Albania is one of my favorite countries in Europe.  It has the Unesco jewels of Berat and Gjirokastër and some of the best affordable mountain scenery at Valbonë.  The walk from the village of Valbonë to Theth remains one of the most memorable experiences in the whole of Eastern Europe, rivalling the scenery of those in Switzerland, at a quarter of the price.  Albania, being one of the most affordable countries in Europe, has yet to be overrun with rampant tourism.  Touting is not common, even in the tourist areas.  People are authentic, though there are signs where unlicensed guides are surfacing.  Most attractions and accommodation options are still affordable with Shkodër being one of the most affordable and a base to visit the Accursed Mountains, also known as the Albanian Alps. I would love to return to Albania one day if I find both reason and time to do so.

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Albania was part of a 3-month long Eastern Europe trip across 16 countries from Istanbul to Prague on land and then looping back to Istanbul.  The itinerary was planned out in general prior to the start of the trip, and adjusted accordingly as there was no impending date to return.  Places visited, were chosen through a combination of guide recommendations, online pictures and articles, as well as feedback from other travelers met along the way. 

 

The journey through Albania lasted for 7 days and 7 nights:

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Ohrid (North Macedonia) –> Berat –> Tiranë (Tirana) –> Krujë (Kruja) –> Shkodër (Shkodra)

–> Lake Koman –> Valbonë (Valbona) –> Theth –> Shkodër (Shkodra) –> Ulcinj (Montenegro)

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Having been to Greece and seen all the monasteries of Meteora some years ago, Greece was skipped this time but a second trip to Albania could look something like this through Greece:

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Athens (Greece) –> Corfu (Greece) –> Sarandë (Saranda)

–> Gjirokastër (Gjirokastra) –> Durrës (Durres) –> Tiranë (Tirana)

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