Located between Italy and Greece,Albania has always kept a European soul. In 30 years of democracy, the former small communist country seems to have made up for lost time, and this is confirmed when approaching the center of the capital Tirana after leaving Mother Teresa airport. Mentioned in recent years as a trendy destination in tourism articles and guides, the Land of Eagles is recommended not only for its crystal-clear coastline, but also for its wonderful hiking possibilities in the northern mountains and for its traditional gastronomy. In some areas, natural and organic products contribute to making it one of the healthiest cuisines in Europe!
Medical tourism, the latest discovery for foreign tourists
In recent years, the Balkan territory, straddling the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, has become one of the favorite destinations for medical tourism. Dr. Dritan Gremi, founder and director of the Gremi Clinic, has been working in the field of dental tourism for over 10 years. More than 15,000 patients from Italy, France, Belgium, England, and even from farther afield, such as the United States, have already visited his clinic. Located in one of the most popular streets in the center of Tirana, the clinic offers a wide range of services, including advanced dental surgery, bone grafting, crowns, veneers, fixed dentures and dental implants, all of which are of CE-certified quality. Clients are cared for by qualified doctors and benefit from advanced technology. Thanks to the country's tax system, they also benefit from prices that are much lower than those charged by their Western European neighbors. The clinic offers a wide range of services, from meeting patients at the airport, to accommodation in one of the company's comfortable hotels, to dental treatment and weekend sightseeing tours. This includes the new trend that is attracting European tourists in large numbers to explore the country's communist past, once one of the most virulent dictatorships in the region. European travelers are curious to explore this legacy.
Albania's history under dictatorship an attraction for tourists
With all the passion of a man who deeply loves his country, Dritan Gremi reveals one of the highlights of current tourism in Albania: the discovery of a former communist dictatorship. "Living like in the time of communism" is a very interesting initiative that he considers as a mission. According to him, the encounter of foreigners with the harshest authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe is almost exotic. Although he does not go into detail about the project, he makes it clear that the goal is not only to offer a journey into the communist past, but also to share some of the experiences of the Albanians during that period. "It is a way to show how we lived for 50 years, a kind of duty of memory not to forget the past that, if it falls into oblivion, may be repeated," he says. "For many years, Albanians lived in a system that deeply marked their lives. Especially the generation of our parents who spent most of their lives under a system comparable to the current North Korea. It is time that the horror of the past be used for a good reason," he says.
A look back at the history of Albania and the Hoxha dictatorship
Ruled with an iron fist by Enver Hoxha and the communist system for more than 45 years (1944-1990), Albania was during this period the most isolated country in the world. Hoxha took care to purge the territory and execute any opponent of the system, including his most loyal friends. In addition to facing poverty, Albanians also faced punishment, imprisonment and persecution of any voice that spoke out against the ruling power. The journey to the places of Albanian communism begins with a visit to the "House of Leaves", one of the most interesting and controversial places in Tirana. We discover surveillance tools of the time, how bedbugs were hidden in objects and houses or a coat in which a camera was hidden to be used for espionage. A film is projected continuously in the museum. BUNK'ART is a true masterpiece of contemporary art, a bunker dating from the Cold War era that now houses one of the most experimental museums in the Albanian capital. In this underground exhibition space, history and contemporary art interact. The BUNK'ART project began in 2014 in the suburbs of Tirana with the opening of BUNK'ART 1, and continued in November 2016 with the opening of BUNK'ART 2, in the center of the capital. Another must-see place is the Spaç prison. It housed opponents of the communist regime until 1991, the year the dictatorship fell, and operated even longer than the gulags of the USSR. The prisoners were forced to live an inhuman life, having to work in the copper mines located on the outskirts of the structure. "A real hell" as testified by the survivors, who will keep forever in memory the atrocities perpetrated during the darkest years of Albanian history.
From north to south, a nature that has everything to please
Albania, a territory located between the Balkans and the Mediterranean Sea, aspires to join the EU in the near future and has been benefiting from the free movement of people in the Schengen area for years. The country is particularly renowned for its hospitality towards foreigners. The Albanian Riviera stretches over 100 km from Vlora to Saranda. There are mountains dominating the rocky coast, while the beaches of Gjipe and Palasa, with their white sand and shades of blue, are among the most beautiful in the country. The Archaeological Park of Butrint with its magnificent Roman theater, protected by Unesco, is one of the most important cultural destinations and will be part of the trip
The charms of the north, in winter and summer
The Valbona Valley National Park, in the heart of the Alps, offers beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, waterfalls, forests and valleys that will amaze any mountain hiking enthusiast. On the Vjosa and Osum rivers you can go rafting and during a stopover in Permet you can taste organic meat, dairy products and especially marmalade, for which the region is known and remains at the top of the culinary art. History lovers should also visit Gjirokastra and Berat, while in Korca you will find what the locals call "Little Paris". In the ancient city of Apollonia, the ruins bear witness to its glorious past. And the view beyond the hills is a source of inspiration for photography enthusiasts.
One more reason to visit Tirana in 2022
Tirana is a metropolis that suits all travelers! Museums or theater, nature walks, historical monuments and cultural activities, there is something for everyone. You cannot miss the Blloku district (a zone that was once only allowed to the leaders), the place in the city that lives by its nightclubs and live music performances. A district that is sometimes simple, sometimes mundane. In any case, the most lively part of the city and always in ebullition. Besides meeting people who love life and enjoy every moment of it, 2022 offers another reason to visit the Albanian capital. Declared European Youth Capital for one year, a wide range of activities will be offered around various themes throughout this period. And the main theme is of course the youth.
USEFUL INFORMATION
When is it?
It is in May and September that the climate is the most pleasant in Albania and globally at mid-season. You can enjoy the beaches of the Albanian Riviera as well as hiking in the national parks and cities deserted by tourists.
Duration
If a weekend citytrip allows you to discover the capital Tirana, it is advisable to leave for 10 to 15 days to go from one prefecture to another and visit villages, archaeological sites and nature spots. A week is not too much to travel around the Albanian Riviera and to stop in several seaside resorts.
Budget
Albania remains a very affordable destination. You can stay in a comfortable hotel for less than 100 € by the sea. Lodging with a local or in a youth hostel is even much cheaper. You can also eat very well for 8 € and travelling by bus or train is not a burden on the vacation budget
Public
The advantage of Albania is that there is something for all types of travelers. For those who love hiking in the mountains, for those who love ancient history with sites like Appolonia and Butrint, and for families who want to enjoy the sun and the beach on the Adriatic coast in the summertime.
The advantages
A multi-faceted destination: crystal clear sea, mountains, historic villages and ancient heritage.
An inexpensive country accessible to many budgets.
A territory still preserved from mass tourism.
The minuses
The language barrier.
Roads sometimes in bad condition. Caution is still required.
How to get there
By car, you can reach Albania through Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro
Train + ferry. Take the train from France and Italy to Bari, Brindisi, Ancona or Trieste, where a ferry crosses the Adriatic Sea.
By plane, it takes about 2h30 to reach Tirana airport from Paris.
Useful
Embassy of Albania in France - More information on the site
Phone : 01 47 23 31 00
Gremi clinic - More information on the website
Phone: (+33) 174 180 381
Sleeping
You can find 3 and 4 star hotels at very good prices through the main reservation sites. Homestays offer a more authentic experience.
For the very low budget, a backpacker hostel is recommended in Tirana
Tirana Backpacker Hostel - More information on the website
Phone: +355 684 682 353
