Walking in Albania’s Accursed Mountains in the north is gaining momentum but not much is written about opportunities in the south. However, change is happening and previously hidden gems of this post-Soviet era country are fast becoming must-see destinations.
Sandwiched between Greece and neighbouring Montenegro to the north, Albania occupies a prime position at a point where the Adriatic and Ionian seas converge, just across from popular Puglia in the heel of Italy. In fact, Corfu is less than two nautical miles off the coast of Southern Albania too!
Here are seven reasons why your next walking holiday should be in Southern Albania:
Lack of other tourists
At present Tirana is Albania’s only airport which caters for the tourist trade. The low-cost airlines have yet to make a foothold and as such, Albania remains untouched by mass tourism. Albania cries out to those who like to be the first to visit new destinations and a short two hour transfer from Tirana to the coastal town of Vlore opens up a gateway to the beautiful south.
LLogara National Park
Hike through the scenic Llogara National Park – 1,010 hectares of thriving flora and fauna and where you can look out for over 100 species of wildlife and birds including deer, wild cats and foxes. Many of the trees in the park have taken beautiful shapes - formed by the different air currents. The Karaburun Peninsula is only accessible by boat or on foot and is a truly wild hiking experience with some superb sea views.
Beautiful unspoiled coastline
Albania is blessed with 400 kilometres of rugged scenic coastline dotted with the most sought-after golden sandy beaches and secluded coves imaginable. (We all know how popular the beaches in Greece and nearby Croatia have become!). Dhermi and Qeparo are two of Albania’s most beautiful golden-sand beaches flanked by olive trees and citrus plantations and lapped by a clear azure-tinted sea. Not many will be able to resist a cooling dip in these inviting waters.
Butrint UNESCO World Heritage Site
Butrint is home to some very impressive archaeological treasures spanning 2,500 years, including a 4th century BC amphitheatre (which is still in use today), a Roman built Basilica and a Venetian fortress. The wooded peaceful setting of the site adds to its unique charm and even if looking at ancient sites isn’t top of your list you will undoubtedly enjoy walking around this calming coastal location.
Beautifully preserved Ottoman town of Gjirocaster
Set between the towering Gjerë Mountains and the Drino River, an initial impression of Gjirocaster’s grey-slate roof buildings belies the beauty beneath – pretty houses with original stone slate rooves and timbered shutters lining decoratively cobbled streets. The town’s 13th century fortress sits at the highest point, and from where you get a magnificent view of the town and surrounding countryside.
Food and hospitality
If you value fresh home-grown produce you will be delighted by Albanian fare which is locally-farmed, seasonal and very tasty, with influences from Italian, Greek and other Balkan cookery. Lamb features heavily on menus, together with a sheep’s feta cheese called kaçkavall. Trout and ham are also widely eaten but fear not vegetarians – there will be plenty of lovely fresh bread, vegetables, salads, pickles and bean soup to choose from – you certainly won’t go hungry!
Capital city of Tirana – don’t miss a visit before you leave
Albania’s capital city of Tirana is a bustling hive of activity, having shaken off its grey reputation of Stalinist rule in favour of plenty of splashes of colour on the once drab architecture. Café culture is thriving so sit back and relax with your coffee and pastry as you take in this vibrant city and reflect on your walking travels further south.
Join our guided-group trip to southern Albania or contact the team for more information.
