About Albania

Access

The only airport in Albania with international service is “Mother Teresa” International Airport, located in Rinas just 17 km northwest of Tirana. 

The final hotel is in Saranda. From Saranda it is about 4 hours drive to the international airport in Tirana.

From Saranda you also have the option to go by ferry to the Greek island of Corfu (approx. 30mins). corfu itself also has an international airport.

Land Area

Albania is a country with a landmass of 28.748 sq km (about 11.000 sq miles). It is situated in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula in the southeastern part of Europe. It shares borders with Montenegro and Kosovo to the North and Northeast, Macedonia to the East and Greece to the South. To the West, Albania has a coast that adjoins the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The Adriatic separates it from Italy via the Strait of Otranto (72 km/45 mi).Much of Albania’s surface is mountainous – the average height above sea level is 708 m, (2,336 ft) and its highest peak, Mount Korab on the Macedonian border, is 2.753 m (9,085 ft). Most of the population lives in the south-central lowlands and on the coastal plain.

Throughout the country there are newly discovered and exciting archaeological sites, preserved Illyrian and medieval castles, as well as Byzantine churches and monasteries which contains rich collection of frescoes and icons

From the snow-capped mountains in the winter to the fields covered in spring by red poppies, Albania’s landscape is ever-changing with the seasons, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a warm summer beach holiday or a mountain trek in the crisp and cool air of the fall.

History:

www.albania.al/about-albania/history

Climate

 Albania has a Mediterranean climate with each season offering distinct, yet pleasant weather. Some features of the climate vary by region: The coastal areas have a Central Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The alpine areas have a Central Continental climate with cold, snowy winters and temperate summers. The lowlands have mild winters, averaging about 7°C, and summer temperatures average 24°C. Lowland rainfall ranges from 1,000 mm to more than 1,500 mm annually, with greater rainfall in the north. Nearly 95% of rainfall occurs in the winter and rainfall in the upland mountain ranges is heavier. Despite the rain, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine. The overall climate is pleasant and favors outdoor activity. On average, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine, second only to Spain in average annual sunny days. The overall climate is pleasant and favors outdoor activities.        

Population

3,150,886

Religion

There is a peaceful coexistence of those practicing a variety of religious faiths. Muslims, Orthodox, and those following the teachings of the Catholic Church comprise the majority of people adherent to religion. In 1967, religious worship was prohibited and the country became the world’s only official atheist state. Since the end of the Communism,

Albanians have been guaranteed the freedom of religion and have exercised that freedom in various ways. Approx. 59% are Muslim and 17% Christians.

Mother Teresa, whose given name was Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was an ethnic Albanian. Mother Teresa’s work has inspired generations throughout the world. In her honor the national airport is named after as: the Tirana International Airport “NënëTereza”.

Economy

Since the fall of Communism, the development of the Albanian economy has been fueled primarily by the service and construction industries, though tourism has recently played an increasing role in the economy and is growing rapidly.

Many people are curious to explore a country whose borders were closed to travel for many years. Given the continued development of both summer and winter resorts, people all over the world have begun to think of Albania as a tourist destination.

UNESCO World Heritages:

Butrint

 National Park of Butrint. Declared "Monument in Protection" by the Albanian State in 1948. Registered as an UNESCO world heritage in 1992.The national importance of Butrint's assets and cultural heritage was recognized and confirmed in the world by UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 1992. Registration of Butrint by UNESCO was based on cultural criteria as a unique and exceptional testimony of a cultural tradition and civilization that disappeared. Butrint was an ancient city in Epirus, during the VII century. The main objects in Butrint are: The Temple of Aeskulapius, the theater with 1500 seats, nymfeu, the bathrooms, the basilica, the Lion gate, the gate lake, the Venetian towers, the fortress of Ali Pasha etc. A series of items can be found at the Museum of Butrint.

Berat

 Registered as a world heritage in 2005 and ratified in 2008 by UNESCO. Berati is the city where can be found traces of the Illyrian, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, rich in old churches with wonderful wall paintings, icons and wood engraving. In 1961 the city was put under the protection of the Albanian state and was declared a "Museum City ".

Gjirokastra 

Gjirokastra, the so-called “City of stone”. Stated as a "Museum City " by the Albanian state in 1961. Proclaimed as a world heritage in 2005.Gjirokastra is a unique testimony of a cultural tradition of life during the XIV - XIX centuries.It is the main city of the southern part of the country. This city impresses everyone who visits it, as a result of the architecture, the surprising images of Drinos valley, and the spectacular crown ridge of calcareous Bureto and Lunxhëria.

ISO polyphony Albanian

 Albanian Folk Iso-polyphony is proclaimed "masterpiece of the oral heritage of humanity" protected by UNESCO. Obviously, the date November 25, 2005 is a historic day for all the Albanian cultural heritage but also for Albania itself. In this day "Albanian folk iso-polyphony" was added to the list of "Masterpieces of the oral heritage of humanity" protected by UNESCO , a fact that was heralded in the all world media by Dr. Koichiro Matscura, General Director of UNESCO, the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. To come up with this decision, the International Jury meeting in Paris from 21-24 November 2005, examined 60 candidates proposed for inclusion in the list of "Masterpiece of Humanity", the proposals were made in an official way by different countries of the world and met the criteria stated files for this purpose.

Language

Albanian

The Albanian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world.

Food

Albanian cuisine offers a truly unique blend of Mediterranean flavors. and reflects a variety of influences. Among the many typical dishes, are byrek, minced meat, vegetables, eggs and cheese in flaky pastry; tavëkosi,- mutton baked in a dish with yogurt and eggs; tavëkorani,-a unique kind of trout found only in Lake Ohrid baked with nuts, sauce and onions; and pasha qofte, - a hot soup with meatballs, rice and eggs. The most popular and traditional of Albanian beverages is Raki. It is usually made from grapes, though there are also other kinds of raki made from plums, mulberries, and walnuts.

Capital

Tirana

Currency

Lekë

Telephone

Country code: +355

Visa

Please check the Visa requirements for your country

(Source: www.albania.al)