Albania

Liberty_Bear · 28-05-2022 3:28pm #1

lbania gets this rep as a haven for gangsters and criminals. Drop that assertion now, learn new attitudes and immerse yourself into this unknown country. Tirana folk are honest to the core. Inquisitive by nature and helpful. The city has a decidedly rich history of the Ottanans, Greeks,Italians and the other Balkans yet they kept their own culture. Iconoclastic churches, beautiful scenery on the suburbs and fantastic food. We saw the city on foot and did thr cable car up the mountains. . I've done half the Balkans, it will be very hard to beat the Albanians for genuine warmth.

Only criticism..buy sunscreen before you go as its expensive !!

Pint and kebab - €3

Bus fare -€0.30

Hotel for a night - €30 (own bathroom, basic )

Flight - €120 return (Ryanair to Luton - Wizzair from Luton to Tirana)

Nigel Fairservice · 28-05-2022 3:44pm

I was there in March. It's a wonderful country. We went to Lake Ohrid and Kosovo on the trip so did a fair bit of driving within Albania to get to these places. Some lovely countryside there. The coast which we didn't see on this trip is meant to be stunning. Tirana was great. I thought it would have a post communist depressing vibe but found it to be very vibrant. It was very cheap compared to Ireland and you can live like a king for a few days. We flew Dublin to Tirana via Frankfurt with Lufthansa. Overall the country really surprised me...in a good way. I would definitely recommend it. I definitely would go back to Albania.

Liberty_Bear · 28-05-2022 4:04pm

Cheers for the recommendations too on Orhid. I have never been but read a lot on it, it has a great rep for fantastic countryside and also activities like kayaking etc. I wasnt impressed with Kosovo (went a few years ago) but its probably different now

billyhead · 28-05-2022 4:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058247828/albania

How long did you visit for?

Liberty_Bear · 28-05-2022 4:26pm

Three days ,was a whistlestop tour pretty much

jmreire · 28-05-2022 4:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119126640#Comment_119126640

Did you need to book hotels etc in advance? Or could you source accommodation as you go? Were there many tourists there at that time?

Liberty_Bear · 29-05-2022 12:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119126672#Comment_119126672

I booked using booking.com

You could source accommodation as you go as it wasnt busy

Tourist wise it wasnt busy however there were a lot Feyenoord and Roma fans for the Conference final

jmreire · 29-05-2022 9:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119128867#Comment_119128867

Thanks Liberty_Bear, I was in Kosovo ( Pristina) but its been a few years ago now, and of course Albania was a different Country back then....and not really a holiday destination. Good to hear that its changed.

The Nal · 18-09-2022 7:39am

Looking at this next year. Maybe for a couple of weeks. North Macedonia too.

BArra · 18-09-2022 9:54am

if you like hiking check out Theth

loobylou · 28-09-2022 7:58pm

Been here a week, another week to go.

Got the ferry over from Corfu to Saranda and moving slowly north by public transport. Love it so far. Currently in Berat, beautiful town in the mountains. Pizza for two cost €3, beer is €1 for half litre. People are very hospitable and accommodation is plentiful and cheap. Buses are a bit haphazard but it’s all part of the experience.Plenty of history about the place, food is superb, there’s really nothing not to like!

johnire · 28-09-2022 8:29pm

If you’re going to North Macedonia be sure to go to Ohrid. It’s stunning- you’ll love it!

dory · 03-10-2022 6:10pm

I only just discovered this thread now. Very happy to hear people having positive experiences here. I've been a few times. Absolutely love Albania / Kosovo / Macedonia area. I went nuts once and drove 800km around Albania in a weekend. But I went slower the next few times. I would strongly advise going soon before it turns into the next Dubrovnik.

Nigel Fairservice · 03-10-2022 8:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119697113#Comment_119697113

You're brave for driving in Albania. Great country but some of the worst driving I've ever seen.

The Nal · 05-12-2022 10:51am

Will be booking this for the late spring in the next few weeks. 10 day ish trip.

Would people recommend booking a car?

Albania

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