Albania - hidden Europe for little money
There is a small country on the Balkan Peninsula called Albania. It is not super popular even among European travelers, but it can offer every visitor no less than Croatia, Italy or Spain. Albania is considered one of the cheapest in Europe, so even people with limited financial resources can have a great time on its territory. Let’s get to know this magnificent country better and discover how it can surprise us.
Accessibility of Albania for travelers
Discovering Europe, many travelers go to well-known countries, where everything is designed to empty tourists’ wallets. However, if you expand the geography of your trips a little and go to Albania, you can get the same thing, but for less money. The secret of this country’s financial accessibility lies in its status. Albania is not a leader in the tourism industry, which is why many travelers bypass it. Local authorities and entrepreneurs deliberately lower prices to make it more attractive to tours. This allows people to relax even when they have minimal financial resources. Another reason for Albania’s accessibility is the low exchange rate of the local currency, called Lek. It is almost 100 times cheaper than the American dollar, which affects prices and makes them lower than in countries that make payments in euros.
Places to visit
Albania may be a small country, but travelers should visit many unique places in its territory. To get around all popular locations as quickly as possible, you need to rent a suitable vehicle or purchase it in advance at an online auction where ordinary or classic salvage cars for sale.
Butrint National Archaeological Park
One of Albania’s main prides is Butrint. This national archaeological park is replete with a variety of man-made sites. Many of them have been preserved from ancient times when the modern territory of the country was under the rule of the Roman Empire. In this regard, in Butrint, everyone can see a likeness of the famous Colosseum and parts of surviving other buildings, built in the same way as the architectural landmarks of the modern Italian capital. Butrint also has many unique natural sites. Most are located along the Vivari Strait and on the unusual island of Ksamil.
Berat Castle
This unique architectural object is located in the city of Berat. It was built over 700 years ago on a high rocky hill, where the surrounding area is visible. Berat Castle is a symbol of Albania for many citizens of the country. It contains history and demonstrates how strong the influence of the conquerors was on architecture. To get to the castle, you need to overcome a relatively long hike, which will take you to a height of 214 meters. Once you arrive at your destination, you can admire the fantastic scenery and get a bird’s eye view of the city of Berat.
Albanian Riviera
The country’s southwest has a unique piece of land called the Albanian Riviera. Along 130 km, you will find dozens of ideal beaches with clean white sand where you can relax, swim and bask in the sun. Along the coast, there are many small cafes and restaurants where you can try national Albanian dishes and gorge on inexpensive fresh seafood. Travelers will have no problems with entertainment either. The Albanian Riviera offers a variety of water sports, diving, hiking and more.
Blue Eye of Theth
Many people call Blue Eye the natural pearl of Albania. It is a fabulous pond surrounded on all sides by rocks. Its water has an emerald color, contrasting with the background of gray stones and creating a perfect picture. A waterfall feeds this reservoir. It carries a ton of ice-cold water and is one of Albania’s top 5 most photographed objects. Due to the massive popularity of Blue Eye, it is easy to get to. It is best to drive to the small settlement of Nderlysaj and then go to the country’s famous attractions on foot. Such a walk will only take a few tens of minutes so that it won’t tire you.
Dajti Ekspres cable car
All travelers must visit Tirana. Albania’s capital is a quaint city with always something to see and do. However, the first thing you need to do is run to buy a ticket for Dajti Ekspres. It is very cheap so that it won’t ruin even poor tourists. This cable car will give you a 15-minute ride you will never forget for the rest of your life. In a short time, you will see Tirana and its beauty and numerous rock formations, mountain settlements, small farms, and local nature. All these views will help you appreciate the splendor of the Albanian capital and its surrounding area.
Albania is one of the best European countries to travel to. It lets you have much fun and rest from home for relatively little money. Once you visit this country, you will want to return to its magnificent landscapes, ideal beaches, and unique architectural and natural attractions. All this will make you feel incomparable emotions that will remain with you until your next trip.