Albania is a small country which is part of the Balkan peninsula. Its southern coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and traditional Mediterranean villages. Its interior is dominated by the rugged Albanian Alps where you can spend days hiking the stunning trails. Albania is also rich in castles and archaeological sites.
Facts
- Capital: Tirana
- Language: Albanian
- Currency: Lek (1 € ≅ 130 Lek)
- Part of EU: No
- Population: 2.9 million
- Size: 28.748 km² (¾ of Holland)
- Daylight saving time: Yes
- Visas: Not required for most European citizens; others can enter with multi – entry Schengen visa
- Best time to visit: May – Sep (European summer) or Nov – March (ski season)
- Visited: 2016 (part of Balkan trip)
Tirana
I entered Albania from Macedonia by bus. The bus drops you off in the centre of the city; Skanderbeg Square. This is also the main vein of the city. You will find here a mosque, old school communist buildings, an opera house, hotels and museums. But the centrepiece of the square is the big statue of Skanderbeg on horseback; the national hero of Albania.
Skanderbeg Square @ Tirana.
There aren’t a lot of sights to tick off in Tirana, but seeing the contrasts of the city between its communist, Ottoman, Italian past and modern day Tirana is fascinating. You can climb the ‘pyramid’ like the locals for some nice views of the city.
Skanderbeg Square @ Tirana.
I met some pretty awesome people at my cozy hostel (Tirana Backpacker Hostel) with which I explored the best part of town; Blloku. Great for dinner and nightlife. But the best dinner I had was just off Skanderbeg Square at a traditional restaurant along Rruga Luigj Gurakuqi.
Above: View from the ‘pyramid’ – Below: Colorful house along Skanderbeg Square
A perfect half day trip from Tirana is to visit the beautiful town of Kruja which is just 32km away. You can reach Kruja easily by furgon (small bus) with a transfer in Fusha Kruja.
Kruja
Kruja is Skanderbeg’s town; Albania’s national hero was born here. The town is stunningly located in the lap of a mountain which produces some breathtaking views.
Kruja’s location is perfect!
The view from the ancient castle is pretty remarkable.
I noticed immediately after I left Tirana that I was heading towards a more traditional area of Albania. I saw heaps of man walking along the road carrying chickens by their feet. My guess: they were having chicken for dinner.
Excellent view!
These cannons shoul keep the bad guys away!
Kruja’s sights are dotted around its ancient castle. The Skanderbeg Museum is definitely worth a look; both the museum as the building itself are pretty cool.
Arriving at Kruja.
The ancient castle of Kruja.
Kruja is also a great place for souvenir shopping and there are a lot of nice restaurants with killer views!
Kruja’s ancient castle.
The Skanderbeg Museum.
I had a great half day in Kruja and I can really recommend to add this town to your Albanian itinerary. This small town is the pride of Albania and a big part of its history.
Left: The view from the castle – Right: A big statue of their national hero welcomes you to Kruja
So, that’s it. A packed full day in Tirana and Kruja! After Albania I took the very, very long bus ride from Tirana to the capital of Greece; Athens!
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