Albania
Your travel source with a personal
touch!
Be sure to visit the Getting Away Blog at:
http://gettingawaywithjimbruner.blogspot.com
|
Albania |
|
Travel information and tips on Albania including passport information, accommodations, transportation
to and in Albania, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
General Information on Albania
This little country alongside the Adriatic coast has been through years by
poverty and wars and for years refugees have fled for a better life elsewhere.
The country is an interesting blend of religions, styles, cultures and
landscapes. Although the country has recently been embracing democracy, the
outside world still sends few travelers and that is kinda' too bad as some
things won't ever change, such as the forested mountains, the warm Mediterranean
sun and the blue waters of the Adriatic.
(The following information was taken from the CIA
World Fact Book)
Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and
established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as
successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread
corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime
networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its
democratic development since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but
deficiencies remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free
and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of
pyramid schemes in 1997. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and
its allies won a decisive victory on pledges of reducing crime and corruption,
promoting economic growth, and decreasing the size of government. The election,
and particularly the orderly transition of power, was considered an important
step forward. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still
one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an
inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure. Albania has played a
largely helpful role in managing inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe,
and is continuing to work toward joining NATO and the EU. Albania, with troops
in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been a strong supporter of the global war on
terrorism.
Lagging behind its Balkan neighbors, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The government has taken measures to curb violent crime, and recently adopted a fiscal reform package aimed at reducing the large gray economy and attracting foreign investment. The economy is bolstered by annual remittances from abroad of $600-$800 million, mostly from Albanians residing in Greece and Italy; this helps offset the towering trade deficit. Agriculture, which accounts for more than one-fifth of GDP, is held back because of lack of modern equipment, unclear property rights, and the prevalence of small, inefficient plots of land. Energy shortages and antiquated and inadequate infrastructure contribute to Albania's poor business environment, which make it difficult to attract and sustain foreign investment. The completion of a new thermal power plant near Vlore and improved transmission line between Albania and Montenegro will help relieve the energy shortages. Also, the government is moving slowly to improve the poor national road and rail network, a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth. On the positive side, macroeconomic growth was strong in 2003-07 and inflation is low and stable. For more information, go to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Where To Find Information
Embassy of Albania
You will find a lot of good information at the Embassy of Albania site in the
U.S., Washington D.C. 202.223.4942.
VirtualTourist.com - Albania Facts and information on Albania.
The best month to visit is September as it is still pretty warm then, the days are long and enjoyable, and the fruits and vegetables are in good supply. The days from May to September are the longest with July being the warmest month, but even April and October can be pleasant.
Passports and Visas
You will need a passport to visit Albania. However, citizens of
the EU, Australia, the USA, Canada and several other countries don't need a
visa. Those who do can get them at the border, for a price equivalent to what an
Albanian would pay for a visa for their countries.
|
|
Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
|
Currency Information and Money Matters
The currency in Albania is the Lekė. Prices in Tirana are considerably
higher than in the rest of the country, so if you are on a budget, head for the
areas outside of Tirana to see the sights. If you stick to a tight budget, you
may be able to get by in the country for US$30-40 a day. You can easily double
this if you are in Tirana. That would be for the basics. Paying for a few more
comforts (staying in a better class of hotel and doing some guided trips) will
easily raise this to from $80-100 a day.
Every town has a free currency market that usually operates on the street in front of the post office or the state bank. Look for the fellows with pocket calculators, who will give you about the same rate as a bank without the 1% commission, although some banks will change US dollar travelers cheques into US dollars cash without a commission. Although these "street transactions" are legal, be sure you pay attention and count your notes before you walk away. US dollars are the favorite foreign currency. Bring bills in small denominations as they can be used to bargain. Cash is preferred everywhere, and credit cards are not accepted.
Here are some examples on what to expect to pay for meals and
lodging:
Meals
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
Language
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Health Risks
As there is a risk of Diarrhea, I would suggest you drink only bottled water.
You can receive medical help and service at state run hospitals, but it is not
to great.
Time
GMT/UTC + 1 hour
Electricity
220 volts, 50 Hz. Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
The security situation in Albania remains very unstable. Visitors should take
care to exercise extreme care, maintaining a high level of personal security
awareness at all times. There is a lot of unexploded munitions along the
Albania/Kosovo border, or at least, this is suspected, and travel to the Bajram
Curri and Tropoje area should be avoided. Crime is rampant, with armed gangs
operating particularly in the northeast near the border with Kosovo, in Shkoder
and in the south between Memaliaj and Gjirokastra. Armed robberies, assaults,
mobster assassinations, bombings and car jackings have been also been reported.
Street crime (particularly at night) is a very real problem across most of the
country. Driving in Albania is also hazardous and night travel should be
avoided, even with a hired driver. Visitors hoping to travel by road outside
Tirana should use the services of a local driver/interpreter, but in general
it's inadvisable to travel outside the main cities. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on
the money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting.
Click on Fodor's
Travel Guides to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
|
I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Getting To and Around Albania
You can fly from many European capitals, and Athens is among those offering the
best value.
Malév Hungarian Airlines offers a cheap service from Budapest to
Tirana. Italy is the most expensive flight gateway as
Alitalia charges fares
that approach business class fares for one-way tickets.
British Airways
(ba.com) flies
between Tirana and London.
The country is also accessible by bus from Ioannina, Greece to Kakavija on the Albanian border, and there are regular services between Tirana and Sofia in Bulgaria. Land crossings were possible from Yugoslavia before the current round of hostilities in Kosovo, but you can still cross by land from Macedonia.
The ferry takes from nine to 25 hours, depending on where you leave from Italy,
and there is another ferry between Koper, Slovenia and Durės. Departure tax from
Albania is US$10.
|
|
At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Getting Around In Albania There is a limited railway network with daily passenger trains leaving Tirana for Shkodra, Fier, Ballsh, Vlora and Pogradec.
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
|
Some Things To See And Do
In Albania
Albania has some wonderful beaches and you could spend the better
part of a month traveling the Adriatic and Ionian coasts going from one
sun-soaked spot to another. Hiking and trekking are also an interesting
activities through the forests and farmlands. There are also several mountains
and cliffs that offer opportunities for climbing. The areas along the coast and
in the central plains are great for cycling. There is also a lot to see and do
in the following cities of Albania.
Berat
Berat is Albania's second most important museum town. It is sometimes
called "the city of a thousand windows" as the red-roofed houses seem to be
filled with them. Along the ridge above the gorge is a
14th century citadel
sheltering small Orthodox churches such as the Orthodox Cathedral of Our Lady,
the Church of the Holy Trinity and the
Church of the Evangelists,
all of which should be seen. You should also visit the
Mangalem, the old
Muslim quarter, which is located on the slope below the citadel. A seven-arched
stone bridge leads to
Gorica, which is the Christian quarter.
There are also several fine mosques, such as the Leaden Mosque, the
King's Mosque, the
Bachelor's Mosque and the
Alveti Tekke.
Berat is 75 miles southeast of Tirana.
Butrint
The ancient ruins of Butrint are located about 11 miles south of Saranda and
are of special interest if you are into interesting insights into ancient
world ruins. Virgil claimed that the Trojans settled Butrint, but no evidence
of this has yet been found, and the site has been pored over by archaeologists
trying to prove it. Treasure hunters from Italy lifted many of the antiquities
before the war, but most have since been returned and are on display at the
National Museum of History in Tirana. Greeks settled Butrint during the 6th
century BC, although the area had been settled long before by the Illyrians.
Within a century of the Greeks arriving, Butrint had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which you can still visit. Just below the acropolis in the forest is the 3rd century BC theatre, also used for performances when the Romans were there. You will also want to visit the interesting public baths with their geometrical mosaics. There is also a wall with Greek inscriptions and a 6th century baptistery decorated with colorful mosaics of animals and birds. There is a triangular fortress that overlooks the entire site. Butrint is accessibly by road from Saranda, which is linked to Tirana and Vlora by bus.
Durrės
You might want to visit the Archaeological Museum, which faces the
waterfront promenade near the port. Behind the museum are the ancient 6th
century city walls that are capped by round
Venetian Towers from
the 14th century. The Roman Amphitheatre, built between the 1st and 2nd
centuries AD is impressive and should also be visited. It stands on a hillside
just inside the walls. The former Palace of King Ahmet Zog stands to
the west of the amphitheatre, and in front of that is a statue of Skėnderberg.
Try to ignore the huge radar disks set up by the Italian army. When you're in
the centre of town, don't miss the Roman Baths behind the
Aleksandėr
Moisiu Theatre on the central square.
Elbasan
In Elbasan you will want to see the 1st century AD
stone walls with 26
towers, the 17th century Turkish Baths, the
Ethnographical Museum,
and the 15th century King's Mosque to
St Mary's Orthodox Church.
Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra is not to be missed as it is a strikingly picturesque
town perched on the side of a mountain above the Drino River. The town was
well established by the 13th century and, after a slow decline when it was
occupied by the Turks in 1417, it has remained a busy place since the 17th
century. You will want to spend some time in the wonderful bazaar where
embroidery, silk and the still famous white cheese are still traded. Above the
Bazaar Mosque (in the centre of town) is the
Mėmėdheu ABC Monument,
commemorating the Renaissance of Albanian education around the turn of the
20th century. Dominating the town is the 14th century
citadel, now a
museum of armaments. The Ethnographic Museum, and the old
Turkish
Baths are in the lower town.
Korēa
There are several museums in the city, the
Muzeu i Artet
Mesjetar Shqiptar (Museum of Albanian Medieval Art), the
Muzeu Historik
and the Muzeu i Arsimit Kombėtar (the Education Museum). You should
also visit the bazaar, west of the Hotel Iliria. Korēa is a little over
100 miles southeast of Tirana, and you can get there by bus. It is also the
first stop in Albania if you enter from Florina in Greece.
Shkodra
A visit to Shkodra should include the following: the very
impressive Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, which is located next
to the Muzeo Popullor which features exhibits of paintings and historic
photos; the Catholic Franciscan Church on Rruga Ndre Mjeda;
Rozafa
Fortress, Located near the southern end of Lake Shkodra; and the
many-domed Leaden Mosque.
Tirana
The National Museum of History. It is the largest and finest
museum in Albania. It is easy to find as it is located next to the 15 storey
Tirana International Hotel, the tallest building in the country. A huge mosaic
mural entitled Albania covers the faēade of the building. To the east,
the Palace of Culture has a theatre, restaurant, cafes and art galleries.
The entrance to the National Library is on the southern side of the
building. Opposite that is the cupola and minaret of the
Mosque of Ethem Mey,
built in 1793 and one of the city's most distinctive buildings. Tirana's
clock tower, built in 1830, stands beside the mosque. On the other side of
the Lana River (to the south) are the sloping white marble walls of the former
Enver Hoxha Museum. Occasionally used as an exhibition centre, it is
slated to be turned into a disco. Further south on Bulevardi Dėshmorėt e Kombit
are the ultramodern Palace of Congress and the
Archaeological Museum,
which has a fantastic selection of objects from prehistoric times to the Middle
Ages.
| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. |
If you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
If you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Suggestions For Dining In Albania
There are plenty of places to eat on Skėnderberg Square and on Bulevardi Dėshmorėt e Kombit, and small and stylishly interesting bars have sprung up all over town. Some of the hotels also offer meals.
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites In Albania
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Embassy of Albania You will find a lot of good information at the Embassy of Albania site in the U.S., Washington D.C. 202.223.4942.
VirtualTourist.com
- Albania Facts and information on Albania.
