Travel
11 issues to know earlier than going to Albania
Of all of the nations I’ve been to (greater than 60), the stereotypes I hear about Albania are a number of the most outrageous.
Some say to not go as a result of it’s unsafe. Others – resembling a vacationer I overheard on my newest go to whereas researching the Lonely Planet Western Balkans guidebook – say they pointed to a map and “found” Albania. I’ve come to conclude that just about every thing folks say about Albania is improper.
Effectively, besides that the country is awesome.
Commercial
Certain, Albania is a growing nation that continues to emerge from a brutal 45-year dictatorship that solely resulted in 1991, and its infrastructure isn’t fairly on the extent of Western Europe. But Albania has a decrease crime rate than Canada’s, and will get flooded with vacationers each summer season – which, given its gorgeous beaches, wonderful mountain climbing and enchanting UNESCO-listed “museum” towns, makes full sense.
So ignore what you’ve heard, and begin planning your journey to Albania with none qualms. Simply don’t count on to be the primary traveler to fall in love with it.
Right here’s what to know earlier than you go.
1. Albania is protected
Maybe it was the 2008 film Taken, which pits Liam Neeson in opposition to Albanian human traffickers who kidnapped his daughter. Or the sensational information stories in regards to the Albanian mafia throughout Europe. Or the traditional ethnic divisions within the area. Regardless, the nation has developed a nasty rap in terms of security.
It’s merely not true. Pickpocketing and petty theft aren’t widespread right here, and plenty of solo female travelers don’t discover Albania any extra harmful than elsewhere in Europe (although precautions are sadly all the time needed).
Some folks can even let you know driving in Albania is unsafe, too. However the primary highways are well-maintained and erratic drivers aren’t so unhealthy so long as you might have your eye on the highway. One factor to keep away from is shopping for illicit medication alongside the Albanian Riviera, as that may put you dangerously near the organized crime that Taken warned us about.
2. Keep away from July and August in case you don’t like crowds
Whereas loads of social media movies have constructed up the (well-deserved) hype about Albania, they’ve additionally contributed to creating the Albanian Riviera jam-packed with guests each summer season. On most seashores in and across the fashionable city of Ksamil, you gained’t simply discover area to place down a towel. In the event you do, a beachside restaurant vendor will most likely let you know to take away it (legally, Albanian seashores are open to everybody, however good luck combating with these tenacious entrepreneurs). Equally, Albania’s UNESCO-protected towns of Berat and Gjirokastër replenish with guests within the heat months, and the Accursed Mountains hike between Theth and Valbonë on the Peaks of the Balkans trail can get dangerously crowded. As a substitute, guide your journey to Albania within the spring (Might and June) or fall (September and August) to be within the candy spot of milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
3. Entry is probably going straightforward and visa-free
For nationals of greater than 80 nations, a 90-day vacationer visa gained’t value you a factor. Whenever you land at Tirana Worldwide Airport, you’ll scan your passport and enter Albania with out even talking to a border safety officer. For US nationals it will get even higher: a free vacationer visa permits you to keep for as much as a yr.
In the event you’re coming from Kosovo by land, the border is nearly nonexistent. Land borders with Montenegro and Greece, in addition to the port you’ll enter after the ferry from Corfu, don’t have the snazzy passport-scanning know-how. Nonetheless, it’s best to have the ability to get via rapidly sufficient in case you’re a customer from a kind of visa-free nations.
Commercial
4. Take the ferry to Albania from Corfu if the seaside is your precedence
Albania’s solely worldwide airport is in Tirana, which is no less than a couple of hours’ drive from one of the best seashores of the Albanian Riviera. So if blissful sun-soaking is your precedence, fly to the Greek island of Corfu, then take the quick ferry to Sarandë. The seashores round Ksamil are solely a brief bus or taxi onward, and you may simply lease a automotive to drive north for quieter seashores.
5. Use electrical taxis in Tirana
In the event you fly into Tirana airport, purchase a SIM card from a neighborhood operator (or download an eSim), then contact an electric-car taxi firm like Do Taxi (067 490 0000) to select you up. Uber and Bolt aren’t obtainable in Albania, and native taxis that wait outdoors the airport cost extra.
Alternatively, hop on an airport bus for the 30-minute journey to Skanderbeg Square within the coronary heart of Tirana. Buses come each hour, and you may pay in money whenever you board.
6. Convey euros, and tip 10%
Albania has been remarkably sluggish to undertake card funds, and paying with something however the native foreign money (the Albanian lek) or euros is nearly unimaginable outdoors main cities. You’ll even be anticipated to pay money for rental automobiles and fuel. However whereas there you’ll discover loads of ATMs that dispense lek, they usually cost a steep transaction payment (€6 / US$6.28 or extra) and solely provide giant payments. So do your self a favor and convey euros with you, then use them or alternate them for lek at outlets across the metropolis.
With that money in hand, be good and tip your servers 10% of the invoice at any restaurant.
7. Albania is kid-friendly
Albanian mother and father are the sort who convey their youngsters out with them all over the place they go, and deal with little ones like royalty. So don’t be shy to convey yours alongside, too. In most Albanian cities, play buildings abound to assist burn off vitality.
8. Hire a automotive in case you’re on a decent schedule
Planning an itinerary in Albania will firmly rely on how a lot time you need to spare. Native buses known as furgons date again a long time and are susceptible to breakdowns. Additionally they don’t normally go away till full, and don’t are likely to function on a exact schedule. Nonetheless, they’re by far the most affordable possibility.
If you need extra management over your schedule, take into account renting a car. (As a bonus, you’ll most likely get to journey in one among Albania’s well-known low-rise Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen autos.) You should use a world company on the Tirana airport, or get a greater value by paying money at a neighborhood company. Certain, it feels somewhat bizarre to pay money for a automotive rental, and also you gained’t be protected by your credit-card insurance coverage – however native companies are dependable, and repairs aren’t too costly in case you do occur to break the automotive.
If driving, keep away from navigating via the northern Accursed Mountains, as roads are windy and climate occasions unpredictable. As a substitute, go on a self-guided mountain climbing tour that features a boat journey to Valbonë. Lodging in Shkodër can plan the journey for you.
9. Open your thoughts (and palette) to Albanian meals and wine
Like its fellow previously Ottoman-occupied neighbors, Albanians salivate for savory grilled meats, flaky pastries and robust rakija (grape or plum brandy recognized also called raki). The nation can be growing as a wine vacation spot, notably across the central Albanian metropolis of Berat.
You’ll want to go to conventional zgara (barbecue eating places) in Tirana’s Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) and alongside Rr Kavaja to strive qofta (spherical or log-shaped minced meatballs also called kernacka), tarator (yogurt dip akin to tzatziki), burek (meat, cheese or spinach-stuffed filo pastry spelled byrek right here) and tavë (a casserole with blended cheese and liver). In the event you’re courageous, sit down at a white-tablecloth restaurant and take a look at kokë (sheep’s head both cooked and cut up, or served in paçe soup).
Alongside the Albanian Riviera, the meals is just like what you’ll discover in Italy or Greece, with seafood pasta and Greek salad as fashionable menu objects. The dishes are usually scrumptious and less expensive than at related seaside eating places in neighboring nations.
10. Costume modestly and canopy up at prayer websites
Albania has an attention-grabbing relationship to faith. Whereas many of the inhabitants identifies as Muslim, you gained’t see many ladies carrying hijabs, particularly in Tirana. Because the fall of Albania’s dictatorship in 1991, Albania has granted freedom of faith and believers are handled with respect. Want proof? Discover how Albanians appear to have a good time each non secular vacation no matter their religion.
That mentioned, it’s a good suggestion to decorate modestly by carrying lengthy pants and shirts that cowl your abdomen in case you can. When visiting a mosque, resembling Xhamia Et’hem Bej in Tirana, you’ll have the choice of borrowing garments to cowl up.
11. Albania suffered below dictatorship, and regional tensions persist
Each from centuries previous and to the current day, Albanian historical past fascinates. You would possibly already find out about Mom Teresa, a North Macedonia–born Albanian – however take a while to study Skanderbeg, the overall who fended off the highly effective Ottoman Empire for many years from his fortress city Krujë, and Enver Hoxha, the nation’s notorious dictator. You’ll be able to go even additional again by studying about Albania’s Illyrian ancestors.
It’s particularly essential to make your self conscious of Albania’s relationship with Serbia, notably the 1998–99 Kosovo Conflict. Whereas Kosovo is now a separate nation (no less than in line with nearly all of world nations that acknowledge it), many Albanians see the 2 nations as one and the identical.
Joel Balsam wrote the Albania chapter for the 4th version of Lonely Planet’s information to the Western Balkans.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
Travel
How the federal government shutdown impacts journey – ABC Information – Breaking Information, Newest Information and Movies
Celebrities5 months agoBen Shephard’s relationship ‘settlement’ with spouse Annie as he points her warning
Entertainment2 years agoAny person Get Snowboarder Brin Alexander an Invite to the Pure Choice Tour
Celebrities3 months agoBeloved Gogglebox couple reveal ‘axe’ from Channel 4 sequence
Travel2 years agoBelize on a finances – Lonely Planet
Travel2 years ago8 of the very best locations to go to within the Bahamas
Celebrities2 years agoDemi Moore & Her Daughters Might Be Quadruplets at Oscars After-Social gathering
Travel2 years agoThe 8 finest international locations for digital nomads and distant working
Recepies2 years agoTake heed to The Nation on-line with Jamie Mackay: Zanda McDonald winners and hard occasions for sheep and beef