Albania is a fascinating country for many reasons. I had the
opportunity to visit, and my experiences, combined with the research I did
beforehand, gave me a much broader understanding of it. Albania is currently
one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in Europe. Tourism has
increased by 80% compared to last year, and this growth is expected to continue
for years to come. You can really feel this in Albania—whether you're at the
airport, on the buses, or traveling around the country, it’s clear that
infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand.
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| Albanian flag |
The country is largely mountainous, with most of the landscape dominated by rugged terrain. However, Albania also has a stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Across the sea lies Italy, and historically, this geographic proximity has created a strong bond between the two nations. Many Albanians speak Italian, there are Italian radio stations, ferries to Italy, and numerous other forms of cooperation. During the communist era, it was nearly impossible for Albanians to travel to the rest of Europe, so many turned to Italy or Greece for escape. Greece, being an established tourist destination at the time, became a natural place for Albanians to seek work, and to this day, Albanians form one of the largest minority groups in Greece.
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| Amazing mountains of Albania |
There are around 5 million Albanians, living not only in Albania but also in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and other parts of the Balkans. This widespread diaspora has allowed Albanians to have a significant cultural and economic influence throughout the region. They maintain strong connections to their heritage and traditions, and their communities are tightly-knit, wherever they are.
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| Mother Theresa |
Albanian cuisine is another highlight. It’s loved throughout
the Balkans, thanks to the many Albanian bakeries scattered across the region,
from Croatia to Bosnia and Serbia. Albanian food is a delightful blend of
Turkish and Greek influences, often spiced with unique flavors and a touch of
sweetness. One of the most popular desserts is trilece, a rich, sweet
sponge cake soaked in caramelized milk, which you can find almost everywhere.
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| Tirana before sunset |
Another fascinating aspect of Albania is its Cold War
history. I had the chance to see one of the many submarine shelters built along
the coast. The driver who showed it to me explained that there are supposed to
be five in total. During the Cold War, Albania, under the rule of Enver Hoxha,
was deeply paranoid about a potential nuclear attack, so the government built
over 700,000 bunkers across the country, with plans for even more.
Interestingly, many of these bunkers are aimed toward Yugoslavia, which suggests
that Albania saw Yugoslavia as its primary threat at the time.
The Albanian language is also very unique. It doesn’t belong
to any of the major European language families like Slavic, Romance, or
Germanic. This linguistic isolation reflects Albania’s distinct ethnic and
cultural identity, which is one of the oldest in Europe.
Although Albania doesn’t have as many ancient monuments as
some neighboring countries, there are still remarkable historical sites. The
largest amphitheater in the Balkans is located in Durrës, and there are
several ancient sites like the Venetian Tower and the UNESCO-listed city of Butrint,
which showcase the country’s rich heritage.
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| Biggest Amphitheatre in Balkans |
Religion in Albania is a particularly interesting topic. The
country is home to both Muslims and Christians, but religion doesn’t divide the
people. In many towns, it’s not unusual to see a mosque and a church side by
side. This coexistence of faiths is a testament to Albania’s tradition of
religious tolerance, which is especially noteworthy given the region’s history
of religious conflict.
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| Postcard from Albania |
Finally, the Albanian villages are something special.
Typically located in the mountains, these villages have houses that are
clustered close together, creating a strong sense of community. The traditional
architecture and vibrant colors are reminiscent of Greek villages, with stone
houses and tiled roofs, but there’s something uniquely Albanian about the way
these communities have developed.
