Tourism in Albania
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy because the former communist regime did not allow tourism to become established. Groups of Western tourists were first permitted to visit in the 1980s. It is a country of natural beauty which includes sandy white Mediterranean beaches, rocky mountains, fertile plains, lakes, natural monuments, and remote areas. The country receives approximately 400.000 visitors per year and it is growing by 15% every year.[citation needed]
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[edit] Visitor attractions
Albania has an old history dating to the Illyrian and Greek civilizations and there are ruins and other treasures reflecting these ancient civilizations.
Some of the most visited cities include:
- Durrës, the old port city of Dyrrhachium
- Krujë, the balcony over the Adriatic sea
- Tirana, the capital
- Vlorë, beach city of Vlora
- Lezha, the diplomatic capital of Albania
- Pogradec, the poet's city
- Sarande, the honeymooners' city
[edit] UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Albania is home to two World Heritage Sites:
- Butrint, an ancient city
- Gjirokastër, a well-preserved Ottoman town
[edit] Issues affecting tourism
Some of the problems holding back foreign tourism stem from political instability. Pollution from illegal construction is ruining some popular areas. Its proximity to Kosovo on the northeast border means that unexploded ordnance may be hazard for unguided tours into the countryside of that border region. At present the security situation in Albania is thought to be improving.
Poor infrastructure greatly limits tourism. Electrical power outages are still fairly frequent. Independent bus and minibus (furgon) operators provide inexpensive transport between most large communities, but schedules and prices are not fixed. Train service is also limited and sporadic.
Despite the above problems, Albania is making progress. Foreign tourists are not uncommon. International hotel chains are established in Tirana and organised day trips are available from Corfu to Sarandë and nearby Butrint. Club Med has proposed a development between Vlorë and Sarandë.[citation needed]
South of Durrës, there is a long, uncoordinated beach development popular with Albanians. There are other, off-the-track beach areas, locally popular, with acceptable food and toilet facilities. There are several five star hotels along the beaches of Albania.
[edit] Gallery
 Lake Ohrid seen from Albania |
 Lake Prespa seen from Liqenas, Albania |
 Apollonia, Albania. |
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 Remains of a chapel in Butrint, Albania. |
 Fishing in Albania. |
 Ali Pasha's Castle, Albania. |
 Azure Eye, one of the many fresh water springs in Sarandë, Albania, (known as the wedding city). |
 Morning sun near Tepelena. South Albania. |
 It is often described as a rude territory, but the Mallakastra Mountains inhabitants are famous for their hospitality. |
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 Sunset in Jala beach. |
 thumb|left|200px|Coastline in southern Albania. |
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Albania Presentation by albca.com
- Albanian Canadian League Information Service(ACLIS) (official site)
- Ministry of Territorial Planning and Tourism (official site)
- Albania travel guide from Wikitravel
- Albania In Your Pocket city guides
- Albania at Lonely Planet
- Tours, Hotel and Pictures - Albtourist.net(non-commercial)
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