"Albania - The Unknown Country" Albania by frockland

Albania Travel Guide: 2,308 reviews and 5,325 photos

Clock tower, Minaret of Et´ham Bey & Skanderbek St

When I was in school there was a picture of Tirana’s Skandenbeg Square in my geography book and I was fascinated by it, for whatever reason I cannot remember. I knew that I would like to go there one day. Years later in the eighties, when Albania was totally politically isolated I became even more curious about the country. I sent a visa application to the embassy, asking for a visa that would allow me to travel independently. Of course this was pure fantasy and so the ambassy denied to issue me the wanted visa. Politely I was told that the only way to visit Albania was by joining an organised tour. All these tours had a political background and were far too expensive for me so that I had to give up on this idea.

Mosaic of the National Historic Museum

A couple of years later the country was present in the media. Fisher boats overcrowded with Albanians, who had nothing to lose, arrived at the Italian coast. During the following weeks TV teams and journalists went into Albania and documented the poor and desperate situation of the people and came up with stories hard to believe.

The Balkan war in former Yugoslavia, the conflict in Kosovo and horror stories about the Albanian Mafia created and negative image about a country that is not well known anyway. These prejudices are still there and became even stronger when the country nearly drowned in anarchy after the collapse of a “pyramid investment system” in the mid nineties.

Isolated for a long time many Albanians invested their money a pyramid scheme that was promising an astronomical return of the investments. Of course it was too good to be true and a real chance and escape out of living conditions. When it was clear that the money was “burnt” civil demonstrations and protests spread over the whole country and ended in a rebellion against the government. Army and police officers fled, everything connected with the government was ransacked. Looters broke into weapon magazines where more than 500000 Kalashnikows disappeared and only very few showed up again until nowadays. Highway bandits controlled the roads robbing travellers and armed gangs were controlling some town and cities.

The Port of Durres

Twice in a decade Albania was near to sink in anarchy but fortunately managed to put things back together in a promising way. The highways were cleared of the bandits; the gangs were put into jail. Albania is putting a lot of effort to improve its infrastructure. The economical potential of tourism was recognised and nowadays it’s a travel destination that is (not yet) overcrowded with tourists.

Albania has a nice Mediterranean climate with beautiful mountain and coastal regions and ancient placed worth a visit. Unfortunately I missed most of it due to some problems that didn’t let me travel too much around in the country. I will return to discover what I missed this time.

At the moment I´m reorganising my Albania pages. The “Things to Do” chapter will be sorted by destination (in a couple of days!).

Last visit to Albania: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Oct 24, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (23)

Ferry from Italy to Albania Transportation (4)

The procedure in Trieste is similar than in Durres: Before entering the ferry its important to get the "White Card” with... more travel advice

Roadside memorials Local Customs (2)

Driving on Albanian roads will be a kind of adventure. The driving habits are not really what they are in other parts of... more travel advice

Street markets Shopping (1)

For those who always go shopping in a supermarket: Don´t miss an Albanian street market. Its lively and interesting. And... more travel advice

Road Conditions Warnings Or Dangers (4)

Generally most of the main roads are in good conditions. All the transit routes are renewed and enjoyable to drive on.... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Fascinating Landscape
Things to Do (5)
See All Butrint

Favorites (2)
See All Travel Guide
Tourist Traps (1)
Import Diesel

Comments (11)

jlking Aug 8, 2010 at 1:36 PM Report Abuse

thanks a lot !!! i gained alotta info by reading your albania blog ! going in september ! & will watch for potholes & crazy drivers !
PierreZA Oct 14, 2007 at 8:52 AM Report Abuse

Great page, one of the best on Albania, Pierre
VikingHarald Mar 29, 2007 at 4:24 PM Report Abuse

Really good pages, I spent in this country 6 months year 1999. Sounds familiar. Good tips. Regards VikingHarald From Moomland
hindu1936 Sep 23, 2006 at 4:14 AM Report Abuse

thanks for some useful tips, traveling ideas, and cautions about a small country we wanted to see for history's sake, but were wary of the dangers. seems there aren't any real dangers.
brimmman Sep 21, 2006 at 4:49 AM Report Abuse

Great writing!!! I am impressed!!! Are you following in love with Albania?... or not yet? :) Just kidding! Well, next time I hope you'll get to see more of the beauties of Albania. Greetings!
Sininen Sep 7, 2006 at 8:25 PM Report Abuse

What an excellent page on Albania where I am heading in a couplöe of weeks. Will return to your page later on. Happy birthday from Finland!
gale.blog.pl Aug 20, 2006 at 7:18 AM Report Abuse

That's a fascinating page about a beautiful and mysterious country. Great tips, marvelous pics, I really adored your page :)
JessH Apr 11, 2006 at 4:18 AM

Hallo, und danke fuer die tollen Tips & Photos! It's great to see VT-pages about the slightly "unknown" countries & hidden treasures :-) Viele Gruesse aus der Wueste / Jess in Dubai
el_ruso Jan 29, 2006 at 6:45 PM Report Abuse

Great tips on this little known country. I am glad you had a good time, and thanks for sharing. BTW, I know now where old Mercedes end up. :)
frockland Oct 10, 2005 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

Yeah, Astralca you are right! ... they do it everywhere without any protection for people tresspassing!