Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Shkodra on social media on Sunday, accompanied by comments from foreign tourists expressing their admiration for the area’s natural beauty and their experiences exploring the region.

“Transformed, increasingly beautiful and welcoming, Shkodra has become one of the favourite destinations for tourists from around the world visiting Albania,” Rama wrote.

In their accounts, visitors praised Albania’s diverse landscapes, from mountains and lakes to rivers and beaches, as well as its local cuisine.

“Albania is a wonderful country and we want to come back. It offers extraordinary nature, adventure and everything you could ask for: stunning landscapes, lakes, rivers, mountains, fantastic beaches and excellent food,” one visitor said.

Shkodra is particularly appreciated for its unique combination of natural attractions, with a lake, river and mountains surrounding the city, as well as the hospitality of its residents.

“I’m from Scotland, and there is everything here. We wanted to go hiking in nature, and that is the main reason we came,” a young woman travelling with the group said.

The group’s tour guide said he was proud of his hometown.

“I’m proud of Shkodra because it has everything: mountains, a lake, a river and wonderful people who make this city a special destination for visitors,” he said.

The city’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor activities make it an appealing choice for travellers looking to explore Albania beyond its traditional coastal destinations.

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A large group of international visitors recently took part in a hands-on gastronomic experience at Castle Park, where they learned to prepare traditional Albanian dishes, from rolling pastry dough and making byrek to cleaning and chopping fresh vegetables. The event also featured Albanian wine, music and traditional dancing.

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday shared images of the gathering on social media, highlighting the growing appeal of culinary tourism in the historic southern city.

Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat remains one of Albania’s most visited destinations throughout the year. Visitors are drawn to its cobbled streets, hilltop castle and the historic quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, renowned for their distinctive Ottoman-era architecture.

The city’s museums, churches and mosques continue to attract tourists interested in Albania’s cultural and historical heritage, while demand for experiential tourism has expanded beyond traditional sightseeing.

In addition to its rich history, Berat is becoming increasingly popular for nature- and adventure-based tourism. Nearby attractions such as agritourism villages, Mount Tomorr, Bogova Waterfall and the Osum Canyons have become integral parts of the region’s tourism offering, helping diversify visitor experiences and extend stays in the area.

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Visitors experienced the warmth of local guesthouses, shared communal meals, and enjoyed performances of traditional polyphony alongside a symbolic journey to the Melan Tekke. The program featured concerts, including by singer Agona Shporta and the Nepravishta Polyphonic Group, as well as an open-air screening of Gentian Koçi’s acclaimed film Daybreak.

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday shared images from the event, inviting Albanians and foreign visitors alike to discover the cultural wealth and unique atmosphere of the village.

Nepravishta has recently joined Albania’s candidacy in the UN World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages” program, following Voskopojë, which was successfully recognized. The initiative seeks to highlight rural communities with outstanding tourism potential, while promoting sustainable development and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

The village is home to several historical landmarks, including Melan Castle, the Paleochristian Church of Manastareqi, and the Melan Tekke, believed to stand on the remnants of the ancient Illyrian city of Antigonea or another yet-unidentified settlement. The protected area of Melan Castle, designated a cultural monument in 1963, spans 87,000 square meters and is renowned for its centuries-old chestnut groves.

Nepravishta also offers remarkable natural attractions, notably its karst spring, known as Vriz, with crystal-clear, cold waters that form a striking landscape valued for its scientific, geological, hydrological and ecological significance. Recognized as a natural monument, it adds to the area’s appeal for hikers, researchers and eco-tourists alike.

With its blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and enduring traditions, Nepravishta is fast emerging as one of Albania’s most promising rural destinations, complementing the wider appeal of Gjirokastra and the country’s southern tourism circuit.

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Supported by Tirana Municipality and under the initiative “Tirana – Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2025,” the URF Center hosted the event “Art & Cultural Heritage in Tirana” at the Reja Center.

The event featured a painting and photography competition for youth, live music, and a public exhibition.

During the event, which bridged generations through art, a professional jury evaluated submissions and awarded three main prizes.

The top photography prize went to Lorela Lamçe for a photo titled “Fërgesa of Tirana by Grandma Vjollca,” capturing traditional and local cuisine reflecting the capital’s popular heritage.

The top painting award was given to Gentiana Beqiri, whose colorful portrait depicted her grandmother knitting with needles while seated on a sofa.

All participants received certificates of appreciation. The event, promoting tradition through art, attracted considerable attention from both locals and tourists.

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