The city of Berat, otherwise, is the only city in the world known as the city of a thousand windows.

Gjirokastra, otherwise known as the city of a thousand stairs, and for the design of the building, just like Kruja, the streets paved with stones, and the houses that have the shape of small castles are built in stone. 

Gjirokastra is part of the UNESCO Heritage, giving it the name City of Stone because everything is built in stone.

Both are historical cities built years ago, on the hill of the city, there are the famous fortresses of Berat and Gjirokastra.

Inside the city of Gjirokastra, there is a bazaar, with shops other than those with souvenirs, and a coffee bar by the side of the road. 

5. Other Interesting Views

Let’s continue with;

• Canyons of Osum and Vjosa: If we take a look down, we will encounter other beauties, the Canyons of Osum, and Vjosa offer the opportunity to try the experience of rafting. Take in panoramic views of the Osumi Canyon’s dramatic landscapes from the comfort of your river raft. Throughout the tour, benefit from the expertise and professional guidance of your local guide, who will provide insider knowledge about the area and ensure your safety and enjoyment. Vjosa is qualified as the only wild river in Europe, flowing continuously from Greece to Albania, and flowing into the Adriatic Sea.
• The famous park of Llogara: This is where you can see the sea, and on the other side you have the mountain. Take a short break and try some of the traditional foods of the country. Llogaraja offers a fabulous view of the sea, and you can go skydiving.
• The Albanian Riviera: It is known for its crystal waters, and for sleepy villages that wake up and make noise during the summer. They are dressed in white and blue. On a yacht trip, you can see the blue waters, like that of Dhermiu, Drimadh, Mirrors Beach, and the Pirates’ Cave. 
• Butrint: It was once an Illyrian city, inhabited by Romans and Caonians, and its geographical position gave a great development to the city. Later in the Middle Ages, it was abandoned, it lies on a hill and has a view of the Vivar canal. Today it is part of the national park of Butrint, and it is located between the cities of Saranda and Ksamil.
• The city of Vlora: This is otherwise known as Aulona, ​​is considered one of the oldest cities in Albania, where the independence flag was raised. It has a lot to offer: seas and rocky slopes, which are combined together. Among the most visited attractions is the Museum of the Independence, the sea terrace of Teqea of ​​Kuzum Baba, located on a hill above the city.

Traditions and Culture

Albania is known for its hospitality, people are very kind and always offer to help you, making you feel at home.

Known as “Besa”, it means honoring your word. If you promise something, you do it, even if it means risking your life.

The culture is also rich, with traditional songs and dances, and polyphonic songs.

The clothes are decorated with different elements such as the sun, eagle, and flowers. The “Qeleshja” is the most popular hat. 

Albania has a variety of foods, the traditional ones that should not be missed without trying, such as Trahana, Tave Dheu, Tave Kosi, Fli, Jufka. 

The well-known drink is Raki, made at home from fermented fruits, the most used is grape brandy. Raki is the solution for everything, if you are having a good, or bad day, drink Raki.

On the contrary, they will help you with every possible instruction, some of the people speak English very well, as well as Italian, German.

The Religion Of The Albanians

A famous expression by the writer Pashko Vaso “The religion of the Albanian is Albanianism, it reflects a strong sense of national identity and cultural pride of the Albanians.” 

He suggests that for many Albanians, their national identity and love for their country transcends religious affiliations. Albania is one of the few countries that do not have conflicts regarding religious beliefs. People can live together, even if they don’t pray together. 

They respect every faith, and why the religion that dominates the most is Islam, other minorities such as Catholics, Christians, Orthodox, etc. 

Some of the holidays that are celebrated are the November Holidays, otherwise known to Albanians as the independence holidays on November 28-29. 

Different decorations cover the city with red and black colors, organizations and activities take place in every city, people celebrate not only those who are in Albania but also outside the country.

Christmas, and the change of the year, is an important event as well as the November holidays.

Everyone returns to the place to celebrate with family and friends. Various dishes such as turkey is the main dish, accompanied by drinks. 

Summer’s day symbolizes the arrival of summer, and the city is decorated with many decorations, with flowers. Summer is a bouquet made by yourself and held in your hand until you see a swallow and it’s over.

Some Tips Before Visiting Albania

• The hotels are cheap, with very good conditions, they offer a variety and very tasty breakfast with different foods from the country or from other cultures.  
• Use of public transport is many times better, and cheaper, to also avoid the traffic that is created. It costs only 50 cents for the bus.
• If you visit the north, you can get something with long arms, since it gets cool at night.
• It is a safe country.
• People are friendly.
• Learn a bit about the history before you go.
• Avoid the months of July and August to visit as it is very hot.
• Always have cash with you.

Reviews From The Tourists

Based on some comments of tourists for two or three years who have visited Albania once, or more than twice, their impressions are: 

It is a cheap country, the food and drinks are really delicious and they cost a lot a little.

A place where you can find every kind of nature, we stayed two days in Theth (it’s in the northern area), in some guesthouses, the architecture was impressive, and every food was cooked by ourselves.

Then we stayed two nights in Ksamil in the south, with a fascinating view of the Ionian Sea, some places we visited in the south were Llogara Park, Butrint Park, and Blue Eye. Blue Eye is found in the north as well as in the south.


Another tourist wrote: 

We stayed in Tirana for two nights, the hotel was a family business, it is an ancient villa preserved and handed down from generation to generation.

It was located only 5 minutes away from the center, which made it easier for us. The conditions of the hotel were perfect, and even though it was a 3-star hotel, I would rate the service as a 10, the staff was very attentive and spoke English very well. 


A tourist agency with some German foreigners said;

Albania is the place where you can find every possible nature, with friendly people, to make you feel at home. Historical buildings and history are preserved as a treasure.

Every city has a story to tell. Tirana is one of the biggest cities, the movement is done by public transport, but you can move around by bicycle or scooter.

Traffic during the day was a little heavier than in other cities. Our recommendations are Berati, Shkodra, and the beaches of the south; they should not be left unvisited. 7-10 days are enough time to see the whole south.

Conclusion

Albania is one of the most interesting countries to visit, and to make different guides, this is because it is only a country with a very small population, and they are very hospitable.

From north to south, you will encounter very loving people and traditions that vary from city to city. Do not hesitate to ask; they will be there to guide and help you.