By Tn Lifestyle Desk
Copyright timesnownews
Turquoise waters and beautiful sandy beaches? Albania should be on your bucket list right away! Albania is a small country in Southeast Europe, an affordable destination for all types of travellers. Wander through centuries-old hilltop villages one moment, then enjoy local dishes that follow age-old cooking traditions. The smell of fresh byrek from a street bakery, the warmth of homemade rakia, or finding a quiet beach all to yourself. Best of all, you can enjoy it without worrying about your budget. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, consider exploring these places in Albania. Gjirokastra If you want to learn about Albanian traditions, Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed town, should be on your list. It is also known as the City of Stone. Start by exploring the bazaar and castle, then visit Zekate House. A family member will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes. If you’re a wine lover, head to Te Fuçitë (The Barrels), a family-run restaurant and winery, where you can taste local reds and whites alongside platters of regional delicacies. Tip: Don’t miss pasha qofte, a creamy milk-based soup with small meatballs, only available in Gjirokastra. Dhermi If you love sunbathing and swimming, you need to visit Dhermi. The town is perfect for long, aimless walks. The Mills Trail links the upper village with the shoreline and beaches below via a marked path through a small forest. It is an easy 1.5-kilometre trail that takes around 30–45 minutes to walk each way. You can also swim on Dhermi Beach, quieter than many nearby beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Dhermi also hosts music festivals such as the Kala Festival and ION Festival, making it a hotspot for younger crowds seeking unique summer vibes. Theth In Theth, two hikes are most popular. The first is the Theth to Valbona hike. The trail starts at the top of Theth village and winds through the mountains to breathtaking views. The full hike takes around 6–8 hours. The other hike leads to the Blue Eye, a natural pool with turquoise waters. This trail is suitable for less-experienced hikers, as it is easier than the Theth to Valbona hike. Shkodra Shkodra is best explored by bike. Most locals travel around the city by bicycle, and you can rent one for the day. Start by pedalling to Liqeni i Shkodrës to enjoy beautiful lake views. You can also visit Rozafa Castle, one of Shkodra’s main tourist attractions. If you have time, consider a day trip from Shkodra to Komani Lake and the Shala River. Permet For adventure activities like white-water rafting, camping, hiking, and mountain biking, Permet is the ideal town. Permet also has several restaurants that follow the Slow Food philosophy, focusing on local produce and traditional recipes. Restaurants such as Antigonea, Trifilia, and Familijari are popular examples that embrace the Slow Food movement. Lin Situated on Lake Ohrid, Lin is a quiet village where fishing is the main activity. Many restaurants along the highway serve excellent grilled fish dishes. For an evening stroll, head to Pogradec’s lakefront. Lin’s Byzantine mosaic is the village’s most famous attraction. In summer, the mosaics are uncovered, and a guide is usually available to share their history. Korça In Korça, Central Albania, take a walk through the Pazari i Vjetër, the city’s old bazaar. Its cobbled streets and Ottoman-style buildings reflect a history dating back to the 13th century. While there, stop at one of the many coffee houses. Try raki, the traditional alcoholic drink, which locals often pair with their morning espresso. Don’t forget to try Lakror, a Korça speciality. It is made by layering filo pastry with a savoury mix of vegetables, cheese, eggs, and sometimes lamb, then baked over a wood fire under a bell-shaped lid called a saç. Saranda Saranda is a popular coastal town on the Albanian Riviera. Start by strolling along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard, which has many bars and cafés serving a variety of drinks and snacks. You can also hike to the 40 Saints Monastery. The ruins are about an hour’s walk from the centre of Saranda. Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
