Albanian beaches: a detailed story about the resorts of the Albanian Riviera and useful tips for tourists. Albania beaches

Albania is a hidden gem mediterranean sea. Rest on the clean beaches of the Adriatic, the tiny capital of Tirana, the most beautiful nature and cultural attractions, and also a generous cuisine. Everything about Albania from the Subtleties of tourism: maps, tours, photos and reviews of tourists.

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The most understudied by the general tourist community Balkan country, Albania is comfortably nestled by the gentle waves of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, surrounded by its more popular coastal neighbors - Greece and Montenegro. For many years, Albania has remained isolated from the world, which is why most know sadly little about its wealthy cultural heritage And beautiful nature with picturesque canyons and beautiful clean beaches. Local population hospitable in a Balkan way, which is expressed in abundant and delicious food, more than reasonable prices on tours and a respectful, if not loving, attitude towards anyone who showed an interest in their modest country.

No wonder the slogan of the National Tourism Office reads: "Albania - new love in the Mediterranean." In a word, they are waiting for us there, which means we have to go!

Regions and resorts of Albania

Time difference with Moscow

− 2 hours summer −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

In Albania soft mediterranean climate with fairly hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. average temperature July on the coast +28...+32 °С, January - +8...+10 °С. High summer temperatures on the coast are easily tolerated due to the constantly blowing Mediterranean breeze. Tourist season lasts from May to September, but it is also comfortable to be outdoors in April and October. About 300 per year sunny days. In early spring And late autumn it's raining. In the mountains of Albania, the climate is much colder - in winter the temperature can drop to -20 ° C, and there is snow above 1000 m for most of the year.

Visa and customs

Every year during the summer period, citizens of the Russian Federation can enter Albania without a visa for up to 90 days. For the rest of the year, a visa and medical insurance are required for the entire duration of the trip.

It is allowed to import any items for personal use into Albania, including jewelry, photo and video equipment. The import of local currency is strictly prohibited, but you can take foreign currency with you without restrictions. Tobacco, alcoholic beverages and perfumes are allowed across the border in reasonable quantities: up to 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco), up to 1 liter of strong alcohol, up to 2 liters of wine, from perfumes - a maximum of 50 ml of perfume or 250 ml of eau de toilette.

Pets will not be allowed in without a veterinary passport, a microchip and a certificate of vaccination against rabies.

It is forbidden to import weapons and explosives, drugs, pornography and any materials that offend national dignity. For the export of products made of precious metals, ancient coins and scrolls, antiques and art objects, you must present a document confirming the purchase. Antiquities - even stones with archaeological sites- they cannot leave the country: they will have to be content with copies of ancient artifacts sold everywhere.

How to get to Albania

Albania has 5 airports, but international flights accepts only one - them. Mother Teresa, 11 km northwest of Tirana. There are no direct flights from Russia, but you can easily get there with transfers. The cheapest tickets from Moscow are offered " Aegean Airlines»: from 100 EUR one way, departure from Domodedovo, docking in Athens, travel time - from 5 hours 45 minutes. The same carrier has routes with two transfers in tandem with Olympic Air: from 180 EUR one way, almost a day on the road with stops in Thessaloniki and Athens. Prices on the page are for July 2018.

"Pegasus Airlines" carries from Domodedovo via Istanbul for 200 EUR in one direction and 6 hours, "Pobeda" and " Turkish Airlines» - from Vnukovo with a similar connection for 210 EUR and 22.5 hours. The fastest flights are with Air Serbia: exactly 5 hours from Sheremetyevo via Belgrade, tickets - from 325 EUR one way.

Police - 19, fire service - 18, ambulance - 17.

Albanian beaches

The climate of Albania is subtropical Mediterranean, ideal for a beach holiday. Summer is dry, hot, sunny - you just need to stock up on SPF products and choose a shore to your liking: on the Ionian Sea, the beaches are mostly rocky, popular with athletes and party-goers, on the Adriatic - sandy, suitable for families with children. Almost all are free, well maintained, not too crowded and very picturesque.

One of the most famous resorts Ionian coast - Saranda, the beginning of the "floral Riviera". Within the city there are several pebble beaches, the water in the bay is clean, nearby pedestrian embankment with cafes and souvenir shops, the infrastructure is developed - there are amenities, sun loungers, and scooter rentals.

Nearby is the town of Ksamil with a bulk sandy beach and a dazzling blue sea - many wealthy Albanians build summer cottages here. Of the amenities, however, only sun loungers and umbrellas, but the shore is girded with a necklace of tiny uninhabited islets, which are easy to swim on your own or on a catamaran.

Dermi - luxury resort in the middle of a 5-kilometer beach stretching between the Karaburun peninsula and the monastery of St. Theodore. During the day you can ride catamarans and jet skis, in the evening you can dance at beach parties. Vlora is a resort boundary between two seas: there are sandy, pebbly and rocky areas, noisy and quiet, equipped and untouched by civilization.

A set of umbrella and sunbed costs an average of 300 ALL per day.

The largest city in Adriatic coast- Durres, boiling sea ​​port. It is better not to swim within the city, but in the suburbs, for example, in Cherret, the water is clean, the sand is well-groomed, there are no crowds, the air is saturated with the aromas of pines. The coast of Shengjin is also landscaped, framed by coniferous forests.

Not far from Tirana, Lalzit Bay splashes - warm, clear waters wash the coast of soft white sand. And Pogradec stands on Lake Ohrid, in all respects reminiscent of the sea: the shore is sandy, the water is clear, the bottom is flat - expanse for kids and their parents.

The best photos of Albania

Diving

Albania is not as popular a dive destination as, for example, neighboring Italy and Greece, but this is a plus: there are few people, the water is clean and transparent, the prices are quite adequate. Most right time for diving - the period from May to September, but if you wish, you can dive at least all spring, summer and autumn.

The water temperature in summer is +23 ... +26 ° С, visibility in most locations is 10-15 m, the main beauties lurk at a depth of 20-30 m, some wrecks - even at 50 m. There are no strong currents, along the coast there are sites for both experienced divers and beginners. For the latter, by the way, there are several schools teaching in all popular destinations with the issuance of official certificates.

Among the underwater treasures of Albania - numerous caves, reefs and wrecks. The picturesque Cape Kepi Rodonit near Shengjin, the waters of Himara sparkling in the sun, tiny islands off the coast of Ksamil - everywhere you can watch marine life, study the details of the sandy or rocky bottom.

Most popular place for fans of snorkeling, scuba diving and freediving - the coast of Saranda: it is there that the Italian cargo ship, which sank during the Second World War, and the 70-meter Albanian minesweeper rest. Off the coast of Vlora, the car ferry "Antonio" was flooded, not far from Ksamil - an impressive Chinese frigate. And in the national marine park"Karaburun-Sazan" is inhabited by sharks, sea turtles, dolphins and monk seals.

shopping

You can’t call Albania a shopaholic’s paradise, but you can definitely find a couple of pleasant souvenirs. It is enough to look at local markets and colorful shops bursting with all sorts of ethnics. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the products of artisans: wooden and bone figurines, woven and knitted napkins, dishes, copper and silver jewelry.

The most original knickknack is an ashtray in the form of a bunker: concrete structures similar to mushrooms and designed for one person are dug into the ground all over the country - the dictator Hoxha was obsessed with a threat from the outside and built 700 thousand mini-fortresses for his citizens.

The home collection of alcohol should be replenished with the prestigious award-winning Korcha beer, Skanderbeg cognac and rakija vodka, reminiscent of either Georgian chacha or Arabic arak. From edible souvenirs we recommend olives from Vlore, olive oil and fragrant spices from the south.

In Albania, they sell really high-quality Christmas decorations: handmade from thin glass, painted with traditional patterns, worth 120-4000 ALL. Even more status gifts are luxurious carpets produced since the 16th century (real ones - 16,000-30,000 ALL), National costumes(price similar) and fine jewelry. But copies of ancient works, sold everywhere, are inexpensive - from 3500 ALL.

Most Albanian shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00, but tourist-oriented outlets are open longer and receive visitors even on weekends.

There are full-fledged shopping malls in Tirana with clothes of international brands: for example, Tirana East Gate is one of the largest shopping centers Balkans. Famous in Kruja old market with some of the lowest prices in the country. And the end of February is the time of grandiose sales: discounts reach 70-85%!

Cuisine and restaurants of Albania

400 years of Ottoman rule were not in vain: Albanian cuisine is based on Turkish traditions. Rewritten in a new way, combined with Italian and Greek subjects in a very unusual gastronomic mix. In the north they prefer fish and vegetables, in the central regions - meat, in the south - seafood and vegetable products. All this is generously seasoned with fragrant spices.

Favorite breakfast - wheat or corn bread with butter, cheese or jam mixed with yogurt, tea or coffee. For lunch, you should try the lamb “tave kozi”, stewed until soft and baked in a mixture of eggs and Greek yogurt, or homemade sausages “chebapi” made from ground beef and lamb. Seafood dishes are good for dinner: sea bass with tomatoes, brodetto soup with crab, risotto with all sorts of additives that recently plied the coastal waters.

In Albania, there are cozy family restaurants with authentic cuisine and numerous eateries with European, Italian, South American menus. A snack in fast food costs 500-750 ALL per person, a 3-course lunch in an average-level establishment costs 1100-1800 ALL for two, dinner at good restaurant with wine - from 2500 ALL for two.

From vegetables, boiled and canned corn is popular, from soups - cold "tarator" on kefir, from farm products - sheep's milk, the basis for tender cheese. The best snack for beer is fried meatballs "kefte". For dessert, you can take cannoli puff pastry from Sicily, caramel cream, kabuni rice pudding with sugar syrup, cinnamon and cloves, or the famous baklava. And from drinks it is obligatory to taste “bosa” from water, sugar and flour, wheat and corn.

Guides in Albania

Entertainment and attractions in Albania

Successive rulers, wars and truces, thaws and revolutions left timeless traces on Albanian soil. More precisely, sights: ancient amphitheaters and forums, medieval castles and fortresses, solemn mosques and monumental bridges.

starting point - main square Tirana with government offices, a monument to the hero of the nation Skanderbeg (in honor of him, in fact, the square is named), the Efem Bey Mosque, symbolizing religious freedom, and a clock tower with observation deck. The largest Catholic church in the country - Cathedral St. Paul's with stained glass windows depicting Mother Teresa and John Paul II.

You can see Tirana in all its glory from Mount Dayti, 26 km east of the capital.

The Pyramid, a witness to the era of the dictator Hoxha, reminds of the sad past, and the ultra-modern Congress Palace returns to the present day. The fortress of Justinian dates back to the 14th century, the stone Tobacco-bridge with three arches dates back to the 17th-18th centuries. You can scroll through the rest of the pages of Albanian history at the National Historical (off. site in English) and the Archaeological Museums.

In Saranda, it is worth seeing the Butrint Museum-Reserve - ancient city founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC. e., with an amphitheater, a baptistery, a cathedral and other monuments of great empires. In Durres, the oldest amphitheater in the Balkans flaunts: bloody battles were in full swing there already in the 1-2 centuries. The city itself began with a citadel founded in the 5th century by the Byzantine ruler Anastasius. The Fatih Mosque with a strict minaret was erected in honor of the Turkish conquering sultan, and only a few elegant columns remained from the Byzantine forum and the rotunda.

In the Venetian Tower, towering above the citadel of Durres, a trendy bar is now open.

In Shkodra, the Rozafa fortress on an impregnable rock, the Lead Mosque (liquid lead as a binder solution, many domes and not a single minaret) and Orthodox Church Christmas. Above Vlora, the Muradiye mosque rises, reminiscent of the temples of Istanbul, and in the vicinity are the ruins of the ancient port of Apollonia. In Pogradets, the neo-Byzantine Resurrection Church, a snow-white mosque and the ruins of a citadel are noteworthy, in Gjirokastra - a powerful fort with a weapons museum and the Palorto quarter with colorful buildings, and in Korca - the Museum of Education in the building of the first Albanian school.

Holidays and events

Albanians celebrate the New Year with the whole world on January 1-2: textbook fireworks, parties and feasts - everything is as it should be. The same dates fall on the Calendar - the symbolic boundary of winter: once round loaves were baked in honor of him and all misfortunes were “burned” in ritual bonfires. Catholic Christmas December 25 is also included in national holidays: kids are waiting for gifts, the air is saturated with anticipation of a miracle.

January 11 - Day of the Republic, proclaimed after the expulsion of the Germans by the forces of the National Liberation Army. October 19 - Mother Teresa's Day: it was then that the legendary native of Albania was canonized. November 28 - Flag Day: red, like the blood of patriots, with a black double-headed eagle in the middle. And on November 29, the country celebrates the liberation from the fascist troops.

On December 5-6, St. Nicholas of the Winter is celebrated: fasting must be observed during the day, so the feast with the obligatory fried lamb begins late at night.

Albania celebrates Muslim and Christian holidays: Navruz, Kurban-Bayram, Uraza-Bayram, Good Friday, Easter, Orthodox Christmas. Several times a year cultural and sport events: in Tirana, opera and jazz festivals, in Gjirokastra once every five years - a folklore festival with concerts, fairs and dance shows, and in mountainous areas- a large-scale climbing festival.

Albania is located on the coast of two seas - the Adriatic and the Ionian. The northern regions of Albania are not as popular among tourists as the southern ones. It's understandable, because climatic conditions the south is more suitable for recreation. But the best sandy beaches Albania is located on the Adriatic coast.

Adriatic coast

The most famous beaches of the Adriatic coast: Velipoia; Shengjin; Durres; Kawaii. All these beaches are sandy. Importantly, the beaches of Albania are all public and free. Fans of coastal walks will love the softness and tenderness of the sand on the seashore. The infrastructure is developed at an average level. Everything that an ordinary vacationer needs is within reach here: 24-hour cafes, shops, restaurants with live music are located almost everywhere. One of the most popular beaches in Albania - Durres - stretches along coastline for 15 km. It's very warm and friendly here. sea ​​water, and the sand contains a large number of iodine.

The town of Shengjin, located a little to the north on the Adriatic coast, is popular. Despite the fact that the city is located in the northern region, the climate here is warm. This is due to the fact that Shengjin is closed from cool winds. mountain range. The area attracts tourists who prefer clean air.

Ionian coast

Many famous beaches Albania is on the Ionian coast. The coastline of resorts, stretching between the cities of Vlora and Sandra, is called the "Riviera of Flowers".

The most favorite beaches of the Ionian coast of the country are: Dhermi; Borsh; Qeparo; Yal. These places are famous for the purest sea ​​water and amazing mountain landscape. Unlike the coast Adriatic Sea, here exclusively pebble beaches.

Many tourists in Albania prefer the beaches of the cities of Dhermi and Himara. Dhermi has the most developed infrastructure, but prices in this area are also designed for wealthy tourists. This city fell in love with the Albanian elite.

Albanian Saranda is also known. This town is located on the shore of the bay and the beaches are located right in the city. Despite this, the water in the sea is clean. The beaches of Saranda offer all the coastal entertainment. Here you can rent a jet ski, scooter or catamaran. In addition, in recent years, active construction of modern summer houses for vacationers has been carried out in this city, so there are no problems with housing here.

Albania is a country that is still little explored by tourists. It is located on the shores of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas and the sun almost always shines here. So if you choose beach holiday Where is the best place to go in Albania? - this is the main question that will worry you.

The best Adriatic beaches

The Adriatic part of the coast of Albania starts from the border with Montenegro and extends to the Gulf of Vlora. In this bay, protected from the wind, there are several convenient beaches. Here for tourists with different hobbies there is something suitable.

Cozy lagoons attract lovers of ecotourism, here you can watch the Albanian nature and relax like a “savage”. The small settlement of Shengjin fishermen is best suited for ecotourism. All conditions for tourists are created here, the closest to natural ones. You can go fishing, rent equipment and eat natural products. For tourists who prefer sightseeing vacation, will be offered trips to different historical places– the museum and centuries-old fortresses will open their doors to them.

Another popular resort in Albania is Durres. It is located near the capital Tirana. There are many different entertainment venues and comfortable hotels. On the other hand, this city has a large port that scares away many tourists.

Popular beaches of the Ionian coast

In this part of Albania the sea is much deeper than in the Adriatic part. Therefore, rest here is suitable for lovers of extreme sports. The beaches are mostly small pebbles, so it is not very convenient to relax with children. But the infrastructure is developed quite well - there are many entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants for every taste.

For tourists who prefer calm and measured rest, the town of Saranda will do. From the coast you can admire Corfu, and as an entertainment, a trip to Butrint, the ruins of the ancient city, is perfect.

And resort Albanian cities are also ordered by our compatriots. The reasons for the growing popularity are as old as the world: attractive hotel prices, luxurious Mediterranean nature, short flights and clean beaches. If you add hearty Balkan cuisine and traditional hospitality, a beach holiday in Albania is quite capable of becoming a dream of a person who is tired of the gray variety of working days.

Where to go to sunbathe?

The coast of Albania stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas for more than 360 kilometers. Local beaches are covered with clean sand or small pebbles and you can choose where it is better to sunbathe, depending on your preferences and wishes:

• The Albanian Riviera of flowers is called the coast of the Ionian Sea from to. You can stay on the beaches of Golemi, Lezhe or Velipoje not only in a hotel, but also in an old villa where rooms for tourists are rented.
• The Adriatic is more suitable for families with children. Clear sea, soft sand and a gentle entrance to the water guarantee travelers the resorts of Dhermi and Lezhi.

Most of the beaches in Albania are still "wild" and sun loungers, umbrellas and changing rooms can only be found on those that belong to big hotels.
When choosing where to stay for a beach holiday in Albania, you should study the reviews of tourists. Hotels without stars on the facade may not live up to expectations, and therefore it is better to pay a little more without risking comfort.

Weather features of a beach holiday in Albania

In the photo, Albanian beaches usually look very beautiful. The Adriatic Sea is called the bluest in the world, and there are more than three hundred sunny days a year. Climate on local resorts typical mediterranean, with hot and dry summers. bathing season on Albanian beaches starts already in the first days of May, when the air warms up to +25°С, and the water - up to +22°С.
The height of summer brings heat, the thermometers tend to rise above +30°C, but the winds from the sea help to feel quite comfortable even for those who do not like the heat. Swimming and sunbathing on the beaches of Albanian resorts is quite possible until last numbers October, although the most persistent dive briskly into the sea in November.

Adriatic coast

The Albanian Adriatic coast begins at the border with and continues to the Gulf of Vlore. The beaches here are located in small bays, which in ancient times served as harbors for ships.
The resort of Vlorë is very small, but its the cleanest beaches known far beyond the borders of the country. From point of view tourism infrastructure, Vlore is one of the most developed resorts. Even a five-star hotel has been built here, and budget "three rubles" are distinguished by affordable prices and a decent level of service. The beaches are landscaped, and the coniferous groves surrounding them give the air a special pleasant aroma.
The port city is separated from Tirana only 30 km and it is especially convenient to get here from the international capital airport. The beaches of the resort cannot boast of perfect cleanliness due to the proximity of the port, but the choice of hotels here impresses even those who have been to world-class resorts.
The fishing village of Shengjin attracts gourmets with a hearty menu of restaurants where products are supplied by local farmers, and mountain landscapes that delight the eyes of vacationers.
Healing air, white sand and good hotels- the advantages of the Lalzit Bay resort.

Ionian landscapes

The beach holiday season in Albania on the Ionian Sea always starts a couple of weeks earlier than in other resorts in the country due to the southern latitudes. The local shores are indented by rocky bays, and the mountains come close to the sea. Divers and climbers love to relax on the Ionian beaches. At their service are rental points for jet skis and catamarans, showers, changing rooms and umbrellas with sunbeds.
Popular resort Saranda is located just opposite the Greek. Fans of antiquity can make an excursion to the archaeological reserve, and gourmets can enjoy the menu of seaside restaurants, which is based on pasta with seafood.
The attraction of Dhermi is the Cave of Pirates, and the infrastructure of this resort attracts even very wealthy tourists to a beach holiday in Albania.
The southernmost Albanian resort of Ksamil is spread over the territory national park Butrint. Clean secluded beaches and scattered in coastal waters await guests. tiny islands where you can do perfect diving.

The number of tourists from Russia visiting Albania is not so great, although Albania has canceled visas for the whole summer. For those who love a mild, not too hot climate and holidays in Europe, a beach holiday in Albania can be a great solution.

Affordable prices for air tickets, food and hotels, no need to apply for a Schengen visa and the beauty of the Adriatic Sea - Albania combines all this.

Each region of the state of Albania is very picturesque. Albania, as you know, is located off the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. This geographically advantageous area is home to many picturesque beaches. The best sandy beaches in Albania are located on the Adriatic coast.

The most famous beaches of the Adriatic coast of Albania are: Velipoye, Durres, Hawaiian beach on the Kawai coast, Shengjin, and Lalzit Bay.

Let's talk more about two northern regions Albania is Velipoye and Shengjin.

Velipoye beach

Velipoye is an Albanian village in the north of the country, located in the area of ​​the beach strip on the Adriatic coast. The beach has the same name. This is the first beach located after entering Albania from neighboring Montenegro. Huge seaside, about 20 kilometers long, most which is occupied by wild beaches. All beaches of Velipoye are free. The most ennobled beach places are located near settlements, but at the peak of the season it is quite crowded. The infrastructure is developed at an average level, but, like everywhere else, everything is affordable! Nearby are restaurants with live music, shops (open around the clock), a variety of cafes, there are many housing offers. Unfortunately, the water in the sea, where it is crowded, is rather muddy, but on the deserted coast it is transparent and clean.

If there is a desire to be alone, it is advisable to walk some distance to the side and get on wild beach. In addition, there is a clean, unpolluted sea. If there is a desire to walk along the seashore, then it is here that you can enjoy the feeling of tenderness of warm and soft sand under your feet!

Shengjin beach

Shengjin is a small Albanian town in the northwest of the country. From Velipoye beach to Shengjin, about 55 kilometers.

This area is convenient for foreign tourists the fact that its location is close to the airport of Mother Teresa, in Tirana. Shengjin Beach is probably the most famous beach Albania. Just like Velipoye, the beaches in Shengjin are sandy, the entrance to the beaches is free. The area of ​​this beach is densely landscaped, in addition, the climate here is warmer. The length of the beach is several kilometers, at the end of it there is a lagoon. Along the entire coast is resort village. Here you can see both multi-storey buildings and small cozy houses in 2-3 floors, you can always stay closer to the coastline so that you don’t have to get to the sea for a long time.

The Shengjin area is popular for its greenery and clean air. Compared to Velipoye, it is more pleasant and easier to breathe here. All necessary amenities within reach. Since the coast is sandy, there is a great opportunity to retire to a wild beach. The concept of a wild beach is very relative, because gradually such quiet corners on our planet disappear and rarely where in Europe you can walk along the deserted seashore during the season. But in Albania this is possible. Only the rustle of the waves and you - where else can you meet this?

Have a nice trip and rest in picturesque Albania!