Things You Miss When You Move Away From Albania
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.
The food
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
