Another Balkan Jewel…

When planning to book our summer breakaway week Albania wasn’t on our list of handful destinations, but eventually it managed to top the list, and I must say it surpassed all our expectations.

After landing in Tirana, we drove to Durres with its miles’ long sandy coastal beach and after a relaxing evening and night the next morning we set off to ‘Ujevarae Shen Gjergjit’, one of Albania’s many mesmerising waterfalls spread around this mountainous country, and just couldn’t resist not having an ice-cold dip too. We then drove down along the Adriatic to the Ionian coast, while enjoying the jaw-breaking views of mountains on one side and the never-ending beaches on the other.

Having reached Sarande just before sunset we were once again immersed in the beauty of this country and what was still to come. From the many turquoise beaches with well-equipped and well-priced lidos in both Sarande and Ksamil, another amazing location right opposite Corfu, to the many entertaining beach cruises in daytime and at night around the bustling port of Sarande. We also managed to include a trip to the ‘Blue Eye’, another amazing gem with its crystal-clear natural spring-water deep pool, a must go for all, and last but not least sunset viewing up at Sarande castle, the cherry on the cake.

So yes, if you’re looking to discover another interesting country I highly recommend Albania with its many hidden treasures and very welcoming people!