Blick: History, Beaches and Hospitality in Albania

It was the first time I went to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Besides vacationing at the Durres Beach in 2006, I had never been here, while passport control worker was very polite while informing me of”, says author Fanol Aydari.

13 years later, as an Albanian from Presevo Valley, I return to my roots after a very long time. First of all, this country no doubt has more to offer than corruption, crime, and drug trafficking!

Colors of a Designed City

THE new, picturesque and vivid “is the best way to describe Albania's capital. Whether in” Square Skenderbej” does not have any events, you will find yourself at a bar or cafe or do shopping in stores with the latest fashion products.

It wasn't always like this. For a long time, the population has been isolated from the outside world during the communist regime (1944 until the early 1990s). To give Tirana a vivid view, the old houses roofs have been subject to restoration over the past few years.

But history remains: At the entrance of the former Block area, where the entry of ordinary citizens during communism was prohibited, today it is a memorial complex to remind the victims of communism under the direction of Enver Hoxha (1941-1985) and the Socialist People's Republic of Albania.

Construction boom in Tourist Fortresss

Before heading south, we took the elevator to climb to the top of the tower called” Sky Tower”, where you could enjoy the city's magnificent view.

Then we continued our journey along the tourist attractions of Vlora, Ksamil, and Saranda. I think the Albanian Renaissance is really beautiful and affordable, just as it is promoted online; beaches are fantastic and water is crystal.

They're all over cheap, half-finished hotels. The locals are very kind.

All of this shows that entrepreneurs compete with each other on who can build bigger and more luxurious hotels.

The Fascinating View of the Castle of Gjirokastra

Farther south, almost on the border with Greece, is a historic city on the slope of the Far Mountain, the stone city. It is the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania's best-known writer Ismail Kadare (“Castle” or “Kronic on stone”). He received that name from the gray roofs of stone stones and stone cobblestones.

Even more impressive is the fortress that dominates Gjirokastra. While there is a World War II weapons museum in it, there is a spectacular view of the mountain landscape, the Drino Valley, and the heart of the old city.

Old city: If you like traditional and reasonable food, you have to visit the restaurant” There you will find delicious meatballs and candies.

Albanian Hospitality

Another suggestion is the city of Berat. This old town like Gjirokastra is part of U cultural heritage NESTO. I visited my last day and became convinced that it was really cherry on cake.

If you are interested in food, the most important thing: I suggest to you the small restaurant that offers traditional cooking” Lily” that is slightly hidden, but once it stands before its eyes, it is clear that the effort is worth it. In the background of Albanian hospitality, the owner Lily, who worked in Zurich, shows us the dishes on a large table prepared by his wife. More authenticity is not possible! We chose stuffed eggplants, cognates, chicken rice and yogurt and home wine. The whole feast was closed with a glass of brandy, which we drink with Lily.

Various Lands With Beautiful Beaches

In Berat you can see multiple houses with tall windows, and that's why the place is called “City of one on a window”. In 1961 Berat was officially declared a city-muse city. Construction of the new buildings is strictly prohibited in the three old Mangalem, Gorica and Calaya neighbourhoods. The castle area is decorated with many small stone houses, different churches, and glass ruins. It is worth visiting the”Onufri” museum, where the works of the prominent Albanian iconography of the same name are found.

Berat is the end of my journey. After seeing so many Communist bunkers and flags with the two-headed eagle, I returned from Tirana to Switzerland.

Although my vision may be a bit turbulent, I am sure that Albania is such a very diverse country of virgin nature, amazing shores and interesting stories. And despite tourists always rushing, locals have remained equally hospitable and useful.