If you are planning a trip to Albania, you'll need to know its different regions. This article will tell you about the culture of Albania, its natural treasures, and its low season. You can also learn about how to get around the country easily. In addition, this Albania travel guide will explain how to get the most out of your trip.tripbusting.com
Albania's many regions
Albania is a mountainous country with over three thousand peaks, including Mount Korab in the east. It belongs to the Central Mountain Range physiographic region, and is surrounded by the Western Lowlands, Southern Mountain Range, and the Dinaric Alps. Mount Jezerca, the country's second-highest peak, is part of the Albanian Alps, which are extensions of the Dinaric Alps. The country also has hundreds of lakes, including the largest lake in southern Europe, Lake Shkoder.
The Albanian government is divided into a central government and 37 local districts. The central government is the most powerful level and collects most taxes and accounts for most government spending. However, reorganization in the early 1990s diminished the power of district governments, creating twelve prefectures above district level and devoting much of the power to the nation's 47 municipalities and 32 communes.
Albania's current migration policies aim to discourage migration flows and create employment opportunities for the Albanians who stay. The country has signed seasonal employment agreements with neighboring countries and an Agreement on Language and Vocational Training with Germany. However, this agreement has not been fully implemented, and many Albanian beneficiaries have not returned to Albania after training abroad.
Although Albania is a small mountainous nation, it occupies a strategically-positioned position in the Balkans. To the west, it borders the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, while to the south it borders Montenegro and Kosovo. The country is also bordered by the Strait of Otranto, which links the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Ocean. Its capital is Tirana.
Albania's state provides many essential services throughout the country. But some of these services are inefficient and hampered by lack of resources. Nevertheless, the governing authorities have continued reforms in core services, including the judicial system, education, health care, and regulation of property rights.
Its culture
A travel guide to Albania should mention the country's tolerant attitudes towards religion, which are evident throughout the country. Christians and Muslims alike are generally safe, and mosques and Orthodox churches are often within walking distance of one another. According to the 2011 Albanian census, 60 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim, while seven percent is Roman Catholic and 10 percent is Eastern Orthodox. Many other religions are also represented.
UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster, in the south of Albania, has unique Ottoman architecture. Its castle in the middle of the city, once a jail, now houses a Military Museum and an Art Gallery. This historic city is also home to internationally-acclaimed authors, including Ismail Kadare and former communist leader Enver Hoxha. The former communist leader's home is now a museum.
While the English name of Albania comes from the Greek name of the Illyrian tribe, the Albanian people call their country Shqiperia, which means "Land of the Eagles." This refers to the ancient myth that Albanians descended from black eagles. The double-headed eagle, used as an insignia by Skanderbeg in the fifteenth century, is still seen on Albania's flag today.
The Albanian language is the official language of Albania, and 98% of the population speaks it. Other languages are spoken by minorities, including Greek, Romani, Bulgarian, and Serbian. The most common foreign languages are Italian and Spanish, which come from the time when Italy was the sole protector of the country. English is also taught in many schools.
Its natural treasures
One of the natural treasures of Albania is the Osumi Canyons, which are 16 miles long and home to a number of caves and rock formations. The canyons were formed three million years ago and are best viewed in spring or summer after the snow melts. Visitors can also go rafting in the park to explore the different sections of the canyons.
In addition to the mountains, Albania is home to a number of breathtakingly beautiful valleys. The Valbona Valley, with its spectacular waterfalls and wooded valleys, is a popular destination for hikers. It's also home to a number of animals, including gray wolves, brown bears, and deer.
Despite the obvious beauty of Albania's natural treasures, illegal activities continue to wreak havoc on these sites. Looters destroy archaeological sites by removing artifacts from their original context and subsequently feed the global black market. But the Albanian government is working to protect the country's archaeological treasures. The removal of archaeological artifacts is against international law and is punishable by law. Recently, looters have targeted ancient ceramics from the country's archaeological heritage.
Albania is a small country in Europe with stunning natural wonders. From majestic mountains to white beaches, Albania has something for everyone. It is also relatively off the beaten path and can be very budget-friendly. The local people are friendly and will treat you like family. The country also has ancient Unesco cities and beautiful national parks that will take your breath away.
In addition to its pristine landscapes and wetlands, Albania is home to over 400 km2 of coastal wetlands. These wetlands are critical habitats for migratory birds and fish. Three of these sites are Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) and eight sites are registered as Habitat/Species Management Areas. Furthermore, two sites are Specially Protected Areas of great importance for preserving biological diversity in the Mediterranean.
Its low season
If you're looking to visit Albania without breaking the bank, the shoulder season in November to March is the ideal time. Temperatures are cooler during this time and there are fewer tourists. The price of hotels and flights will be lower than in the summer, too. This is also an ideal time to visit Albania's coastal regions.
During this time, you can enjoy cheap alcohol. You can drink local draft beer for $1 to $3 depending on where you're staying. You can also enjoy a delicious glass of local wine, which is between five and seven dollars. However, if you're looking for international alcohol, you can expect to pay slightly more.
If you're a keen cyclist, consider visiting one of the country's hidden gems. St Mary's Monastery, for example, is an old monastery located on an island, connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge. The trip will take you between one and two hours and requires plenty of liquids. In between, you can stop and rest on a beach.
During Albania's shoulder season, from April to June, temperatures are comfortable in both mountainous and coastal areas. Tourism isn't as intense during this time, and prices are generally lower than they are during the summer. This is a great time to visit the country because it's less crowded and offers some of the best weather.
July and August are Albania's peak tourism months. The mountains are pleasant in July and August, but coastal regions can be unbearably hot. Despite the hot summer, temperatures in Albania aren't as high as they are in the rest of Europe.
Its safety
Before you travel to Albania, it's important to learn about the safety of the country. While it isn't as dangerous as some other parts of Europe, Albania is a country with high earthquake risk. It's best to check with your hotel's evacuation plans and learn about the best ways to survive during an earthquake.
While Albania is known for its political unrest, this rarely escalates into violence. There are few cases of extremist views or tension among religious groups, but the country's attitude towards western countries is generally positive. Nevertheless, you should know that terrorist attacks can happen anywhere, so it's important to be vigilant. You should also be aware of organized scams and how to avoid them. The best way to stay safe is to avoid displaying expensive jewelry or other valuable items in public.
Albania is one of the safest countries in Europe, but it is still possible to become a victim of petty theft. Be aware that while there is a presence of gangs and mafias in some areas, Albanians are generally friendly towards foreigners. If you travel to Albania with these tips in mind, you should be safe and have a memorable experience.
One of the most important safety tips in Albania is to stay away from highways. Although they are the main roads in the country, they can still be dangerous. You should try to drive only during daylight hours. Be sure to check the signs for construction, and always be aware of your surroundings. You should also be cautious when crossing the street. If possible, wait for the locals to cross before you do so.
Albania has a coastline with a great deal of water activities. Watercraft rentals are widely available, but be aware that some of these businesses do not maintain their equipment to a high standard.