The increased number of searches related to traveling to Albania is no coincidence, as the country has been chosen as one of the cheapest destinations for vacations in Europe this year. Despite the latent desire to explore the world, economic circumstances compel us to minimize the budget allocated for getaways. The Eastern European country is still one of the lesser-known (and therefore less crowded) gems, as travel experts claim. Moreover, it is an economical destination, as accommodation, transportation, and food prices are much more affordable than in the rest of European countries.
Situated in the southeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania offers natural wonders such as Përmet with national parks and thermal waters from rivers. In the region, there are also historical sites with significant monuments and areas designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Albanian Butrint National Park, of great archaeological interest. All of this is within a reasonably manageable size, allowing you to travel from one end of the country to the other. Another tourist attraction is its coastline, thanks to its location between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, earning it the nickname “European Caribbean” for its crystal-clear waters. Specifically, the area known as the Albanian Riviera offers over 150 kilometers of paradisiacal beaches and breathtaking panoramic views.
And all of this without having to contend with a large number of tourists. To reach this country bordered by Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, you can find direct connections from Barcelona or Madrid (and you might even discover economical flights). Alternatively, you can connect to the capital, Tirana, from some Italian cities that have direct flights from Spain. If we’ve convinced you to enjoy your vacation in Albania in 2023, we’ve selected some activities to make the most of your adventure in the area so that, beyond enjoying its wild nature and clear waters, you can discover the entire environment of this European gem.
Tourist activities to discover Albania
Before relaxing on the country’s beautiful beaches, we will start our journey in the capital, Tirana, which we can explore on a free tour that shows us the most emblematic places in the city: Skanderbeg Square, the National Art Gallery, Dajti Hotel, Tirana Pyramid, and more. A two-hour and fifteen-minute tour where we will also learn about the region’s history and some of its curiosities. From this location, you can enjoy outdoor activities with day trips across Albania, such as discovering the Gamti mountain with its beautiful lake views or the excursion to Vlora, Butrint, Saranda, and Gjirokastër, where you can see some of the breathtaking views of the Albanian Riviera and visit some of the country’s best beaches.
Once we have delved into the culture and heritage of Albania, it’s time to enjoy that “European Caribbean” with a tour of the entire Riviera, including a visit to Borsh, Porto Palermo Castle, and Himarë, with free time in the latter to take a dip in its incredible waters. From Saranda, the starting point of this activity, you can also visit the Blue Eye lagoon, one of the Balkans’ main jewels whose spring is declared a Natural Monument. From this destination, you can also visit one of the country’s most iconic monuments, Butrint, the Albanian Pompeii, as it is only a 30-minute drive away.
You can read the original article here.
