Tourism

Albania is an incredibly hospitable culture and has its own particular traditions of courtesy. They are very closely related to the notion of hospitality – a notion similar to that of the sacred guest from Homer and classical literature. Many Albanian traditions of hospitality come from The Kanun, or “The Code”, a 15th-century text written by the powerful Dukagjin clan, although many of the laws written in the code date from earlier times. Albanians are friendly and very open towards foreigners that visit their country.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to visit an Albanian’s home, you will be treated as royalty. As written in The Kanun, the guest will be shown the highest respect by being offered a seat at the head of the table. The guest is then regaled with the best the family has to offer, usually taking the form of homemade raki, a traditional liquor. It is an Albanian tradition to shake hands when meeting one another, and in many cases, they kiss each other on the cheeks, generally four times. One of the most common gesticulation confusions arises from the fact that Albanians nod their heads up and down to mean “no”, and shake their heads left to right to indicate “yes”. Another specific Albanian gesture that may be confusing to foreigners is when the palm is placed in the chest, it expresses thanks.

Adriatic Coast

The Adriatic coast starts in the delta of Buna river by the city of Shkodra. Once upon a time, this was a Dalmatian coast with deep waters and a number of islands. Now it has shallow waters as a result of the delta of the country’s largest rivers.A number of fields exist to the south of Buna. The formation of snaking underwater beds has created a number of bays and lagoons. The delta continues to grow every year by several meters. This land expansion is larger in the south in Myzeqe and slower in the north near Lezha.

The artificial irrigation systems build in Durrës in the 1970s quickened the process. This evolution has increased the tourist value of the area with beaches such as: Velipoja, Shengjini, Kune, Gjiri Lalzit, Durresi, Golemi, Mali Robit, Spille, Divjaka, Darezeza and Plazhi i Ri Vlorë.

By the Adriatic coast you will find clean sea waters, high quality service, traditional and modern cuisine, lagoons, lakes and rivers. There are great possibilities for nature lovers, eco-tourists and others. Hunting too can be practiced in the region’s rich ecosystem.

Ionian coast

It starts in Uji i Ftohtë (Cold Water) in Vlora and continues with few interruptions all the way to the Cape of Stillo. It has a high abrasive intensity because the sea is deep while river deltas are lacking. As a result, waves on the Ionian can reach up to 4 m while the coastline is rocky. On the coast you will find a number of small bays and comfortable beaches. Some of them are rarely visited due to the difficult access roads which may make your experience all the more intimate.

Some large tectonic bays are: Vlora Bay, Porto Palermo, Saranda Bay etc. Here you can dive, sail, fish etc.

The Albanian Riviera coastline has high temperatures and therefore a subtropical flora. The Riviera is one of the most picturesque places of the Mediterranean with a lot of tourist potential. In the last few years, the number of visitors has increased exponentially.

The presence of lakes, lagoons, rivers, deltas and seas in Albania points towards the development of water tourism. The Mediterranean climate offers ideal conditions for holidays in the deltas as well as elsewhere on the coast. Especially in the south, tourists start visiting the beaches in late April and stop in October. moreover, since the coastline has a long history of Greek, Illyrian and Roman settlements, visiting Albania’s coast can be a great experience for history buffs.

There are a number of historical facts, cultural and archaeological objects that point to a population that lived here since the Palaeolithic era. In medieval times too a number of cities in the coast flourished offering visitors a rich cultural inheritance.

Albania has a mild, Mediterranean climate. Many visitors will find that it never gets “cold” in the lowlands. The Ionian Cost, in particular, is very clement, with average winter temperatures of 8-10ºC (46-50ºF). In Tirana and in other inland cities on the plains, temperature sometimes drops below freezing, but this is usually only at night, and it is rare for ice or snow to last more than a day. The country enjoys a good deal of sunny weather, with an average of around 300 sunny days each year. Most of Albania’s annual rainfall occurs between late autumn and early spring; outside of the mountainous areas, it is unusual for it to rain in summer. In the summer, visitors often find the inland towns to be quite hot, with July usually being the warmest month. In Tirana, for example, temperatures occasionally reach 40ºC (104ºF). Many hotels and restaurants have air conditioning. The best places to be in midsummer are on the coast, where sea breezes keep the average temperatures down to a more tolerable 25-30ºC (73-86ºF), or in the high mountains. If you have the luxury of choice, the best times of year to come for sightseeing are spring and fall. In autumn the orchards blaze with the bright orange of the persimmons and the cooler colors of the citrus fruits, while in spring the apple and cherry blossoms cover the roadsides with their pastel-toned blossoms. The long spring evenings are a good time to enjoy the terrace and sidewalk cafes which are ubiquitous throughout the country, while in September and October it is still warm enough to swim on the southern coast.

Over 20 years ago, the currency was evaluated and a zero was dropped. Albanians of all ages still insist on using the extra zero, although people who have regular dealings with foreigners sometimes try to remember not to. The systems are differentiated by the adjectives “old” and “new”. In modern supermarkets the prices are displayed in “new” lek. In markets and small shops, particularly outside the cities, if prices are displayed at all they might be in either system. It is fairly easy to guess that the price of a bottle of mineral water is 50 “new” lek (about 0.30 euros) rather than 500 lek (about 3 euros) . Sometimes it can be quite unclear which is meant. Fortunately, most Albanians are very honest about this and will put you right if you try to give them ten times more money than they expect. Matters are made even more confusing by a tendency to quote large numbers without mentioning the word thousand – a hotel receptionist might well quote a room rate simply as “fifty”. The only way to find out if this means 50 dollars, 50 euros, 50 euros or 5,000 lek, is to ask.

Changing money

Cashpoint machines or ATMs which issue Albanian lek can be found in all major cities in Albania. Smaller towns do not always have them, but it is only a matter of time before they will. Most of the machines are linked to the Visa and Cirrus networks; some (Pro-Credit Bank is one) are also connected to the Maestro and Master Card networks. Although you can use your credit card to withdraw cash, (usually limited to about $500 US dollars) you cannot use it to pay for goods or services except in a few of the most up-market hotels and restaurants. Similarly, travelers’ cheques are not accepted as payment by hotels or anywhere else; outside Tirana you may not be able to cash them. Foreign currency can be changed in banks at exchange offices (kambim valutor). The most commonly accepted currencies are the US dollar and the euro. Banks and exchange offices will have a rate for major currencies other than these. Banks are open only on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You also can change money at your hotel, although you should not rely on this option. You will almost certainly be able to pay your room in euros, although if you have been quoted a price in lek, the hotel’s exchange rate will not be in your favor. Restaurants also sometimes accept euros.

Albanian cuisine reflects a mixture of influences from the Turkish, Balkan, and European cuisine. It is known for its high nutritional values and its delicious taste. Every area offers distinct specialties. Meat prepared on the skewer and the different kinds of pies are well known in the whole country. Southern and Central Albanian cuisine is known for the extensive use of vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and lemon in its cooking. Shkoder (carp casserole), Pogradec (alcoran casserole with walnuts) and the coastal area of the Ionian and Adriatic are known for their fish dishes.

A variety of deserts, which also emerge in other Balkan countries and Asia Minor, are found in Albania (such as: baklava, “kadaif,” “sheqerpare,” “hashure’). One of the most traditional deserts is “ballokume,” which is prepared in the city of Elbasan for Summer Day celebrations (held on March 14th). Due to its Mediterranean climate, Albania is known for its grape cultivation and the production of various red and white wines. The most common varieties are: Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Kallmet, Sangiovese, and Riesling. The traditional alcoholic drink is called “raki” (a kind of brandy produced from grapes). Plum “raki’ is also produced in some areas of the country, such as Korce and Diber, while mulberry “raki” is produced in Boboshtive. Albania is also known for the production of its Scanderbeg Cognac, often mentioned for its taste and interesting bouquet. Albanian cognac has also won international recognition.

Among the non-alcoholic drinks, it is worth mentioning “boze” (a refreshing drink made of corn), which is produced in the north of the country, especially in Kukes, and also “rehani” (a drink made from grape juice), which is the typical drink of Skrapar.

Albania is a small country with a landmass of 28,748 sq km (about 11,000 sq miles), roughly the size of Belgium. It is situated in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula in the southeastern part of Europe. It shares borders with Montenegro and Kosovo to the North and Northeast, Macedonia to the East and Greece to the South. To the West, Albania has a coast that adjoins the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The Adriatic separates it from Italy via the Strait of Otranto (72 km/45 mi). Much of Albania’s surface is mountainous – the average height above sea level is 708 m, (2,336 ft) and its highest peak, Mount Korabi on the Macedonian border, is 2,753 m (9,085 ft). Most of the population lives in the south-central lowlands and on the coastal plain.

The country has many rivers which originate in the high mountains and pass through steep gorges before reaching the plain and making their way to the sea. Most of the main rivers have been extensively managed, usually to generate hydro-electricity. Albania has nearly 450 km (280 mi) of seacoast, with the Adriatic running from the Montenegrin border south to the Bay of Vlora, where the Ionian Sea begins. The Ionian Cost is very rugged with rocky coves along the narrow coastal strip and steep mountains rising almost straight up almost much of its length. The highest point along this stretch is at the Llogara Pass, over 1.000m (3,300ft) high. Geologic activity and erosion have created many caves at the base of these cliffs, some of which were inhabited in prehistoric times. On the other hand, the Adriatic coast is a low-lying one, with large protected bays (such as those of Vlora and Durres), which have been used as harbors since ancient times. The rivers that flow into the Adriatic have created fertile alluvial plains on these lowlands and, at their mouths, exceptionally rich wetlands, which are home to many waterfowl and migratory birds.

In Albania there are also a number of lakes.

The most significant are:

• Lake Shkodra is the largest lake in the Balkans and straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro. Thousands of cormorants winter on this lake each year. It is relatively shallow and is fed by many different rivers as well as by springs, making it quite varied in its aquatic life, with various species of carp and trout in its waters.

• Lake Ohrid is shared between Albania and Macedonia in the southeastern part of Albania. Around the lakeshore there are some tourist areas such as Lini, Pojska, Pogradec, Tushemisht, and Drilon. It is exceptionally deep and fed mainly by springs around the edge of the lake and on its floor.

• Above Lake Ohrid lies Prespa Lake, which is distinguished by its solitude and beautiful landscapes. In this lake there are very important breeding populations of Dalmatian and white pelicans. Lakes Ohrid and Prespa are between two and four million years old, and unique species of fish have evolved in them, among them the delicious koran and belushka.

Over a third of the territory of Albania – about a million hectares (2.5 million acres) – is forested and the country is very rich in flora. About 3,000 different species of plants grow in Albania, many of which are used for medicinal purposes. The forests are home to a wide range of animals such as wolves, bears, wild boars, and chamois. Lynx, wildcats, pine martens and polecats are rarer, but survive in some parts of the country.

Health Tips

In cases of an accident or a medical emergency, a taxi is your best transportation. When the taxi arrives, say “Tek Urgjenca” to the driver. This will get you to the emergency room where you will be given the best treatment possible. There is also an ambulance service reached by dialing 127. However, a taxi is quicker, at least outside the big cities. In Tirana there are also private clinics, which can handle everything up to minor surgery. Two with good reputations and some English speakers are the ABC Clinic (04 234 105) and the Orthodox Clinic (04 360 925). For other medicine needs there are many pharmacies that can sell you almost anything over the counter.

If you are hiking in the forest you should cover your arms and legs with clothing, tucking trousers into socks and boots. You should also wear a hat, use tick repellent sprays and check for ticks at the end of your day.

Travel Safety

Albania is a safe country for visitors. Its tradition of hospitality affords great respect for foreigners; almost all Albanians will go out of their way to help you if you are lost or in trouble.

PASSPORT / VISA

All the foreigners from the following countries enter the Republic of Albania without a visa, with the passport and by paying 10 Euros. The foreigners that enter without a visa have the right to stay in Albania only 30 days for an entry and they may stay up to 90 days within the calendar year.

VISAS

The citizens of the following countries may obtain a visa at any entry point by payment: FYR Macedonia (10 euros; at the Embassy 5 euros), Montenegro (free of charge), Israel (30 euros). The citizens of other countries are required to obtain visas at the missions of the Republic of Albania that cover the country of residence. These missions can also provide them with the necessary information about Albania. The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site carries information in English and Albanian about visa requirements and where to apply.

CUSTOMS

All personal items, new or old may be taken into Albania without incurring custom duties. A reasonable amount of tobacco, beverages and perfumes for personal use is allowed. Prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, narcotics, drugs and goods jeopardizing the observance of public order and social security. Special export permits are required for precious metals, ancient coins and scroll, antiques, books and works of art, which are considered to be part of national culture and heritage.

Entry by air

All international air arrivals enter through Mother Theresa International Airport, located 25 km northwest of Tirana.

Linkage with the city is provided through a shuttle bus service, the Tirana Rinas Express, running between Skanderbeg Square and Mother Theresa Airport. Shuttle buses depart every hour at the top of the hour, with an approximate cost of 2 euros. Taxi service available at all times, taxi fares mounting to approximately 20 euros.

“Mother Theresa“ Airport

Phone: + 355 4 379 063 / 4
Lost & Found: +355 69 20 666 26
E-mail: info@tirana-airport.com
Website: www.tirana-airport.com.al