Albania, AL

destination • experience

Albania

Albania! I had a server in Tirana who asked me "Why do you come to Albania?". I responded "Why should I not come to Albania?" This country had decades of communistic past and they isolated themselves for years. It was a true communist country where people wore the same clothes, no religion and no cars! The only cars were state cars and everyone walked or rode donkey carts until the early 90s. To see how the country has developed in almost 30 years is what I find intersting, The streets are filled with modern day music, cars are everywhere and art fills the street. I know that this country is still unknown to most and that is why I wanted to spend a few days getting to know it. There were many other tourists, many solo travelers, from around the world who were just as curious. We all said that we wanted to see Albania before everyone else realized how cool the country really is.

Tirana, Tirana County

destination • experience

Kulla e Sahatit

This clock tower was built in 1822 and was finished by a Bejtexhinj poet who also completed the Et'hem Bey mosque next door. Both The clocktower and mosque were not destroyed during communist rule as they were considered cultural. Inside the clock Tower there are 90 steps that go up in a spiral and The clocktower is considered the city symbol of Tirana.

Berat, Berat County

destination • experience

Berat

A couple of hours away from busy Tirana is the quiet rive town of Berat. To say it is laid-back is an understatement. I found it to be friendly, relaxing and full of nature. It is surrounded by hills and has a flowing river through it. There are day tours that will take you from Tirana but I took a public bus. There are buses in from the main bus station that will take you to Berat and back.

Tirana, Tirana County

destination • experience

Opera & Ballet Theatre

The Opera house is in the center of the city with a large plaza in front of it. Even if you do not see an opera or ballet here, the architecture is stately. It is simple, grand and no nonsense which was very common during the communist times. Also if you are taking the free walking tour, more than likely it will begin here.

Tirana, Tirana County

cafe • outdoors

Mulliri Vjeter

I spent my mornings and late afternoons here as it has great wifi. For some reason, the wifi in my apartment was not working so this lovely cafe was my saving grace. Mulliri Vjeter is a modern coffee cafe that serves cakes, pastries and sandwiches. It is quite popular with the locals and it is very friendly.

Berat, Berat County

destination • experience • outdoors • restaurants

Old Town

If you find yourself in Berat, more than likely you will be in Old Town. It is safe, quiet and friendly. There are many cafes and restaurants at very low prices. Albania still uses leks so you can get a very good meal for a very cheap price. Finding yourself in Berat from Albania is well worth the trip.

Tirana, Tirana County

destination • experience • restaurants • shopping

Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and a very lively City at that! this city has come a long way from its communistic days only 30 years ago. The city is quite loud with music playing, a lot of people walking the streets and art sculptures everywhere. I never felt unsafe here as it is quite a friendly City. If you come to Albania more than likely you'll be in Tirana!

Tiranë, Qarku i Tiranës

destination • experience

Et'hem Bej Mosque

Many religious structures were destroyed during communist rule in Albania. This mosque was not destroyed during those times but closed for decades. It was kept by the Communist party because it was considered a cultural artifact. There are frescoes outside that were considered priceless. It was reopened in 1991 when the Communist party fell.

Tirana, Tirana County

experience

Tirana Free Tour

The free walking tour in Tirana is very valuable. For 2 hours you are LED through the streets and learn about the history, the architecture and gain knowledge of places to eat and see. There were so many people from many countries are taking the tour. It was nice to see that many people were interested in Albania as I was!

Tirana, Tirana County

destination • experience

Pyramid of Tirana

This odd shaped triangular building was built in the late 80s during communist rule. Over the decades it has been used for various things such as a museum, conference Center and a NATO base. Today it still stands but dilapidated and vandalized. I saw people at the top of the pyramid who were just hanging around and having fun. There have been several proposals to demolish the pyramid so if you want to see it you might have to get there soon!