Travel to Albania 2021? Near the coastal town of Himara there is Porto Palermo, one of the most beautiful fortresses in the country, known by the locals as Ali Pasha Tepelena. It is said that the Albanian administrator of Ioannina, Ali Pasha Tepelena, built the castle to honor his wife. The castle offers dazzling views over the Ionian sea and surrounding mountains. Saranda is one of the most famous touristic locations in Albania, mostly known for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant nightlife. It is located between the Greek island of Corfu, reachable with a boat ride of 40 minutes, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, the most important archaeological park of Albania.
In the south-west of Albania is the popular coastal resort of Vlore, which has long been best known for its olive production – it is believed to house some 280,000 olive trees. Vlore has many important historic sights, but perhaps the most famous of them is the Albanian Independence Proclamation Building, which is where Albania declared independence a little over 100 years ago. Today, there is a monument dedicated to this defining moment in Albania’s history. The area of Cold Water in Vlore is popular with younger tourists due to its choice of hip bars and restaurants.
Home to a number of diverse ecosystems and stunning archaeological sites, Butrint National Park is a popular tourist destination, in large part due to its proximity to the Greek island of Corfu. Many people come to see its majestic blend of history and nature. Covering a peninsula that is bordered by the huge Lake Butrint on one side and the Vivari Channel on the other, the natural beauty is magnificent; over 1,200 different types of animals and plants reside amongst its scenic wetlands, hills, and islands. The main attraction, however, is the amazing archaeological site which covers over 2,500 years of history; this includes ancient city walls, remnants of a Roman theater, a Byzantine Basilica and two castles. Wandering around the ruins with the beautiful scenery all around you is a delightful experience. This is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of what Albania has to offer. See more details on boat tour in Albania.
First, though, let’s start with some historical background. Knowing the history and origins of a destination always helps you put things into context when you see, do, or visit them. Saranda’s recorded history goes back to Ancient Epirus, which was a Greek state between roughly the 4th and 2nd centuries B.C. In antiquity, the town was known as Onchesmus (or Onchesmos). It was an important port town in the time of Cicero. Later, it fell under the control of the Byzantine and subsequently the Ottoman Empire. It was later occupied by Italy and Greece as well. This millennia-long history and many different foreign influences have left their marks on the Saranda of today. Numerous fascinating archaeological sites dot the area, while Saranda still has a significant Greek population. In fact, it’s one of the two Greek minority centers in Albania.
The capital city of Albania, Tirana will be the starting point for many people exploring the best places in Albania. The city is home to few must-see tourist locations, but the 18th-century Et’hem Bey mosque is well worth a visit. Tirana’s people, like the vast majority of Albanian locals, are exceptionally friendly and the city is supremely affordable, with surprisingly excellent food and drinks both very cheap. Skanderbeg Square is one of Tirana’s most important places and this is where the National Historical Museum can be found too. At the heart of Skanderbeg Square – and therefore the heart of Tirana – is a statue of the historic Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. See extra details at here.