Is Albania on your bucket list?

Albania is not the first place on most people’s must-see list, but it should be. In the first of four posts, Getaway’s Peter Frost reports back on this ancient, good-value Balkan country.

Albania – really?

Yes, really. The Balkan Peninsula has been attracting tourists in large numbers since the end of the Bosnian war in 1995. It’s relatively close to Western Europe, diverse and beautiful and cheaper than other parts of the Mediterranean.

Most visitors to the Balkans head to Slovenia and the coastal countries of Croatia and Montenegro, drawn by the warm waters of the Dalmatian Coast. Albania is further south, much cheaper and has its own attractions; the Albanian Riviera around Drymades in the south, the ancient, historic forts and castles across the country and the Accursed Mountains in the north.

So it’s cheaper?

Much. Albania, unlike Croatia or Slovenia, is not part of the EU, meaning it doesn’t use the Euro. You get far more for your Lek than your Euro, good news for South Africans. Food is considerably cheaper, as is accommodation. Fuel is on a par with the region.

Is it safe?

Yes. The Balkans has seen its fair share of conflict over the years but it’s now a peaceful region. Across Albania, Muslims and Christians live together in relative harmony. Petty theft is rare and it’s sobering to see cars unlocked and possessions left in cafes and bars.

Where do I go?

Tirana is the capital, a bustling, modern city. Visitors interested in architecture find it totally fascinating – Albania was a Communist country for decades (it has been Socialist since 1992) and the collection of Brutalist and Modern buildings and monuments is astonishing.

Three hours south of Tirana is the Albanian Riviera, the coast along the Ionian Sea. It rivals the nearby Greek Islands for special beaches, quaint villages and trendy resorts. All that but at a fraction of the cost of either Greece or Croatia, further north.

READ: Phuket holiday special: A seven-day getaway for two for R999

The Accursed Mountains are in the far north, served by the historic town of Tamarë. The Accurseds are part of the Alps, but formed by intense glacial activity, resulting in sheer cliffs and towering peaks. Shared by Montenegro and Bosnia, they are some of the wildest mountains in the world, largely unexplored.

Albania need to know

• South Africans need a visa which costs R570. Applications are online and passports need to go to the Albanian consulate in Pretoria. Tel 011-884-1617.
• The unit of currency is the Lek. One rand is equivalent to 6,5 lek.
• Flights arrive typically in the capital, Tirana from across Europe and the Middle East.
• Albanians drive on the right side of the road.
• The Albanian road infrastructure is surprisingly good. Car hire is widespread and is generally cheaper than Europe or other Balkan countries. Driving from Europe down the Balkan Peninsula is possible (and recommended!), but check with your hire car company that out-of-EU travel is allowed.

Pictures: Peter Frost

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