Albania is a country with lots of interesting things to offer but almost nothing is known outside borders.
So, the first question that we make is: Why Albania is a destination not better known in Europe?
This is difficult to understand because the position is very favorable. It lies between these other countries: Montenegro to the north, Greece to the south, Kosovo and North Macedonia to the east, and Italy to the west with the Adriatic Sea in between.
Another key point is the long coastline around 500 km.
But an important part of the problem is the recent history, one of them is the communism period. Those years were very hard for all the country because there was no freedom, and everything was controlled by the Parti of people.
Tourism is developing more and more, even we are already very late in this industry. During summer in Albania come tourists from all over the world and they mostly say the will redo the trip. The reason tourists come here is the economy part, fresh food, and very good cooking.
6 Ancient cities:
The first city that is at the top list of Albanian ancient cities is Butrint.
Especially Butrint Archaeological Park is one of the Albanian must-see destinations. You should absolutely visit Butrint if you once are in Albania because it is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park inside has many monuments and each of them reflects the stages of its long history. Your visit here spans the period from 3-rd to the 6-th century including Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and also Venetian periods. Also, this Park is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian coast.
The second city with an ancient name is Apollonia. It has the name of Apollo is found over the 6-th century B.C., and still remains as glorious as other civilizations of Hellenic and Roman ones in the Mediterranean. There you can notice an Arch of triumph, or also named Odeon or Nymphaeum, which seem to transport you into another world.
Byllis is another ancient city.
It was built during 4-th and 5-th centuries and it is the largest Illyrian city in the southern Albania. Byllis Archaeological Park was designed by the father of European urban planning, Hippodamus of Miletus, that made this city as modern as an ancient city was at that time. Inside of it there is a 7500-seat theater that is a beautiful sight.
The fourth in this list is Amantia.
This archaeological park is indeed another testimony to the ancient history on the Ionian coast. Actually, Amantia’s location corresponds to the village of Plloce in the region of Vlora, in southwestern Albania. The studies showed that it was founded during 5-th century B.C., and its particular position was created on very challenging mountainous terrain. The most beautiful sights here are the ancient stadium and the temple of Aphrodite along with the city gates and the ruins of the city halls.
Antigonea, the city of love, is the fifth ancient city.
This other southern favorite is located only 14 km east of Gjirokastra and was buit as early as 29 B.C., by King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who gave it the name in honor of his first wife. Located at the top of a beautiful valley makes the hole view very magical.
The last of this list is Finiq (Phoenice).
This ancient city is also part of southern Albania and is located few km away from Saranda. The ruins of the ancient city date back to the 3-rd century B.C. and inside there some interesting objects. The grand theater and stairs surrounding the stage, basilicas, city walls, old coins and other excavated objects that gave this park the status of protected monument in early 2005.
So, if you are an explorer, you probably should take these 6 destinations in consideration for your trip to Albania.
Beautiful southern Albania
Lately southern coastline has been very popular over photos posted online on social medias.
Our beautiful beaches are known for the peaceful nature and crystal clear water of the sea.
The Adriatic and Ionian sea are both veru frequented during summer vacations.
Most importantly, small village`s beaches now seems like you are in Greece but you can pay for half the price. Tourists are very enthusiasts about the hospitality and comodity that is found almost in every hotel or rooms for rent.
These last years there are many tourist that have come in Albania for second time and even third. They enjoyed the beaches but also the food and the nature.
Most frequented beaches in the last year were Ksamil, Saranda, Himara, Qeparoi and Vlora. While in the morning you can enjoy the sun and the sea, in he evening there are lots of restaurants that offer other activities as parties or live music shows.
