Around 38,000 Spanish Tourists Visit Albania in the First Half of 2024
Albania has recently gained international recognition, with tourists visiting from all around the world. Just recently, the famous Spanish travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler published the best places to visit in Albania.
On the same note, Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro reported that Albania welcomed over 1.7 million international visitors during this period, a notable 59% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
But why is this country becoming so attractive? Here’s what we think.
Beaches are Stunning, and Somehow, ‘No one’ Knew About Them
Albania is home to many beautiful beaches, beyond just Saranda and Ksamil. As a native, I’ve come to appreciate the hidden gems and less-known areas that are often overlooked but equally worth visiting. Such are Gjipe, Himara, Qeparo, Borsh, Porto Palermo, Filikur and many more less popular areas.
And if you’d like to explore a beach near Tirana, on the Adriatic coast, you’ll find lesser-known spots like ‘Kallmi Bukur,’ a 20-minute drive from the area of Currilat.
Interesting Traditions and Culture
Albania is full of interesting traditions and culture. In fact, such traditions are found ‘everywhere’ and might be even shocking to some. For instance, in certain traditional families, it’s not common for girls to go out late at night. Also, it’s unusual for unmarried women to live on their own.
Traditional dances, like “valle” are performed at weddings, celebrations and festivals. Traditional costumes, depending on the region of origin, tell a story of their own and are designed with attention to every detail.
Albanians are known for their warm hospitality, offering guests traditional dishes such as “byrek“, “tavë kosi and “fërgesë. The country’s culture also reflects influences from Ottoman, Italian, and Greek traditions, with details visible in its architecture, food, and daily life.
Post-Communism Modernism
Marks of communism are still present in Albania, with nearly 175,000 bunkers spread across the country and old buildings spread around the cities. This contrast is particularly evident in Tirana, with the mix of modernism and communist architectures that are impossible not to notice.
Buildings known as “Pallatet e Enverit” or “Enver’s buildings,” named after Albania’s former communist leader, remain common. Interestingly, some locals are now converting these old homes into modern apartments, which they lease on platforms like Booking.com. Some others choose to rent out their original apartments while securing new ones for themselves.
In Tirana, you’ll find lots of neighbourhoods that are being transformed into ‘apartment business’ areas. Just imagine the fierce competition!
Affordability and Accessibility
There are contradictory opinions on whether Albania can still be considered affordable, especially with the recent influx of tourists driving up prices. However, compared to Western Europe, Albania still remains a cost-effective destination. This affordability is one of the reasons why Albania is an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
Related: Is Albania affordable for expats?
Hospitality and Authentic Experiences
One of the most important features of Albania is its remarkable hospitality. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the eagerness of locals to assist, even when there’s a language barrier. This warm welcome reflects a deeply ingrained cultural tradition that leaves a lasting impression on tourists.
Conclusion
With more people discovering the beauty of Albania, we expect tourism to expand significantly in the coming months. This trend not only increases the local economy but also helps preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Have you thought of visiting the country if you haven’t yet? What are your thoughts on Albania’s rise as a travel destination?
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