Albania Holidays....Europe's last Secret

One of the most ancient civilisations in Europe, Albania is a fascinating and surprising country, blessed with superb beaches, some fine countryside and a people renowned for their welcoming nature and friendly hospitality. Since 1998 Albania has had one of the most stable democracies in Europe. Thirteen western countries including Great Britain, the USA, France and Germany have a full Embassy presence.

There has been a huge investment by the British, Italians and Turks. British Airways flies daily from London Gatwick to Tirana. The road system and the quality of the main roads are the envy of many neighbouring states. Internet, wireless and international TV are widely available. Tourism is playing a big part in the new development, especially around the coastal resort of Durres where there are hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars and shopping malls to suit all tastes. The beaches are probably the best in the Mediterranean outside Sardinia and Corsica, with miles and miles of perfect sand. Some basic facts:

The population is 4 million, of which about 1 million work overseas and repatriate their earnings, a boon to the emerging economy.

The coastal area from the Montenegro border to Durres and Tirana is relatively flat. Inland are forest clad mountains with the highest peak at 2751m. There are lakes, rivers and waterfalls and the countryside always seems green. Albania can feed itself and healthy cattle, sheep and goats graze in the lush meadows. With its Mediterranean climate it is no surprise to find a profusion of fruit, vegetables, olives, flowers and vineyards. A lengthy Adriatic coastline ensures plentiful seafood whilst lakes and rivers provide freshwater salmon and trout. Albania is a healthy and harmonious blend of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and Islam and it is the birthplace of Mother Theresa.

The Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Turks, Normans, Serbs and others from the Balkans have all intruded. Despite the invasions and infiltration of other cultures, Albanians have remained distinctive in appearance and language. Directly from the Illyrian, no other language is remotely similar.

There is so much mystery and misinformation about Albania that we can vouch that any visitor will find a land beyond imagination. ‘Seeing is believing’ is a well-heeled cliché, but you really do need to see Albania to dispel your misconceptions. And such is the pace of development, it would be wise to visit sooner rather than later if you want to capture the spirit of this country on the march! Like Cuba, the charm of the present may not be there for too much longer.