Albania ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1.Tirana
Tirana is the capital of Albania and with almost half a million inhabitants it is also the largest city in the country. The largest airport in the country is not far from here and as a tourist you will often travel via Tirana to the other places of the country. The central place of the city is Skanderbeg Square. Just outside the city is Dajt Mountain and Dajt National Park. In the city there are several museums such as the National Archaeological Museum, the National History Museum, the National Science Museum and the National Art Museum. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Albania.
#2.Winter sports in Albania
About three quarters of Albania consists of a hilly landscape. In the northeast of the country lies the Korabit Mountains, which form the border with the countries of Kosovo and Macedonia. The highest mountain in this area is the Korab at 2763 meters. Skiing is possible in this area as winter sports in this part of Albania is still in its infancy. Do not expect luxury resorts and illuminated slopes here. In the east of Albania is the town of Korçë which lies at almost 1,000 meters altitude and is known for its monasteries and the areas of Dardha.
#3.Vlora/Vlorë
The town of Vlora is located in southwestern Albania on the Gulf of Vlorë, not far from Sarandë. The city has the second largest port in the country after Dürres and is an important tourist attraction in Albania. It is originally a Greek city that later became part of the Ottoman Empire. The city is best known for its declaration of independence from Albania in 1912 during the First Balkan War. Near Vlora there are several beautiful beaches that are still undiscovered by the general public. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Albania.
#4.Lake Ohrid
This lake forms part of the border between Albania and Macedonia. The lake is largely located on Macedonian territory and is one of the largest lakes in the Balkan Peninsula. The deepest part of Lake Ohrid is 296 meters deep. The lake is fed by subterranean springs. The lake is drained via the Black Drin which flows through Albania to the Adriatic Sea. The Black Drin is the largest and most important river in Albania. Lake Ohrid is very popular with anglers who come here to fish for Ohrid trout and carp.
#5.Durres
Dürres is the second largest city in the country after Tirana and has the largest and most important port in the country. Dürres is the most popular tourist destination in Albania. Dürres is located in the central western part of Albania on the Adriatic Sea. It is an old city with many remains of its turbulent history. The Durrës Amphitheater and the remains of the Byzantine and Venetian city walls are fine examples. The beaches of Dürres attract many visitors every year. In recent years, the city has attracted more than 600,000 tourists every year, including many Albanians who come from the capital Tirana. Tirana is only thirty-three kilometers from here.
#6.Berat and Gjirokastra
Berat and Gjirokastra are known as the museum cities of Albania. Berat is located in the central southern part of the country on the Osum River. Gjirokastra is a lot further south than the city of Berat not far from the Greek border. Both cities are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This mainly because of their historic centers. Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, Gjirokastra is one of the oldest cities in the Country. Both cities are included on the UNESCO list for their typical Ottoman architectural style.
#7.Skanderbeg Square in Tirana
Skanderbeg Square is the beating heart of the city of Tirana. It is named after the national hero Skanderbeg who is honored here with a large equestrian statue in the middle of the square. In addition to a few hotels and other catering establishments, the National Theater for Opera and Ballet, the National Library of Albania and the National History Museum are located on the square. Several ministries are also located here. On the eastern part of the square is the Et’hem Bey Mosque, which dates back to the eighteenth century. Skanderbeg Square is connected to Sheshi Nënë Tereza (Mother Theresa Square) through the Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit (Martyrs Boulevard).
#8.Butrint
This ancient Greek city and archaeological site is located in southern Albania not far from the Greek border. This originally Illyrian city has been in the hands of the Greeks, Romans and Venetians over the centuries and was part of the Byzantine Empire. This makes it an important archaeological site that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992. In this ancient city you will find a basilica from the sixth century, an acropolis and a Venetian castle.
#9.Sarandë
“The pearl of Albania” is how Sarandë is called by the locals. This is not entirely unjustified because this Sarandë is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the country. The town is located in the southwest of Albania on the Ionian Sea, not far from the border with Greece. From Sarandë you look straight on the Greek island of Corfu. Between these two places there is a daily ferry service. The seaside resort is known for its beautiful beaches and its blue sea. Just outside the city is the archaeological site of Butrint. Another attraction of the seaside resort is the azure blue karst spring Syri i Kaltër.
#10.Shkodër
Shkodër is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is located in the northwest of Albania on Lake Shkodër. This lake forms the border with Montenegro. The city dates from the Illyrian period, later became a Roman colony and part of the Byzantine Empire. During the First Balkan War, the city was conquered by Montenegro. In the city, the Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque also known as the Ebu Beker Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. The tourists who come to Shkodër mainly use the city as a base to one of the beautiful nature reserves in the region.
