To be honest, before I decided to travel to Albania, I didn’t know much about the country or where it exactly was located in Europe. When I found a cheap flight ticket to Corfu in Greece and a ferry over to Saranda in Albania, my curiosity took over, and I decided that I had to go. Oh man, what I was surprised about what the country had to offer.

The beaches, nature, the people, and the food – everything was so great that I’m still longing to go back and explore more.

If you’ve ever wondered, hesitated, or never even thought of traveling to Albania – read this article and let it convince you why you should go.


Here are the top 10 reasons why I love Albania:


The locals are very friendly and welcoming

I have never been to a more friendly country than Albania, and I’ve been to over 40 countries. They’re helpful, friendly, and loves to talk to tourists.

During my stay in Albania locals smiled towards me every day, an older lady pinched my cheeks because she thought that I looked so happy (I mean, how can’t you be happy while traveling in Albania), and I also got a free guided tour by a local couple (in Albanian haha) on the bus to Tirana for 6 hours. I couldn’t feel more welcomed during my stay there!

The food is delicious

In Albania, you can eat lots of delicious Greek dishes such as Feta, Gyros, Souvlaki, but don’t forget to eat the local Albanian dishes. I can highly recommend you to try Fëgesë, Tavë Kosi, Perime Në Scarë, Burek, and Speca me Glizë – all delicious Albanian dishes.

Burek

There are countless fortresses and castles to explore

Forts and castles are dotted throughout the county and make you feel like Indiana Jones while you explore them. Some are just ruins, but some castle and fortresses are pretty well preserved and great if you’re into photography!

Albania has some of the best beaches in Europe

The rumors are true! Albania has some of the best beaches in Europe. And this comes from a girl who has been to some of the best beaches in France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal.

The beaches along the Albanian coast are clean, has golden/white soft sand and turquoise waters. No matter if you’re looking for sandy bays, secluded beaches, lively beaches or stone beaches – Albania has everything you seek!

Ksamil

It’s safe

Albania is one of those countries that I’ve been feeling very safe. In Albania, you can travel solo, with your family, or as couples with no worries what so ever. Albanians are very hospital and welcoming towards tourists.

Although you always should be aware of your surroundings when traveling the world, Albania is still one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited.

Albania has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites

One of the best reasons why I love Albania is that the country offers much to see and do. Some of the many lovely UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Butrint, Berat, Durres Amphitheater, Lake Ohrid, and Apollonia.

Butrint

It’s still a relatively unexplored country

If you ask yourself; how much do you really know about Albania and its culture? Probably not much. One thing you might hear about though is the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera, but the country has so much more to offer than just paradise beaches.

The reason of being an unexplored country is because many people still think its unstable and unsafe, and that the infrastructure isn’t the best either.

Oh, how many people’s picture of the country is wrong. It’s one of the safest countries I’ve been to, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and the infrastructure is better than many countries that I’ve visited. The country is still changing for the better, and I must say that the future is very bright for this lovely country.

It’s cheap

If you’re traveling on a budget, then you’re going to live like a queen/king in Albania without breaking the bank. Prices are half of the prices in other countries in Europe, and you get great value for your money.

olives

Albania is one unique country

I promise you; you’ll never visit a country that’s like Albania. It’s something magical about the country that makes you want to go back and explore more. It’s the great mixture of friendly locals, beautiful nature, unique heritage and history that makes Albania to a one of a kind country.

In addition to all this; Albania has its very one branch on the tree of languages, and is completely unrelated to any other language on earth. Pretty cool huh?

Nature is incredible

There’s no question about it, the nature in Albania is amazing. Nature is that beautiful that I wonder how it hasn’t become a more popular destination among tourists today. Imagine lush forests, beautiful lakes, turquoise beaches, and stunning mountains – Albania really takes your breath away.

nature albaniaPhoto: Shutterstock.