Albania used to be hidden from the rest of Europe due to the harsh regime it had to endure under the communist rule of its prime minister of 40 years Enver Hoxha. However, since coming out from under this blanket of oppression and isolation following the Revolutions of 1991 and the fall of communism it has been on a twisting and turning path on the road to recovery and modernity.
| Best time to visit Albania: | April to October |
Albania is an incredibly beautiful piece of mainland Europe and possesses some of the most impressive scenery on the continent which is very diverse and includes everything from mountains to lakes and miles and miles of stunning beaches.
Visitors are welcome here and have been for a long time with Albania being a secret destination for most backpackers. But now the secret is out and it is well worth a visit.
Things to See in Albania:
- Berat – the Ottoman town preserved on the hillside
- Ruins at Butrint – hidden in the forest with a lakeside setting
- Tirana – the bustling heart of Albania with shops, cafes and museums
- Gjirokastra – see the views from the castle and Ottoman mansions
The Ottoman Town of Berat, Albania – Photograph by Mark de Jong on Unsplash 
Ruins at Butrint, Albania – Wikimedia Commons 
Street Cafe in Tirana, Albania – Wikimedia Commons 
Fortified Dwellings at Gjirokastra Albania – Wikimedia Commons
Things to Do in Albania:
- Explore the beautiful beaches and coves of the Ionian coast
- Visit the mountains by taking the ferry across Lake Koman
- Do the trek between Valbona and Theth
- Swim in the depths of the Blue Eye Spring.
Quick Facts About Albania:
| Capital: | Tirana |
| Population: | 3 Million |
| Area: | 28,748 Sq Km |
| Official Language: | Albanian |
| Currency: | Albanian lek |
| Food: | Roast lamb, fresh fish and Byrek, an Albanian fast food consisting of layered pastry filled with cheese, potato or minced meat |
| Drink: | Raki (aniseed-flavoured grape brandy Konjak (cognac) |
