Albania Things to Do Tips by grets Top 5 Page for this destination

Mercedes Cars

I have never seen so many Mercedes cars in all my life - literally every other car is a Merc, in various states of disrepair (not surprising when you see the state of the roads and the way they drive). We were told that most of them are stolen to order from Western Europe.

Housing

Many Albanians live in these typically crumbling communist blocks, found all over Eastern Europe.

Berat

A beautiful UNESCO heritage site, with houses clinging to the hillside. The architecture is one of lower fortified white-washed walls with no windows and overhanging carved wooden balconies. The area is best explored on foot.

Bunkers

Over 700 of these bunkers are found scattered over the countryside, sometimes in a farmer's field, sometimes by the side of the road, inbetween houses, in the woods etc. They were constructed to protect the communist Albanians from from attack from the evil capitalist west. They were never used, and now remain as a ghostly reminder of the communist years.

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If anyone can tell me where this is from I would be very grateful as I have lost the notes I made at the time. Could it be Selca?

No lions

The amphitheatre was built to exhibit gladiator fighting and exotic animal shows, fortunately none of the lions have survived! The theatre was built to house 15,000 spectators in tiered seats. It must have been incredibly impressive in its heyday, and I can only imagine what the atmosphere would have been like with Christians being led in to the arena in chains before the lions were released to the cheer of 15,000 people. Wow!

Durres amphitheatre

The largest known Roman Amphitheatre in the Balkans was begun in the 2nd century during the reign of Hadrian. The imposing amphitheatre is only partly excavated and we were the only visitors there, giving the whole place a rather surreal feeling. The centre of the amphitheatre is filled with rubbish from previous excavations - I would love to come back and see what it is like when all archeology work has been completed.

Directions: Durres - a port on the Adriatic Coast

Kruja Citadel

Skandeberg's imposing citadel is built atop an isolated outcrop of the Kruja range at a height of 548m. There is an interesting museum inside and fantastic virews of the surrounding area. With history dating back to the 6th century BC, the citadel has remained an important stronghold throughout the ages. The current castle is said to date from the 11h century, with much damage done during the various battles over the years. The main part of the fortress was dismantled in 1832 after being heavily damagedduring the fighting between the Albanians and Turks.

Kruja Bazaar

The well-restored and colourful bazaar is a delight to the eye and purse. Embroideries and carvings, old clocks and various artisan items are for sale here. The architecture itself is worth a stroll through the narrow, cobbled alley. Also good views of the valley below.

Directions: 29 km north-west of Tirana

WWII Memorial

A newly erected memorial to the 43 British soldiers who dies during the Second World War.

Directions: Situated in a pleasant woodland park down the hill from Martyr's Cemetery.