) flair of the capital city Tirana, further upwards to the stony hiking trails that wind across rustic villages in the heartland, Albania has a lot to offer the traveller. 
Not quite known for its travel lure, Albania has been unfairly portrayed as a Communist hotbed and a country you can usually ignore during your Eurotrip (those Taken movies and Liam Neeson didn’t help). But most travellers who have been there would say you were really missing out. Because Albania promises something beyond well-paved avenues and an orderly vacation. It promises adventure. 
So, let’s travel across this oft-unnoticed country and find out the 5 things to do while you’re in Albania.

Walk the Ramparts of the Berat Fortress

Smack dab in the middle of Albania lie the stone works of Berat – an ancient fortress perched up a hill. Inside the fortress complex, you’ll come across a number of mosques and church squares. Beyond the castle walls, several quaint villages dot the hilly terrain. All this makes Berat well worth a full day’s tour. 

Bask in the Beaches at the Albanian Riviera 

The difference between the Albanian Riviera and the Italian or French Riviera – among other things – is the fact that here you’ll actually get a chance for peace and quiet. That Albania is not half as popular a tourist destination as France or Italy means that apart from the locals, you won’t see a lot of people around – and this is also one of its major USPs. Steep hills converge upon the coastal plains along the Adriatic Sea, lined with beach houses and resorts that ensure you have quite a lovely time sunbathing there. 

Travel Back in Time at Apollonia

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Once the most important and culturally significant city of the Hellenic era, Apollonia still harkens back to the days of Greek glory with its ruined remnants. Gilded pillars, theatres, libraries and imposing archways leading towards the great temples make for quite an awe-inspiring experience. Do take your camera along for this one – the sights here promise to be picture-perfect.

Ogle at Unique Architecture at Gjirokastra

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While pronouncing the name ‘Gjirokastra’ make take you a few turns to get right, the visit to this UNESCO-hailed town is definitely worth the effort. The distinctive aspect of the town is its Balkan architectural style, indigenous to the region. Comprising museums, places of worship, theatres and little houses built like castles, the ancient builders of this town found a way to maintain ideal temperatures inside buildings by using a particular kind of stone. This cultural heritage site is a must-visit if you plan on travelling to Albania.

Ride the Cable Car in Tirana

The haphazard capital city of Albania is strewn with Ottoman, Balkan and Communist architecture – which makes it an interesting city to visit for sure. The wonderful mosques, museums, historical landmarks and cultural hotspots are an added attraction. But do not return from Tirana without taking a ride on the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car that gives you with an excellent bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding environs, blooming with lush pastures and rollicking hills. 
Well, there you have it. As is evident, there’s more to Albania than meets the eye, much more. Find out for yourself, by booking a passage to this unpredictable, uncharted country.