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Things You Miss When You Move Away From Albania

The Albanian flag with the double headed eagle
The Albanian flag with the double headed eagle | © mayns82 / Pixabay

Most every Albanian, or even every person who has lived in Albania for an extended time, has many things that they’ll inevitably miss when they move away. From the amazing fresh food to the sense of community, here are a few things that people who lived in the land of the eagles might miss.

The lively atmosphere

One of the most beautiful things about Albania is the lively atmosphere. Year round—but particularly in the summer—there are plenty of people of all ages in the squares and streets walking, chatting, and drinking together at cafés in the main towns, especially in Tirana. It’s impossible to not be surprised by the lively atmosphere of this small Balkan country.

Bar Kinema Millennium in the centre of Tirana is crowded every day

The food

Albanian food is simply amazing. From fresh vegetables and fruits at the local markets to restaurants with seasonal menus that comprise the freshest ingredients, eating well in Albania is easy. Of course, there are some dishes that everyone should try, such as salçe kosi (yogurt sauce), tavë kosi (lamb cooked with yogurt sauce and rice), and fergësë (a kind of ricotta cheese with peppers and spices).

One of the best things about Albania is the fresh seasonal produce

The café culture

The traditional café culture in Albania is hard to replicate. Drinking a coffee isn’t just a simple act here; it’s almost a sacred moment that deserves time and savoring. No one here would drink their coffee while standing at the bar. They instead spend the time to drink it at the table in the company of friends or family.

Café culture is one of the most famous things in Albania

The sense of community and hospitality

One of the best things about Albania is the sense of community and hospitality. If someone is in trouble or needs help, Albanians try everything to help him or her. Albanians are known for their sense of hospitality, and most people who have visited have experienced this firsthand.

Albanians are among the most hospitable people in Europe

The ancient towns

Albania is a small country with many treasures spread from north to south. The marvelous towns of Berat, Gjirokaster, Shkodra, Kruja, and Korça are wonderful, and there are a surprisingly high number of things to do and see. These towns look as if they are straight from a fairytale, which is an aesthetic and charm Albanians often miss when they move.

Mangalem district in Berat

The weird buildings

It’s true that Albania is home to stunning ancient cities and archaeological parks, but the country also has several weird and interesting buildings, such as the Pyramid of Tirana. There are also countless bunkers throughout the country that were built during the communist regime and are still visible today.

The pyramid of Tirana is one of the symbols of the Albanian capital city

The daytrips

Thanks to its small size, it’s fairly easy to organize daytrips to discover untouched natural areas, gorgeous beaches, and ancient hamlets. It’s also possible to quickly visit some of the neighboring countries, too. Consider the Cape Rodon, an Albanian beach just one hour from Tirana. The old town of Kruja is about a 40-minute journey from Tirana, and Prizren, the cultural capital of Kosovo, is only two hours away.

The Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja is one of the most interesting museums in Albania

The religious multiculturalism

Another beautiful thing about Albania is the religious multiculturalism. The country is largely atheist, and all religions are respected. When walking through the city centers, visitors will see mosques near Catholic and orthodox churches. This mix of religions and the multicultural atmosphere is often among the things everyone misses the most when they move away.

Albania is famous to be a religious tolerant country

The natural beauty

In addition to the gorgeous towns, Albania is also home to terrific natural beauty. Some of the most stunning natural places in the country are in the north in the Albanian Alps region. This area is home to enchanting destinations such as Theth, a lovely hamlet surrounded by mountains; the Blue Eye natural spring; and the National Park of Valbona. The south has pristine beaches and hidden bays with epic natural scenery.

Theth, one of the nicest villages of Albania located in the Albanian Alps area

About the author

Coffee-addicted, autumn enthusiast and self-taught photographer – I am Francesca, a travel journalist. After living in Italy and Spain, now I spend my days in the lively city of Tirana, Albania. If I'm not exploring the Balkan peninsula, you’ll find me at the local food market or writing about my travels.

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