BUDAPEST, April 14 /ATA/ – Albania is an underrated treasure box in the Balkan. Most of the people really don’t know too much about this amazing country, or which is even worse, have a fake imagination in their mind, the renowned Hungarian travel blogger Gabriella Sovago wrote on a recent post on her blog “The Feeling remains.”
“When I started to plan my Albanian trip I was forewarned by so many people who wanted to prepare me that Albania is like Hungary 50 years ago. Communism. Trash. Not caring people. So I didn’t have huge expectations when I arrived,” Sovago wrote on its lengthy feature story on the reasons why Albania is a must-see destination.
“I finally ended up being in Albania for almost 2 months because this place is insane and the people here are just genuinely kind and helpful! Plus Albania is so breathtakingly beautiful! This place became one of my favorite countries and it is a place where I will go back for sure. Experience it yourself before others would realize how magical and untouched place it is,” she writes.
Following is the Albania travel guide by Hungarian travel blogger and so many reasons why you should visit Albania right now:
Culture and history
If you want to know a little bit more about Albanian history, definitely go to Tirana, visit the BunkArt and join a free walking tour. In a nutshell, Albania established its democratic system only at the end of the ‘90s. Before that, Albania was under one of the most repressive communist totalitarian regimes – even North Korea has more trade partners than Albania did just a few years ago.
Albania is a place where a lot of religions can stand next to each other without any arguing, totally in peace so you can find the presence of the most diverse religious symbols pretty close to each other.
What to wear?
Whatever you want! Really! You do not have to change your clothing style because of Albania. Although, if you are planning to go into churches and mosques, you should take a scarf or pashmina with you.
Language
The Albanian language is almost as widely spoken a language as Hungarian (I am Hungarian, I can make fun of it :P), so no worries if you don’t speak that language. Although it is really nice and makes you more welcome as a tourist if you learn some basic words. The younger generation speaks in English, although you will find so many places, even in the tourism and hospitality area where they don’t speak in English at all. But no worries, because these people are so generous and will do the best for you. Beside Albanian, Greek and Italian are very popular as well.
Prices and currency
The official currency is Albanian LEK but you can pay with Euro pretty much everywhere, although it is a good idea to exchange your money or to use a card like Revolut.
Albania is cheap. Well, it depends on where you come from, so if you are – for example – from another Balkan country, you’ll probably face the same prices as back home. If you are from a Northern European country or from the States, you will be surprised at how cheap it is. And if you are from New Zealand or Australia you can live like a king – I am serious.
Tap water: yes or no?
Well, there are some places where drinking tap water is not the best idea ever but I didn’t have any issues while I was there and drinking tap water. Ask the staff of the place where you are staying and they will tell you. But if you don’t want to take this risk, drink bottled water – it is cheap, like everything else.
Is Albania safe?
As a solo female traveller, I can say that Albania is safe! Yes, safe to travel around solo or as a couple or if you are a unicorn. I would say it is safer for you anywhere in Albania than in Madrid, Paris, Rome or Budapest. Street crime is uncommon, such as pickpocketing and Albanian people are honest so they won’t rip you off only because you are a tourist. Well of course, there are bad people everywhere, so don’t be insane but yes, in general, Albania is safe.
Bus/furgon and train
Such an adventure to use public transport, especially leaving Tirana behind between little villages. Be prepared to spend extra time because the process is long and slow but really is an experience so you should try it at least once. Buses are not really buses but they are furgons (vans) usually packed with more people than seats. Although there are some official bus stops, they pick you up and drop you off literally anywhere you want to and charge you according to the distance.
What to eat
Well, every man to his taste but Albanian food is just amazing. Although Albanian cuisine is a little bit influenced by Italian, Turkish and Greek cuisine as well, it is still different and so delicious. Here are some divine, must-try foods: Tave Kosi – Lamb is baked in an earthenware pot with eggs and yoghurt. – sounds weird, but so delicious.
Byrek Mangalemi – it is a mix of pumpkin, potato, cottage cheese and a hint of lemon. Amazing!
Chocolate Delight – have you ever tasted a little piece of Heaven?
And a kind of booze – rakia. If you’ve ever been to Hungary and tried pálinka, you can imagine how this moonshine is, because it is quite similar. It is distilled typically from grapes or plums and it is a must-try, however, I am not a huge fan of it.
Best time to visit
Anytime! Seriously! But if you want to enjoy Albania’s beautiful beaches, the best time for visiting is from May to October.
My ultimate reason why you should visit Albania right now!
Besides all the things above, and including my other posts about this beautiful country, the main reason why I really loved Albania is that everything is an adventure there. Even a bus ride – especially a bus ride.
Wondering why?
Because of the people.
It doesn’t matter that you don’t speak the same language. It doesn’t matter if it seems you have nothing in common. They are there and always ready to help you out or just make your day better.
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