“CN Traveller”: Albania Among the Best Balkan Destinations to Visit

– The Balkans is a region of mountains, beaches, waterfalls, and many beautiful places to visit, writes Christopher Beanland in the British travel outlet “CN Traveller.”

The region looks like a meeting point of Western Europe and Eastern Europe.

This intertwining is visible in the different foods, cultures, and religions found in the Balkan countries.

Tourists who know these places well have been coming to the Balkans for years, mainly because travel costs less and there are fewer visitors than in many Western European countries.

However, only recently have tourism experts themselves been discovering this region more.

The author says he has visited the Balkans for about 10 years.

During these travels, he has traveled by train from Mostar to Sarajevo, through mountainous areas.

He has also visited Skopje and seen the buildings and traces of the city’s modern plans created in the 1960s.

He also mentions the cable car ride up Mount Dajti, near Tirana.

A new reason to visit the Balkans

According to the author, one of the significant changes this year relates to the EES system, the new European system for registering visitors’ entries and exits at the borders of Schengen Area countries.

The implementation of this system has caused queues and waits at several European border points and airports.

For this reason, the author says some tourists are looking with more interest at Balkan countries that are not part of the Schengen Area.

This group includes Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia.

The mountains and nature of the Balkans

The Balkans has a very diverse nature, with mountains, valleys, lakes, and coastline.

The region’s mountain landscapes are particularly impressive.

In many areas there are no giant hotels or large tourist complexes.

This makes the Balkans seem calmer and less overcrowded than some other European destinations.

The mountains offer many opportunities for hiking, walking, and outdoor activities.

One of the best-known trails is the “Peaks of the Balkans.”

This is a hiking itinerary about 200 kilometers long that passes through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Nature holidays and wellness tourism

Besides mountain hiking, holidays linked to relaxation and wellness are becoming increasingly popular in the Balkans.

These places offer opportunities to rest away from noise and crowds.

Unlike large tourist resorts in other parts of Europe, many of these structures in the Balkans are smaller.

Visitors can stay in spa centers, enjoy nature, and spend time in quiet settings.

They can swim in lakes, go paddleboarding, or walk on mountain trails where there are fewer tourists.

Paddleboarding is an activity where you stand on a long board that floats on the water and move using a paddle.

The coastal areas of the Balkans also have an advantage.

They have many small bays, more secluded beaches, and blue waters.

The Balkans and ecotourism

Balkan countries are trying to develop tourism without building too many giant hotels and resorts.

Instead, they are giving more importance to ecotourism.

Ecotourism is a way of traveling that aims to protect nature and limit environmental damage.

Balkan cities are attracting more tourists

Tourists are also discovering Balkan cities that until now have not been among Europe’s main tourist destinations.

Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, is described as an interesting and welcoming city.

The city has socialist-era murals and buildings with distinctive architecture.

One of the best-known buildings is the National Library of Kosovo.

It was designed by architect Andrija Mutnjaković in 1982.

The building has a very distinctive appearance and was inspired by elements of traditional architecture, including mosque domes.

Durrës and Skopje

Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city, is also attracting more and more attention.

One reason is its proximity to Albanian beaches, which are becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

Meanwhile, Skopje attracts tourists interested in modern architecture.

According to the article, the Balkans has much to offer, both in cities and in mountainous and natural areas.

It is precisely for this reason that the author has selected several destinations in the region that, in his view, tourists should have on their list of places to visit.

Albania’s coastline

With the significant rise in prices in Greece, Albania is a very attractive choice for seaside holidays.

In the Bay of Gjipe, visitors can go on foot, via a nature trail, and stay at a campsite, just a few meters from the soft sand and impressive cliffs.

Mirrors Beach, near Saranda, is a quiet and secluded place known for its clear blue water.

Its beauty may make you think about coming back again.

According to the article, Albania is moving toward a more sophisticated and sustainable form of tourism, with tourist structures that emphasize design and lower environmental impact.

In Dhermi, the “Zoe Hora” hotel presents a different model of tourism development.

The hotel was built by merging several houses into a single complex and gives special importance to architecture and design.

In Durrës, the “Aragosta” restaurant offers sea views and serves various dishes, including fish pizza, meatballs, and trileçe, a dessert prepared with milk and covered in caramel.

In Tirana, the article also suggests visiting the Pyramid, which has been restored and reopened as a cultural center.

The Albanian capital is undergoing significant urban changes, with more pedestrian spaces and open-air art projects.