A rapidly developing country with an old world charm
Five years ago I made a bold prediction that Albania would become the next big destination in Europe (Please read Albania 2010 and 2011) It looks like in my prediction I was not that far off as Tirana and all of Albania have changed so much in this time, FOR THE BETTER. I love it here!!!!! Between food and cafes and bars, your options are limitless for a very cheap holiday!!!!
(Read about American Sports Bar in Tirana)
With an influx of foreign investment, great public transportation, as well as an amazing service industry, this place is expanding for tourism at an exponential rate.
Question: What is a George Bush statue doing in a few thousand person town in Albania?
Answer: He was the first US President to visit post Communist Albania. They named the square after him and erected a statue
FREE ALBANIA WALKING TOUR!!!!!!
I had an opportunity to hang out with an Albanian local named Gazi for a better part of my stay here and he showed me around as well as took me down south to see some of the other small towns.
Gazi has his own tour company and is an excellent guide that knows so much about the history, geography, and culture of not just Tirana, but all all over Albania and the Balkan Region. He can give you an in depth look at what is what like growing up in Communist times and how it differs from now. He gives the only free walking tour in all of Tirana and takes you to the main points in the city center. He also does different day or overnight excursions to other hot spots all around the country. He can tailor your experience to whatever you want it to be.
His website and information is found here:
He took me all around to different parts of the south and also to places a little nearer to Tirana. Thank you Gazi for all you did as I consider you a very good friend!!!!
Besides Tirana, this country has very good places to visit. Some of the towns take you back to a time where people lived a simple life years ago, and some are thriving tourists destinations!!!!!! You have anything from Greek and Roman Ruins, to Ottoman style Castles and fortresses in which people live inside the walls and they have started making hotels in them. The pictures do not lie about this magnificent beautiful country!!!
Tirana(Capital and most Cosmopolitan City)
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Kruje(fortress on a hill and also home to liberal Muslim Sect)
Elbasan(Ottoman Fortress)
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Gjirokaster(Unesco City)
Apolonia(Greek and Roman Ruins)
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Berat(Middle Age Fortress overlooking the city)
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Durres(Coastal and Second biggest city)
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