Albania is a captivating country nestled in the heart of the Balkans in Southeast Europe, bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, with its stunning coastline stretching along the sparkling Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Known as the "Land of the Eagles" (Shqipëria), it boasts dramatic mountain ranges, pristine beaches along the Albanian Riviera, and historic Ottoman-era towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Once one of the world's most isolated communist states, Albania emerged in the 1990s as a vibrant parliamentary democracy with a population of around 2.8 million, whose warm and hospitable people speak the unique Albanian language. Its capital, Tirana, is a lively, colorful hub of culture and nightlife, while the country's rich Mediterranean cuisine, ancient Illyrian roots, and affordable charm make it one of Europe's most underrated and rapidly emerging travel destinations.
Berat County
Much of the imposing Berat Castle visible
today was built in the 13th century by Michael Angelos Komnenos, Despot
of Epirus and cousin of the Byzantine emperor. Perched dramatically on a
steep hill overlooking the Osum River, the fortress features layers of
Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman fortifications. Its
well-preserved walls enclose churches with rare frescoes, making Berat –
often called the “City of a Thousand Windows” – one of Albania’s most
picturesque UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Balibardha Castle
(also known as Balbardha) is a lesser-known medieval citadel located in
a remote, mountainous part of Berat County. Today only scattered stone
ruins and foundations remain, yet the site offers sweeping panoramic
views and a sense of untouched historical solitude.
Durrës County
Durrës is one of Albania’s largest and
most historically layered cities. Founded around 627 BC as the Greek
colony of Epidamnos (later Dyrrhachium), it became a major port on
the Via Egnatia and an important Roman naval base. Its rich heritage
includes a massive Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century AD (one
of the largest in the Balkans), Byzantine walls, medieval churches,
and the striking, though now largely abandoned, Royal Villa of
Durrës – the seaside palace built for King Zog I in the early 20th
century.
Kruje Castle, dramatically
situated on a rocky outcrop north of Durrës, became the symbol of
Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Led by the national
hero George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, a small but determined Albanian
garrison successfully defended the fortress for decades in the 15th
century, delaying Ottoman expansion into Europe. The castle now
houses a dedicated Skanderbeg Museum and offers breathtaking views
of the surrounding mountains and Adriatic coast.
Elbasan County
Elbasan Castle is a robust Ottoman
citadel constructed in the 15th century on the orders of Sultan
Mehmed II. Its thick stone walls and towers were strategically
placed to control the ancient Via Egnatia, the vital Roman road that
linked Rome to Constantinople and remained in use for centuries. The
fortress still encloses a charming old town district with mosques,
churches, and traditional houses.
Shebenik- Jabllanice National Park,
established in 2008, spans 33,927 hectares of pristine wilderness
along the border with North Macedonia. It protects some of Albania’s
most untouched virgin beech and fir forests, alpine meadows, glacial
lakes, and diverse wildlife including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and
golden eagles.
Fier County
Apollonia was one of the most important
ancient cities of Illyria. Founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from
Corinth and Corfu, it grew into a prosperous trading center with a
population of up to 60,000. Although much of the site remains buried,
the visible ruins – including the impressive Bouleuterion (council
house), a well-preserved Roman theater, and the monumental Temple of
Apollo – are among the most significant archaeological treasures in
Albania.
Ardenica Monastery, founded in
1282 by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos, commemorates his
victory over the Anjou (Capetian) forces that had ruled Sicily. Perched
on a hill amid olive groves, the monastery features beautiful
18th-century frescoes by the renowned Albanian artist Kostandin
Shpataraku and a rare wooden iconostasis.
Gjirokastër County
Gjirokastër, often called the “City of Stone,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture. The majestic Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans, dominates the dramatic mountainous landscape and houses a military museum and former political prison. The city’s steep, slate-roofed houses and winding cobbled streets create one of the most atmospheric historic centers in Albania.
Korçë County
Korçë is a vibrant cultural hub in southeastern Albania, known for its elegant 19th-century architecture, museums, and lively Old Bazaar. Nearby Pogradec sits on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, offering scenic beauty, traditional fishing villages, and important archaeological sites.
Shkodër County
Rozafa Castle rises on a rocky hill near
the modern city of Shkodër. This impressive medieval citadel, built and
expanded by Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, is best known
for the haunting local legend of the “Imprisoned Woman” – according to
folklore, one of three brothers’ wives was buried alive in the walls to
ensure the fortress would stand. The castle offers spectacular views
over Lake Shkodër and the Buna and Drin rivers.
Shkoder itself is one of the oldest
continuously inhabited cities in the Adriatic region and a historic
center of Albanian culture, education, and Catholicism. Its elegant
Ottoman and Venetian-influenced architecture, combined with its
strategic position near the Montenegro border, makes it one of the most
distinctive and fascinating destinations in the entire Western Balkans.
Tirana County
Mount Dajti National Park overlooking the capital of Albania is deemed as "balcony of Tirana" and offers a beautiful view of the capital.
Petrelë Castle is located on top of the mountain overlooking Erzen valley in Tirana County. It was constructed as guard post in the fifth century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
Tirana, capital of Albania, is also the largest city in the country. It was found by the Ottoman Turks in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini. In 1920, shortly after gaining its independence in 1912, Albanian capital was moved here.
Vlorë County
Ali Pasha Castle was constructed on the orders of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë in 1819. It was found on the base of the 17th century citadel that belonged to Corfiote family.
Butrint is famous for its ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman city that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Llogara Pass is a protected National Park that is situated between Vlora and Dhermiu nearby.
Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park is located in the South- West part of Albania in a Vlore Region. It covers a total area of 12,428 hectares with an offshore section of Karaburun peninsula equal to 9849 hectares.
Saranda is a large Albanian port that is often called "the Southern gateway to Albania". It stands on shores of the Ionian coast opposite the Greek Island of Corfu.
The Blue Eye Spring is a natural geologic formation in karst origin near Saranda, capital of the District of Saranda in Albania.
Vlorë is situated on the Albanian coast of the beautiful Adriatic sea. The city officially was found in the 6th century BC by the Greek colonists.
Emergency Numbers in Albania:
Police 19
Fire 18
Ambulance 17
Road Administration: (42) 23 600
Traffic Police: (42) 34 874
- Albanians call their land "Shqiperia" that means "land of the eagles". Legend claims that the ancestors of the first Albanians were in fact eagles who left their traditional homes in the mountains.
- Albania is the only country in Europe that had more Jews after the World War II than before its outbreak. In fact Albanian resistance issued a warning in 1943 to anyone who can defend Jewish refugees must offer any help they can. After all charity is one of the five pillars of Islam.
-Albania is covered by UFO looking structures scattered all around the country. These structures were constructed in the 1970's and 80's by the paranoid government who wanted to provide a defensive structure for every Albanian family. It is hard to say if they succeeded, but they certainly came close. These forts can be found in every single corner of the city.
-Albanian King Zog I, Skanderbeg III of the Albanians survived 55 assassinations attempts during his long reign. On February 21st, 1931 he became the first head of the state who use weapon to defend against an assassin who tried to shoot him when he was leaving the Vienna State Opera House after performance of Pagliacci.
-Flag of Albania dates back to medieval times when it was a symbol of resistance of Albanian armies against Ottoman Turkish invasion.
Visas
There is no longer a visa charge for any
foreigners entering Albania.
According to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nationals of the following
countries/territories can enter Albania without a visa: Andorra,
Argentina, Armenia, Australia *, Austria *, Azerbaijan, Belgium *,
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria*, Canada *, Chile, Croatia,
Cyprus *, Czech Republic*, Denmark*, Estonia *, Finland *, France*,
Germany *, Greece *, Holy See, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary *, Ireland *,
Iceland *, Israel, Italy *, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia *,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania *, Luxembourg *, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta
*, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands *, New Zealand *, Norway *,
Poland *, Portugal *, Romania *, San Marino *, Serbia, Singapore,
Slovakia*, Slovenia *, South Korea, Spain *, Sweden *, Switzerland
*, Taiwan (Republic of China), Turkey, United Kingdom *, USA *,
Ukraine, Qatar - in the period 25 May - 25 September 2012. United
Arab Emirates - in the period 25 May - 25 September 2012. Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia - in the period 25 May - 25 September 2012. (Those
countries with an asterisk can enter with an ID card).
States
whose citizens may enter without visas due to their visa
liberalization with Schengen area: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas,
Barbados, Brunei, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Mauritius,
Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, Seychelles, St.
Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay, Venezuela, Macao (China). For staying more
than 90 days within the period of six months, they need to get visa
type D.
There is a €1 road tax for the first 60 days of your
stay. For every additional day it is €1 per day. Be sure to receive
a receipt and keep it with you, as guards may request it upon
exiting the country as proof of payment. The former €10 entrance fee
per person has been abolished. The Albanian guards are very nice and
do their best to help out and will, on occasion, allow fees to be
paid in dollars or will forget to charge you. It's worth making sure
you've got the Euros on you as the customs officers at Mother Teresa
airport don't give change.
Be careful not to be charged the
€1 road tax again when leaving the country. In that case the border
guard assumes that you didn't pay the road tax when entering the
country.
By plane
Tirana's "Mother Teresa" International
Airport TIA IATA is located just 15 minutes away from the city. It
is served by numerous European carriers such as British Airways,
Alitalia, Lufthansa, Austrian, and the low cost carriers Eurowings
and Belle Air. There is a large and modern terminal and a tourist
information center.
You can book your taxi online with
MerrTaxi Tirana 24/7 and it will cost you €10,99. The national
toll-free number to call a taxi is 0800 5555. The international
number to call a taxi is +355 67400 6610.
At the airport exit
there are also numerous taxis 24/7 that can take you to the city.
The taxi fee to the city center is €11-€15 (1500 - 2000 lek). Taxi
fees to other locations are available here.
There is a bus
that runs once an hour between the airport and Skanderbeg Square,
called Rinas Express. It costs 250 lek each way and leaves on the
hour from both the airport and from Skanderbeg Square. It runs from
about 8AM to 7PM. The trip takes around 25-30 minutes. From the
airport exit doors, walk towards the parking lot past the taxi touts
to find the bus stop. At Skanderbeg Square, the bus stop is located
around the northwest corner, near other bus stops. The bus is not
only punctual but sometimes even early, so plan to be there a few
minutes in advance. Do not be intimidated by the signs not
mentioning "airport" or any variation of it at the Skanderbeg Square
stop. "Rinas" means the bus goes to the airport. If in doubt, ask
the locals, who will be happy to point you to the correct bus.
Another cheaper and convenient way to reach the Albanian Riviera
in Southern Albania is by landing in Corfu and taking the hydrofoil
to Saranda.
By train
It is not possible to enter or leave
Albania via train. There are, however, trains that operate within
the country. Though the service is limited, the price is
inexpensive. There is no direct service to Tirana, due to closure of
the capital's only railway station. Tirana is served by renovated
Kashar station located 10 km west of the capital.
By bus
You can reach Tirana by coach from
Istanbul, Turkey (20hr, €35
one-way)
Athens, Greece (12 hr, €30-35)
Tetovo, Republic of
Macedonia (7 hr, € 15)
Prishtina, Kosovo (4,5 hr, € 10 )
Sofia, Bulgaria (12 hr, € 35)
From Montenegro
There are 3 daily buses from Ulcinj in
Montenegro to Shkoder. They depart at 7am, 12:30pm and 16.30 at
Ulcinj bus station and traveling time is between 2 and 3 hours
depending on the time needed to cross the border. The 12:30 bus tend
to get full very quickly during the high season. Shared taxis
(mini-busses) are also an option to go to Albania from Ulcinj. They
depart from the parking place next to the market in Ulcinj. It goes
at 1PM and costs €5; it takes 1.5 hr. The stop is not marked, a
reservation can only be made by finding the driver in the cafe at
the corner of the parking place. Ask around and be persistent, as
not all the locals know about this.
There are also scheduled
buses twice a day from Kotor (Montenegro) to Tirana, passing through
Budva, Podgorica (both in Montenegro), and Shkoder.
From
Greece
There are buses running daily from Ioannina to the border
at Kakavia (9 daily, €5.70, 1 hour). From there it's a short walk
between the Greek and Albanian checkpoints. Just make sure you don't
delay, as the furgon (minibus) to Gjirokastra won't wait for one
extra passenger and you will be forced to haggle with predatory cab
drivers. In Gjirokaster you can buy a bus ticket to Athens, Greece
or anywhere in between. The buses are new, cheap, air conditioned,
and stop along some gas stations.
By boat
Ferries to
Durrës arrive from Bari (9h, €50) and Ancona (19h, €70). A
high-speed service operates from Bari (3h, €60).
There are also
two reliable overnight ferry services operated by Skenderbeg Lines
and European Seaways from Brindisi to Vlore.
Ferries from Corfu
to Saranda every day.
Ferry between Brindisi and Shengjin by
European Seaways operating twice a week in the summer (2015).
By
yacht
Yachts can be anchored at Albania's only marina in Orikum,
south of Vlore. Contact Orikum Marina for details.
By car
To enter the country, ensure that your International Motor Insurance
Card is valid for Albania (AL) along with the Vehicle Registration
and a Power of Attorney from the owner if the car is not yours. The
border guards are very strict about allowing cars through without
these documents.
The road between Ioannina, Greece and Tirana
(E853/SH4) is of sufficient quality. Construction works between
Tepelene and Fier are mostly finished (2014). The new portion
between Rrogozhine and Durres is also mostly complete (2014). This
is the main north-south route between Montenegro and Greece.
The road between Struga, Macedonia and Tirana (E852/SH3) is of a
sufficient quality. There are a lot of slow moving vehicles along
the curvy mountainous route so extra caution must be exercised
especially around corners or during over-taking. A new motorway is
being constructed between Elbasan and Tirana (2011).
The road
between Prizren (Kosovo) and Tirana (Albania) (E851/A1/SH5) is to
the levels of quality found in other parts of Europe. Extra caution
should be exercised along some bridges near the Kosovo border, as
they have not been widened while uncontrolled access points are
becoming dangerous. Also beware that cows run free on the motorway:
there is no fence and before dusk they return home using the
motorway itself.
The road between Shkoder (border of
Montenegro) and Tirana (E762/SH1) is of sufficient quality for
driving but there are a lot of slow moving vehicles and uncontrolled
access points so extra caution must be exercised especially during
over-taking. A portion between Milot and Thumane has been widened to
dual carriageway standard.
There are two border control
points in the north of Albania with Montenegro. The narrow windy
road from Ulcinj, Montenegro to Shkoder via Muriqan/Sukobin
(E851/SH41) is used mainly by locals. There is a new Montenegrin
section near the Albanian border. However, it is worth a try to
avoid heavier traffic on the newly built main road (E762/SH1)
between Hani Hotit and Shkoder. Ask any police officer to point you
in the right direction from Shkoder. They are helpful, courteous and
friendly.
By taxi
Albania is geographically a small
country and as such it is possible to leave by taxi.
A taxi
from downtown Pogradec to the Macedonian border at Sveti Naum is
about €5 (and less than 10 minutes). After Albanian exit procedures,
walk about 500m down the road to the Macedonian border control. The
beautiful Sveti Naum church is very close by, and from there you can
get a bus north around the lake to Ohrid (110 Macedonian denars).
(prices April 2010)
A taxi from Ulcinj in Montenegro to
Shkoder in northern Albania costs about €30. It takes 1hr. You do
not have to change at the border, the taxi will bring you all the
way. (June 2010)
Some taxis can take you into Greece; however
most will not go further then Ioannina.
The first traces of the human presence in Albania,
dating back to the Middle and Late Paleolithic, were found in the
village of Dzarre (near Saranda) and on Mount Daiti (near Tirana).
The finds in the cave near Zarre include flint and jasper objects,
as well as petrified animal bones. Bone and stone tools similar to
those of Aurignac culture were discovered on Mount Daiti. The
Paleolithic finds of Albania bear great resemblance to artifacts of
the same era found in Crvene Stien in Montenegro and northwestern
Greece.
In central and southern Albania, several Bronze Age
artifacts from burials in mounds were discovered that demonstrate
the close connection of these territories with southwestern
Macedonia and Lefkas. Archaeologists concluded that these regions
were inhabited from the middle of the third millennium BC. Indo-Europeans who spoke the Proto-Greek language. Part of this
population migrated towards Mycenae around 1600 BC., which led to
the development of Mycenaean civilization.
In antiquity, the
territory of modern Albania was predominantly inhabited by many
Illyrian tribes. Illyrian tribes never collectively considered
themselves "Illyrians", and it is unlikely that they used any one
common name for all their tribes. This name, apparently, refers to
only one Illyrian tribe, which was the first with whom the ancient
Greeks came into contact in the Bronze Age, as a result of which it
was transferred to all tribes with similar language and customs.
The territory, known as Illyria, roughly extended along the
eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea to the mouth of the Vyos River in
the south. The first well-known description of the Illyrian groups
is contained in The Periplus of Pontus of Euxinus, an ancient Greek
composition from the middle of the 4th century BC. The south
was inhabited by the Greek tribe of Chaonians, whose capital was
Foinika. By the 7th century BC e. On the coast of present-day
Albania, ancient Greek city-states founded numerous colonies, such
as Apollonia, Epidamnos and Amantia. The West of modern Albania was
inhabited by a Thracian tribe of brigs.
The Illyrian tribe of
the Ardiyes ruled most of modern Albania. The Ardian kingdom reached
its greatest size under Agron, son of Pleuris II. Agron extended his
power to other neighboring tribes. After his death in 230 BC his
wife Teuta inherited the kingdom of Ardian. She managed to expand
its territory further south, reaching the Ionian Sea. In 229 BC
Rome declared war on the Illyrian kingdom over the looting of its
ships. The war ended in the defeat of the Illyrians two years later.
In 181 BC. Theutus was succeeded by Ghent. In 168 BC between him and
Rome, the Third Illyrian War began, which the following year led to
the Roman conquest of the region. After this, the Romans divided the
region into three administrative units. The Illyrians were finally
conquered in the year 9 BC Tiberius (Roman emperor
from 14 to 37 A.D.), who established the region of Illyria with an
imperial legate at the head.
In the 1st century AD
Christianity gradually penetrates into Illyria.
After the Roman Empire in the 4th century was divided into Eastern
and Western, the territory of Albania remained within the Eastern
Roman Empire. In the following centuries, the Balkan Peninsula
suffered from invasions of barbarians. Illyrians are last mentioned
in the text of the 7th century. In the late 12th – early 13th
centuries, Serbs and Venetians began to seize Albanian lands.
The ethnogenesis of the Albanians is unclear, however, the first
indisputable mention of the Albanians dates back to 1079 or 1080
years. The historical records of Michael Attaliat contain mention of
the participation of the Albanians in the uprising against
Constantinople. By that time, the Albanians were completely
Christianized.
The first fully independent Albanian state was
formed in 1190, when the archon Archon founded the Principality of
Arberia with its capital in Krua, which was part of the Byzantine
Empire. The progon was succeeded by his sons Gin Progon and Dimitri
Progon, with the latter it reached the peak of its development.
After the death of Dimitri, the last representative of the Progon
dynasty, the principality came under the rule of Grigor Camona, and
later the Golem. In the XIII century, the principality ceased to
exist.
A few years after the collapse of Arberia, Charles I of Anjou concluded an agreement with the Albanian rulers, promising to protect them and their ancient freedoms. In 1272, he founded the kingdom of Albania and annexed to it the areas conquered from the kingdom of Epirus. The kingdom claimed the entire territory of central Albania: from Dyrrahia along the Adriatic coast to Butrint. The expansion of this Catholic kingdom contributed to the spread of Catholicism in this region of the Balkan Peninsula. The internal struggle for power in the Byzantine Empire in the XIV century allowed the Serbian king Stefan Dusan to create a short-lived empire that briefly occupied all of Albania, with the exception of Durrës. In 1367, various Albanian rulers founded the Art Despotate. At the same time, several Albanian principalities were created, the most famous of which were Topia, Kastrioti, Muzaki, Balsa and Arianiti. In the first half of the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire invaded most of Albania, in response the Lezha League was created under the leadership of Skanderbeg, who became a national hero.
The Ottoman invasion
of Albania marked a new era in its history and made enormous changes
in the political and cultural life of this region. In 1385, the
Ottomans first reached the Albanian coast. By 1415, they had set up
their garrisons in southern Albania, and in 1431 occupied most of
its territory. With the advent of the Ottomans, Islam became the
second religion in Albania as a result of the mass emigration of
Albanian Christians to other Christian European countries (arberes
in Italy). At the same time, Muslim Albanians were gradually moving
to Turkey and other parts of the Ottoman Empire, such as Algeria,
Egypt and Iraq.
In 1443, under the leadership of Skanderbeg,
a large and long uprising began, which lasted until 1479. He
repeatedly defeated large Ottoman armies led by Murad II and Mehmed
II. Skanderbeg first united the Albanian princes, and then
established centralized power over most of the territories not
conquered by the Ottomans, being recognized as the ruler of Albania.
Skanderberg tirelessly but unsuccessfully tried to create a
European coalition against the Ottoman Empire. He thwarted all their
attempts to return Albania to their power, which the Ottomans
considered the bridgehead for the invasion of Italy and Western
Europe. His unequal struggle with the most powerful power of that
time won the respect of Europe, and also received some financial and
military assistance from Naples, Venice, Sicily and the Pope.
When the Ottomans finally managed to regain control of Albania,
they divided it into four Sanjaks. Authorities contributed to the
development of trade in Albanian lands, placing a significant number
of Jewish refugees expelled from Spain in the region. The port of
Vlora was important in trade between the Ottoman Empire and Western
Europe.
As Muslims, some Albanians gained important political
and military positions in the Ottoman Empire and contributed to the
wider Islamic world. So the post of the great vizier was held by
more than 20 immigrants from Albania, including Köprül Mehmed Pasha
and Fazyl Ahmed Pasha. Another Albanian, Muhammad Ali Pasha, being
governor of Egypt, carried out a number of successful modernization
reforms there, crushed the Wahhabi uprising in Arabia, rebelled
against the Ottoman Empire and founded the dynasty in Egypt that
ruled it until 1953.
The process of Islamization of the
population went gradually, only in the XVII century, most Albanians
became Muslims. This process has been gradual since the arrival of
the Ottomans. The holders of the timars were not necessarily
converted to Islam and sometimes rebelled against the Ottoman
Empire.
Catholic Albanians predominantly converted to Islam
in the 17th century, while Orthodox Albanians followed their example
in the next century. Initially, the process of Islamization was
actively going on in urban centers such as Elbasan and Shkoder,
after which it spread to the countryside. The motives for
conversion, according to historians, were different depending on a
particular context.
In November 1908,
after the overthrow of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II, the first national
congress was held in Bitola. In 1910, a rebellion broke out in
northern Albania. The following year, a new uprising set out to gain
autonomy for Albania. In the spring of 1912, a nationwide uprising
took place, the rebels captured Skopje, Dibra, Elbasan, and Permeti.
A truce was declared on August 23; The Albanian people were given a
certain autonomy, but administrative autonomy was not fixed.
In October 1912, the First Balkan War began. On November 28, in the
city of Vlore, a congress of representatives of various sectors of
the population proclaimed Albania an independent state and formed
the first provisional government.
In 1912-1913,
Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia and France
recognized autonomy at first, and then Albania's independence from
Turkey.
The first parliament of
Albania was created in 1920, during the struggle for the
independence of the country and against its division of the Paris
world between Greece, Italy and Yugoslavia.
In 1928 the
parliament was dissolved, Albania was proclaimed kingdom.
In April 1939, Italy occupied Albania, King Zogu
Ahmet fled the country.
The resistance movement was led by
pro-communist forces. In November 1941, a unified CPA structure was
created, which was to lead the liberation struggle. In September
1942, a congress of progressive forces that opposed the occupation
took place in Big Peso. A General National Liberation Council was
created, which was to lead the liberation movement. He became the
governing body of the National Liberation Front. In July 1943, the
General Council of the National Liberation Front decided to organize
the General Staff of the National Liberation Army. In May 1944, the
1st Anti-Fascist National Liberation Congress formed the
Anti-Fascist National Liberation Committee, which transferred the
functions of the interim government. In 1944, universal suffrage was
introduced.
In 1945, parliamentary
elections were held, in which the Democratic Front led by the
Communists received 97.7% of the vote (other political forces did
not participate in the elections). Gradually, Enver Hodge
concentrated his power in his hands, brutally cracking down on his
political rivals. Until 1956, Albania maintained relations with the
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as opposed to Yugoslavia,
however, after the 20th Congress of the CPSU, a policy of political
isolation was adopted. Relations were maintained only with the PRC
and Romania. In 1968, protesting against Soviet intervention in
Czechoslovakia, Albania withdrew from the Warsaw Pact. The country
lived in a state of constant readiness for war: each family was
obliged to build a bomb shelter. Religion, wearing a beard were
forbidden. In 1967, Albania was proclaimed an atheist state.
In 1978, cooperation with China was sharply curtailed.
After
the death of Enver Hoxha in 1985, the new leader Ramiz Aliya began a
policy of radical economic reforms and expansion of relations with
other countries.
Historical Foundations
Albanians trace their roots primarily
to the ancient Illyrians, who inhabited the western Balkans from the
second millennium BCE. This Illyrian substrate underpins language,
certain social patterns (clan loyalty, warrior ethos), and oral
traditions. Later layers include Greek coastal colonies, Roman and
Byzantine administration, Slavic migrations around the edges, and
especially five centuries of Ottoman rule (roughly 15th–early 20th
century).
The 15th-century resistance led by Gjergj Kastrioti
Skanderbeg remains the central national myth of independence and
defiance. Independence was declared in Vlora on 28 November 1912.
The 20th century brought Italian and German occupation, then one of
Europe’s most isolationist communist regimes under Enver Hoxha
(1944–1985). From 1967 to 1990 Albania was officially the world’s
first atheist state. The post-1991 transition was turbulent but
opened the country to the outside world, triggering a cultural
revival, mass emigration, and, more recently, a strong
tourism-driven interest in heritage.
Language
Albanian
(Shqip) forms its own independent branch of the Indo-European
family, only distantly related to other living languages. It is
divided mainly into two dialects separated roughly by the Shkumbin
River: Gheg in the north and Tosk in the south. The standard
literary language is based on Tosk. The language’s survival through
long periods of foreign domination is a point of intense cultural
pride.
Religion and Social Harmony
Albania is unusually
multi-confessional for Europe. Approximate figures show a Muslim
plurality (Sunni majority with a significant Bektashi Sufi
community), Roman Catholics concentrated in the northwest, Orthodox
Christians stronger in the south, and a large secular or
non-practicing population shaped by the communist era.
Religious
identity has historically been secondary to national identity.
Intermarriage and mutual celebration of holidays are common. The
famous WWII record of Albanians sheltering Jews under the code of
besa is frequently cited as evidence of this prioritization of honor
and hospitality over religious difference.
Core Values: Besa,
Hospitality, and the Kanun
Two interlocking concepts sit at the
heart of traditional Albanian social life:
Besa – a sacred,
unbreakable pledge of honor or given word. To give besa is to stake
one’s personal and family reputation on keeping a promise, sometimes
across generations.
Mikpritja (hospitality) – the guest is
treated as almost sacred. Once a visitor crosses the threshold, the
host is obligated to protect and provide for them, even at personal
cost. This ethic is still widely observed and frequently surprises
foreign visitors.
These values were codified most famously in
the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, a body of customary law that governed
northern highland society for centuries. It regulated honor, blood
feud (gjakmarrja), inheritance, marriage, and hospitality. While
formal blood feuds have largely been suppressed and the Kanun’s
legal force is historical, its cultural imprint on notions of honor,
family obligation, and highland mentality persists, especially in
the north.
Family and clan (fis) ties remain strong. Respect for
elders is expected, and social life often revolves around the home,
long meals, and the evening xhiro (communal stroll).
Traditional Arts: Music, Dance, and Costume
Music is one of
Albania’s greatest cultural treasures. Southern Albania is the
heartland of iso-polyphony, a multi-voiced unaccompanied singing
tradition with a sustained drone (iso). It was proclaimed a UNESCO
Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005
and formally inscribed in 2008. Different styles exist among the
Labs and Tosks. Northern Albania is known for heroic epic ballads
(Këngë Kreshnikësh or Songs of the Frontier Warriors), traditionally
performed by a soloist accompanying himself on the one-stringed
lahuta. Other instruments include the two-stringed çifteli.
Dance
centers on the valle, a circle or open-line dance led by a senior
dancer who improvises while the group follows. Regional variants
differ markedly between north and south.
Traditional clothing is
extraordinarily diverse—ethnographers have documented hundreds of
regional varieties. Distinctive pieces include the men’s fustanella
(pleated white kilt, more associated with the south), the northern
men’s tirq trousers with black embroidery, the white felt plis or
qeleshe cap, embroidered vests (xhamadan), and for women the
xhubleta, a distinctive bell-shaped pleated skirt of the northern
highlands that UNESCO has listed as in need of urgent safeguarding.
These costumes are still worn for festivals, weddings, and folklore
events rather than daily life in cities.
Cuisine
Albanian
food reflects Mediterranean climate, Ottoman techniques, and
pastoral highland traditions. Signature dishes include:
Tavë kosi
– baked lamb (or sometimes veal) with rice under a yogurt-egg
topping, often considered the national dish.
Byrek – layered filo
pastry with cheese, spinach, meat, or other fillings.
Fërgesë –
peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese (or sometimes meat) baked
together.
Flija – a northern layered pancake-like dish cooked
under a metal lid.
Grilled meats (qofte), fresh salads, yogurt,
olive oil, and seasonal vegetables.
The national spirit is
raki (usually grape-based). Coffee culture is intense; meals are
social and generous. Northern cooking tends heavier on meat and
dairy; the south and coast are lighter and more vegetable- or
seafood-oriented.
Literature and Intellectual Life
The
outstanding figure of modern Albanian literature is Ismail Kadare
(1936–2024), whose novels and poetry brought Albanian
themes—highland customary law, Ottoman legacy, dictatorship, and
myth—onto the world stage. Works such as The General of the Dead
Army, Broken April, Chronicle in Stone, and The Palace of Dreams
explore both the dignity and the darkness of Albanian historical
experience. He remains the most internationally translated and
recognized Albanian writer.
Oral epic poetry and folklore
(including figures such as the mountain fairies zana and dragon-like
kulshedra) form an older literary layer that continues to influence
contemporary culture.
Festivals and Contemporary Life
Major celebrations include Independence Day / Flag Day (28
November), Dita e Verës (Summer Day, 14 March—an ancient spring
festival), religious holidays observed across communities, and the
National Folklore Festival in Gjirokastër. Weddings are typically
multi-day events filled with music, dance, and elaborate
hospitality.
Today Albania is a young, outward-looking society
with a large diaspora that maintains strong cultural ties. Urban
youth culture mixes traditional elements with Italian, Western
European, and global influences. Tourism has accelerated interest in
heritage sites (Berat and Gjirokastër’s Ottoman architecture,
Butrint’s ancient remains—all UNESCO World Heritage), iso-polyphony
performances, and rural traditions. At the same time, rapid change
creates tensions between highland customary values and modern urban
life.
Regional Character
The north (Gheg) is often
described as more conservative, clan-oriented, and heroic in
cultural tone, with stronger Catholic historical presence in some
areas. The south (Tosk) tends toward a more Mediterranean,
polyphonic, and historically Orthodox/Bektashi flavor, with greater
historical contact across the sea and with Greek neighbors. These
are tendencies rather than rigid divides; national identity remains
the overarching frame.
Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day
March 7: Teacher's Day
March 14: Summer Festival
Easter (moveable)
Eid al-Fitr and
Eid al-Adha (Islamic high holidays)
October 19: Mother Teresa Day
November 28: Independence Day
November 29: Liberation Day
December 8: Youth Day
December 25: Christmas
Borders and Coastline
Albania shares land borders totaling about
691 km:
Montenegro to the northwest (186 km)
Kosovo to the
northeast (112 km)
North Macedonia to the east (181 km)
Greece to
the southeast and south (212 km)
The coastline measures
approximately 476 km (figures vary by measurement method due to the
coastline paradox; some sources cite ~362 km). It is divided between a
longer, lower Adriatic section (roughly 274 km of sandy beaches,
wetlands, lagoons, and alluvial deposits) and a shorter, more dramatic
Ionian section (about 172 km of steeper cliffs, rocky shores, and the
Albanian Riviera). Notable coastal features include the Karaburun
Peninsula, numerous lagoons (Karavasta being the largest), and the small
island of Sazan.
Topography and Physiographic Regions
Albania
is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries. Roughly 70–80% of its
territory consists of mountains and hills, with an average elevation of
about 708 m (nearly twice the European average). Only about one-quarter
is lowland, primarily the western coastal and alluvial plains. Mountains
generally run north–south and create a highly dissected landscape of
steep ridges, deep valleys, canyons, and plateaus.
The country is
commonly divided into four main physiographic regions:
Northern
Mountain Range — Dominated by the Albanian Alps (Prokletije or Accursed
Mountains / Malësia e Madhe), an extension of the Dinaric Alps. This is
the most rugged and sparsely populated area, with high peaks, glacial
valleys (such as Valbonë), dense forests, and subalpine conditions.
Central Mountain Range — Extends from the Drin River southward; more
varied and somewhat less extreme terrain, including the Korab massif and
other ranges.
Southern Mountain Range — Includes the Ceraunian
Mountains (running roughly northwest–southeast along the Ionian coast)
and extensions of the Pindus system; features dramatic drops to the sea
and passes such as Llogara.
Western Lowlands — Narrow coastal and
alluvial plains (including the fertile Myzeqe plain) that widen in
places and support most of the population, agriculture, and urban
centers. These lowlands are ringed by hills and mountains.
Highest point: Mount Korab (Maja e Korabit / Golem Korab) at 2,764 m on
the eastern border with North Macedonia. Other notable peaks include
Maja Jezercë (Jezerca, around 2,694 m) in the Albanian Alps (the highest
peak in the Dinaric Alps) and various summits exceeding 2,000–2,500 m in
the central and southern ranges. Lowest point is sea level along the
Adriatic.
Major mountain systems include the Albanian Alps (north),
Sharr Mountains (northeast), Skanderbeg Mountains (center), Korab
Mountains (east), Pindus Mountains (southeast), and Ceraunian Mountains
(southwest). Karst landscapes, glacial landforms (U-shaped valleys,
cirques), deep gorges, and tectonic features are widespread. The terrain
rises sharply from the western plains toward the eastern and northern
highlands.
Hydrology
Rivers generally flow westward from the
interior mountains to the Adriatic. The Drin (Drini) is the longest
river associated with Albania (total length about 335 km; significant
portion within the country), formed by the confluence of the Black and
White Drin and known for its powerful flow and hydropower importance.
Other major rivers include the Vjosë (Vjosa — one of Europe’s last
largely free-flowing “wild” rivers), Shkumbin, Seman, Mat, and others
that drain the western plains. Many rivers experience strong seasonal
variation, with high flows from snowmelt and winter rains.
Lakes are
a standout feature:
Lake Shkodër (Lake of Shkodra / Scutari) —
Shared with Montenegro; the largest lake in southern Europe (total area
~530 km²).
Lake Ohrid — One of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes,
shared with North Macedonia; internationally significant for
biodiversity and age.
Prespa Lakes (Great and Small Prespa) — Shared
with North Macedonia and Greece; high-altitude tectonic lakes.
Albania also has numerous smaller glacial and karst lakes, coastal
lagoons (Karavasta, Narta, etc.), and artificial reservoirs. Inland
waters support rich ecosystems and hydropower.
Climate
The
climate combines Mediterranean and continental influences, strongly
modified by elevation and distance from the sea. Coastal lowlands
experience a classic Mediterranean regime: mild, wet winters and hot,
dry summers. Inland and especially mountainous areas are cooler and
wetter, with more pronounced seasonal contrasts and heavy snowfall in
the north.
Precipitation is generally abundant but uneven — highest
in the northern Alps (often exceeding 2,000–2,500 mm annually) and lower
toward the southeast and eastern border. Summers are typically dry along
the coast; winters bring most of the rain. Microclimates are common due
to the complex topography.
Biodiversity, Protected Areas, and
Other Features
Despite its modest size, Albania hosts high
biodiversity owing to its varied relief, climate zones, and position
between Mediterranean and Balkan ecosystems. Ecoregions include
Illyrian, Dinaric, Balkan, and Pindus forests. Flora includes thousands
of vascular plant species; fauna ranges from brown bears, Balkan lynx,
and wolves in the mountains to marine species such as the Mediterranean
monk seal and various dolphins, plus important bird populations
(including Dalmatian pelicans in wetlands).
Protected areas number in
the hundreds and cover a substantial share of the territory. Key
national parks and sites include the Alps of Albania National Park
(encompassing Theth and Valbonë areas), Divjakë-Karavasta (major wetland
and lagoon complex), Prespa, Llogara, Shebenik-Jabllanicë,
Karaburun-Sazan (marine), Butrint, and others. Transboundary sites such
as the Ohrid-Prespa region are particularly important. The Vjosa River
corridor has also gained strong protection recognition as a largely
intact river system.
Natural resources include petroleum and natural
gas, various minerals (chromite, copper, nickel, bauxite, iron ore),
hydropower potential, timber, and limited but productive arable land in
the western plains. The country is seismically active (part of the
Alpine orogenic belt), with risks of earthquakes, occasional coastal
flooding or erosion, and rare tsunami potential along the southwestern
coast.