Zvernec – The Forgotten Island with a Monastery and a Dramatic History
If you're staying near Vlora, make sure to visit Zvernec. It's a small island in the Narta lagoon that enchants with its wooden bridge, beautiful nature, and extraordinary history. Despite its small size, it offers plenty - both for history enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
Winter in Albania – What You Need to Know?
Albania is most often associated with sun, blue skies, and summer holidays on the Adriatic or Ionian Sea. However, winter in this country can be surprising – both with the beauty of its snow-capped mountains and the challenges of daily life. What should you know about winter conditions in Albania?
Vlora and Karaburun – Maritime Vibes and Mediterranean Adventure
We start the day early. Around 7:00 AM, the coach picks up tourists from their hotels. We head south towards one of Albania's most beautiful cities - Vlora. This city is located on Vlora Bay, where two seas meet: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The bay is enclosed by the Karaburun peninsula on one side and Vlora itself on the other. This unique place attracts visitors not only with its picturesque landscapes but also with 300 sunny days per year.
Discover the charm of Durres and the secrets of Albanian cognac – an unforgettable journey!
Around 8:30 AM, the coach picks up participants from their hotels. This is how the tour begins, combining a visit to Durres with a trip to a unique cognac factory. After a short journey, we arrive in the city center. The coach stops at the port, and from there, we set off on a walking tour of Durres' most important attractions.
Albanian art of coffee ground reading – magic hidden in a coffee cup
Tasseography is a mysterious practice of predicting the future based on shapes formed by grounds left after drinking coffee or tea. Though it may seem exotic to modern people, its origins date back to ancient China. From there it traveled to Europe, where it became known only in the 17th century. Dutch merchants were the first to bring tea to European tables, opening the way for this extraordinary form of divination.
Vlora (Vlorë) – the heart of southern Albania on two seas
Vlora, known in Albanian as Vlorë, is the third largest city in Albania and one of the most important resorts on the southern coast. It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, precisely where these two bodies of water meet – in the picturesque Vlora Bay, sheltered from the west by the Karaburun peninsula.
Gjakmarrja – Blood Vengeance in Albania, Its Echo Still Heard Today
Although blood vengeance - known as Gjakmarrja - is no longer practiced in modern Albania and is legally forbidden, this dramatic custom from medieval times still fascinates and terrifies. It's a part of cultural history that shows how strongly Albanians were connected to honor, family, and justice based on customary law.
The Collapse of Financial Pyramids in Albania – Chaos, Death, and Loss of Savings
After the death of dictator Enver Hoxha and the fall of the communist regime in 1991, Albania entered a new era - of democracy and free market. However, society, inexperienced in capitalist economics, became an easy target for fraudsters. By the mid-90s, financial pyramids began popping up like mushrooms - companies offering investments with unrealistically high interest rates, often reaching up to 100% in a short time.
Tirana – a post-communist city with soul and potential
Tirana, the capital of Albania, evokes mixed feelings. The city is often perceived as urban chaos. On a relatively small area – less than 50 km² – nearly a million people live. For comparison: Warsaw, with 1.7 million inhabitants, occupies as much as 520 km². Such a high population density brings many challenges.
Famous Albanians – Outstanding Figures from a Small Country
Albania is a Balkan state that, despite its small size and population, has given the world many famous personalities. Its area is 28,748 km², comparable to the Greater Poland Voivodeship in Poland. The population is about 2.8 million. Nevertheless, many outstanding Albanians have made their mark in history, not only in their nation's memory but also worldwide.
Rodonit – Albania’s hidden paradise, perfect for a peaceful getaway
The Rodonit Peninsula is one of the most picturesque and peaceful places in all of Albania. Its name refers to Rodoni - a mythical sea deity in Illyrian beliefs. This incredibly charming place has not only natural values but also great historical significance - during the reign of Albania's legendary national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, it served as a strategic defensive point.
Pogradec and Lake Ohrid – The Green Pearl of Albania You Must See
Pogradec is a picturesque city located in Albania, right on the border with North Macedonia. It's mainly known for the beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the Balkans. The city stands out with its lush greenery, which is hard to find in other parts of Albania, especially in summer.
