Albania is a small country with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines in Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, and an interior crossed by the Albanian Alps Mountains. The country has many castles and archaeological sites which make it amazing place to visit. Capital Tirana centers on sprawling Skanderbeg Square, site of the National History Museum, which exhibits spanning antiquity to post-communism, and frescoed Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Capital: Tirana
Dialing code: +355
Currency: Albanian lek
The Albanian government declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Then, in 1939, the country was successfully invaded by Italy. In 1944, Communist loyalists took control. For the next several decades, Albania aligned itself first with Russia (until 1960) and then China (until 1978). Finally, in 1991, the people were able to end 46 years of strife when they once again declared independence and established a multi-party democracy. Not surprisingly, the new government has faced some pretty incredible challenges like high unemployment, corruption, and crippled infrastructure. They’ve come a long way thanks to the indomitable Albanian spirit. Albania is the 35th-largest European country by population (2,870,324).
Random acts of violence are practically unheard of and even pickpocketing is uncommon. As with all European nations (with the current exception of parts of Ukraine), Albania is completely safe and welcoming of tourists. Add to that the fact Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, it's a great time to visit.
Albanian Riviera is one of the top beach destination spots. Albania has secluded pebble beaches, islands, and a few hidden and pristine sandy beaches mainly in the southern part of the country.
Here are the popular places to visit in Albania
Tirana
Tirana, the capital of Albania, is known for its colorful Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture. Pastel buildings surround the city's focal point, Skanderbeg Square, which is named for its equestrian statue of a national hero. On the square's north end is the modernist National History Museum, covering prehistoric times through Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s.Nearby, the 1820s Clock Tower is a symbol of the city. It overlooks the Ottoman-era Et'hem Bey Mosque, known for its landscape frescoes. To the south is the National Arts Gallery, showcasing works by Albanians, and a mostly abandoned Pyramid monument from the Communist period that's served as an exhibition hall and nightclub. The Pyramid borders Blloku, a neighborhood once off-limits to all but Communist Party members, which is now a hip destination for nightlife and people-watching. A cable-car ride to the summit of Mount Dajti affords panoramic city views.
Sarandë
Sarandë is a resort on the Albanian Riviera, in southern Albania. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica. Intricate floor mosaics are still evident. The 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle is on a hilltop above the town. It is a popular place to visit in Albania.The castle offers extensive views over the coastline and the sea, often as far as the Greek island of Corfu. South of town, Butrint National Park includes the beaches of the Ksamil Islands and the ancient city of Butrint. This archaeological site has a well-preserved Greek theater and an early Christian baptistery, plus remains of Byzantine and Venetian buildings. Inland, the Blue Eye Spring gets its name from the varied blue colors of its water. The mountains around Sarandë are lined with hiking trails and dotted with ancient monasteries and traditional villages.
Lake Skadar
Expansive freshwater lake, home to native wildlife & a small island with a medieval monastery.Berat
Berat is a city on the Osum River, in central Albania. It's known for its white Ottoman houses. On a hilltop, Berat Castle is a huge compound now inhabited by townspeople. Within its walls are Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum, with Christian icons. East is the Ethnographic Museum, in an 18th-century house, displaying traditional crafts and part of a reconstructed medieval bazaar.Southeast, Halveti Tekke is a Sufi lodge containing a decorated prayer hall. It’s next to the King Mosque, a simple structure with a single minaret, built in the 15th century by Sultan Bayezid II. The white, 7-arched Gorica Bridge was built in wood in 1780 and later reconstructed in stone. It connects the center with the Gorica district to the south, known for the Monastery of Shën Spiridhoni. East of the city is Tomorri Mountain National Park, home to Mount Tomorri. Snow-covered in winter, the mountain holds great religious significance for the followers of Abaz Aliu, a saint of the Bektashi Sufi order.
Durrës
Durrës is a port city on the Adriatic Sea in western Albania, west of the capital, Tirana. It’s known for its huge Roman amphitheater. Nearby is a 9th-century church with mosaic-covered walls. The Archaeological Museum displays pieces from the Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Broad Durrësi Beach has shallow waters. Nearby is the former summer villa of 20th-century King Zog.Buthrotum
Butrint was an ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus. Perhaps inhabited since prehistoric times, Buthrotum was a city of the Epirote tribe of the Chaonians, later a Roman colony and a bishopric. It entered into decline in Late Antiquity, before being abandoned during the Middle Ages after a major earthquake flooded most of the city. In modern times it is an archeological site in Vlorë County, Albania, some 14 kilometers south of Sarandë and close to the Greek border. It is located on a hill overlooking the Vivari Channel and is part of the Butrint National Park.Today Bouthrotum is a Latin Catholic titular see and also features the Ali Pasha Castle. The city is considered as one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. On the strength of the immense wealth of cultural, historical and natural value with a considerable history, Butrint has declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 and further a National Park in 2000.
Lake Ohrid
This large ancient lake straddling the border between Albania & Macedonia reaches a depth of 300m.Gjirokaster
Gjirokastër is a city in southern Albania, on a valley between the Gjerë mountains and the Drino, at 300 meters above sea level. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as "a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of the large estate". The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress, where the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival is held every five years. It is the birthplace of former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha, and author Ismail Kadare.The city appears in the historical record dating back in 1336 by its Greek name, Αργυρόκαστρο - Argyrokastro, as part of the Byzantine Empire. It became part of the Orthodox Christian diocese of Dryinoupolis and Argyrokastro after the destruction of nearby Adrianoupolis. Gjirokastër later was contested between the Despotate of Epirus and the Albanian clan of John Zenevisi before falling under the Ottoman rule for the next five centuries. Throughout the Ottoman era, Gjirokastër was officially known in Ottoman Turkish as Ergiri and also Ergiri Kasrı.
Shkodër
Shkodër or Shkodra, historically known as Scutari or Scodra, is a city in the Republic of Albania. It is the capital of the surrounding county of Shkodër, one of 12 constituent counties of the republic. The city is one of the most ancient cities in the Balkans and the fourth most populous city in the country and exerts strong influences in culture, religion, arts and entertainment of northern Albania. Geographically, the city of Shkodër sprawls across the Mbishkodra plain between the freshwater marshlands of Lake Shkodër and the foothills of the Albanian Alps.Like most of the Dinaric Alps, the mountains are dominated by limestone and dolomite rocks. The lake, named after the city of Shkodër, is the largest lake in Southern Europe close to the Adriatic Sea. The city is trapped on three sides by the rivers Kir in the east, Drin in the south and Buna in the west. The region that today corresponds to the city territory was founded in the 4th century BC by the ancient Illyrian tribes of the Ardiaei and Labeates. It is evidenced by the artifacts and inscriptions that were discovered in the Rozafa Castle. During that time the city was known under the name Scodra.
Krujë District
Krujë is a town and a municipality in north-central Albania. Located between Mount Krujë and the Ishëm River, the city is only 20 km north from the capital of Albania, Tirana. Krujë was inhabited by the ancient Illyrian tribe of the Albani. In 1190 Krujë became the capital of the first autonomous Albanian state in the middle ages, the Principality of Arbër. Later it was the capital of the Kingdom of Albania, while in the early 15th century Krujë was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, but then recaptured in 1443 by Skanderbeg, leader of the League of Lezhë, who successfully defended it against three Ottoman sieges until his death in 1468.The Ottomans took control of the town after the fourth siege in 1478 and incorporated it in their territories. A 1906 local revolt against the Ottoman Empire was followed by the 1912 Declaration of Independence of Albania. In the mid-1910s Krujë was one of the battlefields of the conflict between the short-lived Republic of Central Albania, founded by Essad Toptani, and the Principality of Albania. In 1914 Toptani managed to seize the town but during the same year it was reincorporated by Prênk Bibë Doda in the Principality of Albania. Its history makes it one of the amazing places to visit in Albania.
Ksamil
Ksamil is a village and a former municipality in the riviera of Southern Albania, and part of Butrint National Park. At the 2015 local government reform, it became a subdivision of the municipality Sarandë. The population at the 2011 census was 2,994. The municipal unit consists of the villages Ksamil and Manastir. During the communist era, the proper coastal village was built in 1966 and is located south of the city of Sarandë off the road to Butrint.Ksamil is one of the most frequented coastal resorts by both domestic and foreign tourists. Ksamil Beach and Albania's Ionian Coast further north was included in the Guardian's 20 of the best bargain beach holidays for 2013. The main attractions are the nearby Ksamil Islands. The mainland beach is small but clean. During communism, the area became well known for the production of olive oil, lemons, and tangerines. In 2010, national authorities demolished over 200 illegal structures that violated the town's master plan and the integrity of Butrint National Park. Some remains from the demolished buildings have yet to be removed by authorities.
Vlorë
Vlorë is the third most populous city in Albania. It is the capital of the surrounding Vlorë County. Located on the southeastern Adriatic Sea, it is one of the country's southernmost dominant economic and cultural centers. Vlorë was founded as an Ancient Greek colony in the sixth century BC under the name of Aulon and has been continuously inhabited ever since. It became the seat of a bishopric. In modern times, the city served briefly as the capital of Albania. Notably, the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed here on November 28 in 1912. Culturally and economically it is one of the most significant cities of southwestern Albania. Vlorë is home to Albania's second-largest port, the Port of Vlorë.Theth
Theth is a small village within Shkodër County, Albania. Following the 2015 local government reform, it became part of the municipality Shkodër and has been declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government. The community is at the center of the Theth National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. A new official information center on Rruga Fushe near the Thethi bridge is set to open by the Albanian Protected Areas Agency, and administered by the Shkoder County Protected Areas Administration.Prokletije
'Bjeshkët e Nemuna’ translated as "cursed mountains", also known as the Albanian Alps and the Accursed Mountains, is a mountain range on the western Balkan peninsula, extending from northern Albania to Kosovo and eastern Montenegro. Its peak in Albania, Maja Jezercë at 2,694 m, is the highest point, and the second-highest peak in Albania and the highest in the Dinaric Alps. Both the highest peak in Montenegro, Zla Kolata at 2,534 m and the highest in Kosovo, Đeravica at 2,656 m, are here. The highest peak in Albania, however, is Mount Korab, part of the Korab range, at 2,764 m high and in the east of the country on the border with North Macedonia. One of the most southernmost glacial masses in Europe, after Snezhnika glacier in Pirin massif in Bulgaria, was discovered, in the Albanian part of the range, in 2009. The regional economy is based mainly on agriculture, emigrant remittances and tourism.Dhërmi
Dhërmi is a village in Vlorë County, Albania. It is part of the municipality of Himarë. The village lies 42 kilometers south of the city of Vlorë and about the same distance north of the southern city of Sarandë. It is built on a slope of the Ceraunian Mountains at approximately 200 meters in altitude and comprises three neighborhoods: Gjilek, Kondraq, and Dhërmi itself. The mountains descend to the southwest into the Ionian coast and Corfu in the distance to the south. Nearby is the village of Palasë. The inhabitants of Dhërmi mainly speak a variant of the Greek Himariote dialect, characterized by archaic features not retained in standard Greek. Recently, the coastal area has seen a boom in the construction of accommodation facilities, such as wooden villa complexes.Korçë
Korçë is a city and municipality in southeastern Albania and the seat of Korçë County. It was formed at the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities Drenovë, Korçë, Lekas, Mollaj, Qendër Bulgarec, Vithkuq, Voskop and Voskopojë, that became municipal units. The seat of the municipality is the city Korçë. The total population is 75,994, in a total area of 805.99 km². The population of the former municipality at the 2011 census was 51,152. It is the sixth-largest city in Albania. It stands on a plateau some 850 m above sea level, surrounded by the Morava Mountains.Valbonë
Valbonë is a village in the Kukës County, northern Albania. It is part of the former municipality Margegaj, and situated in the valley of the river Valbonë, south of the mountain Maja e Thatë. At the 2015 local government reform, it became part of the municipality Tropojë. As one of the main settlements of Valbonë Valley National Park, it provides appropriate accommodation for visitors and tourists, mostly in typical alpine houses or inns.Himarë
Himarë is a bilingual town in Southern Albania along the Albanian Riviera and part of the Vlorë County. It is the largest settlement and seat of the municipality of Himarë. Both the town and municipality are populated by an ethnic Greek community.Lake Prespa
Picturesque freshwater lake bordered by national parkland, offering trails & abundant flora & fauna.Pogradec
Pogradec is a city and municipality in central Albania, situated on the shores of the Ohrid lake. The lake is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes. It is located in the County of Korçë. This city is surrounded by hills on the southern and western sides. The lake is in the eastern and northern side of the city. The highway linking to Tirana, Elbasan and Korçë passes through the city. It is located southeast of Elbasan, southwest of Ohrid in North Macedonia, north of Korçë and northwest of Florina in Greece.
It was formed at the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities Buçimas, Çërravë, Dardhas, Pogradec, Proptisht, Trebinjë, Udenisht and Velçan, that became municipal units. The seat of the municipality is the town Pogradec. The total population is 61,530, in a total area of 594.77 km². The population of the former municipality at the 2011 census was 20,848. Pogradec alone occupies about 15 km².
Elbasan
Elbasan is a city and a municipality in Elbasan County, central Albania. The third-largest city in Albania, it is located on the Shkumbin River in the District of Elbasan and the County of Elbasan. The scenic beauty has made it a beautiful place to visit in Albania. The present municipality was formed at the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities Bradashesh, Elbasan, Funarë, Gjergjan, Gjinar, Gracen, Labinot-Fushë, Labinot-Mal, Papër, Shirgjan, Shushicë, Tregan and Zavalinë, that became municipal units. The seat of the municipality is the city Elbasan. The total population is 141,714, in a total area of 872.03 km². The population of the former municipality at the 2011 census was 78,703. It was called Neokastron in Greek, Novigrad in Slavic and Terra Nuova in Italian. The modern name derives from the Turkish il-basan.Koman
Koman is a settlement in the former Temal municipality, Shkodër County, northern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform, it became part of the municipality Vau i Dejës. The Koman Hydroelectric Power Station has taken the name of the settlement. Koman also gave the name to the Koman culture, around which is built an important theory of the transition between Illyrians and Albanians.Përmet
Përmet is a town and a municipality in Gjirokastër County, southern Albania. It was formed at the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities Çarçovë, Frashër, Përmet, Petran and Qendër Piskovë, that became municipal units.The seat of the municipality is the town Përmet. The total population is 10,614, in a total area of 601.95 km². The population of the former municipality at the 2011 census was 5,945. It is flanked by the Vjosë river, which runs along the Trebeshinë-Dhëmbel-Nemërçkë mountain chain, between Trebeshinë and Dhëmbel mountains, and through the Këlcyrë Gorge.
Borsh
Borsh is a maritime village, in the Albanian Riviera, in the former Lukovë municipality, Vlorë County, Albania, At the 2015 local government reform it became part of the municipality Himarë. The village is inhabited by Muslim Albanians who speak the Lab dialect of Albanian. Borsh borders with Fterra, Qeparo, Piqeras and has a population of 2500 inhabitants.Fier
Fier is a city and a municipality in Fier County in southwest Albania. The population of the municipality at the 2011 census was 85,845. Geographically, it is located in the center of the country surrounded by hills. The city is located some 16 kilometers east of the Adriatic Sea and 100 kilometers south of Tirana. Fier is 11 km from the ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia. The city was founded in 588 BCE by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth, on a site initially occupied by Illyrian tribes.Lezhë District
Lezhë is a town and municipality in northwest Albania, in the county with the same name. One of the main strongholds of the Labeates, the earliest of the fortification walls of the city seems to date to the late 4th century BC and to be of native Illyrian construction. On the same site, an ancient Greek colony named Lissos was founded by Dionysius I of Syracuse. The city was later alternatively under Illyrian, Macedonian and Roman rule.The present municipality was formed at the 2015 local government reform by the merger of the former municipalities Balldren, Blinisht, Dajç, Kallmet, Kolsh, Lezhë, Shëngjin, Shënkoll, Ungrej and Zejmen, that became municipal units. The seat of the municipality is the town Lezhë. The total population is 65,633, in a total area of 509.10 square kilometers. The population of the former municipality at the 2011 census was 15,510.
Butrint National Park
Olive-shaded archaeological site home to the Greek, Roman & medieval remains of the city of Butrint.Karaburun Peninsula
The Karaburun Peninsula is a peninsula of the Mediterranean Sea located in Southern and Southeastern Europe, which is almost completely surrounded by both the Adriatic Sea to the north and the Ionian Sea to the south. It is located in Southwestern Albania along the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast, whereas the Strait of Otranto separates it from Italy. The Strait of Mezokanal separates the peninsula from Sazan Island, while in the southeast stretches the Bay of Vlorë.In terms of geology, the Rrëza e Kanalit on the peninsula represents the continuation of the Acroceraunian Mountains, which is the highest and most extensive mountain range system that extends parallel to the Ionian Sea. Created during the Mesozoic era of the cretaceous and Paleogene period, the crests of the mountain range form a northwest-southeast line with a series of distinct peaks along with its irregular structure that are broken apart by steep and unequally slopes. The highest peaks are namely, the Maja Çaderës, Maja e Flamurit, Maja e Koretës and Maja e Ilqes.
Orikum
Orikum is a town and a former municipality in the Vlorë County, southwestern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform, it became a subdivision of the municipality Vlorë. It was named after the ancient city Orikarnsum 4:20, which was located 4 km west of modern Orikum. The population at the 2011 census was 5,503. The municipal unit consists of the town Orikum and the villages Dukat Fushë, Dukat, Tragjas and Radhimë. Nearby the modern city is located the only marina in Albania, Marina of Orikum.Voskopojë
Moscopole is a village in Korçë County in southeastern Albania. During the 18th century, it was the cultural and commercial center of the Aromanians. At its peak, in the mid 18th century, it hosted the first printing press in the Ottoman Balkans outside Istanbul, educational institutions and numerous churches and became a leading center of Greek culture. Historians have attributed the decline of the city to a series of raids by Muslim Albanian bandits. Moscopole was initially attacked and almost destroyed by those groups in 1769 following the participation of the residents in the preparations for a Greek revolt supported by the Russian Empire.Its destruction culminated with the abandoning and destruction of 1788. Moscopole, once a prosperous city, was reduced to a small village by Ali Pasha. According to another opinion, the city's decline was mainly due to the relocation of the trade routes in central and eastern Europe following these raids. Today Moscopole, known as Voskopojë, is a small mountain village, and along with a few other local settlements is considered a holy place by local Orthodox Christians. It was one of the original homelands of the Aromanian diaspora.
Kukës
Kukës is a city in the Republic of Albania. The city is the capital of the surrounding municipality of Kukës and county of Kukës, one of 12 constituent counties of the republic. It spans 8.2 square kilometers and had a total population of 16,719 people as of 2011. By air distance, Kukës is located 98 kilometers northeast of Tirana, 75 kilometers to the east of Shkodër and 34 to the south of Gjakovë and 30 kilometers to the east of Prizren in Kosovo. Geologically, the terrain of the surrounding area is dominated by mountainous and high terrain. The city is one of the best places to visit in Albania which sprawls across the Luma Plain within the Albanian Alps between the banks of Lake Fierza and the hills of the northernmost Korab Mountains and westernmost Shar Mountains. At the confluence of the Black and White Drin, the Drin River originates close to the city's territory. Kukës traces its history back over a thousand years. The region that nowadays corresponds to the city territory was inhabited by several ancient Illyrian tribes, as most of Albania. Numerous tombs from the Illyrians have been identified at Këneta and Kolsh nearby the city.Lukovë
Lukovë is a village and a former municipality in the Vlorë County, southern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality Himarë. The population at the 2011 census was 2,916.Qeparo
Qeparo is a seaside village in the municipality of Himara in Vlorë County, Albania. It is part of the Albanian Riviera. It is divided in two parts - the old and new villages.
Tepelenë
Tepelenë is a town and a municipality in Gjirokastër County, in the south of Albania. The town is located on the left bank of the Vjosa River, about three kilometers downstream from its union with the Drino. Until the abolition of Districts in 2000, Tepelenë was the seat of the Tepelenë District. Its location is strategically important and there is a ruined citadel occupying a point 300 metres above the river. Ali Pasha of Tepelenë was born at the nearby village of Beçisht. In 1847, the British writer Edward Lear visited the town and noted the devastated buildings.Shëngjin
Shëngjin is a coastal town and a former municipality in Lezhë County, northwestern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality of Lezhë. The population at the 2011 census was 8,091. Shëngjin is a growing tourist destination, well known for its beaches and resort accommodations.Valbonë Valley National Park
The Valbona Valley National Park is a national park inside the Albanian Alps in northern Albania. The park covers a total area of 80 km², encompassing Valbona River and its surrounding areas with mountainous terrain, alpine landscapes, glacial springs, deep depressions, various rock formations, waterfalls and the Valbona Valley with its dense coniferous and deciduous forest. It is characterized by its very remote areas which have a large preserved ecosystem all of which is primarily untouched with pristine quality.This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the Albanian Miracle of the Alps. The park borders Montenegro in the north, Gashi Nature Reserve in the east, Nikaj-Mërtur Regional Nature Park in the south and Theth National Park in the west. It is proposed to expand the park's boundaries and merge it with Theth and Gashi. Furthermore, Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro are planning to establish a transboundary national park, that will be called the Balkan Peace Park.
Bajram Curri
Bajram Curri is a town situated in northern of Albania, near the border with Kosovo, in a remote, mostly mountainous region. The town is named after Bajram Curri, a national hero who fought for ethnic Albanians, first against the Ottoman Empire and later against the Albanian government. The town is located in the Valbonë Valley and is the main access point by road to touristic sights and villages of Valbona located in the Albanian Alps. Bajram Curri is the gateway to Valbona Valley and Lake Koman, both of which are must-sees while in the Kukës Region.Dajti National Park
Dajti National Park is a national park established in 1966 in central Albania, spanning an area of 293.84 km² since 2006. The park is 40 km west of the Adriatic Sea and 26 km east of Tirana. It is adjacent to Shtamë Pass National Park to the northwest, Kraste-Verjon Protected Landscape to the west, and Mali me Gropa-Bizë-Martanesh Protected Landscape to the east.The park is marked by an extremely fragmented, rugged topography which creates favourable conditions for a great diversity of ecosystems and biodiversity. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the park as Category II. The park has been recognised as an Important Plant Area of international importance by Plantlife. Lately, deforestation has become a major problem on the mountain. In the summer of 2012, an intentional fire burned down 10 ha of forests at the Priska summit and was extinguished only with the help of helicopters.
Golem
Golem is a coastal village and an administrative unit in Tirana County, Albania. A former rural municipality, at the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality Kavajë. The population at the 2011 census was 6,994. The area along the coast is one of Albania's major beach destinations where many resorts, hotels, and vacation homes are located. Golem has experienced rapid urban development and the problems associated with it.
Palasë
Palasë is a village close to the Llogara National Park, on the Albanian Riviera. It is located in the municipality of Himarë, in Vlorë County, Albania. The inhabitants of Palasë speak mainly a variant of the Himariote Greek dialect, and partly the Tosk Albanian dialect.Velipojë
Velipojë is a village and a former municipality in Shkodër County, northwestern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality Shkodër. The population at the 2011 census was 5,031. Velipojë is situated on the estuary of the Buna river, where it flows into the Adriatic Sea while constituting the natural border with Montenegro. The administrative unit of Velipojë has a population of around 10,000, spread over several small settlements, the largest of which is the town of Velipojë itself.Since 2005, Velipoje lies within the boundaries of Buna River-Velipoja Protected Landscape. Its economy is based on agriculture, some fishing, and chiefly tourism. The scenery is largely unspoiled: a mixture of sea-coast, river estuary, heathland, thick pine woods, farmland, and high mountains. It has been remarked by visitors that the heath-land to the north of Velipoja is very reminiscent of Scottish scenery. The area is a prime site for birdwatching, game shooting, and fishing. A long, sandy curative beach with a seaside promenade is an amazing place to visit in Albania in the summer.
Posts
