Turism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja on Thursday said Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades on Aug. 15, in what is expected to be one of the summer’s most talked-about electronic music events. The event begins at 8 p.m. and will continue into the early hours of the morning.

Born in Bursa, Türkiye, in 1993, Orhan is a DJ, producer and musician known for blending deep house, nu-disco, indie dance and oriental musical elements. He began making music at an early age and gradually built an international career, moving from local clubs to major electronic music stages.

Orhan gained international recognition with the hit “Feel”, a collaboration with singer Sena Şener, which became a major success in several European markets and helped establish him as a distinctive name on the electronic music scene.

His repertoire also includes tracks such as “6 Days”, “Age of Emotions” and “Save Me”, as well as collaborations with international artists. His music combines contemporary electronic beats with sounds and instruments reflecting influences from both Eastern and Western traditions.

The MOYO performance comes at the height of Albania’s tourism season and is expected to attract not only holidaymakers already in southern Albania but also electronic music fans travelling to the Riviera specifically for the event.

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Music served as a bridge connecting cultures, traditions and people from different countries. The festival welcomed Arbëresh artist Pierpaolo Petta from Palermo, who delivered a performance rich in history, memory and cultural identity.

Arbëresh sounds blended naturally with Albanian traditions, highlighting the shared roots that connect communities on both sides of the Adriatic Sea.

The following evening brought the vibrant energy of Cuba to Porto Palermo, with artist Shama Milan captivating audiences with authentic Latin rhythms. Music, dance and the enthusiasm of the crowd transformed the night into an unforgettable celebration beneath the skies of the Albanian Riviera.

From Arbëresh heritage to Cuban rhythms, Porto Palermo Festival continues to showcase the power of music to transcend borders, unite cultures and promote respect for nature and cultural heritage at one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic venues.

The festival will continue until August 16, featuring evenings dedicated to artists and a variety of musical genres.

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Hidden along the rugged coastline of Karaburun, Grama Bay offers a unique natural retreat accessible either by hiking trails or by boat. It lies at the foot of the western slope of Rrëza e Kanalit mountain, just west of the small town of Orikum in Vlorë county.

The bay’s rocky shore extends several hundred meters inland, creating a striking coastline dotted with natural coves and underwater caves. This secluded spot has long been valued not only for its scenic beauty but also for its historical significance.

In ancient times, Grama Bay served as a natural harbor protecting ships from storms, as well as a quarry site known for its high-quality stone blocks used in construction across Illyrian cities and beyond.

Mariners who sheltered their vessels here and quarry workers who extracted stone have left their mark in the form of ancient inscriptions carved into the cliff faces, often referred to as the “Cave of Writings.” Archaeologists have studied these engravings, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

Today, Grama Bay is treasured for its scientific, historical, cultural, and touristic value. It functions as an intimate, small beach favored by adventure seekers, particularly those interested in water sports and cave exploration.

Visitors can reach the bay via rugged land routes or by sea, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty away from crowded tourist spots.

The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Minister Mirela Kumbaro, shared images of Grama Bay on social media, highlighting its appeal as a natural gem and urging visitors to explore responsibly.

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Saliha Hadj-Djilani directs her own show on the French radio RMC and at the same time writes here articles in the largest French travel guides “Petit Futé”.

The travel journalist Saliha Hadj-Djilani paid a four-day visit to Albania that included Tirana and the Albanian Riviera.

The Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today on the social media the reportage of the French journalist, describing the unique places from the capital to Palas e Dhërmi.

” The famous French journalist, Saliha Hadj Djilad has published a reportage dedicated to Albania, known as the promoter of the most attractive destinations in the world,” the premier Rama said.

“In fact, life in Albania is normal and do you know why? Simply because they managed the crisis very well. Since the COVID-19 outbreak people were required to self-isolate and then continue with vaccination of about 80% of the adult population thus they judge that they have achieved herd immunity,

Tourism has not been developed during the Communist regime when Albania was ruled by dictator Enver Hoxha from 1945 to 1985 and his regime was very savage. Albania was isolated from the world, no one knew what was happening in this country, but fortunately this regime collapsed in the early 1990s and since then Albania continues to be a parliamentary constitutional republic.

In Tirana, there are many museums documenting these historical events.

The Museum of Secret Surveillance , also known as House of Leaves located in the center of Tirana in the former security building of the Secret Police of Communism, a museum that makes you have a goose-flesh

This is a museum worth visiting.  It has won the award for the best European museum of 2020, an award given by the Council of Europe.

Tirana is a beautiful city with tall buildings and wide boulevards typical of the communist era, and far from being a concrete city like many other cities in the East.

Tirana is a green city which has a large park and a lake right in the middle of the city. The current mayor, Erion Veliaj has planted many trees in the city in recent years and has also added cycling tracks. Tirana is expected to be the next European youth capital.

The Albanian Riviera can also be compared to the French Riviera also known in French as the Côte d’Azur, but with reasonable accommodation cost.

One last tip, the beach clubs of Dhërmi and Palasa have excellent DJs, it is only three hours away from Tirana, it looks like Ibiza only but offering cheaper accommodation and maybe there, you can meet Dua Lipa… ” the article writes.

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Let’s be honest. What do we know about Albania? Its communist dictatorship, its old Mercedes, its bunkers and perhaps the brilliant writer Ismail Kadare, that’s all.

Albania, however, that’s it, more than 2000 years of history, its unique culture, ancient cities and varied landscapes. To the north, its mountains and deep valleys. In the central part, its biggest cities. To the west, its bustling capital, Tirana. In the south, its coast and its beaches, the country’s most popular tourist destination.

Albania, one of the best-kept gems on the Adriatic

Llogara Pass, between sky and sea

Julius Caesar broke his teeth there. It was 48 BC and the Llogara Pass was snow-covered. The road has since been paved.

The Llogara pass is legendary in many ways.

First, because the Romans went there. Secondly, because it marks the entrance to the Albanian Riviera.

At every turn, a bird’s eye view of the Ionian Sea, the beaches and the villages, one of the most beautiful panoramas in the country.

The Pass is located in Llogara National Park. The area offers beautiful mountain hiking.

Dhërmi, jewel of the Ionian Sea

The “jewel of the coast”. That’s what we call it. Understandably: clear water, pebble beaches and bars almost in the water.

Dhërmi is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the coast. It has quality infrastructure and an environment one can dream about.

Another advantage: the beach is kilometers long. No place on the town side? Walk south, you will find deserted expanses, translucent waters and an exceptional setting. Around you, the mountain, the real one, peaks over 2000 meters.

Dhërmi is the seaside but also an ancient town. Climb up there and wander around a bit. There you will find cobbled streets, stone houses, fig trees, vines and flowering roses. The village is home to more than 30 Orthodox churches, including the Panagia Monastery Church, perched on the hill. Inside, beautiful XVI century frescoes.

Below the village, two beaches: that of Dhërmi and that of Dhrale. Further north, Drymades beach is very beautiful but also very lively. Still just above, the famous Palasa beach. In between, there is a small, secluded and uncrowded cove. It is accessed by climbing over some rocks.

Gjipe canyon and its hidden beach

It is a bit remote, discreet, less frequented. Here, no noisy club or party atmosphere, but just a few umbrellas and a small bar.

Gjipe beach is one of the most beautiful in Albania. 400 meters of pebbles, crystal clear water and cliffs around. Ideal for swimming, lazing around and strolling.

The rock face is pierced by an impressive canyon.

Himare

Himarë has 2,800 inhabitants, direct access to the sea, multiple beaches, but also an old fortified town, the Kastro, 180 meters above the sea. Up there, Byzantine churches, typical alleys and a magnificent panorama. From there you can see the coast and even a piece of Greece, the island of Corfu.

In Himare, Spille Beach is very busy. Small Sfajo beach lies at the entrance to the town.

A long stretch of sand with bars and restaurants, Potami Beach is 1.5 km south of Himare.

Famous diving site 4 km south of Himare, Llamani beach is 200 meters long.

The famous and huge Livadhi beach is about 4 kilometers from Himare and easily accessible.

Finally, an isolated beach: The Akarium, above Livadhi beach. Before arriving in Livadhi, take a track that spans a river and then take a 30-minute walk to north-west direction.

Porto Palermo and Qeparo, calm and authentic

There would be no inhabitant, no population, no one. Officially, Porto Palermo is part of the neighboring town, Himare. Only officially indeed.

The area actually deserves a visit in its own right. From above, it looks like an atoll, round and hemmed with clear water. From below, the site invites you into swimming and exploring. It is a beautiful and unspoiled bay.

Porto Palermo is regularly cited among the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

People come here to swim on the sandy isthmus, explore the Ali Pasha fortress and visit another village nearby, the village of Qeparo, considered the most beautiful on the Riviera.

A little further you will find space on the 5 km long Borsh beach.

Saranda, the bay and its surroundings

Let’s be clear. Saranda is the most popular tourist town city in the country: 17,000 inhabitants, a marina, buildings and a concrete bay.

People come here mainly to enjoy the beach, the infrastructure.

First visit the water spring Blue Eye, about 20 kilometers. On the spot, a brilliant blue green water arises on the surface.

On the way back, stop at St Nicholas Monastery of Mesopotam, one of the largest Byzantine churches in the Balkans, with its 10-meter high walls and four cupolas.

Finally, climb up to Lëkursi Castle, an Ottoman fortress built to control the region. On site, the view stretches over Saranda, Corfu, the hinterland and the site of Butrint.

15 km further south, it is impossible not to mention Ksamil, which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country but also the most popular.

Butrint, ancient and mythological

It is the most beautiful site in Albania. He inspired Racine, Virgil, Lord Byron and Eugène Delacroix. The ancient city of Butrint is magical. It would have been founded after the Trojan War by Helenos, the only surviving son of King Priam.

For UNESCO, the site constitutes a “microcosm of the history of the Mediterranean.”

Around, wooded hills, two lakes and the strategic strait of Corfu. The region was declared a national park in 2000.

Gjirokastra, the beautiful citadel with Ottoman architecture

From a distance, it seems a little harsh, dreary, extinct. The houses pile up, we see them as being gray, like the citadel at the top, strong and austere, but, once inside, change of impression. White facades, cobbled streets, friendly locals, lively cafes, real village life and a mosque that must be visited.

Gjirokastra is considered the most beautiful city in Albania.

Walk another 15 minutes east and you’ll come across the city’s most important site, the Citadel. It is massive, huge, 600 meters long, on a rocky spur built by the Byzantines in the fifth century then reinforced by the Ottomans.

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