Once an uninspiring communist city, Tirana is now a bustling metropolis with surprises around every corner. Whether you’re just passing through, or you’re looking for an affordable city break, it’s worth spending at least a day in Albania’s capital. Here we’ve listed some of the must-visit places in Tirana and our favourite food find just
Ever considered hiking the Peaks of the Balkans (POTB)? Read what our past guest Simon and his hiking group YOLO thought. In July 2024, they embarked on our week-long Montenegro to Albania hiking adventure, which includes a snippet of the POTB trail. Here’s how they got on. British hiker Simon Crowther first laid eyes on
It’s been a while since we last caught up with one of our awesome local guides. And following International Women’s Day on 8th March, it’s only right that the next guide we introduce you to is one of the badass women we work with. Meet Aurora. She’s a guide, biologist, teacher, wildlife photographer, conservationist and
A tourism boom over the past few years means that, despite the hype, South Albania’s beaches can feel decidedly discovered — but that’s because most don’t know where to look. This summer, my family and I set off on a research trip to carve out our new South Albania itinerary and proved that even in
Nebija Qotaj first sat behind a loom at the age of 10, under the instruction of her mother and grandmother. Now aged 62 and a grandmother herself, she owns her own successful Albanian rug weaving cooperative and her passion for the craft is infectious. If you’re joining us in Albania, you’ll have a chance to
Booking your September sun holiday in Europe and not sure where to go? Behold: The Balkans. Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina all remain hot and sunny well into October, which is why lots of our trips run until then. In fact, some of our most active holidays are best enjoyed at this time
Shkodër is a North Albanian city beside Lake Shkodra, Southern Europe’s largest lake which Albania shares with Montenegro (where it’s called Skadar). It’s around two hours’ drive from Tirana and considered the gateway to the Albanian Alps. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Shkodër, including a couple of hidden
To say that the Theth valley in the Albanian Alps is stunningly beautiful is an understatement, so there’s no wondering why it’s becoming increasingly popular with hikers. The Accursed Mountains, as they’re also known, could easily be mistaken for the Peruvian Andes. On the Valbona pass, karst limestone topography carpeted by beech forests stretch as
Albania may have seas as dreamy as the Maldives, beaches like Croatia and even some similarities to Greece, but there are several things that set it apart from its Balkan neighbours and everywhere else. From vast swathes of landscapes completely untouched by humans to its folklore traditions, Albania is a holiday destination like no other.
If you travel with us to Albania, chances are you will be in the capable hands of Aldo for the duration of your adventure, from hiking and kayaking to drinking raki! Aldo’s passion for his country is infectious and like us, he’s most at home in the mountains. In a previous life, he was an
