Page 9 - Southern Europe

Downtown
Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
A country not yet invaded by tourism
Make no mistake, Albania is touristy. The coast is crowded during the summer, it is one of the favorite destinations of Italians. But there are not yet huge tour groups, nor too many drunk tourists. It's far from mass tourism in Croatia or Greece. It's a land of travelers! Be aware, however, that tourism is increasing every year and if you really want to discover Albania, now is the time to go.
These are some reasons to visit Albania, hoping to make you want to discover this country. Go there with your eyes closed, you won't regret it... but, don't forget to open them when you arrive! Albania is THE 2021
travel destination!
Must-see cities
There are Berat and Gjirokastër, two cities listed as World Heritage by Unesco. Berat, the city of a thousand windows, is located about a 62 miles south of Tirana. Life is sweet in this small Ottoman-style town built into the hillside on both banks of the Osum. The two historic districts of Gorica and Mangalem can be discovered on foot. You must also go up to the citadel, a real village with breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Gjirokastër, the city of stone, is located further south. Its bazaar is pretty but it is especially its citadel and its old houses
that you must visit.
Breathtaking varied landscapes
Albania is a predominantly mountainous country, never flat. From the capital Tirana, it only takes a few minutes by transport to find yourself at the edge of a beautiful lake or in the mountains in a national park. The mountains to the north are green, snow-capped in winter, while the
mountainous landscape to the south is more arid and rockier.
A rich history
Albania's history begins in Antiquity when the Illyrians lived in the territory. Over time Albania was part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire which brought Islam. There are several traces of this long history, especially to the south in the Butrint National Park, a well-preserved
ancient city, or in Gjirokastër.
Its gastronomy
Be prepared to eat a lot in Albania! Meals are often made in the form of mezze and although the dishes are mainly composed of vegetables, everything is served in astronomical quantities! You'll find yourself asking for a doggy bag at every meal because there was so much to eat. Difficult to control yourself: everything is so good!
Why Albania?
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