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Albania

Albania

Capital city description

Tirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. It is the center of its economy, culture, and government activities. To the east of Tirana is the Dajti Mountain and to its northwest side is the slight valley opening. The area is also home to many of Tirana’s finest museums. At the National Archaeological Museum, visitors can walk through Albania’s ancient history by exploring well-curated exhibits highlighting Roman statues, Illyrian manuscripts, and mosaics from the Hellenic times. More than a million books are displayed at the National Library, including many ancient texts. The Natural Sciences Museum gives a great introduction to the country’s geological composition and flora. Moreover, the city offers a great holiday opportunity with historical sites and scenic beauty.

Climate

In Albania, the climate is the Mediterranean on the coast (with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers). At the same time, it's slightly more continental in the interior, though it's freezing only in mountainous areas. Rainfall amounts to about 1,000 millimeters (40 inches) per year on the coast and is even more abundant in hilly and mountainous regions facing west and south, so much so that it often exceeds 2,000 mm (78 in) per year. 

Spring: mid-February to mid-April

Summer: mid- April to August

Autumn: September to November

Winter: December to mid-February

Languages spoken

The Albanian language is the official language and widely spoken of Albania. At the same time, Albania's most spoken minority language is Greek. It is spoken by the Greeks living in the country and Albanians who had immigrated to Greece.

Fun/Fascinating Facts

  1.  Albanian like to do an evening walk. But it’s not just a walk. The Albanian evening walk tradition known as xhiro, it’s an evening walk where every resident comes out to stretch their legs and catch up with their neighbors. In many towns, the roads are close to cars for certain hours! Apartment blocks are empty, and everyone gathers at various places, walking and talking until nightfall.
  2. When Albanians nod, they mean no, and when they shake their head, they mean yes. In contrast with other countries, yes implies no, and no means yes in Albania.
  3. One of the unique traditions in Albania, after a haircut, you get slapped on the neck; after you get hit, the slapper will say “me shëndet,” meaning “on your health.”
  4. Pumpkins have a special place in Albania. Besides being used in cuisines, they are used for display purposes and as gifts.
  5. Mother Teresa was the only Albanian to win a Nobel Prize. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work helping the poor in Calcutta, India.

Unique Customs/Traditions

  • In Albania, it's common to kiss the cheeks of males of your age or younger (if you are a man), even the first time you meet them. It is mainly for Fier, Tepelena, Vlora, and Gjirokastra. In Northern Albania, you will touch each other's cheeks but not kiss them.
  • Women also kiss one another, sometimes from the first time they meet, but men and women do not kiss each in the cheek unless they have been friends for a long time. However, kissing cheeks between young people, 15-20 years old, is very common.
  • Albanians are exceptionally generous and hospitable. A person invited to dinner will be given enough to "feed an army," even if the host may go hungry the next day. It is not uncommon for an Albanian family to spend a month of their salary to feed a visitor.
  • Food plays an integral role in Albanian culture and is integral to hosting guests in any home. It is common practice for Albanians to invite each other over for a meal once in a while for bonding. Albanian food has much of Mediterranean influence, and the one that stands out as an aspect of Albanian food is the heavy use of olive oil in almost all of their dishes. The cuisine incorporates varieties that range from peppers, cabbages, zucchini, cucumbers, spinach, potatoes, and eggplants when it comes to vegetables. Common Albanian spices and herbs include garlic, onion, basil, mint, and oregano. Their meat dishes vary from chicken, veal, lamb, goat, and beef.

Popular universities

Name Description
Universiteti i Tiranës (University of Tirana) Universiteti i Tiranës (University of Tirana) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large city of Tirana. It was established as the State University of Tirana in 1957 by merging five existing institutes of higher education. The university is the largest and highest-ranking university in Albania. It includes eight colleges, 50 academic departments, and 41 study programs or majors. According to the Bologna system, it offers Bachelor's, Master's, and doctorate programs. This institution also has a branch campus in Saranda.
Epoka University Epoka University is an international higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Tirana, the capital of Albania. The University commenced academic activities during the 2007-2008 academic year in compliance with the Albanian higher education legislation provisions. Epoka University offers education in three study cycles, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D., with 11 Bachelor, 8 Master of Science, 6 Professional Master, 2 Integrated Second Cycle, and 6 Ph.D. study programs. The language of instruction in all study programs is English, except for the Bachelor in Banking and Finance study program, also offered in Albanian.
Universiteti i Shkodrës "Luigj Gurakuqi The Universiteti i Shkodrës "Luigj Gurakuqi (Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër) is an Albanian public university established in 1957. It has six faculties, 26 branches, 21 departments, and more than 190 professors. It has been the major institution of higher education in the region, especially in the technical and scientific disciplines. Universiteti i Shkodrës Luigj Gurakuqi (USH) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
Universiteti Europian i Tiranës Universiteti Europian i Tiranës (European University of Tirana) is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Tirana. Officially recognized by the Agjencia e Sigurimit të Cilësisë në Arsimin e Lartë (Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education), Universiteti Europian i Tiranës (UET) is a tiny coeducational Albanian higher education institution. Universiteti Europian i Tiranës (UET) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës (Polytechnic University of Tirana) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Tirana founded in 1991. Officially recognized by the Agjencia e Sigurimit të Cilësisë në Arsimin e Lartë. Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës (UPT) is a large coeducational Albanian higher education institution. Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës (UPT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Kolegji Universitar Bedër Kolegji Universitar Bedër (University College Bedër) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in Tirana founded in 2011. Kolegji Universitar Bedër (KUB) is a tiny coeducational Albanian higher education institution. Kolegji Universitar Bedër (KUB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study
Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës (Agricultural University of Tirana) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Tirana. Established in 1951 and officially recognized by the Agjencia e Sigurimit të Cilësisë në Arsimin e Lartë (Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education), Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës (UBT) is a medium-sized educational Albanian higher education institution. Universiteti Bujqësor i Tiranës (UBT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in several areas of study.
Universiteti Polis Universiteti Polis (Polis University) is a private for-profit university located in Tirana, Albania, founded in 2006. Universiteti Polis (U_POLIS) offers courses and programs in architecture, urban planning, design, civil engineering, computer sciences, environmental studies, and similar subjects.
Universiteti i New York-ut në Tiranë Universiteti i New York-ut në Tiranë (University of New York, Tirana) is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Tirana. Universiteti i New York-ut në TiranëUniversity ( of New York Tirana) is the first private university in Albania founded in 2002. Universiteti i New York-ut në Tiranë (UNYT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. University of New York Tirana is committed to the spirit of learning, personal growth, and the development of a community in which active participation and freedom of expression are encouraged and supported.
Universiteti Ismail Qemali, Vlorë Universiteti Ismail Qemali, Vlorë (Ismail Qemali University of Vlora) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Vlore and officially recognized by the Agjencia e Sigurimit të Cilësisë në Arsimin e Lartë (Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education). Founded in 2002, Un iteti Ismail Qemali, Vlorë (UV) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. It is the only institution in Albania that collaborates with State University of New York/ Empire State College – USA by offering dual degrees for Bachelor Programs.

Festivals & Events

Korca Beer Festival

Date: August

The Korca Beer Festival is the biggest summer event in Albania in Albania, held over four days every August. It is a hugely widespread festival, with more than 100K people every year. The visitors can get to sample beers from all over the world and some locally produced in the Korca region.

The festival also features music from local and national bands, with food stands and a fun feel in the air.

Unum Festival

Date: last week of May up to first week of June

Unum Festival is a music festival at “Rana e Hedhun” beach in Shengjin, Albania. The festival aims to promote the idyllic Albanian Coastline and encourage and stimulate the electronic music culture in the region by offering a variety of activities under the sound of many respected artists. Spanning over three days towards the end of May into June every year, the UNUM festival is fun-filled music and packed with local and international music acts, 

“Unum” comes from the Latin name that translates to “One” as a whole. 

Gjirokaster Folk Festival

Date: September

Gjirokaster Folk Festival takes place around September every four years in southern Albania, with the last edition happening in 2009. First organized in 1968, the event sets out to bring an exciting assortment of folk musicians, performers, and artists from across the Balkans and worldwide to perform in front of large audiences. Gjirokaster Folk Festival draws numerous artists, highlighting the iso-polyphonic style of Albanian folk singing.

National Festival Of Urban Folk Songs

Date: March

National Festival Of Urban Folk Songs is held every March; this festival is organized to tribute the folk songs performed in towns and villages across Albania. This style of music is very different than traditional folk music, having been revised through more modern methods of orchestration and interpretation. The town of Elbasan hosts the celebration on the first day of spring each year and welcomes performers from across Albania to showcase their talent.

International Festival of Modern and Contemporary Dance

Date: October

International Festival of Modern and Contemporary Dance, the only dance festival in Albania the most important international held annually in October in Durres, is designed to bring aspects of international contemporary dance to Albania and demonstrate innovative forms of expression. Still, it also aims at informing about the refresh dance tendencies. Performances are followed by workshops where everyone is invited to take part.

Albania's Independence day

Date: 28th- November

Albania's Independence day is the most significant public holiday on November 28th. Albania's National Day commemorated when Albania proclaimed its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Countless celebrations are going on around the country.

On November 28th, 1912, leaders from all inhabited Albanian lands in the Balkans gathered in the southern city of Vlora to declare their independence and creation of the Albanian nation-state.


Tirana International Film Festival

Date: November

Each year in November, Tirana International Film Festival takes place in Albania. First held in 2003, it mixes short pieces with full-length features. A nationwide event, the festival has received patronage and endorsements from several international names from across Europe and America.

Attractions / Top Sights

Porto Palermo Castle

When to visit: In Autumn

Porto Palermo Castle is a castle near Himare in southern Albania. It is one of the most beautiful fortresses in the country, situated in the bay of Porto Palermo, a few kilometers south of Himare along the Albanian Riviera. Together with Llamani beach, the area will be proclaimed a protected area is holding the status of Protected Landscape by the Albanian Government.

The fort was established in the 19th century and owned by Ali Pasha. The fort is distinctive because it’s in a star shape in place of the usual four corners a fort usually has. The castle offers breathtaking views over the Ionian sea and surrounding mountains.


Butrint

When to visit: In summer

Butrint – a UNESCO defended region and one of the best tourist attractions and most visited archaeological site in Albania close to Saranda and next to Ksamil. Butrint is an archaeological site that provides valuable evidence of ancient and medieval civilizations on the territory of modern Albania.

The Butrint National Park is located 17 kilometers south of Saranda. The park comprises beautiful spots such as the sanctuary of Asclepius, Roman theatre, Roman baths, Roman forums, Gymnasium, and a lot more. A sanctuary of Asclepius dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, was founded in the 4th century B.C. The ancient Roman Theater. The theatre would have been used by worshippers and the sanctuary priests for religious ceremonies and public discussion during the 3rd century B.C. In summer it can get rather busy with thousands of tourists spending a holiday.




Pogradec

When to visit: in summer

Pogradeci is one of Albania's most alluring tourist resorts because of its position near the Ohrid Lake, which distinguishes itself for clear water. Pogradec provides fascinating looks of Lake Ohrid, which is more than 4 million years old.

The lake is defended by UNESCO as it’s the abode of nearly 17 aquatic creature species, a more significant number indigenous to this lake. Fish Koran, similar to the trout, is reared in this lake. Besides the beautiful beach, your staying in Pogradec is made more interesting by the excursion to the tourist center of Drilon ( 5 km eastward ) with crystal clear fountains that fill the beautiful channels surrounded by trees and by ornamental plants.

Llogara National Park

When to visit: In summer

Llogara National Park is located in the southeastern region of Albania. It is situated in the Ceraunian Mountains, which overlook the Albanian Riviera. The park is tiny, covering only 3.90 square miles (10.1 sq km), creating the second smallest national park in the country after Zall Gjocaj National Park.

This national park is lovely for a summer or winter access point. Amid the park, you have plenty of opportunities – hiking, paragliding, camping and you’re near to the sea too! The Llogara pass is one of the most charming roads in Europe. 

Durres

When to visit: March to June. or. September to December.

Durres is a port town and a cherished tourist attraction in Albania for a beach access point for Albanians residing in Tirana as it's just 35 km from the epicenter. It's the oldest town in Albania with a history going back nearly 3000 years. Durres holds several tourist spots. The most meaningful thing to discover in Durres is the ancient Amphitheatre, accommodating more than 15,000 people. The theatre is the second biggest in the Balkans and is beautiful to watch; it also features renovated iconography works:

Durres Ancient City Wall, Medieval Hammam, and the Tophane Well are located inside and around the wall. Furthermore, visitors can also see the Venetian Tower (Rotonda), a circular tower built in the 16th century at the city center with a restaurant on top. From Durres, you can go to the north for some unusual nature and hiking. 

Vlore

When to visit: In Spring and Autumn

Vlore lies in the southwestern coastal region of Albania, at the southern end of the Adriatic Sea and the northern part of the Ionian Sea. This ancient town was established in the 6th century BC and is usually called Aulona. It’s an excellent site in history because Vlore is where Albania declared independence in 1912.

There are many things to do in and around Vlore. Visiting the fort is highly recommended as you will get mesmerizing looks of the town from here. Sazan Island is nearby and is the biggest island in Albania. It’s a military area, but lately, it began opening in the summer for travelers to visit. In addition, you will find some of the finest beaches on this side of the Med, with spots such as Dhermi, Himara, Palasë, Qeparo, Vuno, and Borsh within the county of Vlore.

Vlora

When to visit: In Spring and Autumn

Fier is home to one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Albania, the Apollonia! It’s an old Illyrian and Greek town.

Theth National Park

When to visit: March to June. or. September to December.

Theth national park is one of the fascinating national parks and one of the best tourist attractions in Albania. Theth is a picture-perfect village covered in the mountains. You can begin some beautiful hikes through the Albanian Alps from this spot.

Theth national park is a paradise for enthusiasts of wild creatures and charming nature. More than 2/3rds of the park is coated with trees. Theth is desolated, but gradually tourism is growing. There are plenty of things to find, incorporating the park itself, springs, falls, stone engravings, and a lot more.

Syri i Kalter

When to visit: July and August

 The Blue Eye, Albania, also referred to as Syri i Kalter, is a natural water spring of unknown depth and chilling temperatures. Syri I Kalter is one of Albania's most stunning natural spots.

Syri i Kalter is a natural spring, more than 50 meters deep, where locals swim on hot summer days. The center of the spring is a deep, dark blue, while the surrounding water is a fresh green fading out to the white of the pebbly shore.

Korça

When to visit: April to October

Korça is one of the main cultural centers of Albania, located in the southeast, near the Macedonian border. Everything about this town is romantic, from its traditional Albanian serenades to its beautiful winter snow. Its traditional villas, cobble-stone streets glistening under the sun, the fresh mountain air, and hospitality combine to create an unparalleled warm and festive atmosphere all year round.

The city is known for its excellent beer Korça, old bazaar recently renewed, the largest Orthodox church in the country, its ancient villas. Once called "the little Paris," Korça is one of the Albanian arts and history centers, hosting some of the fascinating museums in the country. 

Fier

When to visit: In Spring and Autumn

Fier is rich in both historical sites and natural beauty and is a home for one of the UNESCO world heritage sites-Apollonia. It’s an old Illyrian and Greek town. Fier’s main attraction is undoubtedly the ruins of the ancient Illyrian city of Apollonia, which houses a beautiful Odeon and the enchanted House of Mosaics, among other memorable monuments. Another reminder of an ancient world is the Archaeological Park of Bylis, the largest Illyrian city in the south of Albania.

Vlora ed

When to visit: In Spring and Autumn

Fier is home to one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Albania, the Apollonia! It’s an old Illyrian and Greek town.