ALBANIA. The country few people first think of for a summer holiday. Land of pyramid schemes and desperate, overloaded migrant boats. Albania’s past, its 20th century past, does not define it. Illyrains, the original civilization, then Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, German and Soviets have all moulded this overlooked country.
One of communism’s most paranoid countries is open, literally and figuratively, to visitors, who have been coming in increasing numbers for a few years. No longer “undiscovered” but still a rewarding destination of traditions, history, nature and more.
NORTH: The Accursed Mountains and Shkodra
SOUTH: Gjirokastra and ancient Greek cities
CENTRAL: Old Berat and flashy Tirana