Hopeful sellers perched by the roadside with “rent a room” signs glistening in the sun is a common sight in up-and-coming Albania.
But as the country’s tourism continues to grow, the big boys have come in to join the plethora of family run hotels which currently dominate this up-and-coming destination.
The Hilton group were one of the first to dip their toes into the former communist country and their flagship hotel in Tirana is not only welcoming, but impressive.
The Hilton Garden Inn is a five-minute bus ride from the busy centre and the perfect setting for exploring Tirana. With 143 rooms over eight floors and great views across the city, this modern hotel has excellent facilities, friendly staff and sumptuous breakfasts!
Ample sized rooms have fabulously comfy beds, modern soothing furnishings, the latest technology and a mini bar complete with complimentary water.
A top floor gym and laundry is open to guests and the airy ground restaurant where breakfasts including local delicacies and cooked food and delicious juices to keep you going all day, are served.
It’s great to try Albanian food and chefs are on hand to rustle up any extras you may be tempted to ask for.
A wonderful way of getting your bearings and a first glimpse of how beautiful Tirana is, comes courtesy of the Albania open hop on and hop off bus tour.
With audio commentary, the bus travels along passed the main landmarks including Skanderbeg Square, the city’s main plaza named after Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, a national hero for leading a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
Dominated by a huge monument, it’s the city’s main meeting point and at 40,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest in the world.
Nearby is the strangely fascinating Pyramid, which was originally built as a museum, but is now a great viewing place.
The Et’hem Bey Mosque has al frescos of trees, waterfalls and bridges and was closed under communist rule. It reopened in 1991, when 10,000 people gathered inside and the police did not intervene.
Art is important in Tirana and two former Cold War bunkers have been transformed into Bunk’Art. One is on the outskirts of the city and gives a comprehensive history, with the second dedicated to important paintings.
A nod to the past comes at The Museum of Secret Surveillance, also known as The House of Leaves. The former maternity hospital is dedicated to telling the story of the communist era and the ways the authorities kept their eyes and ears on locals.
Away from city life and a four-hour drive amongst some of Albania’s most impressive scenery takes you to the country’s riviera. Motorists move fast and animals roam freely, so you need to be confident before going behind the wheel.
Saranda is sandwiched between the blue Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves. With a horseshoe shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade, it’s a divine place to visit and from here you catch a high-speed ferry to the Greek island of Corfu. The remains of the centre where wealthy Jewish families lived, are preserved too.
Perched at the top is the 16th century Lëkurësi Castle, which looks down on a town which is being developed fast.
In fact the whole coastline is stunning, as you drive from Tirana, you take in Albania’s second city of Durrës and nearby Vlorë, both beautiful in their own right and close to Saranda is the village of Ksamil, nicknamed the European Maldives.
Image by Joep Wijsbek from Pixabay
Nearby is the UNESCO world heritage site of Butrint, full of Mediterranean history, with occupation stretching back to 50,000 BC.
Shaded from the summer heat by trees, you can wander and admire the artefacts left by the Romans and the Greeks and there is a museum crammed full of statues and works of art.
High in the mountains is the sweet town of Gjirokastër, again protected by UNSECO and overlooked by a fortress and simply lovely to stroll around, with cobbled streets and small family run cafés. Here Qifqi (rice balls mixed with eggs, mint, salt and black pepper and fried in olive oil) are only sold locally.
It’s a beautiful spot in a country which is full of fascination. With low-cost carriers flying from the UK and a new airport due to open in March 2025 at Vlorë, now is a great time to plan a visit to this up and coming country.
Fact Box:
For more information to help you plan your trip, please visit: www.albania.al
Accommodation: The Hilton Garden Inn is an ideal location for central Tirana and has a wide choice of rooms to suit all requirements. See www.hilton.com for latest offers.
Flights: Low-cost carriers fly to Albania from all major UK airports.
Parking and extras: Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers. Last year its customers saved an average of £191 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance which means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus, with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. For more information please visit: www.holidayextras.com or call 0800 316 5678.
Once in Albania, Europcar is a great option for rentals with unlimited mileage and excellent insurance options.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
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