Discover Europe's Last Secret Albania

Discover
Europe’s
Last
Secret

Albania

Contents 1. Language
2. People
3. Albania Riviera
4. Locations

GO IN YOUR
OWN WAY!

Explore Albania with your feet, from the
south to the north, from the east to the
west. Make your experience unbelievable.

01 Përshëndetje

ABC

Albanian language, Indo-European
language spoken in Albania and by
smaller numbers of ethnic Albanians
in other parts of the southern Balkans,
along the east coast of Italy and in Sicily,
in southern Greece, and in Germany,
Sweden, the United States, Ukraine, and
Belgium. Albanian is the only modern
representative of a distinct branch of the
Indo-European language family.

The two principal dialects, Gheg in
the north and Tosk in the south, are
separated roughly by the Shkumbin
River. Gheg and Tosk have been
diverging for at least a millennium,
and their less extreme forms are
mutually intelligible.

02 People

Albania has one of the most homogeneous
populations in Europe, with non-Albanians
accounting for less than one-tenth of the
total population. The largest minorities are
Vlachs; Greeks, concentrated mainly in the
southeast; and Macedonians, living along the
eastern border.

The two main subgroups of Albanians are
the Gegs (Ghegs) in the north and the
Tosks in the south. Differences between
the two groups were quite pronounced
before World War II. Until the communist
takeover in 1944, Albanian politics were
dominated by the more numerous Gegs.
Renowned for their independent spirit and
fighting abilities, they traditionally opposed
outside authority, whether that of foreign
invaders or that of the Albanian central
government. Traditional Geg society was
based on tribal groups, each one led by a clan
chieftain, or bajraktar. Under the communist
regime, this clan system largely disappeared
from Albania, but the patriarchal families
characteristic of the Gegs are still evident
among ethnic Albanians in Serbia,
Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.

Because their southern territories were easily “Be faithful to small things
accessible to the outside world, the Tosks because it is in them that
were more subject to foreign influence than your strength lies.”
the Gegs. Before World War II, theirs was
a mostly semifeudal society. The peasantry, -Mother Teresa
which made up most of the population, lived
at the subsistence level, while a small group
of large landowners controlled about two-
thirds of the land. The communist movement
drew most of its initial support from Tosks
in the south.

As a legacy of nearly five centuries of
Ottoman rule, Albania is a predominantly
Muslim country. However, a most Albanians
are adherents of religious groups in name
only and practice largely secular lifestyles.
In 1967 the communist party officially
proclaimed Albania an atheistic country and
commenced to close all places of worship
(churches, mosques, and zāwiyahs), confiscate
their property, and ban religious observances.
For the whole of its 45 years of absolute rule,
the party engaged in large-scale persecution
of believers. Only in 1990, when freedom
of worship was restored, did churches and
mosques begin reopening.

Marubi Photography

03

The best
beaches
of the
Albanian
Riviera

Albania’s rugged coastline, with traditional villages nestled
in isolated bays and golden beaches lapped by turquoise
waters, was a revelation when travellers first started
discovering the country a decade ago. Since then Europe’s
last untouched beaches have changed almost beyond
recognition, but there’s still plenty of reason to come here
and explore this magnificent coastline where the Adriatic
and Ionian seas meet.

You may have heard of the Albanian Riviera and its
beaches, once catchwords of true backpackerdom – their
names were synonymous with unspoilt sands backed by
rolling hills covered in olive groves, rustic accommodation
right next to the water, and grilled meats and cold beers for
the equivalent of a handful of change.

Inevitably that hasn’t endured; asphalt roads now connect
all but the most far-flung of the Riviera’s villages, while
hotels, restaurants and holiday homes dot the coastline.
Today you’re more likely to be competing for beach space
with a day-tripping family from Tirana than a crowd of
international shoestringers. And yet, despite the Riviera’s
transformation, there are still idyllic and breathtaking spots
along this craggy coast. Here are some of the very best.

Dhermi
Beach

The beach at Dhërmi is one of the most famous
in Albania, a dazzling strip of white rock several
kilometres long that is lapped by deep blue water.
Outside peak season, it’s very quiet, and while the
summer months now get very busy, the beach is
long enough for those who want to find a quiet
spot away from the crowds even in mid-August.
For explorers, there are lots of coves and smaller
bays further along the beach, including the
famous Drymades beach, where excellent budget
accommodation can be had and a number
of smart hotels are found on the beach itself.

Ksamil
Beach

It has been quite a while since Europe got a new tourist Below you can see some photos and tips on
destination, most are classics that people have traveled accommodation, how to get here and the top things to
to for years. But Ksamil just started to gain more do in Ksamil.
visitors in recent years. This hidden gem is located Ksamil is a small village in southern Albania. Locals
on the Albanian Riviera, and it sure is one of the best have long gone here in the summer for sunbathing
beach destinations in Europe. and swimming, but it is only now in recent years that
What to expect? Once in Ksamil, you can enjoy foreign tourists have found their way here. Several
Paradise beaches offering white sand and crystal charter companies offer trips to Ksamil, but it’s just as
clear water with a Mediterranean climate year round. easy to get here on your own.
I went here earlier this summer and instantly fell Ksamil is primarily known for its fine sandy beaches
in love. Below you can see some photos and tips on and crystal clear waters. Especially on the four islands
accommodation, how to get here and the top things to located a bit out in the water. These four islands are
do in Ksamil. uninhabited, and you get to them via boat.

04 Locations

Brrar ShenGjergj

Voskopojë

Tirana

Bovilla

The Old City Dardh

Shko

Theth Shala’s River

Jala Llogara National

odër

Mesi’s River

Park Zvërnec

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