Albania is surrounded by natural beauties, and when you visit it, you will surely wonder: why are we hearing about this country now?
Albania suffered a long period of closure during the communist regime, until 1991, and for this reason, it was not very popular. But now that that period is long gone, Albania is finally disclosing and displaying what has always been there: forgotten archaeological sites, villages where time seems to have stopped, historical monuments of the Roman and Ottoman empire, mesmerizing beaches of the southern coast which are often found and featured in some of the most prestigious guides and magazines, like Lonely Planet, The New York Times, etc..
Albania is located in Southeastern Europe, West of the Balkan Peninsula, with an area of 28,748 km2, borderline length of 1,094 km, of which 657 km is land border, 316 km coastline, 48 km demarcation of riversand 73 km demarcation of lakes.
Albania is bordered by Greece to the South and Southeast, Montenegro to the North and Italy to the West, divided by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, Macedonia to the East and Kosovo to the Northeast, which is the second state in the Balkan region with the largest Albanian population.
Tirana is the heart of Albania, its capital, where hopes and dreams of this little country grow more and more every day, together with welfare and unhindered recreation. The center of this city, characterized by high skyscrapers and old painted buildings; the boulevards adorned with Ottoman ruins and bunkers of the communist regime set back in time, ready to be photographed.
Tirana, the dynamic capital of the country!
Tirana, the heart and capital of Albania, like all other European metropolises has a never-ending movement and energy. With its clubs, pubs, cafes, and taverns, Tirana is worth discovering by both day and night. The value and hospitality shown towards tourists is something that will mark your journey not only in Tirana but also all over the country. There are different thoughts regarding the origin of the name of the city. Some think that it relates to Tyrrenia (a name of Etruscan origins), while other believe that it relates to the word Theranda (harvest), or to the Tirkan (a castle at the foot of Mount Dajti).
Your own journey might begin by visiting the museums and the key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, where you will be able to see the Mosque of Et’hem Bey (built between 1798 and 1812) and the 35 m high Kulla e Sahatit (the Watch Tower), built in 1822 with a San Marco style cupola. Next, you can visit the famous Mosaic uncovered on the floor of an old Roman lodge. Its center configures the walls of the castle of the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D. 520). The monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve (a bridge constructed in the beginning of the 19th century, located on Bulevardi Zhan D’Ark) are other interesting place to visit.
As a capital, Tirana has the country’s finest museums, theatres, and galleries representing the national arts. A visit to the National History Museum, the Archeological Museum, the private “Mezuraj Museum,” and the National Gallery of the Arts will leave wonderful memories. You can also pass a pleasant evening in the National Theatre or the Opera and Ballet Theatre.
For dining, Tirana will be glad to offer you both a rich traditional cuisine and a variety of foreign fares, from Italian to Chinese. There are also several clubs and restaurants in Mount Dajti to discover and enjoy. There is the possibility to travel there by cable car, which is a very special experience. In the region of Tirana you may also visit the castles of Petrela and Preza, as well as some natural attractions, such as Pëllumbasi Cave, Shkalla e Tujanit, and