Albania - Hidden Corner of Europe

Albania, coastline 450 km, with geographic coordinates: 41N, 20E, with 28.748 km2 (11.100 sq miles), with population of 3.260.000 and density of 113.4 population/km2 is wild and mountainous, with extensive forests, sandy beaches and many beautiful lakes. It shares borders with Montenegro and Kosovo to the north, with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the northeast and Greece to the south. To the west lie the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

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Albania is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe with a rugged mountain terrain which covers 75% of the territory.
The average altitude is 708 m, two times higher than that of Europe.
It's major mountain ranges include the Northern Albanian Alps, Korabi Mountains and Pindus Mountains.

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Albania is very rich in biodiversity values.
There are 13 National Parks, 4 Protected Landscape Areas, 4 Strict Nature Reserves, 26 Managed Nature Reserves, 4 Natural Monuments and other protected areas.

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Albania's Coastline offers a variety of beaches from rocky to sandy white in its stretch of Adriatic and Ionian Waters.

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Wonderful Albanian Lakes

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Albania has many different types of lakes. Its major lakes are Shkodra, Ohri, Lura and Prespa.

Shkodër Lake is the biggest lake in Albania and also in Balkan Peninsula. It has an area of 368 km.sq. Shkodra lake in the Albanian territory is characterized by the diversity of shores and the land .The eastern shores are low with marshes while the southern shores are high and with rockies. The water of lake is rich with different kind of fish species , such as elk , etc. There are two tourist spots , Shiroka and Zogaj. They have fish restaurants and small hotels in Shiroka .

Ohri Lake is the second lake in terms of area ( total 362 sq.km, one third belongs to the country) and the deepest both in Albania and Balkan Peninsula ( max 287 m deepth). The water of the lake is very clear . Rich in rare species of the fish , worth mentioning is the fish KORAN , hardly to be found in other lakes of the world over. Along the shores of the lake there are several tourist spots. The city of Pogradec is a resort center, preferred because of its beautiful beach and the fresh summer climate. The other tourist spots are Lini village, Pojska, and Driloni. The visitor can find here the basic facilities.

Lura Lakes The glacial complex of Lura lakes are one of the most beautiful pearls of Albanian nature. The glacial lakes of Lura have a general surface of 100 ha. They are located in the northeastern part of the countru in the district of Dibra. In winter these lakes freeze , taking the view of natural skiing lanes. The lake of Flowers is really astonishing with the big white water lilies in summer, leaving the impression of a big garden created by the hand of a mastermind. Lura is a National park.

Prespa Lake is the highest tectonic lake in Albania and also in Balkan peninsula, 853 m above sea level. It has an area of 285 sq. km , 39 km. Sq. belongs to Albania. The Prespa lake has a panoramic view , full with small bays and high shores. It is rich in fish , among which the delicious small herrings. There are several villages on the shore of the lake. In front of Liqenas village there is a small island of Maligradi. There during the the fourteenth century the church of St Mary had been constructed within a cave. Some byzantine painting are found there. All area of Prespa between Albania, Greece and FYROM is proclamated as Natural Park.

Tirana is the Capital and Largest city in the Country. Its colourful painted buildings have earned it the nickname "City of Colors"

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Albania's Rinas International Airport has direct links with major european cities like London, Rome, Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Istanbul... etc
For american travelers, there are direct flights between Tirana and New York via JFK.

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very beautiful pictures :)

Yeap seems really interesting, tourism could become a major industry in a few years there :)

Albania has always been a sort of 'empty quarter' on my map of Europe, it was so tightly shut off from the rest of the world during the Communist era, yet it is now one of the USA's strongest supporters in all of Europe with many things like street names and monuments dedicated to USA people and places.

What are its prospects and potential timelines of EU and NATO membership, adoption of the Euro, motorway and improved railway connections with the rest of Europe, etc?

Mike

Albania has always been a sort of 'empty quarter' on my map of Europe, it was so tightly shut off from the rest of the world during the Communist era, yet it is now one of the USA's strongest supporters in all of Europe with many things like street names and monuments dedicated to USA people and places.

What are its prospects and potential timelines of EU and NATO membership, adoption of the Euro, motorway and improved railway connections with the rest of Europe, etc?

Mike

Nato Membership hopefully within 3 years. EU entry at my best estimation will be somewhere between 2015-2018.
Our major issue is Infrastructure. We've made great progress the last 10 years but a lot more needs to be done. Our Railway Network was solid during Communism, now it's in the brink of collapse. There's no funds to fix old stations, add new routes with neighbouring countries and even buy new trains.

really nice :)

*pleasantly surprised* i love the new look of tirana ! ^_^

Nice landscape.
Lots of competition now for tourism in the Balkans!

Wow! Nice surprise! I didn't know that it would be possible to find these beautiful landscapes in Albania! :cool:

Thanks for sharing! :okay:

Beautiful scenery. I would like to go there when things are improved (infrastructure, and i don't mean only roads and railways).

However it's quite a drive from the Netherlands. I think some 2000km.

beautiful :drool:

Wow beauitiful !

Do you have more pics of Tirana?

waow :eek::eek::eek2:

beautiful :drool:

Thanks:)

It's very difficult to find so much natural beauty in a small area of territory and that's the case with Albania, it has a favorable geographic location.
Some more beach photos, these ones are from the southern Dhërmiu Beach

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Great beach.

Albania looks bloody fantastic, nice beaches, nice scenery and a good job done with coloring up Tirana.

today
i learn something...

the paradise is in europe!

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The Famous Blue Eye
25 km away from Saranda town, near the traditional impressive stone built village of Musina, into a forest of hazelnuts, walnuts, cherries, pines and fir trees, 177 meters above the sea level, 18 springs come together out of the bottom of the earth and a rare beauty forms, the famous "Blue Eye", which is a geological phenomenon.

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Because of its oval shaped form and of the water, which is coming out of the earth, deep blue in the center and the light blue at the sides it looks like a human eye. Nobody knows how deep it is. Divers who tried to reach the bottom because of the pressure of the water have managed to go only 45 meters deep. It has a rate of flow of 6 cubic meters of water per second and a water temperature of 13 Celsius degrees. Visitors throw a stone into the center of this spring, and after a while they see the same stone coming up again on the surface of it. This geological phenomenon is of tectonic origin. Its water is believed to be a filtration from Drinos valley. These 18 springs provide water to "Bistrica" river which is 25 km long and by an artificial channel built in 1958, its waters flow into the Ionian Sea.

In the area of the "Blue Eye" wild life is rich and varied too, wild animals exist, like the fox, the fowl, the reptiles and the marten. "Blue Eye" is Albania's small treasure. Visitors on a one-day organized trip can relax into its peaceful landscape. Next to a picturesque waterfall opposite the "Blue Eye" spring, there is a traditional wood and stone built restaurant you may enjoy Albania's snaps named "Raki".

More photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/alwynt/sets/72157594187922019/

wow the coast is great too, but the mountain views are fantastic :drool: :drool:

was in tirana a few yrs ago - boomtown it is - great to witness such progress of AL :cheers:

Beach of Jala is one of the most beautiful beaches of the southern coast. This exclusive area is available only for tourist resorts.

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Some other various photos

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Beach of Radhima overlooking the beautiful landscape

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awesome beaches!! a lot of potential for tourism there

Some more pics from Jala Beach

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Beach of Ksamil with its islets is one of the pearls of Saranda's Coast

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WWWWAAAAAAWWWWW....

Nice pics of Albania there! Wanted to a have a few days in Tirana for a long time.

What a grossly underrated country.

Albania really has some magnificent scenery, heres some pics i stumbled upon.

Grunas Waterfall
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Old Bridge Tirana
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Rozafa Castle
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The Riviera
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Tirana Center
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Hi man. Albania is wonderful!! I was there last summer, and it was legendary:) But due the photos it's better to go there during spring, I think. We had extremely hot weather and quite dry mountains. Can I ask you where are these photos from??
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We were only on North albanian alps (prokletije mts.) near Theti and so on...
And where is this great waterfall??
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We only met some smaller:)
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more photos from albania here: http://balkan.tym.cz/fotky/index.html

Thanks Vlker.
The pic on that waterfall you took is from the Grunas Waterfall. And the other pic you asked the question is from Erzen River.
I'm glad you visited Theth, it's a gem in Northwestern Albania. Here's another photo of River Theth:

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From the mountain photos you posted, i dont know where the first pic was taken. The second however was taken in the Mountain of Paplluga.

Wow!! Very beautiful!

if anyone would like to see nice photos of Durres & Tirana - Albania, just click my signature :cheers:

Superb Albania ! Enjoyed all pics !

gorgeous!!!!! love it

Albania - yours to discover.


DjFlTJgR7RI

Butrint
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very nice, a pleasant surprise. :)

Nick Easen
www.guardian.co.uk,
Thursday May 22 2008

The unspoilt Albanian Riviera is a snapshot of the Mediterranean as it used
to be - idyllic beaches, glorious sunshine and an unhurried pace of life, says Nick Easen

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Taking it easy ... a local strolls along Vlora Beach on the Albanian Riviera. Photograph: Nick Easen

The state of the road heading in is the main reason the Albanian Riviera has escaped large-scale tourist development. That and land ownership. The road's upgrade, with help from the World Bank, is the first major overhaul since the Italian Army built it in the 1940s. It is seen as a local vote winner for a population that is close enough to Corfu to know what tourism can bring.


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Countless bays cut into the coast.

The cliché that this 130km stretch of coastline is one of the last untarnished parts of the Mediterranean with deserted beaches is not lost on the deputy mayor of the sleepy seaside town of Himara. "Nature is the most important thing here, as well as the connection between the mountains and the sea," Stefo Mato says, referring to the high karst mountains that kick their feet in the sandy shoreline. "But service for tourists needs to get better. There must be more things to do here."

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Llogora Pass between the Cika mountains and the Ionian Sea.

Then again, this is precisely why Albania's Ionian coast is worth visiting now, before the parasols arrive and the jet skis drown out the cricket song. Any intrepid traveller to the region should head straight to the top of the Llogora Pass with views of the Cika mountains plunging 910 metres into the sea. The spectacle encapsulates the real "Mediterranean as it once was". Pine trees interspersed with old stone farmhouses and citrus trees are all that interrupt the view.

In this coastal region inward investment, especially from overseas, is only beginning to trickle in. Land rights still remain an issue especially where the best beaches are located. And the Albanian authorities are still in the process of handing back property to owners from the pre-Communist era. Bogus title deeds and disputes over ownership have also stymied growth.

Endless curves of sand, remote Orthodox monasteries, small family-run guesthouses and roadside cafes with fresh trout on the grill are more prevalent than gaudy ice-cream boxes and adverts for suntan lotion. The only noticeable hoardings are the scarecrow dolls that hang above doorways to ward away the evil eye – this includes the unfinished hotels in Saranda.

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An apiarist sells his wares.

You are more likely to chance upon old women in headscarves and long skirts ushering goats through the fragrant maquis than bronzed tourists. And interaction with locals is more likely to involve buying honey with roadside apiarists, since the bees here have more wild flower species to choose from than anywhere else in Europe.

The only tell-tale signs of old order Albania are the deserted collective farms of the Communist era and the concrete bunkers. The country has a grey "mushroom" for every four people. Hundreds of thousands dot the landscape thanks to Enver Hoxha, the long- term Stalinist dictator who was paranoid of invasion from the west.

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One of Hoxha's submarine bases on the Riviera.

Albanians are now using them in novel ways that tourists can experience. You can have a seafood supper under a concrete dome in Restaurant Bunkere on the seafront at Durres; on the road to Vlora, artists have painted their roofs in psychedelic designs. According to legend, the designer was placed in a prototype, which was subsequently blasted by a tank. The bunker survived, as did its shell-shocked architect – mass production began. Nowadays, it costs at least £5,000 to get rid of one of these pillboxes.

"Many Albanians lose their virginity in the bunkers, when they are not being used for sheep or cattle," says Raimonda Nelku, a development worker with USAID. "They are in the Albanian psyche."

Saranda has the reputation of being one of the sunniest spots in Europe with more than 290 days of rays a year and midsummer temperatures around 30C. At present southern Albania's biggest town looks only partially built with half-constructed apartments and hotels scrambling up the hillside. Much of the activity is being generated by Albanians working abroad and sending money back home.

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Looking across the bay at Saranda.

Here palm trees flank the promenade shading elderly men as they sip their espressos, unhurried by the daily tourist influx. Many of whom are Brits, coming over on day trips from Corfu. Now they are being encouraged to stay longer.

A major attraction, which even Greek operators are touting, is Butrint, which sits on a cliff top overlooking the Greek island a few miles south of town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a 2,500-year-old layer cake that includes a Greek colony, a Roman city and a Byzantine bishopric. This is ranked as the biggest of its kind, second only to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

The fact is only 15% of Butrint has been uncovered, but then that's indicative of the country as a whole, according to Nelku, Mato and others. They hope that Albania will become "a new Mediterranean love", according to the country's new international TV ads.

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The glassy waters of the Ionian Sea.

Getting there

British Airways flies from London, Gatwick to Tirana's Mother Teresa Airport in under three hours from £200 in June.

Where to stay

Hotel Butrinti, Saranda: A modern five-star hotel on the beachfront, with great balcony views across the bay to Corfu. Check out the swimming pool with its Greek columns. £64 - 110 per room per night.

Llogora Tourist Village: An amazing hotel cradled in the pine forests at 1,200 metres, with grazing deer in the actual grounds. There are wooden chalets, an indoor pool and great artwork.. £56 - 100 per room per night, includes breakfast.

Hotel New York, Vlora: Worth it just to see the mad mosaic of the Statue of Liberty in the restaurant. Away from the downtown noise on the seafront, but still within walking distance of the cafes and beach. £40 - £100 including breakfast.

GLENEAGLES will open a golf course in outer space, Albania will become Europe's trendiest beach resort, and Scotland will be the world leader in gastronomic excellence.
These scenarios might sound like a far-fetched Doctor Who plot, but they are genuine predictions for the future, made by one of the world's leading tourism experts.

As a scenario planner for VisitScotland, Professor Ian Yeoman advised the national tourist agency on the possible impacts of foot-and-mouth, Norwegian salmon disease and conflict in the Middle East.

Now the professional futurologist has written a book outlining the major trends which he believes will shape world tourism in 2030.

Tomorrow's Tourist, which has been endorsed by the United Nations, makes a number of startling predications, the most surprising of which is the prospect of tourists blasting off into the heavens for a round of golf.

The professor of tourism management at New Zealand's Victoria University writes: "In 2030 the Gleneagles Lunar Space Station will be the world's most exclusive resort.

"Catching the Virgin Galactic from Auchterarder, space tourists will fasten their seat belts, hear the rockets roar and feel the sudden power acceleration of 4G. As the spaceship reaches the stratosphere, tourists will gaze down on planet Earth for the most exclusive view available.

"During their stay at the Gleneagles Space Station tourists will take in a round of golf, take the lunar buggy out for a spin and float around the leisure complex. They will enjoy the best of Scottish cuisine – vacuum-packed."

Yeoman, a former lecturer at Edinburgh's Napier University, insists his vision is far from a flight of fancy. "The Virgin Galactic is a real proposition starting a regular passenger service in 2009 from New Mexico.

"It is an exclusive travel experience, with celebrities and the mega-rich initially paying £100,000 for the privilege.

"By 2012 this price should fall to £37,500 which, in real terms, is far cheaper than the first scheduled flight to cross the Atlantic. By 2030 space tourism should be affordable to all."

In 2006 entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson held talks with senior officers at RAF Lossiemouth with a view to establishing a launch pad for space tourism at the Moray base.

Back on Earth, Yeoman, a member of the World Futures Society, predicts that in 22 years' time Greece, Spain and Italy will be overshadowed by an unlikely rival.

"The mountainous country of Albania on the Adriatic Sea, once a shadowy Communist prison state, will emerge as a leading southern European destination by 2030.

"This is because of its low cost of living, sunny climate, sandy beaches, stunning landscape and proximity to European markets."

He also predicts cash-strapped Europeans will take advantage of the former Stalinist country's rock-bottom property prices to snap up thousands of holiday homes.

"The price of second homes in eastern Europe could fall as a result of the present credit crisis," he says.

Previously, under dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania became isolated from the rest of the world and was regarded by Washington and Moscow as backwards and repressive.

For more than four decades few Albanians were permitted to leave its shores and visitor permits for outsiders were scarce.

Now, as a democracy aiming for EU membership, Albania is already building a fledgling tourism sector.

The self-proclaimed "professional crystal ball gazer" also predicts Scotland will undergo a culinary renaissance, which will bring tourists flocking.

He compiled a mock report for the Michelin Food Guide 2015, which he says will be replicated for real in the future.

His imaginary trademark dish for Scotland will be poached wild venison, served with a loganberry jelly.

It reads: "Scotland's cuisine is in a world of its own. It has the finest food in Europe, surpassing the best restaurants in France and Italy."

Yeoman also predicts that political change will help tourism flourish north of the border. "Scotland could emerge as an independent nation, fuelling an interest in it as a destination. The country's strong business tourism products, perception of being a safe country and proximity to Europe should also facilitate growth."

A spokesman for Gleneagles admitted the prediction that it would one day operate a corporate space station was "an unusual one".



The full article contains 713 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

* Last Updated: 14 June 2008 7:42 PM
* Source: Scotland On Sunday
* Location: Scotland

Some pictures made me think of Oregon !!!

WOW! Gorgeous images, never knew it is that great in Albania, white beaches and turquoise water! I always thought it would be somewhere in nowhere with cliffs at the coast, great!

Nice to see Albania in pics! Awesome country, full of beaultiful landscapes and blue turquoise waters! Good potential for tourism!

Never hear much about Albania. Looks nice :)

Some more photos from Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2555719482_0d0e5df6a0.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2559942561_9630237d60.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2168274211_c6f167edf7.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2590078898_001ccf7e0b.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/1429967390_8a6dcb896b.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2590077776_2940c4de63.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/2096847869_a7d965b470.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2293/1610418442_55aa521d18.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1054/1437917527_a506aa19ae.jpg?v=0

Looks very beautiful. :)

Wow!!! Lovely sea beaches!!!!

Thanks:)
Here are some more pics from the beach of Dhërmi

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2620255837_057e499bcb.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2621089858_5db7176df6.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2620260669_4c16e0a840.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2621086582_cdf04ceb3d.jpg?v=0

wow!!! it's so beautiful!

I just can't believe they are one of the poorest in Europe!

such a nice place....

Some more mixed photos

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/2727281015_45914337cd.jpg?v=1217765243

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2725829581_a71b241ac7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2725827331_627afc0537.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2726649464_3d5f149534.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2725828315_8a0d01cd08.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/2725829235_0c892af6f8.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2731111729_71328fbddb.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2726762688_edd23dedde.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2722248143_48de8396a1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2723045854_14d35035f6.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2723038658_605c35ab11.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2723045290_0a6c3e594b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2723064246_dd1e024fe7.jpg?v=0

I planned a trip to this beautiful country this year, unfortunately I had to cancel it due to some personal issue. Pity. I hope I'll find time to go there in 2010.

What a beautiful earth God has created for us.

Nice pictures

Beautiful country !

This is a view of the Great Lake behind the Peak of Boga in the Damned Mountains region.
Photo was taken by Trancevelebit from Flickr.com

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/dm.jpg

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg8.jpg

The city of Gjirokastër in the southern part of Albania has several claims to fame. Besides being the birthplace of two of the most important Albanians – communist dictator Enver Hoxha and world-renowned writer Ismail Kadare, the city also brings together different elements of the country’s mixed history, representing its Byzantine, Ottoman and Communist pasts.

During his visit to the “Town of the Stones,” BalkanTravellers.com contributor Bruce Macphail marvelled at the city’s scenery and explored the traces left by its various inhabitants through the centuries, including a Byzantine castle, a well-preserved Ottoman town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, a museum of armaments and an ethnographic museum.

This article is part of a series of travelogues by Bruce Macphail as he makes his way from Istanbul to Durrës, Albania, along Via Egnatia, the Roman road that cut through the Balkans.

Text and photographs by Bruce Macphail

Set hanging off a cliff on the sides of the Drino Valley in southern Albania, Gjirokastër’s unique architecture blends in its surroundings, as the traditional houses are built with grey stone.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg6.jpg

Given its grey tint, Gjirokastër is a particularly impressive city to reach by night. Going up the hill, along steep cobbled street, to the main square where the hotels are located, the limited street lighting adds to the gloomy outlook of the place.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg1.jpg

Albanian writer Ismail Kadare describes the city’s atmosphere well in one of this most famous works, the 1971 novel, Chronicle in Stone, which is set in Gjirokastër: “Everything in the city was old and made of stone, from the streets and fountains to the roofs of the sprawling ago-old houses, covered with grey slates like gigantic scales.”

The old city has an unsettling tone and it is no wonder that it is the home of the two most notorious Albanians of the twentieth century.

Enver Hoxha and Kadare both originate from this town. Despite sharing worldwide fame, it is for two very different reasons.

Enver Hoxha was the Communist leader of Albania from 1944 until his death in 1985, spending over 40 years in power. Born into a Bektashi family, a Sufi order of Islam, Hoxha’s birth home is now converted into the Ethnographic museum.

Gjirokastër is also the native city of Ismail Kadare, the internationally famous Albanian writer, a candidate for the Nobel Literature Prize and recipient of the first Man Booker International Prize in 2005.

The novel Chronicle in Stone, with its extraordinary turn of events, closely reflects the city’s dark and mysterious flavour.

“It was a strange city, and seemed to have been cast up in the valley one winter’s night like some prehistoric creature that was now clawing up the mountainside,” Kadare writes in the novel.

But, in addition to these two prominent figures linked to the town, Gjirokastër’s long history was marked through the centuries by many others too: Byzantines and Ottomans, followed by Greeks, Italians, Albanians and finally – Communists.

Although traces indicate the area was inhabited by humans as early as the first century BC, historical sources claim the city was founded under the Byzantine Empire in the twelfth century.

It flourished as a major commercial centre under Byzantine rule before passing to the Ottomans in 1417, which made it the southern Albanian province’s administrative centre and commercial hub.

The Ottomans left Albania formally in 1912-13, less than 100 years ago, as a result of the First Balkan War. In the four decades between 1913 and 1944, the city changed ownership several times – Greece, Italy, and even Germany controlled it on various occasions, before Albania – as it fell under the Communist regime, finally reclaimed Gjirokastër in 1944.

Under the regime, the city developed as an industrial and commercial centre and was elevated to the status of a museum town as Enver Hoxha’s birthplace.

These historical twists and turns, reflected in the traces left by the city’s various inhabitants through the centuries, make for an interesting array of sites that attract visitors to the city today.

Gjirokastër’s most obvious site, the caste - Kalaja e Gjirokastres, manages to unite all the significant parts of the city’s history. Supposedly dating to pre-Christian times, the current structure is from the thirteenth century, when the area was under Byzantine rule.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg10.jpg

It is still well preserved today, having undergone subsequent renovations, of which an important one was undertaken by Ali Pasha, western Rumelia’s ruler, who extended the castle in the nineteenth century.

At that time, the structure was used as a garrison for the Ottoman army. Its latest use, under Communist rule, was as a prison and the jail cells can still be seen on the castle’s top floor.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg7.jpg

Inside the walls, there is a cafeteria that boasts a terrace affording a great view of the city and valley, as well as an indoor area down in an old room of the castle, with thick walls and limited light.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg5.jpg

The National Museum of Armaments is also housed in the castle. It has a limited collection, as the castle was pillaged several times in the 1990s. The remaining arms are mostly foreign built and there is a Lockheed T33, shot down in 1957, on exhibit in the castle.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg9.jpg

Ottoman rule left a strong mark on Gjirokastër’s architecture too and one of the interesting sights to visit in the town are the traditional Ottoman houses.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg11.jpg

Architecturally, the most interesting addition by the Ottomans are the tower houses which housed the wealthy Ottoman merchants. One of them is particularly well conserved. Built in 1812, the two-towered Zekate House can be visited with permission of the family.

The Zekate house is a short hike from the main bazaar, there is a gate at the entrance with a guard dog which looks too old to incur any serious damage but barks loud enough to let the owners know of a visitors presence. An old lady living in a house adjacent to the Zekate House has the key to the main house and she’ll exchange it against a small fee. The large key opens the massive front door, where the visitor can explore freely.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg3.jpg

The edifice is built on four stories and has intricate engravings in the sitting rooms of the top floor. The view on the castle and valley are stunning.

Located closer to the Zekate house, the Ethnographic Museum is also worth a visit. Albania is home to such a diverse set of cultures that ethnographic museum can be seen in most historical towns, and they always offer a wide range of variety in the costumes and other artefacts. Also worth noting the museum is located in the house where Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha was born.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg2.jpg

The old bazaar, Pazari i vjetër, at the foot of the fortress, was originally built in the seventeenth century, but had to be rebuilt in the nineteenth century after it burned down. It is home to numerous typical stone houses. In the summer time, it is very lively in the evening with terraces and live music being played.

http://www.balkantravellers.com/images/stories/routes_less_traveled/GirokasterAlbania/wg4.jpg

The old town of Gjirokastër became a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in 2005 as “a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of large estate.” This will hopefully help it develop and take better care of the sights. While there are some visible recent improvements, more needs to be done especially regarding securing the maintenance of the old houses and sights. There is Tourist Information Centre which looks in the Bazaar area, with multilingual staff and newly produced brochures of the city which have a lot of information.

Practical Information:

How to get there: Gjirokastër is located about 280 kilometres south of Tirana. The drive from the capital takes about 5 hours.

Where to stay: We recommend in a traditional Gjirokastër house. Prices start at 17 euro per person per night.

Read more about Albania from BalkanTravellers.com

Albania my friends is a truly beautiful country .. which nowdays is having an economical boom ... !

I live abroad and when i returned this yea to my homeland albania ... i was amazed by the changes there ... ! And amazed by its beauty ... !


The pics i ll show you are mostly from the albanian riviera(sea) ... ! But albania has also some breathtaking scenerys , and a lot of mountains ... so beautiful ...!

Even we albanians do not know how beautiful our country is ... it might be a relatively small counry but it combines everything ...

ONLY THIS YEAR ALBANIA HAD 2.1 MILLION TOURISTS .... MOST FROM THE BALKANS AND MANY OTHERS FRoM EUROPE AnD USA ...


ENJOY ;) . AND PLS BE POLITE .... !



Near vlora :

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2353551217_14da4cd345_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2539414670_4ae00785c8_b-1.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/1426228280_284def2bdf_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2532595144_6f39e56552_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2621083472_6c19d1ba21_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/519394680_0b13827007_b.jpg

Near saranda

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2823651149_5a4393d4fd_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2859539774_884596f1c5_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/546672152_294a6ee64f_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2740725307_23f7b44f79_b.jpg

Somewhere in albania

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/408151707_e2b93c9b90_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/237521293_0e18c7d40d_b.jpg

beautiful pictures of such a great country, i must visit Albania. :happy: http://www.smileyhut.com/happy/cloud9.gif

beautiful pictures of such a great country, i must visit Albania. :happy: http://www.smileyhut.com/happy/cloud9.gif

yea you should my friend ;) .

let me give you some information :) . Albania until recently was a relatively poor country , but all this has changed in the last years ... !

The albanian goverment is investing a lot of money ... ! And especially in roads cause albania until 1990 was isolated from the rest of the world- and thats why most people do not know how beautiful albania is- .


But nowdays , an enormous economical boom is visible ... ! Albania is more advanced than many balkan countries !


Nowdays there are many tourist agenncies operating there :) . Just search in youtube some videos about albania ... i believe that youtube videos present the true image of albania today :) .


Albania has many historical monuments also ... ! I ll post some photos soon :) .

and pls keep in mind that our neighbouring nations are envy of albania and have hostile feelings and so a propaganda spread in the internet is very visible .... !


To sum up , Albania has a medium economy and some breathtaking scenerys and beaches ;) . The south has the best beaches ... ! And there are many 5 star hotels spread along the country ... ! If you ever try to search about albania , try to find the latest data .. . ! Cause albania of 2009 has nothing to do with the albania of 2000 ...

I ll post some more photos preet soon :) .

Tirana of 2009 -The capital of albania -

(for those who don't know albania is situated in europe in Ballkans . )




http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2787/8284981xb8.jpg

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/7201/1403278331fe96e7d3eb4tx.jpg[/

this summer i was here :) . This is in sarande .... ! Erf i miss summer ... ! This is such a beautiful beach and sea and trust me it looks a lot better in reality .


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/1151408094_13cdd72f38_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/1151434750_3deaf8996c_b.jpg

Albania my friends is a truly beautiful country .. which nowdays is having an economical boom ... !

I live abroad and when i returned this yea to my homeland albania ... i was amazed by the changes there ... ! And amazed by its beauty ... !


The pics i ll show you are mostly from the albanian riviera(sea) ... ! But albania has also some breathtaking scenerys , and a lot of mountains ... so beautiful ...!

Even we albanians do not know how beautiful our country is ... it might be a relatively small counry but it combines everything ...

ONLY THIS YEAR ALBANIA HAD 2.1 MILLION TOURISTS .... MOST FROM THE BALKANS AND MANY OTHERS FRoM EUROPE AnD USA ...


ENJOY ;) . AND PLS BE POLITE .... !



Near vlora :

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2353551217_14da4cd345_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2539414670_4ae00785c8_b-1.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/1426228280_284def2bdf_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2532595144_6f39e56552_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2621083472_6c19d1ba21_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/519394680_0b13827007_b.jpg

Near saranda

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2823651149_5a4393d4fd_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2859539774_884596f1c5_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/546672152_294a6ee64f_o.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/2740725307_23f7b44f79_b.jpg

Somewhere in albania

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/408151707_e2b93c9b90_b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/brbrbrb/237521293_0e18c7d40d_b.jpg
^^the last two photos...fantastic places!!!! magical...:)

the one is in shkoder lake and the other in konami lake :) .

WOW! Very beautiful!
[0 - 0 Portugal - Albania] :bash:

WOW! Very beautiful!
[0 - 0 Portugal - Albania] :bash:


yea and we were playing with 10 players ince the 42 minute :) .


:banana:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely fantastic!!!!! I have fallen in love.
Especially the first photo. Very beautiful country.

Justme 78783, you are doing a great job of promoting your beautiful country, my mind is made up about my next vacation. i do not care if your country is poor money wise, as long as the Albanain people are rich in their heart, generosity and friendship. :happy:

Next stop, ALBANIA!!!! :applause:

Albanian beach :


http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/vlore.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/show_imagekjkjk.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/lolend.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/pushues.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/Kalaja_e_Porto_Palermos.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/kjkjk.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/qipese.jpg



Some of the albanian archeological sites :

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/oijkmk.jpg


http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/IMG_7148.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/berati7E0.jpg


Albanian Tirana Airport :

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/ukyuy6iu.png

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/tirana14.jpg



Albanian terrain :

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp35/Justme78783/Albanianew/vermosh.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2472546084_95f21527cb_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2311854233_d4faf513e9_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/286678574_ee91a889d1_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/82791490_a030cdf5ea_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2713365340_c1bda497c9_b.jpg
http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2185411225_83283e4d6d_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/529922154_8e1b3a9430_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2731332735_070f45ab5d_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2620264073_d5e24835f5_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2621083472_6c19d1ba21_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2621090710_57e09227d1_o.jpg

Very impressive :)

Very good job JustMe believe it or not i have never been to Albania before but i cant wait til next year!Its soo beautiful and youre doing a good job in promoting it :)

Very good job JustMe believe it or not i have never been to Albania before but i cant wait til next year!Its soo beautiful and youre doing a good job in promoting it :)


thank you skanderbeg :) . My friend you havent been to albania ??? :bash:

hahaha , then you should :) . My advice is to go for some days in tirana and durres and then IT IS A MUST to go to vlora or sarande for some very very beautiful beaches there .

I was this summer in Sarande , and i was having my baths in ksamil (the three little isalnds)

gorgeous and stunning

^^ditto ::banana::banana::banana:

those beaches are awesome:cheers:

very nice coast, but i think that Croatian is bit more beautiful, since Albanian is mostly flat and without islands

very nice coast, but i think that Croatian is bit more beautiful, since Albanian is mostly flat and without islands


I d say that croatia has a lot longer coastline .... ! And no albania is not flat , it is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe . I ll agree in 1 thing though that croatia is a better place for tourism for the moment cause the tourism industry and infrastucture there is more advanced , but we are mooving really fast guys so beaware ;) .

We have only 1 island : Shazan ... ! But we are full of mountains , in the previous page you can see in the 8th picture how the albanian riviera is ... !

But we will have an accurate opinion when and if you ll visit albania
and when and if i ll visit croatia .

i think both countries have a special beauty, and no, albania is everything, just NOT flat... :lol:

very nice coast, but i think that Croatian is bit more beautiful, since Albanian is mostly flat and without islands

And Greece beats both of them :banana:

And Greece beats both of them :banana:

Dont be so sure .... ! :cheers:

i think both countries have a special beauty, and no, albania is everything, just NOT flat... :lol:

nono... I wanted to say that your coast is flat, most of it...

but i know that you have amazing mountains :)

unlike many tourist hotspots, Albania is underrated as its not heard, however this is precisely why this is good for me as i can enjoy a natural and pristine place thats not geared for tourists. again, great and beautiful pictures

I think it's childish to say that this country is better or prettier than this or that. Every country in the world is beautiful in its own individualistic way.

In terms of Albania's coastline, it's anything but flat. We are talking about a country that's 75% mountanious and which has probably the steepest coastline in all of Europe. Most of the flat coast is located in the Durrës region. Let's look at Vlora's Cold Water beach as an example.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/2740725307_23f7b44f79_b.jpg

I think it's childish to say that this country is better or prettier than this or that. Every country in the world is beautiful in its own individualistic way.

In terms of Albania's coastline, it's anything but flat. We are talking about a country that's 75% mountanious and which has probably the steepest coastline in all of Europe. Most of the flat coast is located in the Durrës region. Let's look at Vlora's Cold Water beach as an example.


OK, my bad :lol:

Albania coast is very mountainous

Video:
Tb82NwA-SUI

^^ nice video :cheers: , thats in Llogara i suppose (somewhere between vlora and Saranda) ,

I ve heard that they ve built new roads down there and some are under construction , but in the smmer of 2009 when i will be back all the roads there will be magnificent especially witht that view :) . Too bad we have an enormous lack of images and thats because most of us (albanians) in this forum live abroad :/ , but sooner or alter we will manage to get some .


Ok some more photos (i do not own these ones , i ve just taken from the guys who do a tremendous job in the Albanian forum ) .

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2311976695_0e0169535b_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2865112106_1082331ac1_b.jpg


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1311/1303661360_cb5d6e28fc_b.jpg




http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2718748485_e59fd642fc_b.jpg



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stunning pictures :drool:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2715761155_000fe4a55a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/2715757577_9aa4f12b91_b.jpg

Dont be so sure .... ! :cheers:

All nations have great coastline but I am certain of which is the best of the pack. :lol:

All nations have great coastline but I am certain of which is the best of the pack. :lol:

You should be when you will see albania too ... ! Egw sthn Ellada megalwsa , kai exw paei rodo , zakynho ,paro , etc ... opote exw dei thn Ellada .. ! esy exeis dei thn Albania ???? .... Gia na eisai ikaos na exeis mia antikeimenikh apopsh ... !

Amazing!:yes:

wow:eek2::eek2:
So So Beautiful!!
I want to visit Albania someday!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2620260669_16e6955713_o.jpg
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You should be when you will see albania too ... ! Egw sthn Ellada megalwsa , kai exw paei rodo , zakynho ,paro , etc ... opote exw dei thn Ellada .. ! esy exeis dei thn Albania ???? .... Gia na eisai ikaos na exeis mia antikeimenikh apopsh ... !

Kala les, alla pos mpori na einai kalitera stin albania otan exoume edw 6000 nisia kai toso megalo aktogrammi!!
Ola wraia stin albania (kai apo auto pou exw di, einai i albania kaliteri apo tin kroatia) alla gia thalassa, de uparxei kaliteri xwra stin evropi!! :cheers:

Kala les, alla pos mpori na einai kalitera stin albania otan exoume edw 6000 nisia kai toso megalo aktogrammi!!
Ola wraia stin albania (kai apo auto pou exw di, einai i albania kaliteri apo tin kroatia) alla gia thalassa, de uparxei kaliteri xwra stin evropi!! :cheers:

Symfnw de lew , h aktogramh ths Elladas einai megalyterh kai apo auth ths afrikhs pou einai hpeiros !!! Apla h ka8e xwra exei tn dikia ths ormorfia , kai opote ka8e mia einai monadikh .

Symfnw de lew , h aktogramh ths Elladas einai megalyterh kai apo auth ths afrikhs pou einai hpeiros !!! Apla h ka8e xwra exei tn dikia ths ormorfia , kai opote ka8e mia einai monadikh .

ok! Keep the great pics coming :cheers:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/287945017_73cbd5c4f3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2526826101_8feb9bb8eb_o.jpg

Look how beautiful this beach in Albania is :) , and by the way wht language is this ? Is it polish ?


PLS wach it , it is a must

ywpSuLhX3uI

ALBANIA YOURS 2 DISCOVER.
aLgOdP1tQi0

^^ Hey thanx 4 posting this :) . This was done in 2007 .

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/3003120856_7b97f22b9f_o.jpg

It sounds unlikely, but the 'Albanian Riviera' is set to become the new 'undiscovered gem' of the overcrowded Med.

Until now, holidays to Europe's most secretive corner have tended to be guided tours, taking in historical sites such as Butrint and the surprisingly elegant city of Tirana, but more and more operators are beginning to offer holidays to the country's long, sandy beaches. 'There aren't many undiscovered countries left in Europe, but Albania is certainly one of them - tourism is still in its absolute infancy,' said Derek Moore, chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. 'It has a stunning coastline with miles of empty beaches, and many cultural sites to discover.'

Inghams (020 8780 4433; inghams.co.uk) has a new programme to Albania for 2009, including the resort of Durres, pictured, which offers historical sites - Roman baths, an impressive amphitheatre and atmospheric Old Town - with stunning sandy beaches just 4km out of town. Inghams has four hotels in Durres, including the beachfront Iliria. A week costs from £419 including flights and transfers.

Inghams' 'Albanian highlights' tour offers two nights in Durres and also includes time in Tirana and the beautifully tranquil Lake Ohrid.

Other resorts along the coast are also opening up to tourism; as well as its guided tours, Sunvil (020 8568 4499, sunvil.co.uk) now offers stays at the Rapo Hotel in Himara, which boasts miles of unbroken sands stretching out either side of the village. A week in Himara costs from £808 B&B, including flights to Corfu and ferry crossing. Other companies are starting to offer programmes to Albania: Cox and Kings (020 7873 5000; coxandkings.co.uk) has a new tour for 2009 combining Albania with Macedonia, taking in the mountainous interior and the beaches. It costs from £1,395, including flights, transfers and 11 nights' B&B accommodation.

www.guardian.co.uk

belo :drool: can you put legends please? its dificul to see what is sea or lake (the beautiful lakes in the border with Greece and Montengro) :okay:

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2969560375_d26a0662c5_b.jpg
http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/1732175.jpg

I need to get some money to go to Albania :cheers:
Are there lots of cheap hotels/appartments at the beautiful coast?

I need to get some money to go to Albania :cheers:
Are there lots of cheap hotels/appartments at the beautiful coast?

Hy timon91 , yes the prices are quite cheap over there . Hmm i was this year in Saranda (near the photos i am showing to you ) , and the prices of rooms in hotels are around 70 $ per day in some 3 star hotels , but in some hotels like Butrinti (5 star hotel ) prices were around 230 $ .


As for the rooms you could find some really comfortable rooms for 2 persons or more at about 40 $ per day .

Book a hotel in vlora city or Sarande city or Himare .

But prices this year will rise like about 10-15% at least ;) .

All nations have great coastline but I am certain of which is the best of the pack. :lol:Yes, that would have to be Turkey. Do you have so much beauty in Greece? :cheers: ;)

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2171361263_e3dbdfe017_o.jpg

Click on the Impeccable Greece link in my signature. You will see just SOME of the sites of Greece. Also you will see the many comments very positive comments. Lets not ruin this thread, keep the great pics coming!

[QUOTE=Albaniaaan;27085870]
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2648832561_3c7f4ae079_o.jpg
[QUOTE]

wow...this is simply perfect!

the sea...that rock :shocked:

never though Albania had this kind of beaches

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2692154616_518ab02d45_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2163476490_100db6697b_o.jpg
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vloraa-1.jpg?t=1227031129
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/6309319.jpg?t=1227031152
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Vlore_.jpg?t=1226873489

http://www.roadjunky.com/images/1035.jpg
http://marvaoguide.com/images/stories/telepulesfotok/albania/Himare-Albania1.JPG
http://www.globosapiens.net/data/gallery/al/pictures_468/albania--vlore--57700.jpg
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/3743127-A_LOVELY_BEACH_OF_HIMARA-Himare.jpg
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/17/b8/81/beach.jpg
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/02/f6/66/ksamil-beach.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/6611803.jpg?t=1227736757
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/fierza.jpg?t=1227438369
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/liqenikukes.jpg?t=1227449476
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/ulez.jpg?t=1227451345
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/osumcanyon1.jpg?t=1227456231
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/permet.jpg?t=1227457902
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/driniDiber.jpg?t=1227539574
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vjosatepelene.jpg?t=1227539933
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vjosavalleygjirokaster.jpg?t=1227542902
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/shengjergj.jpg?t=1227544034
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/KepiRodonit.jpg?t=1227719523
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/kepiirodonit.jpg?t=1227719543
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/4559231.jpg?t=1227722824
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/sazan-1.jpg?t=1227733693
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/lin-1.jpg?t=1228235119
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2333/2189136986_7c56dbe9d7_b.jpg

The city of Durrës
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/12498999.jpg?t=1228574400
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/12127672.jpg?t=1228574487
Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vlora3wc2.jpg?t=1228574489
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/9471377.jpg?t=1228574567
Beach in Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/3977804.jpg?t=1228574504

Llogara pass(after passing Vlora)
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/llogara-3.jpg?t=1228575585
Riviera
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/riviera.jpg?t=1228575542
Between Vlora&Sarandë
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/sarande.jpg?t=1228575024

Theth,Shkodër(north Albania)
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/theth1-1.jpg?t=1228575871
Koman Lake,North Albania
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/koman.jpg?t=1228575916
Dhërmi beach,Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/dhermi3.jpg
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/dhermi.jpg?t=1228575944
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/dhermi2.jpg?t=1228575948

Llogara pass,Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/llogara-2.jpg?t=1228576193
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/llogara-1.jpg?t=1228576193
Himarë,Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/himara.jpg

Albanian Alps,Northern Albania
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/5814906.jpg?t=1228576568
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/4124483.jpg
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vermosh.jpg?t=1228576621
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/theth1.jpg?t=1228576572
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/theth.jpg?t=1228576745
At border with Montenegro
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/shqiperimalizikufiri.jpg?t=1228576406

Beach in Sarandë
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/manastiriplazhi.jpg?t=1228576809
One of Ksamil Islands in Sarande(south Albania)
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/ksamil.jpg?t=1228576803
The city of Sarandë by night
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/natensaranda.jpg?t=1228576878

so blue.....Photos from Vlora coast
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/coast_.jpg?t=1228577282
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/escape_to_albania_by.jpg?t=1228577348
Sarande
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Saranda002_by_Disturbed_Wolf.jpg?t=1228577374
Old street in the ancient city of Gjirokastër(south Albania)
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/_by.jpg?t=1228577338
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/gjirokastra_by.jpg?t=1228577341
At border with Montenegro
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/MonteNegro__Border_.jpg?t=1228577354
In the Pyramid is writet "R.P.SH" which mean "Republic of Albania"

Shkoder lake(Albanian side)
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/shkoderlake.jpg?t=1228577651
Valbona Valley,North Albania
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Albania__s_Beauty_by.jpg?t=1228577803
Lake of Flowers ,Dibër(north Albania)
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Lake_of_flowers_by_denisdoda.jpg?t=1228577815
Just like heaven.........Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Just_Like_Heaven__.jpg?t=1228577865
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/by_the_sea_by.jpg?t=1228577869

Vlora sunsets
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Of_Ruins_And_A_Red_Nightfall_by_arj.jpg?t=1228584090
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/ILLUSION_by_arjon.jpg?t=1228583957
Durrës beach
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Duress_3_by_forfie.jpg?t=1228584098

Theth is an amazing place. Almost mythical.
Northern Albanian Alps offer some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the world.
They're called "The Damned Mountains" for a reason:)

Oh btw, I opened a similar thread in June of last year. You can check it out here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=488400)

Between Albania&MonteNegro
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/95/237521293_0e18c7d40d_b.jpg
Osum Canyon-Berat County
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/osumcanyon1.jpg?t=1227478885
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/osumcanyon3.jpg?t=1227478881
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/osumcanyon.jpg?t=1227478888
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/osumicanyon1.jpg?t=1227478895
Cape of Rodon
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/13184391.jpg?t=1228129821

Sarandë
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2627051921_1a31ed2006_b.jpg
Vlora
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2544591484_f8492cf92a_b.jpg
Mountains in Llogara,Vlora
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/2203426838_a5606c803b_b.jpg
Shkodër lake
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/3046362880_e079ec5ed8_b.jpg
Albanian riviera
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/1730519464_58990952ec_b.jpg
Bunec beach
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2213804631_6859f41ab5_b.jpg
Valbona Valley,North Albania
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/1149453198_b9e4a213fe_b.jpg

Looking the sea...........Vlora
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2799627022_341f8afb0f_o.jpg
Dhërmi
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/1401004008_1db3aec45c_b.jpg
Riviera
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3035028374_1cf29bf9e0_o.jpg
Looking Sazan island from Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/10514750.jpg?t=1227034180

Theth,Shkoder
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1136/1464682101_9bf4cbed1e_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2889434533_f2737049cd_o.jpg
Albanian Alps,Shkoder
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2789391563_5cc69e28fd_o.jpg
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/alps.jpg?t=1226833856
Llogara,Vlora
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/172494717_cb44d6630d_o.jpg
Kukës Mountains,Noth-east Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2119/2173520510_fb6eeb2a2e_b.jpg
Pogradec Lake
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2141821427_bb0a3659a3_o.jpg
Shkoder lake sunset
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Sunset_in_Albania_by_hsasta.jpg?t=1226870591
Dhërmi,Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/stop_the_time_by_Metempsicosi.jpg?t=1226833993

Vlora
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0099.jpg
Durres
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/summer2007/durresi18.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/fOTO%20NATE/DSC_0138.jpg
Dhermi,Vlora
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0086.jpg
Tirana(the capital of Albania)
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/TiranaHDR/taivancentre.jpg
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/fOTO%20NATE/DSC_0081-1.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0092.jpg?t=1226616408
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0086.jpg?t=1226616477
Albanian Alps
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2725828315_7946c2f3d4_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2725829581_fb360bfb18_o.jpg
Theth,Shkoder
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/1429091677_5029dd483c_o.jpg
Berat (the city of 1001 windows)
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_0796.jpg
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_0780-1.jpg

Tirana
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2727313375_e78e4ca0cb_b.jpg
Ksamil islands,Sarande
http://alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-88.jpg
Adriatic Sea..Durres
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/79/226525496_df634732c1_o.jpg
Durres
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/summer2007/durres-1.jpg
Vlora
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0091.jpg
Dhermi
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2942211717_cc079f9956_b.jpg

Sarandë
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_1095.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2056165896_624630f38b_b.jpg
Dhërmi,Vlora
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/145019684_29b380525a_b.jpg
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp535%3C%3B%3Enu%3D3383%3E4%3B5%3E936%3EWSNRCG%3D32395%3B8584%3A79nu0mrj
Qeparo
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53632%3Enu%3D3383%3E4%3B5%3E936%3EWSNRCG%3D32395%3B8584%3A5%3Anu0mrj
Kruja ..Skanderbeg Castle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/1994825007_aa67cd2597_b.jpg

Vlora
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0149.jpg
Sunset in Vlora
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2690474359_40655c00f7_o.jpg
Bajram Curri,North Albania
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2692154616_518ab02d45_o.jpg
Himarë,Vlora
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2731114701_d8532b5ff8_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/1676994287_28adcc2a5e_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2257/1677748236_d6cfad22fc_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/1678447072_91befd31b3_o.jpg
Between Sarandë&Vlora
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1262/1437394339_690fdf2e5f_b.jpg
Velipojë beach,Shkodër
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2425731935_d9da06521c_b.jpg
Sunset in Korab Mountain..2751 m
http://www.tiranachat.net/modules/Galeria/uploads/Shqiperia/Teqeja_ne_Maje_te_Tomorrit.jpg

Vlora at "Cold Water"
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0146.jpg
Durrës sunset
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/368062282_18b9a0d19b_b.jpg

This country is so beautiful.To be honest more than I thought.:)

This country is so beautiful.To be honest more than I thought.:)
Thank u! :)

Dhermi,Vlora
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/3053254119_4ef839b643_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/311044856_0ed0d5a24f_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/67/195722396_3de6d7dc4b_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/311044857_ac8828e428_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/78/162981695_5305c45853_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/1214506920_20b2ef8407_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/1533017569_fd9d80bbee_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2884915103_039c7b3b26_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/359899467_ef95dad8af_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2590077776_a7d5031a0f_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/74/195722001_21ae084e4f_o.jpg

Berat-the city with one window upon the other
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2929161174_1921a6298d_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/1503487011_90fecf20b4_b.jpg

shqiptario i thought that this thread would be dead till now but you re doing a great job :) . I ll start posting some more photos too , though lately i am quite busy as i am a trance producer and i am making a new project which i want to sign to Armin vaan bureen . Anywayz , keep it up dude .

And by the way berat is called : The city with one thousands windows .

Albanian Riviera
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/2452096854_3f87a8f2c2_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2451269825_3474dfaac3_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2452097052_f8557ab321_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2451269255_4520acfd00_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2452107374_375efffb6c_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2452112104_f9bd0f1fa6_o.jpg

such a beautiful country

shqiptario i thought that this thread would be dead till now but you re doing a great job :) . I ll start posting some more photos too , though lately i am quite busy as i am a trance producer and i am making a new project which i want to sign to Armin vaan bureen . Anywayz , keep it up dude .

And by the way berat is called : The city with one thousands windows .

Off topic: Armin van Buuren is great !!! Hopefully you will get him signed. He doesn't come cheap.

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=87XesTKy0ro
http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qEivYkgZM

I have never seen pictures of Albania before... I confess I am stunned. Loved the pictures.

Thank u to all!!

Albanian Alps-North Albania
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/1464681861_c1fdd4c1ac_b.jpg
Catholic church
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/1429966774_62b901a6b9_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1165/1404390344_08109ee9e6_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/1429967390_9c4765d94e_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1040/1403505725_f698a1ec61_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1378/1403505431_3282a55bc2_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/1990781486_d38bd14749_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2642217194_f089da6db5_o.jpg
waterfall
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/1990796948_4e2debdd39_o.jpg

Albanian Alps-Theth,Shkodër
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/1990797912_8101db5f96_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/1990782214_1f3177fe3c_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2989397578_f369efefd9_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2996625542_95488d43ee_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2740821693_21442f7ea1_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1054/1437917527_c1eaba7289_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/2096847869_08c862dc03_o.jpg

Valbona Valley,northern Albania
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/1149453198_b9e4a213fe_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/2931646784_76862551ea_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1435/1148539919_b646ba3f2b_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/205166634_c7818c01cd_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/207225180_8412368a21_b.jpg

God's glory, man's shame...Valbona Valley,North Albania
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/96/207213666_022d4c6e0e_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2692154726_deca310342_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2716491294_ebab3b5c7d_o.jpg

Lake Koman -northern Albania
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2929237261_4b9c3b7b6b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2929336963_2dfdb11ab9_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2929283981_24b9a7c6bd_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2356/1536026695_2ac1f12596_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2930891383_663c28189e_b.jpg

Pogradec lake,South-east Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2372/1988114462_585285152e_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/79/236038137_53a7bcf0db_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/437444694_81614e8a4c_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2357645384_ba8a4548e8_b.jpg
Shkodër lake,Northern Albania
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2637502308_14a36a182f_b.jpg

Koman lake,Northern Albania
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/1148470227_0929a04637_b.jpg
Pogradec Lake,South east Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/2336532030_f754863562_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/2490461200_fee5fcb36c_o.jpg
Shkodër lake,North Albania
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2855926148_2790a246eb_b.jpg
South Part of Shkodër lake
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1230/544976621_18f3b2d3ea_b.jpg
"Albanian Border", Pogradec Lake Under the Clouds
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2214758937_0cd643aa32_b.jpg

it is very beautiful country indeed

Thank u Ovem :cheers:

Durrës,Adriatic coast
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/72784872_c8c3e9fdf6_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/36645126_b30e85e5fb_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/98/272441575_14a13bd8c6_o.jpg
Sarandë bay from "Lëkursi Castle"
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1396/1314647195_f20b7e1efb_o.jpg
Skanderbeg Castle in Krujë/a
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/3038797012_7b6b1e87fc_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2315607137_3a0bb0d353_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/33/50088435_0afe23b411_b.jpg

"Buna river" and "Rozafa"Castle in Shkodër
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/88560524_68f2b80192_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/9/143968725_b04999d9aa_b.jpg
Berat Castle....2500 year old city
From above
http://alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-49.jpg
Castle walls
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/96201840_f417fed7fc_b.jpg

:drool: what is your hig summit:?

:drool: what is your hig summit:?

If you are asking about our highest mountain than it's the Korab = 2750 m

Looks beautiful. would love to go to Albania one day.
Can I ask....How are gay people treated in Albania and is there clubs for them to go?

There's little if any discrimination against gays. Albania is a very tolerant country.
From my knowledge, the gay community is not well represented in the country due to a lack of organization and also because of the stereotypes so they tend to keep a low profile. Not because they may feel discriminated though.

Vlora and its surroundings
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/57863589_b558fa26c8_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2434688322_64fd6c2b9c_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2433875341_4929c43110_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2451291259_3a075868b2_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/249704739_7aa87a78b0_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/54155328_b128e39535_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/54155329_789e64e077.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/54155330_4d54083eb4_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2617786141_3d330ba612_o.jpg

Sarandë-South Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2184879313_e20174e40f_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/424397047_3667887c52_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3087440984_c75bdf38db_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2864875457_4e9cdd6a7d_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2056165908_73a9da6bef_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2056165896_624630f38b_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/217968608_60a293d9be_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/2218095445_1b06fb0896_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/3053889810_faeec5289d_b.jpg

Sarandë
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2524933060_224a10e874_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2213808491_d98e63e551_b.jpg
Durrës
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2541469513_e340953ccf_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3011486739_c7da5c1202_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/2491271277_ce87904b86_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3097/2807554713_a697b5d62f_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2239762155_3ef8d8a218_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/1371597337_3ac26c292f_b.jpg

^^

Those are some breathtaking pictures.


There's little if any discrimination against gays. Albania is a very tolerant country.
From my knowledge, the gay community is not well represented in the country due to a lack of organization and also because of the stereotypes so they tend to keep a low profile. Not because they may feel discriminated though.

How's Albania's take on heterosexuals?

How's Albania's take on heterosexuals?

What do you mean?

Albanian Mountains

North Albania,Shkoder
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/3045527439_41b36981fe_o.jpg
South Albania
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/401579030_71a36b8ace_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/436507985_d3a3c49490_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/436506969_07756ffc07_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/436508760_560bb66fa1_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/436503542_ff12274fd1_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/436504865_343e994892_b.jpg
Albanian Mountains from Corfu(Greece)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3016430939_6738029966_b.jpg

Alps-North Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/thealpsme2.jpg?t=1229164302
Korab Mountain(2751 m)
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/stanetekorabitly1.jpg?t=1229164304
Road to Radomirë,North Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/rrugaperradomireux0.jpg?t=1229164307

Kukës,North-east Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/nganatyraenisheshitxl3.jpg?t=1229164399
Alps
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/northalbaniasx2.jpg?t=1229164400
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/rockyskylinejk0.jpg?t=1229164405
Panorame of Valbona Valley,Bajram Curri-North Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/panoramakv4.jpg?t=1229164404

Alps
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/majatemaleveiw4.jpg?t=1229164521
Mountain of "Boshi"
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/maliiboshit.jpg?t=1229164523
Theth,Shkodër-North Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/nethethsz2.jpg?t=1229164528

Alps,Northern Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/kullotealpinevo3.jpg?t=1229164624
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/kullaengujimitxz1.jpg?t=1229164625
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/aagreetings_from_theth_the_alps_of_.jpg?t=1229164632
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/boga.jpg?t=1229164628

Shkodër city from "Rozafa" castle
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/shkodra.jpg?t=1229165323
Alps
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/s622ic6.jpg?t=1229165325
Catholic church and beautiful surroundings
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/s449dj8.jpg?t=1229165328
Beach..somewhere in Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/gh.jpg?t=1229165331

Pogradec Lake,South-east,Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2931306608_fab06712a2.jpg?t=1229300104
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2921580294_6b0a122a94.jpg?t=1229300105
Sarandë,South Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/sarande.jpg?t=1229300139
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2306094743_1cb866e8d8.jpg?t=1229300129

Vlora,South Albania
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2805498289_a863825797.jpg?t=1229300118
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2778780742_823245a04a.jpg?t=1229300121
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2541239010_8eb590da90.jpg?t=1229300126
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww42/joniboy_2008/2040382651_6968fc891d.jpg?t=1229300131

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/gjipa.jpg?t=1227735809
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/himare-1.jpg?t=1227735799

looks beautiful! :)

i like the albanian landscapes, but the language is "special"... :lol:

Some pics from my summerholiday in Crna Gora (Montenegro) :cheers:

View from Maja Rosit(2nd highest peak from montenegro) on the border with Albania:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/2479/p9070094pv2.jpg

View towards Albania, the Valbona Valley:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9595/p9070096eb7.jpg

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/6533/p9070098ux7.jpg

thanx for the photos ;) . ^^

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2896231636_b2dd79b072_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/3018107657_1743dd6f59_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/3018066807_2e8d3bf796_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/3018098161_cda8db7abf_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3018962160_4236e11ab7_b.jpg
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2819/15195648fy1.jpg

If you are asking about our highest mountain than it's the Korab = 2750 m

yes it is highest mountain :yes: thanks :okay:

nice thread , hadn't noticed before . It has some pitctures of albania i had never seen .

Albanian Alps,Northern Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2088964481_a8d5f2cfa6_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/2095381447_ab8c33b27e_b.jpg
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/IMG_8390.jpg?t=1229951998
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/IMG_7169.jpg?t=1229952050
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/IMG_7171.jpg?t=1229952051
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/IMG_8384.jpg?t=1229952055
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/IMG_8388.jpg?t=1229952061
Theth,Shkodër
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/theth2.jpg?t=1229892971

Dhërmi beach,Vlora...south Albania
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC03303.jpg?t=1229891911
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Albania.jpg?t=1229896838
Sarandë
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC03210.jpg?t=1229891916
like the Rainbow...Sarandë,South Albania
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/bukur.jpg?t=1229896816
Sunset above "Karaburun" Peninsula
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r276/Albanica/karaburum.jpg
Misty waves....Vlora
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r276/Albanica/vlora.jpg

Qeparo beach,Vlora
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1040/1106039135_09f9a665a0_o.jpg
Golem beach,Kavaja
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2694066140_08baa86b19_o.jpg
Pogradec Lake
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/1108016391_b58ac79312_o.jpg
Durrës
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2918755136_6bcb2031b8_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2422242568_113573bb32.jpg
Vlora..the Ionian sea
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2850404693_571fda6e02_o.jpg

very nice pics:cheers:

I am neither amazed nor suprised hehe kidding :)

Really nice country. I think it is one of the fastest developing in Balkans

Nice pics, with some spectacular views, but one of the most beuautiful countries in the world?! Not really, there are many others in front of it, but it would be nice to visit.

Nice pics, with some spectacular views, but one of the most beuautiful countries in the world?! Not really, there are many others in front of it, but it would be nice to visit.

yes...every people say that for their own country.. thnx for your comment! :cheers:

This is one of the many churches inside the castle, which stands on top of a mountain. It is an Orthodox church.Berat Castle is a United Nations World Heritage site.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/175477441_f038c79399_o.jpg
Gjirokastër fortress
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/428986917_ed0bc88ab1_o.jpg
Road in the old city of Gjirokastër,South Albania
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/76/169785696_26bd088c8f_b.jpg
Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/20070509_137.jpg?t=1230202711
Tirana(the capital of Albania)from "Dajti" mountain...
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC02984.jpg?t=1230202812

"Mirror"beach,Sarandë
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/PasqyraBeach.jpg?t=1230203139
City of Vlora
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vlora3wc2.jpg?t=1230203378

Lukova

The last seaside village on the Albanian Riviera is the village of Lukova, well known for its terraces of citrus and olives. Nearly 2 km further you will find the popular Bunec Beach with its beautiful stream of crystal-clear water flowing directly to the Ionian sea. South of Lukova and toward the Gulf of Kakome, there stretch several kilometers of gleaming white flint stones, a characteristic of the area. You also can find a number of underwater caves.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/1263126578_460b31e374.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1421/1263127136_f9544eaeab.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1369/1262268595_a5e7741b3e.jpg

Ski Region of Dardha

Dardha Village is a tourist attraction offering beautiful natural landscapes, hotels, restaurants and traditional cuisine. The village is situated 1,344 metres above sea level, in a depression between the hills of Shën Pjetër (Saint Peter) and Shkëmbi i Vjeshtës (The Autumn Rock), 20 kilometres to the southeast of Korça. It was founded in the 1600s and was consolidated as a settlement in 1768 when the first Albanian school opened there. In the last decade of the 19th century a girls' school also started to operate. Dardha reached the zenith of its growth in 1913 when the village had as many as 500 houses. The village has a school and the Church of Shën Gjergj (Saint George) with its famous icons.

Heavy snows and natural ski tracks make the place suitable for the exercising of winter sports. The village has long been a favourite tourist destination. The colourful splendour of its natural landscape, the characteristic houses built in stone, the rich folklore, traditional cuisine, and folk costumes attract numerous local and foreign visitors. One simply must not leave Dardha without having tried some of its traditional dishes such as the famous lakror (a kind of a pie) baked in a traditional wood fire oven, or the snail and mushroom specialties.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/2130605927_aa612508bd_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/1226400308_b092308fa0.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1268/1225537657_db77b2be61.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2352673578_e1f29c3012.jpg

Qeparo

Close to the gulf of Porto Palermo stands the village of Qeparo with its own distinctive beach. Old Qeparo, built on the hillside, has several objects worth seeing, such as the three-story Towers of Ali Pasha, the Monastery of Shën Dhimitri, and the House of Minella Gjika.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2347346569_6498549bfd.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/3003120856_9f7d5ccd8a.jpg

Borsh

The village of Borshi is situated a few hundred meters away from the shore, nearly 20 minutes from Himara. This is the largest beach of the Albanian Riviera, almost 6 km of clear water. Built along the length of the beach are many hotels, clubs, discotheques, and restaurants of all types. The hospitality of the villagers and the traditional dish of grilled lamb are distinctive features you will find in Borsh.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/676951902_e5a6c2ed88.jpg

And the snowy village during winter displaying a nice contrast of the seasons

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2554908764_6ee47617fc.jpg

Valbona Valley

The Valbona River Valley lies in the eastern part of the Albanian Alps. A national park of 8,000 hectares, it is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Albania.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/205166634_c7818c01cd_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/207225180_8412368a21_b.jpg

Rodon Cape...Durrës
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC_6792.jpg?t=1230837270

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC_6807.jpg?t=1230837273

Lake "Koman"..north Albania
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/5297096.jpg?t=1230837460

Shirokë,Shkodër-North-West Albania
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/2678157973_af3a5af28d.jpg?v=0

Jala beach...Vlora County
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1007/1432015450_e17cdecf49_b.jpg

Jala beach........South Albania
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1198/546618255_798af86b9b.jpg?v=0

Sarandë
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/2218837455_c03b514076.jpg?v=0

Karaburun Peninsula,Vlora(south Albania)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2948406635_35910167d6_b.jpg

Downhill...Vlora
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2532595144_6f39e56552_o.jpg

Lin Village,Pogradec...South-East Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2229804665_1b2be36b16_b.jpg

Pogradec Lake...South-east Albania
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2211173761_abb3f785e9_o.jpg

At "Cold Water"..Vlora...Ionian Sea
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3130549455_2d28751bdb_o.jpg

Riviera..South Albania
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2386717981_8277c63152_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2350547866_aaba408085_b.jpg

Beach in Ksamil,Sarandë
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2349704673_688371c529_b.jpg

"Mirror" Beach...Sarandë
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2350541432_7dbac11cd2_b.jpg

Jala beach...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2837531903_5268a1b23b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2838374000_9563a316a8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2991453559_a734794f6a_o.jpg
Panoramic view of Albanian mountains...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/3142355402_72e30aa8d6_b.jpg

hey karaburun is turkish ^_^

nice pics:cheers:

hey karaburun is turkish ^_^

nice pics:cheers:
yep..It is an Turkish name....thnx for the comment!!

OMG I love Albania! It's such a beautiful country.
I'm a big fan of Ismael Kadare, too. May I ask you, which language ist the most spoken foreign language in Albania? Italien, german, greek, turkish?
I've been to Sarande in 2003, it was amazing.
You're doing a great job! Thanks

OMG I love Albania! It's such a beautiful country.
I'm a big fan of Ismael Kadare, too. May I ask you, which language ist the most spoken foreign language in Albania? Italien, german, greek, turkish?
I've been to Sarande in 2003, it was amazing.
You're doing a great job! Thanks
Hi there!! Thank u very much for your comment !!!:)

well...Italian is an well known language(people understand and speak it) ,also English is an recognised language(mostly by youth). :cheers:

I was there when Albania beats Greece after the Euro 2004! Amazing game.
The greek coach Rehhagel didn't even want to shake hands with albanias manager Briegel.

Do you have some pics of the air-raid shelter that can be found in Albania everywhere!

I was there when Albania beats Greece after the Euro 2004! Amazing game.
The greek coach Rehhagel didn't even want to shake hands with albanias manager Briegel.



Great match...I was in the stadium that day...


Do you have some pics of the air-raid shelter that can be found in Albania everywhere!
well...there are 700.000 bunkers around Albania..

they can be found in the mountains
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/96/207213666_022d4c6e0e_b.jpg

also in the sea...
http://scfrancis.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/august_bunker2_2006.jpg

Thanks a lot!
Albania is still a great country! Kadare should get the nobel prize for his writings. Do you have a few images of the famous urban villa of Enver Hoxha?
I do have although two of his famous books! Great stuff!

Thanks a lot!
Albania is still a great country! Kadare should get the nobel prize for his writings. Do you have a few images of the famous urban villa of Enver Hoxha?
I do have although two of his famous books! Great stuff!

You know it's funny you bring that up. Our current president Topi just recently sent an official letter to the Nobel Committee to give cosiderations on awarding Kadare with the Nobel this comming year. It's such a shame how an epic writer of our time has yet to win the Nobel. Says a lot about the way they award this prize doesn't it.:)

I'm sorry I was in Albania in 2004. I visited Sarande and the famous castle.
The albanians were unbelievable nice. Some of them were fluent in german.
I still have an albanian red jersey with an black eagle on top of it.
Someone told me that even Chrustschow visited Sarande. Is this true?
Great memories!

Someone told me that even Chrustschow visited Sarande. Is this true?
Great memories!

Yes, he visited Butrint back in May of 1959.

Thanks a lot!
Albania is still a great country! Kadare should get the nobel prize for his writings.
I do have although two of his famous books! Great stuff!

I wish the nobel prize for Kadare..He is my favourite writer..

Do you have a few images of the famous urban villa of Enver Hoxha?

E.Hoxha villa in Tirana
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/14665545.jpg?t=1230846585

Butrint, yes you`re right.

Kadare is still a controversial writer. On the one hand his books were superb, on the other hand, he lived in the very hardest times abroad and never criticised the ones in charge.
But, I love his books, he's one of my favourite writers. "Kështjella" is an amazing book. "Prilli i thyer" is such an masterpiece!
What about the canun? still working! Just keep in mind, the canun is one of mankind's oldest laws. A few years ago I studied the canun. It`s such a strong and powerful law. Never forget you were able to survive the regime of the osman empire for such a long time, and 75% of state officals of the ottoman empire were albanians.

@ Shqiptario:Thanks a lot, that's great.

Joachim Röhm translated many albanian books into german. That's why albanian authors like Besnik Mustafaj, Fatos Kongoli, Kim Mehmeti are popular in germany today. (http://www.joachim-roehm.de/)

Radio Albania is still making reports in german. I enjoy these reports very much.

You can hear it here: http://radiotirana.funkhaus.info:8000/listen.pls
Podcast: http://www.radio700.eu/podcasts/tirana/tirana.xml
http://www.agdx.de/rthk/
http://www.asamnet.de/~bienerhj/al.html

Butrint, yes you`re right.

Kadare is still a controversial writer. On the one hand his books were superb, on the other hand, he lived in the very hardest times abroad and never criticised the ones in charge.


Communism regime was headed by ignorants..It was too much for their intelligence to understand the irony of Kadare books....


But, I love his books, he's one of my favourite writers. "Kështjella" is an amazing book. "Prilli i thyer" is such an masterpiece!
What about the canun? still working! Just keep in mind, the canun is one of mankind's oldest laws. A few years ago I studied the canun. It`s such a strong and powerful law.

Im very impressed....U are well informed about Albania....Sadly the Kanun(blood feud) still exists in some parts of northern Albania and it will exist as long as the police reaction will be weak in that region ...."Prilli i thyer"(Broken April) is one of greatest Kadare books...


Never forget you were able to survive the regime of the osman empire for such a long time, and 75% of state officals of the ottoman empire were albanians.

..We gave to much to the Ottoman Empire (Politicans....Military Generals...Figures..architects...)and in today Turkey there are millions of habitants of Albanian origin but Albanian figures of Ottoman Empire didnt do nothing for Albania...... Albanians are learned to survive(most of the time we were invaded)..since Romans time and till in Ottoman Invasions..This is proved with the existence of 3 religions in Albania...

I guess without the Albanians the ottomans weren't able to run their empire beyond doubt. I read at Wiki (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skanderbeg) that the crown, is sword and the armament of Skanderbeg can be visited today in vienna. Has someone of you seen the stuff?
Maybe worth a trip to vienna?
Did you visit his grave in Lezha?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/b/bb/Lezha_grab_skanderbeg.jpg

What about the other villas of Hoxha? I remember that were was one next to the adria?

I guess without the Albanians the ottomans weren't able to run their empire beyond doubt. I read at Wiki (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skanderbeg) that the crown, is sword and the armament of Skanderbeg can be visited today in vienna. Has someone of you seen the stuff?
Maybe worth a trip to vienna?

It is very not clear how the Skanderbeg weapons finished in Vienna...But im sure that they will never give back our heroes weapons...

This is the original sword of Skanderbeg..Located in(Kunsthistorisches Museum, Wien)..

IM*PE*RA*TO*RE*BT, which mean: Jhezus Nazarenus*Principi Emathiae “Regi Albaniae* Terrori Osmanorum *Benedictat Te (Jezuj of Nazaret gave to u Skanderbeg, prince of Mati (region in northern Albania), King of Albania, The terror of Ottomans, King of Epiri)...“zot i Shqipërisë” (Dominus Albaniae)

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/780/49085tnscanderbegshelmetandswa.jpg


Did you visit his grave in Lezha?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/b/bb/Lezha_grab_skanderbeg.jpg


I have been once there..



http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/4546767.jpg?t=1230851272

This the other Villa of E.H in Vlora(in very bad condition)

Butrint, yes you`re right.

Kadare is still a controversial writer. On the one hand his books were superb, on the other hand, he lived in the very hardest times abroad and never criticised the ones in charge.
But, I love his books, he's one of my favourite writers. "Kështjella" is an amazing book. "Prilli i thyer" is such an masterpiece!

One thing to keep in mind about Kadare, he could not criticize the regime because he'd end up in jail like many of his colleagues, deprived of expressing himself and his work. Heck, he wouldn't be the writer we know today had he done that.

It's also worth noting that Kadare is a great novelist and story teller but not necessarily a great poet. In fact, he wrote very little poetry.
His novels though are extraordinary. His style of writing is such that it brings the reader inside the story, attaching him with the place and characters in it. He's a very sophisticated novelist.

What about the canun? still working! Just keep in mind, the canun is one of mankind's oldest laws. A few years ago I studied the canun. It`s such a strong and powerful law. Never forget you were able to survive the regime of the osman empire for such a long time, and 75% of state officals of the ottoman empire were albanians.

The role of the Kanun today is greatly diminished. Only secluded regions of the North still practice it. Some of the foreign media articles and documentaries I've come across exagerate the facts and try and make it sensational when in fact it isn't.

@ Shqiptario:Thanks a lot, that's great.

Joachim Röhm translated many albanian books into german. That's why albanian authors like Besnik Mustafaj, Fatos Kongoli, Kim Mehmeti are popular in germany today. (http://www.joachim-roehm.de/)

Radio Albania is still making reports in german. I enjoy these reports very much.

You can hear it here: http://radiotirana.funkhaus.info:8000/listen.pls
Podcast: http://www.radio700.eu/podcasts/tirana/tirana.xml
http://www.agdx.de/rthk/
http://www.asamnet.de/~bienerhj/al.html

Robert Elsie is the most prominent albanologist today http://www.elsie.de/de/home.html

Some development news to kick off the new year:)

As first reported in Urbania.al (http://urbania.al) a major development project is under way in the Lagoon of Narta, off the coast of Vlora.
"Porto Vista" is an 865 acre Marine & Resort development stretching 4km of coastline. The project is being financed by albanian-american real estate developer Vista Group LCC.
This project is so massive that it's the size of a small city.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna2.png

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna5.png

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna7.png

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna9.png

Thanks a lot! You're doing a great job !

Some development news to kick off the new year:)

As first reported in Urbania.al (http://urbania.al) a major development project is under way in the Lagoon of Narta, off the coast of Vlora.
"Porto Vista" is an 865 acre Marine & Resort development stretching 4km of coastline. The project is being financed by albanian-american real estate developer Vista Group LCC.
This project is so massive that it's the size of a small city.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna2.png

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna5.png

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna7.png

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna9.png



The development will include the following:

- 5000 Holiday Apartments
- 200 Home Plots
- 600+ Rooms in 3 themed Hotels
- 9 Hole Golf Course
- 800 Boat Slip Marina, with Boat Sales & Repair, Sport Fishing & Sailing School
- Venetian Canals throughout
- Quaint, European Shopping Village
- Convention Facility
- Concert Hall
- Aquarium & Marina Institute
- IMAX Theater
- Water Park
- Sports Center
- Internal Transport System
- Extensive Pedestrian & Bike Paths
- Ecologically friendly planning, building materials and uttilities - including comprehensive state independent water treatment

Nice Albania :cheers:

Shkelqyeshem cuna..!!!! Vecanerisht 7t.. faleminderit per punen e mbrekullueshme qe ke bere...!!!!

Thank you guys for this thread... Faleminderit! justme.... gjithashtu albanian shqiptaro dhe 7t......

hmm how much is it? and where is it?
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/4546767.jpg?t=1230851272

hmm how much is it? and where is it?
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/4546767.jpg?t=1230851272


I dont know how does it cost..but it is located in the city of Vlora-Southern Albania(at the beach)

Thank you guys for this thread... Faleminderit! justme.... gjithashtu albanian shqiptaro dhe 7t......

:cheers:

I think that's still owned by the gov if I'm not mistaken

Thank you guys for this thread... Faleminderit! justme.... gjithashtu albanian shqiptaro dhe 7t......

:cheers: buddy

Durres:
http://static2.bareka.com/photos/medium/5080325/aerial-view-rehabilitated-road.jpg

Photos taken from user : Veriori

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0121.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0072_1.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_0991.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_0780-1.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0080.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_1011.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0072.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0100.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/VARIOUS/Tirane7.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/lura/DSC02198.jpg

Some more photos


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2386751081_edbfbaf160_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2904622459_d99ceba66c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2817709862_e7bf4242eb_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2422418113_3a04c3ec33_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2723045290_f82cc86909_o.jpg

Durres:
http://static2.bareka.com/photos/medium/5080325/aerial-view-rehabilitated-road.jpg

Photos taken from user : Veriori

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0121.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0072_1.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_0991.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_0780-1.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0080.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/IMG_1011.jpg

http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr113/BNdoji/Alb-Horizonts/DSC_0072.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/Vlora/DSC_0100.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/VARIOUS/Tirane7.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o230/bardhiDJ/lura/DSC02198.jpg


i ve quoted myself so these photos taken by veriori to be in the new page :) .

Thanks you very much!
Is the island that can be seen at the background Corfu?

Thanks you very much!
Is the island that can be seen at the background Corfu?

If u are talking for this photo..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2904622459_d99ceba66c_b.jpg

That is the "Bunec" beach in Saranda...and in front is Corfu(Greece) island.


More photos here ..pls:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=504

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3093847722_7ea07a6e34_o.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/Himara_7.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/gjirokastra_by.jpg?t=1226836993

http://i24.tinypic.com/1417gk9.jpg

http://i22.tinypic.com/i3i891.jpg

http://i23.tinypic.com/nqv2bl.jpg

http://i21.tinypic.com/2rdj0wh.jpg

http://i24.tinypic.com/jjl3r5.jpg

http://i21.tinypic.com/bbj9l.jpg

http://i23.tinypic.com/292nrkz.jpg

http://i21.tinypic.com/210nii9.jpg

ju lutem selectionojni me mire photot qe postoni . le te tregojme me te miren qe kemi , mos te kemi complexe se shqiperia esht vend me te vertet i bukur edhe pak reklame positive sado i duhet . Naten e mire .

hope you understand my logic .


http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-8.jpg


http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-49.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-56.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-66.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-67.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-70.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-71.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-75.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-79.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-88.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-89.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-90.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-94.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-14.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-16.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-24.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-31.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-33.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-42.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-44.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-45.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-51.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-50.jpg

http://www.alketislami.com/albumionline/foto/MOntazh1-54.jpg[/

Vlora

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vlora-2.jpg?t=1231631074

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/vloraradhime.jpg?t=1231631075

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/radhime.jpg?t=1231631079

Ionian Sea

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/The_Mist.jpg?t=1231631079

Blue Eye"-Sarandë

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/syriikalter-1.jpg?t=1231632250

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/__Blue_Eye.jpg?t=1231632415

Himarë,Vlora

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/Himare-2.jpg?t=1231632895

Artificial Lake Tirana
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/laketirane.jpg?t=1231630571

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC_1734.jpg?t=1231697906

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/albanian_photo/DSC_0191.jpg?t=1231697921

Are there any other buildings in albania, which were created in the same style?
http://www.geocities.com/spiritofalbania/HoxhaMus.jpg

Piramida is unique. Nothing can replicate it.
The other major project built in the 80s was the Palace of Congresses. Both designed by Klement Kolaneci, the top architect of that era.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/sq/thumb/6/64/Pallati_i_Kongreseve_n%C3%AB_Tiran%C3%AB.jpg/450px-Pallati_i_Kongreseve_n%C3%AB_Tiran%C3%AB.jpg

His wife Pranvera, Enver Hoxha's daughter also co-designed Piramida. Her most prominent work was the national museum "Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu" in the town of Krujë.

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/179077.jpg

Wow, the Palace of the congress is a stunning building!
Do you have a few more pics? What is doing Klement Kolaneci today?
I`m pretty interested in the "prestige" buildings of Albania. Is there any comparison?
How many buildings were made of the "italien" style in the 30/40ies?
And who was the architect of the National Historical Museum?
Thanks in advance, Kent

Wow, the Palace of the congress is a stunning building!
Do you have a few more pics?

A closer view from the opposite side

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/ALB_20070713_img_1254.jpg/800px-ALB_20070713_img_1254.jpg

What is doing Klement Kolaneci today?

He operates his own architectural firm "Enigma"

I`m pretty interested in the "prestige" buildings of Albania. Is there any comparison?

Any comparison in relation to what? Foreign architecture of that era?

How many buildings were made of the "italien" style in the 30/40ies?

There were several landmark buildings of the 30s and 40s period built in several other cities in the country, specifically in the two port cities of Durrës and Vlorë.
For Tirana the ones that stand out are the National Bank building and the Ministries Complex.

And who was the architect of the National Historical Museum?
Thanks in advance, Kent

I don't know but the museum was completed in 1981

ok, here are some berlin pics, small comparison of communistic architecture ;)
Berlin (east 1950) Stalinalleehttp://www.abload.de/img/berlin-stalinallee_1950e9k.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=berlin-stalinallee_1950e9k.jpg) vs. the national museum of history in Tirana:http://www.geocities.com/spiritofalbania/TirAlbHist.jpg

are there any buildings like this in Albania:
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n143/naraelle/10%2004%2006/IMG_1955.jpg
or like this: http://golm.rz.uni-potsdam.de/germanistik/Reimann/Hoyerswerda/Pumpe/stalinallee.jpg
http://www.mekinda.com/images/BerlinStalinallee.jpg

Coastal Developments currently in store for Albania

Some of the projects don't have any visual information since they're still in the development stage. Note: This is a compiled, selective list which includes proposed and currently under construction developments.

Northern Coast

1) Real Estate giant Trigranit announced last year plans to develop a small city from scratch near the coast of Velipojë.

2) Middle East developers Omnix Group announced last year plans to develop a small city from scratch near the Bay of Shëngjin. (exact location has not been determined)

Central Coast

1) La Perla Golf Club & Beach Resort in Lalëzi Bay(400,000 sqm) will feature a Golf Course, Pro Shop, Golf Academy, Driving Range & Practice Ground, Spa Centre, Swimming Pool Complex, Fitness Centre, Equestrian Centre & Tennis Courts.

2) Tourist Village with Golf Field & Wellness Center in Lalëzi Bay by Dudaj Construction

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x229/mamani_ks/LHotel.jpg

3) Illyria Resort & Spa in Lalëzi Bay (25.000 m2)

Southern Coast

1) Narta Lagoon Resort & Marina (350 ha)

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/laguna7.png

2) Millennium Resort off the Coast of Vlora by Millennium Group (1 km2)

3) Ksamil Tourist Resort in Saranda by Edilal-it

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/ks3.jpg

4) Tourist Resort in Novoselë, Vlorë by Soravia Group (200 ha)

5) Hotel Resort in Vlorë by israeli development group

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/Satellite.jpg

6) Kakome Resort in Kakome Bay by Riviera and Club Med

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/urbania21/kakome1.jpg

7) Beach Resort in Jalë by Edilal-it

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/7tt_photos/jala1.jpg

That's just a fraction of what's to come;)