Albania description of resorts. Why is a holiday in Albania attractive for Russian tourists? General information about Albania

Of all the Balkan countries, Albania is the most underrated by our tourists, but its beach resorts are much better than those in popular Montenegro, and can easily compete with the well-known Greek ones.

At the same time, prices in Albania are pleasing to the eye and budget. They are lower than the average for the Balkans, which today, when the ruble exchange rate has once again clobbered against the euro and dollar in the dance of St. Vitus, cannot but worry everyone who knows how to count. Although the Albanian lek has recently grown relative to the euro, it is still far from the Croatian kuna and the Bulgarian lev: on average, 1 local lek costs about 60 kopecks.

Undoubtedly, the main problem with Albania – no direct flights on the Moscow – Tirana route. You can fly here with a transfer in Belgrade (regular flights are operated by Aeroflot and Air Serbia), as well as via Rome with Alitalia or Vienna with Air Austrian.

In the photo: a seller with a donkey on an Albanian beach

It takes about half a day to travel from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera, so there are no options: either order a transfer or rent a car. Personally, I’m always for the second option, because then you won’t be tied to one location and will be able to explore the entire coastline up and down.

WHICH RESORT IN ALBANIA TO CHOOSE?

The Albanian Riviera has a coastline of 240 kilometers. Located just opposite Italian region Puglia, so the sea there, like its neighbors, is clean and transparent. Looking ahead, I will say right away, in my opinion, if you come to Albania for a period of 10 days to two weeks, then it makes sense to stay in Saranda, because leisure activities there are the most varied. Not just sea, sun and sand, but also ancient ruins, as well as natural wonders are available. I will tell you about all the Riviera resorts in geographical order: I will start from the north and move strictly south.

Below, for clarity, is a map of the resorts of the Albanian Riviera

DERMI AND DREAMARE

The first important point on it is the Greek village of Dhermi, and for a purely beach holiday this option is almost ideal. The village itself is located in the Keraunian mountains, it is located 200 meters above sea level, but on the coastline in last years They built a lot of decent hotels and simple hotels for those who only come to their rooms to sleep. By the way, it is in these places that Albanian youth like to live, which is why in the vicinity of the village there is a decent number of nightclubs, bars and other entertainment venues.

Available in the coastal zone and wooden houses, which local population rents out to tourists for a reasonable fee - a sort of Albanian version of a bungalow. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from here to Drymades Beach, considered one of the best in the country. It is located on the shore beautiful bay With big rock, separating the pebble beach from the sandy one.

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention that it is here that the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. The information is largely useless, but pleasant to understand: who would refuse to swim in two seas at the same time?

Summary: very clean sea and a lot entertainment venues for young people.

HIMARA

If we talk about Himarë, then it is today this city is an ordinary resort in southwest Albania with a population of just under 4,000 people, but it has a glorious past. The settlement was founded by the Greeks during the Byzantine Empire, and battles for the city were constantly fought between the Ottomans, the Kingdom of Naples and the Venetian Republic. The local population calls themselves Himariotes - Albanian Greeks, and before the outbreak of the First World War they made numerous attempts to achieve reunification with neighboring Greece.

If we talk about the beaches of the resort, then they are, of course, not bad, but due to the popularity of Himara among the local population, in August the coastline is overly littered with the bodies of sunbathing vacationers. Well, what can you do, this is the other side of the coin that in Himare the tourism infrastructure here is developing faster than in the country as a whole.

Livadhi is considered the most beautiful local beach. The pebbles there are light, and the beach is surrounded by a grove of olive trees. In general, I would recommend visiting Himaru for a day; there is nothing to do there for longer.

Summary:not bad, but too many vacationers and nothing to do besides the beach.

BORSH

Russians can choose the village of Borsh for their vacation if only because of the funny name associated with borscht. Okay, jokes aside, in fact, it is translated into Russian as “snow and rain.” Not a great idea for a beach resort, right? However, in the case of Borsh, the principle works: words are just words.

Seaside village located on the slopes mountain range one and a half kilometers from the warm Ionian Sea and is surrounded by olive trees. The beach of the village itself is small, light pebbles, and its length is about 4 kilometers, although guidebooks often write that it is the longest in Albania and stretches for as much as 7 kilometers.

This is true and not true at the same time. Yes, the coastline here is many times longer, but officially the additional 3 kilometers no longer belong to Borsh, but to the neighboring villages.

In general, Borsh is an incredibly romantic resort. You can stay in one of the bungalows or a hotel on the coastline. Nearby there is an embankment with restaurants and cafes, olive gardens begin immediately behind it, and a castle rises on a limestone hill above the village. Its first building was erected in the fourth century BC; over the long centuries of its existence, the defensive fortification on the mountain was repeatedly destroyed and then rebuilt. What has survived to this day already applies to XVIII century, when Albania was ruled by Ali Pasha Tepelenski.

Summary: cute and romantic, especially loved by couples who decide to spend their vacation at the seaside.

SARANDE

Saranda differs from the resorts described above in that it is an option for those who want everything at once. Not only lie on the beach and break the transparent waves with your hands, but also devote time to cultural leisure, because everything is fine with the latter in Saranda.

The first important local attraction is ruins of the ancient city of Butrint. It was founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks, then the city, naturally, belonged to the ancient Romans, and in 551 it was destroyed by the Visigoths. However, the Butrint story did not end there. It was restored, and it existed until the 15th century, first being part of the Byzantine province of Epirus, and later being part of the Venetian Republic.

The city was finally abandoned only after the conquest of the coast by the Turks. Since 1992, the ruins of Butrint have been included in the list World Heritage UNESCO, in fact they are a museum under open air. The territory of the city is impressive, and you can walk around it all day. There are explanatory signs near each object, so you can do without the services of a guide.

Another monument of the ancient era in the vicinity of Saranda is the ancient Greek Finichi town. Tourists go there mainly to look at the local Acropolis, which is larger than the famous Athenian Acropolis (some say as much as seven times). Yes, for reference, there were acropolises in all of them without exception. major cities Greece. In fact, it was a fortification located on the very high point cities. Temples and palaces were built there not just for beauty and for religious reasons: the local population could take refuge within their walls in the event of an enemy attack on the city.

For those who want to delve into very ancient times, it makes sense to go on an excursion to the Konispol Caves. There are traces of human habitation from the Upper Paleolithic to the Iron Age, and unlike other places in Europe, tourists are allowed inside the caves without any problems.

Add to this the fact that in the city itself there is a fortress of Ali Pasha Tepelensky - the de facto ruler of Albania at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 19th centuries. Thanks to his cunning international policy, built on constant short-term alliances with European powers and incessant betrayals of allies, the country achieved unprecedented prosperity.

Well, just 18 kilometers from the city at the foot of Mount Muzina there is an extremely curious natural object- source Syri i Kaltër or "Blue Eye". If we reject the lyrics and turn to prose, then the reservoir is a vaucluse - a karst siphon source with a large volume of water. In 2004, the Blue Eye suddenly began to dry up, but then its water flow was restored, and today it feeds the Bistrica River, several ponds that were used in the past for fish farming, and also ensures the uninterrupted operation of the local hydroelectric power station.

Although the vaucluse itself is a rare geological phenomenon, tourists who decide to go to the source hardly think about it. They come here to admire the amazing color of the water: dark blue in the center and transparent blue at the edges.

The water in the source is icy, and the speed of its movement is very high. You throw a pebble down and within a few seconds the internal currents will push it back to the surface. All the nuances mentioned above do not particularly stop tourists. Many, remembering the Russian folk tradition of diving into an ice hole on the night of Epiphany, do the same thing here, after which they solemnly post a photo report on Instagram.

By the way, divers have repeatedly attempted to measure the depth of the Blue Eye. It didn't work out. The maximum they managed to descend was 45 meters, but there was no further - the water in the depths of the Vaucluse surges under too much pressure, which makes diving impossible.

And the last super plus of Saranda is that from here you can take a ferry to the island of Corfu in just half an hour. Also entertainment, not just for show from the series “I visited Greece too,” because Boat trip- a pleasant pastime in all respects.

At the same time, the beaches of the Saranda resort are sandy, the water is warm and clear, so just across the other sea to greek island there's no point in swimming.

Summary: the best resort in Albania. No reservations!

KSAMIL

Actually, Ksamil is usually not classified as a separate resort, since the village is located just half an hour from Saranda. It is notable for one single circumstance: local beach looks like a shot from a Bounty advertisement or a European branch of the Maldives - come up with any other hackneyed epithet, it won’t change the essence.

Clear azure water, three small islands in the bay, a boardwalk pier right above sea waves and snow-white sand - it was formed from shell rock ground into chalk. True, there is a nuance. Today many people have heard about heaven on earth, which is why Ksamili is very crowded in August. Ideally, I would advise coming here for one day to go snorkeling, ride a catamaran or just enjoy the coastal waves, but it’s better to settle in Saranda.

A mystery country, “new love in the Mediterranean”... It’s not for nothing that they say so. Two and Adriatic), ancient cities under UNESCO protection, of amazing beauty virgin nature, excellent cuisine, friendly, hospitable people. Meet Albania. Seaside holidays in this country are still new to Russian tourists. But travelers from Western Europe fully appreciated the developing infrastructure in Albania. After all, prices here are much lower than in neighboring Croatia, Macedonia or Montenegro. Not to mention Greece or Italy. What do Russian tourists write about Albania? Which resorts in this country are worth visiting? What to see and what to try? Read about all this in our article.

Where is Albania located? Visa and currency

This country has been closed to foreigners for a long time. Therefore, now with great interest, curious tourists are eager to come to Albania to explore the new region. Russian vacationers say that traveling to this country is a bit like traveling in a time machine. You can find yourself as if on Caucasian resort, but... somewhere in the 1990s. Of course, in Albania there are no gang wars and everything is quite nice. Local residents try very hard to ensure that tourists have the best experience. best impressions about country. But our tourists still have many prejudices about this region in the west of the Balkan Peninsula.

What exactly is the Republic of Albania? Seaside holidays, exciting excursions to ancient cities, hiking in the mountains, gastronomic tours - all this is now quite accessible to foreigners. For Russians in the summer and in September-October, a visa is not required. You can stay in the country for ninety days, but only between June 1 and October 31. Upon entry, you must declare that the purpose of visiting the Republic of Albania is a seaside holiday. At other times of the year, tourists from Russia require a visa. The national currency of Albania is the lek. It contains one hundred kindarok. The ratio with the Russian ruble is encouraging: one lek has fifty kopecks. But locals often accept US dollars and euros for payment.

Climate in Albania

Nature has given this Balkan country about three hundred sunny days a year. Moreover, it rains mainly in the first half of spring and in November. If we talk about beach holidays in Albania, reviews claim that the peak tourist season falls (as elsewhere in these latitudes) in the summer months. Although it is comfortable to sunbathe and swim in the Adriatic and Ionian seas from the end of April until the first half of October. On the coast in July, the water temperature is +22... +25 degrees, and the air temperature ranges from +28... +32 °C. In January (the coldest month of the year) it does not fall below + 8 °C. The summer heat is easily tolerated: after all, the Mediterranean Mistral constantly blows from the sea. Another thing is the mountains. There the climate is more severe, and in winter the temperature at an altitude of thousands of meters drops to -20 ° C. Albanian Alps - high mountains, and there is snow on their tops for about six months. Although ski resorts there are very few in the country. The best holiday in Albania by the sea - reviews from tourists on this issue are unanimous - in September. And without that low prices fall even more. But the water and air temperatures remain high. Albanian September is quite a summer month.

Territory

Seventy percent consists of picturesque mountains, covered with forests. If you are interested in the beach and the sea, then you should choose one of the coastal resorts in Albania. These are Saranda, Durres, Shkodra, Vlora or Fier. In each of them, in addition to wonderful beaches and warm sea, the tourist will find a lot of interesting and educational things for himself. Durres, for example, has a Roman amphitheater, the ruins of a Byzantine fortress and a Venetian tower. Many cities in the country were built before our era. But if you are interested specifically excursion holiday in Albania, reviews advise that you should never miss Berat. In this open-air museum, the Orthodox and Muslim worlds meet, separated by a river. The capital of the country, Tirana, is a piece of Turkey frozen in time; there are so many ancient mosques and Ottoman-style houses in the city. For lovers of medieval castles, Skandeberg, Kruje and Petrela are waiting for you.

Ecological holidays in Albania: reviews from tourists

The virgin nature of this country attracts many travelers. Tourists are advised to go on independent or group excursions to the Tomor Mountains (and at the same time visit Bektash) or the Albanian Alps. The canyons of Skrapara or the Valbona River will leave an indelible impression. The Lure National Nature Reserve occupies a special place among the natural attractions of Albania. Lake Ohrid is business card countries. If you are in Tirana and have a little time to relax in Albania, reviews from tourists advise going to the picturesque Mount Daiti. It is located in the vicinity of the capital. Ecotourism is also beginning to develop in coastal villages. Residents of former fishing villages are happy to welcome vacationers. Beaches, ancient castles or archaeological parks, beautiful mountains, delicious authentic food from the farm - this is what Albania is all about. Seaside holidays never come to the fore here. The main thing was and remains the amazing uniqueness of the country. All tourists unanimously say: even the laziest travelers cannot resist the charm of the Balkan republic and leave the seal pastime for excursions.

Ionian Albania: seaside holidays

Photos of the beaches of this Balkan country will make you cast aside all doubts. Holidays in Albania are cheaper than in neighboring Croatia, and the surrounding nature is cleaner. In this case, is it worth following the beaten path of many thousands of tourists? After all, you can get quality rest for little money and feel almost like a pioneer. The beaches of Albania stretch for four hundred and twenty-seven kilometers. They are mostly sandy, although those who like to warm their bones on the pebbles will also find a good coastline. The Riviera of Flowers stretches from Saranda to Vlore. This is the Albanian coast of the Ionian Sea. There are many coves here that were harbors in ancient times. The local elite prefers the Riviera of Flowers, where the most popular beaches are Divyak, Golemi, Durres, Lezhe, Velipoe. Pebble coasts are found in the vicinity of Vlora. Popular Albanian resorts here include Saranda (opposite which is the Greek island of Corfu), Dhermi and Himara. The coast abounds with rocks, the sea here is deep. Reviews recommend this Riviera for snorkelers and divers.

Adriatic coast

This area starts from Lalzit Bay near the border with Montenegro and extends south to the resort of Vlora. The golden sandy beaches of the Albanian Adriatic are perfect for children's recreation. The coast consists of many spits with shallow seas and a gentle slope. Pine forests often grow near the beaches, so a pleasant holiday here can be combined with health improvement: coniferous trees contain many useful phytoncides. The most famous resorts Albania on the Adriatic coast is Dhermi, Shengjin, Durres, Kuna. Reviews find it difficult to answer the question of which of the two seas is better and on which beach the water is cleaner. Everyone agrees that for comfort you should turn to chain five-star hotels. They often have private beach, the improvement of which meets European standards. The longest is Durrem. This is fifteen kilometers of sand. Reviews named Saint John beach near the resort of Leger the most elegant.

Saranda

Reviews recommend this resort to lovers of peace and languid bliss. Although inquisitive and active tourists there is something to do here too. Nearby is antique city Butrint, sung by Plutarch. Saranda is a destination for gastronomic tours. Here they serve grilled meat and seafood. But the main attraction of Saranda is the beach holiday. Ksamil Beach (Albania) is located ten kilometers from the resort and is the most southern village countries. The only drawback, according to travelers, is its distance from Tirana International Airport - 250 km or five hours on the road! However, in all other respects the beach is excellent. Snow-white sand, against which the water seems endlessly azure. The notorious Bounty ad could have been filmed on Ksamil Beach. There are several mini-hotels here, but there is more choice of accommodation in neighboring Saranda.

What to try in Albania

Shopping is best done in the Republic of Albania. Reviews recommend combining a holiday at sea with tasting local delicacies. Local kitchen experienced the influence of the Turks, Greeks and Italians. Among the drinks you should try Skanderberg cognac and rakija - grape vodka. Among the wines, reviews recommend Aquila Liquori, Cobo, Luani and Gjergj Kastrioti.

Albania, where beach holidays are quite developed, is still a Muslim country. The patriarchal way of life still persists here. Therefore, you need to be polite and tolerant of the customs of the people you came to visit. Ladies should not sunbathe topless. This is fraught not only with conflict, but also with a large fine. Photograph local residents only with their consent. Reviews note that Albanians love children very much, so it is good form to praise the child. But complimenting local girls and women is not recommended.

If you are looking for a variety of leisure activities, Albania is perfect for this, where you can tailor your holiday to your own discretion. It offers beach, active, educational and even extreme holidays at the same time. Ecotourism lovers will also find many cozy places here.

The main advantages of Albania are its wonderful beaches and clean sea. Prices differ less from other countries in the eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, the quality of the environment is significantly higher. Some of the most famous resorts are Saranda, Vlora, Durres, and Shengjin.

Beach holidays in Albania

On the Adriatic, tourists can soak up the sandy beaches, which are often decorated with green pine trees. Shores with small pebbles combined with sand are widely available in the vicinity of Vlora. The most notable resorts of the Adriatic are:

🔹 Vlora is a small resort town with clean and equipped beaches. There are many hotels here: from “simple” level to luxury ones. The resort has a well-developed infrastructure, there are cozy cafes and restaurants.

🔹 Shengjin is a fishing and resort village with picturesque views. The place often attracts ecotourism lovers: it has a clean environment, fresh air and farm-to-table food served in local restaurants.

🔹 Lyalzit. The bay is located in the heart of Albania, not so far from its capital - Tirana. The advantages of the resort are healthy air and beautiful sandy beaches.

Local “crème de la crème” often choose the Ionian south for their holidays, which is distinguished by rocky coves and sandy shores. Popular resorts on this side are:

🔹 Dhermi. The country's elite flock here. The place is famous for its olive groves and citrus plantations; its infrastructure is rapidly developing and there is everything necessary for comfortable rest. Hotels, restaurant complexes, cozy bungalows - everyone can spend time according to their taste. The main attraction of the resort is the Pirates Cave.

🔹 Saranda is a very popular resort that attracts fans of a peaceful and measured holiday. Hotels here are relatively budget-friendly, so anyone who wants to save a little can consider Saranda. Opposite the town is the Greek island of Corfu, to which boat excursions are organized.

🔹 Khimara. The region attracts with its mountain landscapes and clean pebble beaches. Diving fans also often come here.

The list of beautiful resorts in Albania does not end here. The country can be proud of other picturesque and comfortable resort towns, which, except good beaches, also have an ancient history.

Albania excursion

To the delight of followers educational tourism Albanian cities have a lot to see. The country is rich in architectural monuments and attractions, including those included in the UNESCO list. You can start getting acquainted with the country from the capital - the city of Tirana, where historical buildings are concentrated, art galleries, Palace of Culture, museums of various kinds and other interesting objects. Here, tourists love to walk through the city’s numerous parks, among which are Ali Demi and the Big Park.

Attracts lovers cultural recreation and the resort of Durres, which can be proud not only of its beaches, but also of its history. This town is quite ancient (it was founded in 627 BC). Cicero also admired his beauty. Today tourists here can see the ancient Byzantine walls, the large Amphitheater, the Venetian Tower and other ancient objects.

The ancient Albanian towns are very attractive:

🔹 Berat with its Ottoman architecture.

🔹 Korcha is true Cultural Center countries.

🔹 Gjirokastra is a stone town protected by UNESCO and famous for its ancient castle on the hill.

No less interesting are the Albanian Alps, Skrapara canyons, national park Luray and other natural attractions.

Holiday seasons in 2020

You can vacation in the country in 2020 without a visa, and all you need is a foreign passport. At this time it is very comfortable here, since this part of Europe is influenced by the warm climate of the Mediterranean. In mid-summer, temperatures on the coast range from +27 to +32°C. Hot weather can be easily tolerated here, as there is a fresh and pleasant breeze from the sea.

High season

This period lasts from end to end velvet season, however, many traveler reviews say that it is also very comfortable. You can have a pleasant holiday in Albania if your vacation is planned this month.

Low season

It starts raining at many resorts. Winter can be cold, mountainous areas Snow often falls and temperatures can drop to -20°C.

Where and how to relax, everyone chooses for themselves, based on many factors: the cost of vacation, the climate of the resort country, state of health, range of entertainment on vacation, travel company. Tourists do not yet have much information available about one of the Balkan countries, which will gladly welcome guests from all over the world to its wonderful resorts. And this country is Albania, a neighboring country of Montenegro and Greece. Tours to the resorts of Albania can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

Albania

General information about Albania

For a very long time, due to political factors, it remained in the background, which is why tourists know very little about the culture, traditions, climate, beautiful clean beaches and the indescribably beautiful nature of this country.

The Republic of Albania is a small country with a population of approximately 4 million people, located in southeastern Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. It is washed by 2 seas - the Adriatic and Ionian (an advantageous place for resorts). Albania neighbors Greece, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia. The country in most of its regions is mountainous (approximately 70% of the territory). The capital of Albania is the city of Tirana. The country's possessions also include the island of Sazan.

The highlight of Albania

Everyone decides for themselves what they want from the sea resort holiday. Some people do not leave the hotel grounds, others spend time on the beach around the clock. Except the purest sea water, sandy beaches and full board in luxury hotels, this country has many attractions and opportunities that should not be missed:

nature reserves, especially Tieti National Park;
islands in the Ionian and Adriatic Sea;
a guided hike in the mountains: they are beautiful and occupy 75% of the country’s territory;
bunkers: built by local dictator Enver Hoxha, they number more than 70,000 and are scattered in the most unexpected places throughout the country;
the Rozafa fortress, which is located on a high hill, still remembers the times of the knights;
visit wineries in the Cobo region;
Efem Bey Mosque and Sheikh Zamil Mosque: Albania is a Muslim country;
ruins of Butrint ( ancient city): Virgil believed that the city was built by the Trojans;
the ancient defensive point of the city of Berat, which is located on a hill - Goritsa;
visit the Tirana Opera and Jazz Festival.

Rozafa Fortress

Climate of Albania

It is better to relax in Albania in the south, near the sea, where the Mediterranean climate predominates, so Albania’s seaside resorts are the most popular, and during the beach season this is an ideal place to relax. Summer here is warm and dry, lasting from May to September. Good weather starts in May, the air temperature is 25-28 degrees, which is optimal for families with children.

July and August are the hottest, 27-30 degrees. Autumn and winter in the country are accompanied by endless winds, frequent rains, high humidity and air temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. In the mountains, temperatures drop below zero.

Ionian Sea

Located in the Mediterranean basin. The coast of the Ionian Sea, which belongs to Albania, is dotted with small cozy picturesque bays. The water in it is saltier than in the Mediterranean, which allows a person who does not know how to swim well to easily float on the water. The coast here is not very wide, with clean yellow sand, its line immediately leans against the slopes of the mountains. The bottom of the sea is covered with white sand, which is why the water has a unique color.

Albanian resorts on the Ionian Sea are popular among couples with small children, because the coast is covered with small pebbles and there are many shallow water areas. The water temperature in summer reaches 25 degrees. The water is quiet and calm, the current is small. There are many islands in the sea that amaze with the beauty of nature.

The houses of small towns are built in the Venetian style. There are a lot of monasteries, towers, fortresses and picturesque villages that every tourist dreams of visiting. Indeed, excursions to these places are in extraordinary demand.

Adriatic Sea

It washes Albania from the southwestern side. It is connected through the Ionian Sea to the Mediterranean. The best resorts in Albania are located here. You can choose for any budget, because the length of the Adriatic Sea coast with Albania reaches more than 400 km. Tourists buy a map of Albania with resorts and look for a suitable hotel.

The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and through it it is very easy to get to Italy (the distance through the strait between the countries is only 75 km). The sea is characterized by absolute water transparency. Here you can see beautiful dolphins, but also several species of sharks.

Adriatic Sea

Beaches and resorts of Albania

In recent years, Albania has made a name for itself as a tourist destination and has transformed itself from a little-known country into a popular holiday destination. Now it is in the top 30 countries with the best seaside resorts.

Durres

Refers to the southern resorts of Albania - Durres. The city is located on south coast Adriatic Sea, 30 km from the capital. By Albanian standards, this is the most resort town in the country. Beaches and hotels for vacationers are equipped with the most high standards. Numerous bars, restaurants, entertainment and shopping centers They work not only during the season, but all year round.

The Volga embankment area is very popular for its nightlife and a complete holiday atmosphere. Hotels here cost about 30-50 dollars per night with full board. Coastline stretches for 16 km, if you don’t like noise and fun, you can stay in the suburbs: near the Golem beach, prices will be cheaper, but the quality of service there is also lower. The most popular hotels in this place are: Vtliera, Nais, Vila One Beach, Vila Lule Hotel.

Resort Saranda

Located near the small town of Saranda (about 34 thousand inhabitants). This resort is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea. Opposite it, 20 km away, is the island of Corfu (a possession of Greece). This is a place for people who value peace, tranquility and silence. There is practically no gloomy weather in this region; the gentle Mediterranean climate allows you to swim and sunbathe until October. The beaches are covered with white sand. The sea near the shore is shallow. Near the city there are ruins of ancient settlements, which are included in the UNESCO list.

Here you can not only swim, but also plunge into the world of the Middle Ages. Average cost of a 7-day holiday in holiday season is about 1000 euros for two. The most popular hotels about which tourists leave positive reviews: Igli Draci, White Residence Hotel, Butrinti SPA, JoAn Hotel, Glow Boutique Hotel.

Resort Saranda

Ksamil Resort

One of the most crowded and visited beach resorts Albania. This is the most Southern City countries. It's always sunny here. The beautiful Ksamil Beach is never quiet even in winter. The bright lights of the embankment lure millions of tourists here.

Young people are advised to choose this vacation spot, people who love and know how to party and have fun all the time. Near the shore there are small picturesque islands that can be reached by boat or speedboat. The sand is white, like in Dominican Republic. A tour for two for a week will cost approximately 500-600 euros. List of the best hotels: Villa Soni, Hotel Nebo, Ilio Hotel, Hotel Almando.

Vlora resort

Vlore – Big city, next to which the Adriatic and Ionian Seas join together. Because of this process, the water acquires a unique azure color. The beaches at the resort are different:

sandy;
covered with small pebbles;
rocky.

On the mountain side, the resort is surrounded by parks and gardens, and there are also secluded places of untouched wild nature. On the way to the famous Porto Palermo fortress in these parts, you can walk through wonderful olive groves. Very popular place The beautiful promenade-beach “Flower Riviera” is considered. The hotels here are 3-4 stars, the price per night is approximately 30 euros with full board. If you need peace and solitude, the Draleos beach in the vicinity of the city will delight you with its sparse crowds and almost lack of infrastructure. Popular hotels: New York, Olympia Village, Coral Hotel, Sky Hotel.

Vlora resort

What to try

Everyone knows that the only correct way to get to know a new country is to try its cuisine. Albanian dishes are incredibly tasty and to bring home a lot of impressions, you definitely need to try at least some of them.

The signature dish of Albania is Fergesa. Ingredients: lamb liver, cheese, eggs and herbs. The contents are baked in the oven in pots.
Tave koshi is a familiar casserole. The dish is prepared from lamb with yogurt - baked in a clay dish.
Beef stewed with vegetables and prunes. This is a traditional Albanian dish - Chomlek.
The most flavorful soup you've ever tasted, Levrek. This is Albanian-style fish soup, which is prepared from sea bass or sea bass.
Be sure to try Albanian pastries. Almost every establishment serves local Petula pancakes - they are eaten for breakfast with various jams.

Note to tourists

You need to fly to Albania on vacation - there are a number of reasons for this.

Cheap low-cost airlines. You can fly to Albania and back for 110 euros if you use the services of the Greek airline Aegean Airlines.
Cheap tours to southern resorts countries. On average, a tour for two people for a week will cost 600-700 euros.
Change the situation. Albania has recently been on the tourist map. Even the Internet does not have complete information about this country, so there is a good opportunity to study everything on your own.
More than 80% of the population knows English language, so it will be easy to explain.
Fresh air. The country has very few cars (harmful emissions) and no heavy industry.
Cheap cars for rent. About 20 euros per day and no need to waste time on tourist buses to see the sights. Currency exchange at every turn. Any currency can be easily exchanged for leki (the currency of Albania).

Resorts of Albania

It's always interesting to see and experience something new. Albania is a country where everything is new for tourists, because for more than 50 years it was closed to the world due to military-political conflicts. Now it is a promising and rapidly developing resort region, which wins over with its friendliness towards tourists, culture and service. Having visited these places once, you will want to come back here again, see something new or remember what you have already seen.

Holidays in Albania are considered a relatively new destination. We will describe tips, prices for accommodation and food, and also provide reviews from tourists who have visited this European country. And although many people think that the service and hotel business here are not yet well developed, for those who are not very demanding, this is an excellent alternative to Turkish or Egyptian resorts.

The most captivating thing about Albania is nature. The beaches in some places consist entirely of snow-white sand, although in other regions you can also find pebble and rocky coastlines, and the sea will delight the eye with its perfect blue. This is where you can take stunning photographs that look like postcards from paradise.

general information

Albania is located on the Balkan Peninsula and is washed on both sides different seas– Ionian and Adriatic. Accordingly, beach holidays on each coast are different. The state borders on several countries at once - Italy, Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro.

Thanks to this location, the climate here is pleasant. It is Mediterranean and the weather is often the same as in more famous resorts. For example, in Greece there are up to 300 sunny days a year. And Albania can boast the same. The beaches, although less well-groomed than those of their “neighbors,” still delight with beautiful scenery.

In summer the air temperature reaches 30 degrees. It is hot and dry here, although there is a light breeze and humidity on the sea, which makes your stay at the resort more pleasant. Winter is relatively mild and very short; the thermometer rarely drops below +5…+10°. Thanks to this, the beach season here begins in April and lasts until the end of October.

And only in the mountainous areas of the country the climate is slightly different. Thus, at higher elevations, winter turns out to be very cold, snow falls and in some regions remains until summer. But rains are rare here.

David Stanley / flickr.com

Is it worth going on vacation to Albania and why? It's gorgeous here beautiful nature, in some places untouched by man. Be sure to combine beach vacation with exciting excursions, visits to nature reserves, natural parks, and also try local dishes based on ancient recipes.

It is also necessary to mention visa regime. Russian tourists can stay in Albania for up to 90 days without obtaining any permission. But this only applies to those who come here to enjoy beach holiday on the seashore in summer season. The rest of the time, from September to May, you will have to apply for a visa, similarly to other countries.

Where is the best place to relax?

Let's list the most popular and interesting resort towns in Albania, among which you can find a place to suit your taste. First of all, it should be noted that the coast itself and its features differ depending on which region we're talking about.

David Stanley / flickr.com

Thus, resorts on the Ionian Sea are similar to European ones and are often called the “Riviera of Flowers”. There are old mansions, cozy boarding houses, beautiful nature, pebble beaches and rocky bays. People come here for thrills, for active species recreation, such as diving or mountaineering. This zone extends from Saranda to Vlore.

The second part, from Vlore to the Lalzit Bay itself, is a less well-maintained beach, but it becomes sandy and the slope to the sea is more gentle. This area is preferred by those who come on holiday with children. Comfortable and safe shallow water, snow-white Adriatic coast, secluded bays - all this will delight guests. True, the infrastructure here is much less developed, there is practically nowhere to walk at night, and there is very little entertainment at the modern level.

Artur Malinowski / flickr.com

Let us briefly list the best resorts on each coast:

Durres is located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea and is considered a major settlement in Albania. True, for our tourists it will seem like a quiet and calm town. And yet, here you can find many entertainment venues, fitness clubs, hotels, restaurants and cafes. Closer to the center, the beaches are well equipped, but the further you move to the outskirts, the more the landscape becomes more and more rural.
Shengjin - considered medical resort, which is developing rapidly. Due to the proximity of coniferous forests, the air itself is healthy and has a beneficial effect on the human body. There are many nearby historical monuments. Ecotourism is very popular in these places.
Lalzit Bay is located closer to the central regions of Albania. Cape Kepi Rhodonite is also very close by, offering magnificent views. The coast is a snow-white strip of sand, and dense coniferous forests grow along it. People come here for peace relaxing holiday And beautiful photos.
Ksamil - this area is often compared to Seychelles, as it is an amazing resort with heavenly beaches. White sand and clear blue water create a stunning combination. In some secluded bays you can find a pebble bottom. Due to its proximity to the island of Corfu, people often travel from here day tours in this direction.
Saranda is a very developed resort by local standards. Here you can find the best service, well maintained beaches, luxury hotels. Tourists are offered a lot entertainment programs And excursion routes around the city. People often come here for diving.
Vlora is an incredible resort where you can plunge into two seas at once - the Adriatic and Ionian. It is here that you will be able to compare the convenience and beauty of each coast. Another feature is that there are no hotels or residential buildings near the beaches, since the city is located some distance away.
Dhermi – recognized by the European elite as one of best resorts Albania and all of Europe. Celebrities, actors, TV presenters, singers and simply rich people often come here. The village is surrounded by olive and citrus groves. The Pirate Cave is also very attractive.

Pay attention to one feature - on the Ionian coast the coolness comes a little faster and already in September all the beaches are empty. For swimming during this period, it is better to choose places with shallow water, where the water has time to warm up. But closer to Lyalzit Bay, the summer season lasts longer.

Other types of recreation

Don't think that in Albania you can only enjoy relaxing time on the beach. Even despite the beautiful landscapes, secluded coves, snow-white sand, transparent blue waters seaside, these resorts are still poorly developed compared to nearby Montenegro and Greece.

Steve Kellett / flickr.com

But what Albania can really conquer is ecotourism and active entertainment. The main sports here are diving, rock climbing and mountaineering. hiking in the mountains, cycling, rafting, horse riding, etc. For immersion in the underwater world, it is better to choose the Ionian coast, where you can see not only interesting fish, but also old wrecked ships.

Pure virgin nature, hills and mountains, bays and rocky coast attract those who want to immerse themselves in wildlife. You can walk around the country all day long with a backpack and discover incredible corners and panoramas.

Attractions

And although Albania is much inferior to its “neighbors” in terms of excursion program, yet there is also something to see here. The most interesting routes for tourists are considered:

Riviera of flowers - directly resort area on the shores of the Ionian Sea. You will be pleased here beautiful beaches, paradises untouched by human hands National parks and nature reserves. The peculiarity of the region is the ban on the construction tall buildings, so here you can only find one- and two-story houses.
The ancient road of Egnantia dates back to Roman times, when it crossed all the provinces Ancient Rome. And although the path gradually became overgrown and partially collapsed, it is still of historical interest.
The Venetian Tower is more convenient to visit for those staying in Durres. The building dates back to the Byzantine period and is considered an ancient monument.
National marine park“Karaburun-Sazan” is located near the resort of Vlora. Wealth underwater world will amaze even experienced tourists. And at the bottom of the sea lie the remains of ancient ships.
The Kruja Fortress and the city of Shkoder will also amaze you with traces of centuries-old history. Many monuments and ancient buildings have been preserved here.
Cable car and Mount Daiti - reaches a height of 2600 meters and if you get to the top, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and panoramic views.

Pero Kvrzica / flickr.com

Also in Albania there are a huge number of churches, fortresses, military installations, beautiful temples, and ancient houses. Architecture, history and nature combine in an incredible way and surprise even experienced travelers.

Cost of holiday

If you purchase ready-made tour with accommodation and meals, it will cost an average of 300 euros per person. If you want to get the best possible service and stay in the best hotel You should expect an amount of 500 euros per person. But pay attention to the fact that in Albania there is no such thing as "". And even meals at the hotel only include a simple breakfast.

Chris Parker / flickr.com

It will be much easier and more profitable to rent a room or apartment through private advertisements or online services. The price for housing in this case starts at $100. Further, the cost will vary depending on the season, settlement, living conditions and number of people. You can choose a suitable hotel room or other accommodation using the portal. or hotellook.

To fully calculate how much a vacation for a family or couple will cost, you must also take into account the costs of everything including the flight. Remember that there are practically no direct flights to Albania, and especially to any resort, from Russia. The exception is some charters that fly only in the summer.

To get to the country you will have to make a transfer somewhere in Europe. Most often they choose Montenegro and from there they come to Albania by plane or bus. The ticket price is approximately 9,000-14,000 rubles for a flight with a transfer. We look at Aviasales for the cheapest options.

You will have to pay for everything in the country in the national currency – lek. Therefore, you will need to exchange money at the airport or at the nearest bank. Some hotels also offer a similar service, but most often at a not very favorable rate.

The cost of food and entertainment in Albania is low. For example, a full lunch in a cafe for one person will cost 650-700 lek. A visit to a restaurant will be a little more expensive - 2000. On the street they often sell ready-made pizza or sandwiches, for which you can pay only 200-500 lek.

Steve Kellett / flickr.com

Drinks are also cheap - 135 lek for a coffee or cappuccino, a large bottle of beer costs about 200, red wine is a little more expensive. Moreover, all products and dishes will be good quality and fresh. Transportation costs when traveling on excursions will also not be expensive.

If you are not very demanding in relation to service, then you can relax in Albania quite cheaply. As a result, you will get beautiful photographs, pleasant memories, see interesting sights and enjoy the beauty of untouched Mediterranean nature. This is a good alternative to more popular and well-equipped resorts, etc.

Video: cheap holiday in Albania.