AL - Albania

Territories and tourist destinations:
      Coast of Albania – The region where Tirana is located, the capital of the country and Durres, the main port of Albania.
      North-Eastern Albania – Shkodra is the largest center in northern Albania. Kukës is a center in the mountains on the border with Kosovo.
      South-Eastern Albania – The south of Albania has a long coast on the Ionian Sea where the seaside resorts of Himara, Dhermi, Borshi, Saranda and the port of Vlora meet in a sheltered gulf on the Otranto channel.
Urban centers
Tirana (Tiranë) – The country’s capital surrounded by trees and mountains. Mount Dajt is a well-known tourist site from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the city.
Gjirokastra (Gjirokastra) – Another UNESCO city located in the south and known for its unique architecture from the Ottoman period. There is a large castle on the hill in the center of the city which served as a prison for many generations, inside which today there is a military museum and an art gallery. Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of the former communist leader Enver Hoxha, as well as the internationally renowned Albanian author, Ismail Kadare; their houses now serve as museums.
Berat – It is thought to be one of the oldest cities in Albania, and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Berat has long been known as the “city of 1001 windows” for its unique Ottoman / Albanian architecture. It has a well-preserved castle with residents who still live within its protective walls.
Butrint – Located on a small peninsula in southern Albania, since 1992 under the protection of UNESCO.
Coriza (Korça or Korçë, also Corizza) – Located south-east of Albania, several kilometers from the Greek border, this city is full of life during the summer when couples and families can be found walking through the Parku Rinia, the main park of the city. You can hike to the top of the beautiful Moravian mountain and see the city and its surrounding landscape. Do not miss the Korca Brewery (famous throughout Albania), which sponsors a week of beer festival, every year in August!
Croia (Krujë) – Ancient city of the national hero Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu) located in the north of the country. It includes beautiful mountains and the Scanderbeg Castle, now used as a museum. Croia also contains an old-style bazaar with shops selling traditional goods amidst cobblestone streets. Croia is known for its carpet crafts.
Elbasan – A large, poor, intriguing industrial city, full of life. The market is fascinating, and the “Bugace” breakfast is legendary. The Via Ignatia, an ancient Roman road that leads to Istanbul, crosses the city.
Fier (Fieri) – Lively seaside city, only about 8 km away from the ruins of the ancient Illyrian city of Apollonia.
Shkoder – The largest city in northern Albania. Shkoder is considered the capital of Albanian culture. In Shkoder there is the “Migjeni” theater (the first in Albania). The first cycling race was held there, the first football game and also the first photograph (from Marubi). Rozafa Castle is a major tourist attraction, but there are also other noteworthy ones such as the “great cathedral”, the “Ebu Beker mosque”, etc.
Vlora (Vlora or Vlorë) – Lively seaside town with beautiful beaches, located south of the city. Passenger ferries to and from Italy call here.