Hey everyone! Buckle up, because I'm taking you on a whirlwind road trip through the enchanting landscapes of southern Albania. Joining me were some amazing friends who flew in all the way from England (and Paraguay!).
We rented a car from Rentalcars.com, I always look for which rental company has the best rating on the app an go with them!
Gjirokaster: Unveiling a UNESCO Wonder (Almost!)
Our adventure began in Tirana, where we snagged a rental car and pointed it south towards Gjirokaster, a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, greeting us with a looming downpour just as we started exploring the village. While souvenir shops became our temporary havens, the glimpses we caught of the town's beauty were enough to leave us wanting more.
Ksamil: Paradise Found (and Almost All to Ourselves!)
Next stop? Ksamil, a beach paradise recently lauded for having water bluer than the Maldives (no small feat!). Arriving during the shoulder season, we found the town pleasantly quiet, with the added bonus of having the beach practically to ourselves! The sole open restaurant became our go-to spot, fueling our beach days. For our friend's birthday we drove to Sarande to have a feast at Taverna Fish Filipi where we had a massive seafood platter.
Ksamil's pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters were a dream come true. We spent a blissful day lounging, soaking up the sun, and hopping between coves – the tranquility of having the town nearly to ourselves was truly special.
Where we stayed - Zace Studios
Mid Range - Summer Dreams
High end - ADMIRO Hotel
The Allure of the Blue Eye: A Must-See Natural Wonder
Leaving the serenity of Ksamil, we embarked on a journey to the Blue Eye spring (the southern one, that is!). The drive was a scenic one, with winding roads and the occasional herd of goats demanding our right of way. Parking was a breeze (free at the time of our visit), and a short walk led us to the entrance (50lek). A paved path meandered for about 30 minutes before giving way to a dirt trail that led us closer to the mesmerizing spring itself.
The water was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Crystal clear, yet bursting with vibrant colors, it was a captivating sight. While swimming was prohibited, I could have easily spent hours mesmerized by its beauty. Pictures taken, we hopped back in the car and set our sights on Vlore, our next stop.
A Detour Through History: The Field of Bunkers
En route to Vlore, we took a quirky detour to a spot I'd stumbled upon in a blog – the Field of Bunkers. This sprawling field dotted with concrete bunkers provided a fascinating glimpse into Albania's unique past. We spent a short while exploring and snapping some silly photos (because, why not?) before continuing our journey.
Did you know Albania is practically a museum of concrete mushrooms? During communist times, dictator Enver Hoxha ordered the construction of over 750,000 bunkers all over the country – that's more bunkers than people! These little concrete domes were meant to protect the population from an invasion that never came. We spotted bunkers on beaches, hillsides, even in the middle of towns.
Vlore: Beachside Charm and Unexpected Encounters
Vlore, another coastal gem, greeted us with a palm-tree lined promenade flanking the turquoise waters. We ventured outside the city to explore beachside bunkers, a charming monastery, and even had a chance encounter with a cow shepherd! Helping him troubleshoot his phone's data connection so he could video call his wife was a highlight.
Vlore, while pleasant, wasn't quite our cup of tea. So, we packed our bags and headed towards Berat, where a local friend awaited. On the way, we stopped by Cobo Winery, where Edison treated us to a fantastic tour and delectable wine tasting.
Where we stayed - villa Heljos apartaments
Mid Range - Ulcas guest huse
High end - Mazarine Hotel
Berat: Unveiling Hidden Gems with a Local Expert
Ah, Berat! This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," stole our hearts with its whitewashed Ottoman houses cascading down a hill. But the true magic unfolded when our friend Edison joined us. He showed us hidden viewpoints overlooking Berat's beauty, spots we would have surely missed without him.
After a delicious Albanian dinner at Friendly House, we made plans with Edison for the next day. He proposed a trip to the Bogova Waterfall and Kanionet E Osumit, a beautiful canyon.
The next day, the drive south to the Bogova Waterfall took about 1.5 hours, followed by a 30-minute hike to the breathtaking falls. The water boasted a stunning deep aqua blue color, and despite the chill, I couldn't resist taking a plunge! After capturing photos and catching a few frogs, we continued our journey towards Kanionet E Osumit.
Edison navigated the winding roads with ease as we soaked in the gorgeous Albanian scenery. We stopped at three different viewpoints overlooking the canyon, each offering a unique perspective. The last stop allowed us to walk down to the river and explore the canyon pillars up close.
Where we stayed - Guesthouse Emiljano
Mid Range - N'Gorice
High end - Hotel Colombo
Southern Albania offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to charming towns steeped in history. We hope this post inspires you to explore this beautiful region for yourself!
Some links on this blog are affiliate links. Clicking may earn a commission (at no cost to you) that supports this blog. I only recommend products I love and use myself. My opinions are my own.
Comments