Albania

The Southeast European country of Albania has become a significant tourist attraction in recent years, and its historical sites and natural resorts attract thousands of people per year.

Albania shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece from the north and the east. Its western and southwestern part meets the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea.

Because of its different latitudes and its proximity to the sea, the country boasts a varied climate. The coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, while the temperature gets lower going northwards to the Albanian Alps.

The country's official language is Albanian, with people of some areas also speaking some dialects of Greek. The government has no official religion, although most of the country is Muslim. It also has many Catholics who mostly live in the northern part of the country.

 

The Main Attractions in Albania’s Largest Cities

Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and its largest city. The city was founded in 1614 under the Ottoman rule and gained further prominence. It has been the centre stage of turmoils engulfing the country, from the Serbian occupation during the Balkan Wars of 1912-13 to the 2018 student protests.

Among the must-visit attractions, we must mention the Grand Park of Tirana, a public park in the city's south. Often known as the "Lung of the City" for the diversity of its plants, the park includes the Botanical Garden of Tirana, an educational centre with around 2000 species of plants and diverse areas of study.

Tirana is also home to the most important museums in the country. National History Museum, to name one, contains some of the wealthiest collections with objects ranging from antiquity to modern times.

 

Durrës

The second-most populous city in Albania, Durrës, is a coastal city, facing the Adriatic Sea. Having Aleksandër Moisiu Theatre and hosting the International Film Summerfest of Durrës, the city holds a major place in the country’s cultural heritage.

Durrës is the seat of the largest archaeological museum in the country, called Durrës Archaeological Museum. It contains a collection of artefacts from Ancient Greek to the Roman period. Durrës Castle, built by a Byzantine Emperor in the 1st century BC, is also a historical structure worth visiting.

The large bodies of water, such as Kallmi Beach, on the Adriatic Sea coast, are the city's main highlight, and it attracts a lot of tourists and visitors. 

 

Vlorë

Vlorë is another prominent coastal city in Albania and was the centre of the Albanian renaissance in 1912. It was the first capital of Albania after independence and lost its status after several cycles of invasions and occupation. The Independence Monument in Sheshi i Flamurit was created in memory of the first Albanian government serving in the city.

The Blue Eyes is another interesting site to pay a visit. It is a natural water spring characterised by a range of oak and sycamore trees.

Ali Pasha Castle, attributed to Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, and Kaninë Castle, are among the most important historical structures in the city. Zvernec Monastery and Muradie Mosque are also of major religious significance.

 

Elbasan

Located in central Albania, Elbasan is the fourth most populated city. It was an important urban centre in the Ottoman Empire. Most of its beautiful landmarks speak of its Ottoman history.

Elbasan Castle, or Kalaja e Elbasanit, is a 15th-century structure, whose Turkish bath dating back to the 19th century is very well preserved and attracts tourists. Inside the walls of the castle, there are restaurants and cafés and the King Mosque, a remnant of the Ottoman era. Naziresha Mosque is another cultural landmark and has undergone some renovations following an earthquake in 1920. 

 

Paymán Club Accommodations in Albania

Paymán Club currently offers one property in Albania, and it is in the capital city of Tirana. It has one cosy room with all the essential amenities including Wi-Fi, a laptop-friendly workspace, heating, towels, iron, hot water, and free parking on the premises.