Unforgettable resorts of Albania: holidays for every taste and budget. The best resorts of Albania on the sea Albania vacation on the sea resorts
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Where is Albania located. Visa and currency
This country for a long time was closed to foreigners. Therefore, now with great interest, curious tourists are striving to explore a new land in Albania. Russian vacationers say that traveling to this country is a bit like a trip in a time machine. You can find yourself, as it were, in a Caucasian resort, but ... somewhere in the 1990s. Of course, there are no gang fights in Albania and everything is pretty nice. Local residents try very hard to ensure that tourists have the most best experience about the country. But our tourists still have a lot of prejudices about this region in the west of the Balkan Peninsula.
What exactly is the Republic of Albania? Holidays at sea, exciting excursions to ancient cities, hiking in the mountains, gastronomic tours - all this is now quite affordable for foreigners. For Russians in the summer and in September-October, a visa is not needed. You can stay in the country for ninety days, but only between June 1st and October 31st. Upon entry, you must declare that the purpose of visiting the Republic of Albania is to rest at sea. At other times of the year, tourists from Russia require a visa. The national currency of Albania is the lek. It contains one hundred kindarok. The ratio with the Russian ruble pleases: there are fifty kopecks in one lek. But locals often accept US dollars and euros for settlement.
Climate in Albania
Nature gave this Balkan country about three hundred sunny days a year. Moreover, it rains mainly in the first half of spring and in November. If we talk about a beach holiday in Albania, the reviews say that the peak of the tourist season falls (however, as elsewhere in these latitudes) in the summer months. Although it is comfortable to sunbathe and swim in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas from the end of April until the first half of October. On the coast in July, the water temperature is +22 ... +25 degrees, and the air fluctuates between +28 ... +32 °С. In January (the coldest month of the year) it does not fall below + 8 °C. Summer heat is easily tolerated: after all, the Mediterranean mistral is constantly blowing from the sea. Mountains are another matter. There the climate is more severe, and in winter the temperature at a height of a thousand meters drops to -20 °C. Albanian Alps - high mountains, and snow lies on their peaks for about six months. Although ski resorts very few in the country. Best holiday in Albania at sea - reviews of tourists on this issue are the same - in September. And without that low prices fall even more. But the temperature of water and air remains high. Albanian September is quite a summer month.
Territory
Seventy percent consists of picturesque mountains covered with forests. If you are interested in the beach and the sea, then you should choose one of the coastal resorts in Albania. These are Saranda, Durres, Shkodra, Vlora or Fier. In each of them, in addition to wonderful beaches and warm sea, the tourist will find for himself a lot of interesting and informative. In Durres, for example, there is a Roman amphitheater, the ruins of a Byzantine fortress and a Venetian tower. Many cities of the country were built before our era. But if you're interested in sightseeing vacation in Albania, reviews advise not to miss Berat in any case. In this museum, open sky meets the Orthodox and Muslim worlds, separated by a river. The capital of the country, Tirana, is a piece of Turkey frozen in time, there are so many ancient mosques and houses in the Ottoman style in the city. Fans of medieval castles are waiting for Skandeberg, Kruje and Petrela.
Ecological holidays in Albania: reviews of tourists
The virgin nature of this country attracts many travelers. Tourists are advised to go on independent or group excursions to the Tomor Mountains (and at the same time visit Bektash) or the Albanian Alps. The canyons of Skrapara or the river Valbona will leave a lasting impression. A special place among the natural attractions of Albania is occupied by the Lure National Reserve. Ohrid Lake is the visiting card of the country. If you are in Tirana and have some time to relax in Albania, tourist reviews advise you to go to the picturesque Daiti Mountain. It is located in the vicinity of the capital. Ecotourism is beginning to develop in coastal villages. Residents of the former fishing villages are happy to take vacationers. Beaches, ancient castles or archaeological parks, beautiful mountains, delicious authentic food from the farmer's subsidiary farm - this is the whole of Albania. Rest on the sea here never comes to the fore. The main thing was and remains the amazing uniqueness of the country. All tourists unanimously repeat: even the laziest travelers cannot resist the charm of the Balkan republic and leave the seal pastime for the sake of excursions.
Ionian Albania: holidays by the sea
Photos of the beaches of this Balkan country will make you cast aside all doubts. Holidays in Albania are cheaper than in neighboring Croatia, and the surrounding nature is cleaner. Is it worth it in this case to follow the well-trodden path of many thousands of tourists? After all, you can get a quality vacation for little money and feel almost like a pioneer. The beaches of Albania stretch for four hundred and twenty-seven kilometers. They are mostly sandy, although those who like to warm bones on pebbles will also find a good coast for themselves. The Riviera of Flowers stretches from Saranda to Vlore. This is the Albanian coast of the Ionian Sea. There are many coves here that were harbors in ancient times. The local elite prefers the Riviera of Flowers, where the most popular beaches are Divyak, Golemi, Durres, Lezhe, Velipoe. Pebble coasts are located in the vicinity of Vlora. Albanian resorts such as Saranda (opposite which is located Greek island Corfu), Dhermi and Himara. The coast abounds with rocks, the sea is deep here. Reviews recommend this Riviera to snorkelers and divers.
Adriatic coast
This area starts from Lalzit Bay near the border with Montenegro and extends south to the resort of Vlora. Golden sandy beaches Albanian Adriatic are great for children's recreation. The coast is a set of spits with a shallow sea and a gentle slope. Pine forests often grow near the beaches, so a pleasant stay here can be combined with recovery: coniferous trees contain a lot of useful phytoncides. Most famous resorts Albania on Adriatic coast- this is Dermi, Shengjin, Durres, Kuna. Reviews find it difficult to answer the question of which of the two seas is better and on which beach the water is cleaner. Everyone agrees that for comfort, you should turn to five-star chain hotels. They often have their own beach, the improvement of which meets European standards. The longest is Durrem. It's fifteen kilometers of sand. The most elegant reviews called the Saint-John beach near the Leger resort.
Saranda
Reviews recommend this resort to lovers of peace and languid bliss. Although inquisitive and active tourists there is also something to do here. Nearby is the ancient city of Butrint, sung by Plutarch. Saranda is a destination for gastronomic tours. Grilled meat and seafood are served here. But the main attraction of Saranda is a beach holiday. Ksamil Beach (Albania) is located ten kilometers from the resort and is the southernmost village in the country. The only drawback, according to travelers, is its remoteness from Tirana International Airport - 250 km or five hours on the way! However, the rest of the beach is excellent. White sand, against which the water seems endlessly azure. The notorious "Bounty" commercial could also be filmed at Ksamil Beach. There are several mini-hotels here, but the choice of accommodation is more in neighboring Saranda.
What to try in Albania
Shopping is best done in the Republic of Albania. Seaside holidays are recommended to be combined with a tasting of local delicacies. Local kitchen was influenced by the Turks, Greeks and Italians. From drinks, you should try Skanderberg cognac and brandy - grape vodka. Of the wines, reviews recommend Aquila Liquori, Cobo, Luani and Gjergj Kastrioti.
Albania, where beach holidays are quite developed, is still a Muslim country. The patriarchal way of life is still preserved here. Therefore, you need to be polite and tolerant of the customs of the people you came to visit. Ladies should not sunbathe topless. This is fraught not only with conflict, but also with a large fine. Take pictures local residents possible only with their consent. Reviews note that Albanians are very fond of children, so it is good form to praise the child. But making compliments to local girls and women is not recommended.
March 28, 2018, 16:31A few years ago, Russian travelers found in the Balkans the last secret of the European Mediterranean - the coast of Albania. And where - close by the promoted Montenegro!
Albania is like a pearl that is still hidden in a shell. It is a shy country, not yet spoiled by mass tourism. But here wonderful nature, pleasant climate and two whole seas: Ionian and Adriatic. Choose which beaches you like: pebble or sand, they are all clean and beautiful. PROturizm offers you short review sea resorts Albania.
Adriatic sea resorts
- Distance from Tirana – 60 km
- Population - 11 thousand people
One of the clearest evidence of the tourism potential of Albania. Even 20 years ago, Shengjin was a fishing village under the Italian pines, and today it is already a developed resort - with hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, supermarkets and more.
There are many comfortable new buildings in Shengjin, and some Russians buy apartments here so that they can come to rest like home. Families with kids appreciate the abundance of playgrounds, and the beach in Shengjin is one of the most comfortable in Albania.
Once upon a time, Julius Caesar deployed his fleet in the local bay during military operations. A small port still exists. In the future, they plan to turn it into a large, international one, and locals fear that this will affect the quality of the sand - now it is considered healing, saturated with iodine. The air, by the way, is also special - sea with an admixture of pine.
Durres
- Distance from Tirana – 33 km
- Population - 180 thousand people
Sea port, the second largest city in Albania. I managed to visit Bulgarian, and Byzantine, and Turkish, and Italian, and at the very beginning of history - Roman (since then, the ancient Roman amphitheater has remained here). In all these ups and downs, Durres managed to maintain its uniqueness.
Today's conquerors - tourists - appreciate the green parks and the white sandy shore, stretching for 15 km. Life is noisy on the embankment - attractions, cafes, shops, and hotels are located in a quieter area, remote from the port. The quietest beach of Durres is Qerret: there are few people here and there are no high-rise buildings nearby.
Resorts of the Ionian Sea
- Distance from Tirana (capital of Albania) - 280 km
- Population - 40 thousand people
This resort is called the southern gate of Albania and the sunniest place on the Ionian coast. It is quiet, calm and you can see Greece - the island of Corfu, which is less than an hour by ferry.
At the same time, Saranda has “grown up” to tourism: there are several good hotels, it is easy to rent a house, there is where to have fun in the evenings. Along the entire coast there is a promenade with restaurants and souvenir shops. Within the city there are several beaches, all pebbly, but with clean water. The hotels built on the first line have their own comfortable beaches.
Attractions surrounding Saranda:
- the ancient city of Finichi with an acropolis seven times larger than that of Athens;
- the fortress of the bloody medieval warrior Ali Pasha Tepelensky;
- Butrint - an open-air archaeological museum-reserve;
- Konispol caves with traces of primitive settlements;
- karst source "Blue Eye", the water in which is really juicy blue-blue color and always the same temperature - about 13 ° C.
- Distance from Tirana – 295 km
- Population - 3 thousand people
It is located ten kilometers from Saranda. As a true resort city, it appeared only thanks to local natural virtues (most recently, in the 1960s). Ksamil is the Albanian Maldives. Seriously: several islands are scattered off the coast, which can be reached by swimming or by boat. They are called so - the islands of Ksamil, or Tetra. Some have restaurants.
The beach in Ksamil is sandy, because the artificial one is bulk. But the sand is white, and the water is azure. It is not surprising that many tourists from abroad come here - and this despite the fact that it takes five to six hours to get from the airport to Ksamil, and the place is not too rich. tourism infrastructure(few shops, pharmacies, banks, etc.). But there are enough hotels or apartments for rent. Some stop in Saranda, and go to Ksamil to swim.
- Distance from Tirana – 225 km
- Population - 4 thousand people
The region of Himara is the town itself and several villages, only 20 km long and 5 km wide. On the one hand - mountains and orchards, on the other - the sea. The long pebble beach is divided by rocks into several parts: Spille Beach, Maraçaj Beach, Strevija Beach and Potami Beach. These are cultivated beaches, and there is a completely wild, untouched - Filikuri Beach, which hides behind a cape, it can only be reached by boat.
The civilized opposite is Jale Beach, 10 km from Himare. The beach is also small pebbles, but there are sandy areas. The infrastructure is well developed here: there are umbrellas and sun loungers, rental of scooters and catamarans, many cafes and restaurants. Divers dive on the right side of the beach, you can also take a motorboat to the Pirate's Cave or fly over the beach on a paraglider.
There are many accommodation options in Himare, there are even two four-star hotels. And the main cultural advantage of this resort is Old city with its castle, churches and monasteries.
Dhermi
- Distance from Tirana - 340 km
- Population - 2 thousand people
Dhermi (aka Zermi, aka Dryumades) is located near Himara, built on the slope of a 200-meter mountain. Its name is translated from Greek as "oak grove". This is one of the oldest villages in Albania, and there are 30 ancient Orthodox churches- lovers of cultural recreation will like it.
Beach lovers like it here too, rest in Dhermi is considered elite (and therefore it costs a little more). The five-kilometer Dhermi beach stretches from the Karaburun peninsula to the monastery of St. Theodora. In addition to churches, there are also brand new hotels, bungalows and restaurants.
Where and how to relax, everyone chooses for himself, based on many factors: the cost of rest, climate resort country, state of health, a set of entertainment on vacation, a travel company. Not much information is available to tourists about one of the Balkan countries, which will gladly welcome guests from all over the world to its wonderful resorts. And this country is Albania, a neighboring country of Montenegro and Greece. Tours to the resorts of Albania can be purchased at a very reasonable price.
Albania
General information about Albania
For a very long time, due to political factors, it remained in the background, which is why tourists know very little about culture, traditions, climate, beautiful clean beaches and indescribably beautiful nature this country.
The Republic of Albania is a small country with a population of approximately 4 million, located in southeastern Europe, in the west of the Balkan Peninsula. It is washed by 2 seas - the Adriatic and the Ionian (an advantageous place for resorts). Albania neighbors Greece, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia. The country in most of its areas is mountainous (approximately 70% of the territory). The capital of Albania is the city of Tirana. The island of Sazani also belongs to the possessions of the country.
The highlight of Albania
Everyone decides what he wants from a sea resort holiday. Someone does not leave the territory of the hotel, someone spends time on the beach around the clock. In addition to the purest sea water, sandy beaches and full board in luxury hotels, this country has many attractions and opportunities not to be missed:
- nature reserves, especially national park Tieti;
- islands in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas;
- guided hike in the mountains: they are beautiful and occupy 75% of the country's territory;
- bunkers: they were built by the local dictator Enver Hoxha, there are more than 70,000 and they are scattered in the most unexpected places throughout the country;
- the Rozafa fortress, which is located on a high hill, still remembers the times of the knights;
- visit wineries in the Kobo region;
- Efem Bey Mosque and Sheikh Zamil Mosque: Albania is a Muslim country;
- ruins of Butrint ( ancient city): Virgil believed that the city was built by the Trojans;
- the ancient defensive point of the city of Berat, which is located on a hill - Goritsa;
- visit the opera and jazz festival in Tirana.
Fortress Rozafa Climate of Albania
It is better to relax in Albania in the south, near the sea, where the Mediterranean climate prevails, therefore the resorts of Albania on the sea are the most popular, and in beach season here perfect place for relax. Summer here is warm and dry, lasting from May to September. Good weather starts in May, the air temperature is 25-28 degrees, which is optimal for families with children.
July and August are the hottest, 27-30 degrees. Autumn and winter in the country are accompanied by endless winds, frequent rains, high humidity and air temperature ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. In the mountains, the temperature drops below zero.
ionian sea
Located in the Mediterranean basin. The coast of the Ionian Sea, which belongs to Albania, is dotted with small cozy picturesque bays. The water in it is more salty than in the Mediterranean, which allows a person who does not know how to swim well to easily stay on the water. The coast here is not very wide, with the purest yellow sand, its line immediately leans against the slopes of the mountains. The bottom of the sea is covered with white sand, which is why the water has a unique color.
Albanian resorts on the Ionian Sea are popular among couples with young children, because the coast is covered with small pebbles and there are many shallow waters. The water temperature in summer reaches 25 degrees. The water is calm and calm, the current is small. There are many islands in the sea that amaze with the beauty of nature.
The houses of small towns are built in the Venetian style. There are a lot of monasteries, towers, fortresses and picturesque villages that every tourist dreams of visiting. Indeed, excursions to these places are in extraordinary demand.
Adriatic Sea
It washes Albania from the southwestern side. It connects through the Ionian Sea to the Mediterranean. The best resorts in Albania are located here. You can choose for any wallet, because the length of the coast Adriatic Sea with Albania reaches more than 400 km. Tourists buy a map of Albania with resorts and look for a suitable hotel.
The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and it is very easy to get to Italy through it (the distance through the strait between the countries is only 75 km). The sea is characterized by absolute transparency of water. Here you can see beautiful dolphins, but also several species of sharks.
Adriatic Sea Beaches and resorts in Albania
Per last years Albania has made a name for itself as a tourist destination and has grown from a little-known country to a popular holiday destination. Now it is in the top 30 countries with the best seaside resorts.
Durres
Refers to the southern resorts of Albania - Durres. The city is located on the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea, 30 km from the capital. By Albanian standards, this is the most resort town in the country. Beaches and hotels for vacationers are equipped to the highest standards. Numerous bars, restaurants, entertainment and shopping centers work not only in the season, but all year round.
The Volga embankment area is very popular for its nightlife and full holiday atmosphere. Hotels here cost about 30-50 dollars per day with full board. The coastline stretches for 16 km, if you don’t like the noise and fun, you can stay in the suburbs: near the Golem beach, the prices, respectively, will be cheaper, but the quality of service there is also lower. The most popular hotels in this place are Vtliera, Nais, Vila One Beach, Vila Lule Hotel.
Saranda Resort
It is located near the small town of Saranda (about 34 thousand inhabitants). This resort is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea. Opposite it, 20 km away, is the island of Corfu (Greek possessions). This is a place for people who appreciate peace, tranquility and silence. There is practically no gloomy weather in this region, the gentle Mediterranean climate allows you to swim and sunbathe until October. The beaches are covered with white sand. The sea near the shore is shallow. Near the city are the ruins of ancient settlements, which are included in the UNESCO list.
Here you can not only swim, but also plunge into the world of the Middle Ages. The average cost of a holiday for 7 days during the holiday season is about 1000 euros for two. The most popular hotels, about which tourists leave positive reviews: Igli Draci, White Residence Hotel, Butrinti SPA, JoAn Hotel, Glow Boutique Hotel.
Saranda Resort Resort Ksamil
One of the most crowded and visited beach resorts in Albania. This is the most Southern City countries. It's always sunny here. The most beautiful beach Ksamil Beach is never quiet even in winter. The bright lights of the embankment lure millions of tourists here.
Young people are advised to choose this place for recreation, people who love and know how to constantly hang out and have fun. Near the coast there are small picturesque islands, which can be reached by boat or boat. The sand is as white as Dominican Republic. A tour for two for a week will cost approximately 500-600 euros. List of the best hotels: Villa Soni, Hotel Nebo, Ilio Hotel, Hotel Almando.
Resort Vlora
Vlora is a large city, next to which the Adriatic and Ionian seas are united. Water due to this process acquires a unique azure color. The beaches in the resort are different:
- sandy;
- covered with small pebbles;
- rocky.
From the side of the mountains, the resort is surrounded by parks and gardens, there are also secluded places of untouched wildlife. On the way to the famous Porto Palermo fortress in these parts, you can stroll through the wonderful olive groves. A very popular place is the beautiful promenade-beach "Flower Riviera". The hotels here are 3-4 stars, the price per day is approximately 30 euros with full board. If you need peace and solitude, the Draleos beach in the vicinity of the city will delight you with its sparseness and almost lack of infrastructure. Popular hotels: New York, Olympia Village, Coral Hotel, Sky Hotel.
Resort Vlora What to try
Everyone knows that the only right way to get to know a new country is to try its cuisine. Albanian dishes are incredibly delicious and to bring home a lot of experiences, you definitely need to try at least some of them.
- Albanian specialty - Fergesa. Ingredients: lamb liver, cheese, eggs and greens. The contents are baked in the oven in pots.
- Tave koshi is a familiar casserole for everyone. The dish is prepared from lamb with yogurt - baked in a clay dish.
- Beef stew with vegetables and prunes. This is a traditional Albanian dish - Chomlek.
- The most flavorful soup you've ever tasted, Levrek. This is an Albanian fish soup, which is made from sea bass or sea bass.
- Be sure to try Albanian pastries. Almost every establishment serves local Petula pancakes - they are eaten for breakfast with various jams.
Note to the tourist
You need to fly on vacation to Albania - there are a number of reasons for this.
- Cheap low-cost carriers. You can fly to Albania and back for 110 euros if you use the services of the Greek airline Aegean Airlines.
- Cheap tours to southern resorts countries. On average, a tour for two people for a week will cost 600-700 euros.
- Change environment. Albania not so long ago tourist map. Even the Internet does not have complete information about this country, so there is good opportunity explore everything on your own.
Over 80% of the population knows English language so it will be easy to explain. - Fresh air. There are very few cars (harmful emissions) in the country and heavy industry is not developed.
- Cheap cars for hire. About 20 euros per day and no need to spend time in tour buses to see the sights. Currency exchange at every turn. Any currency is easily exchanged for leks (currency of Albania).
Resorts of Albania It is always interesting to see and experience something new. Albania is a country where everything is new for tourists, because for more than 50 years it has been closed to the world due to military-political conflicts. Now it is a promising and rapidly developing resort region, which has its goodwill towards tourists, culture and service. Having visited these places once, you will want to come back here again, see something new or remember what you have already seen.
Of all the Balkan countries, Albania is the most underestimated by our tourists, and yet its beach resorts are much better than in the hyped Montenegro, and may well compete with the well-known Greek ones.
At the same time, prices in Albania are pleasing to the eye and budget. They are lower than the average for the Balkans, which today, when the ruble once again beat against the euro and the dollar in the St. Vitus dance, cannot but excite all those who know how to count. Although the Albanian lek has recently grown against the euro, it is still far from the Croatian kuna and the Bulgarian lev: on average, 1 local lek costs about 60 kopecks.
Of course, the main problem with Albania is the lack of direct flights on the Moscow-Tirana route. You can fly here with a transfer in Belgrade (regular flights are operated by Aeroflot and Air Serbia), as well as via Rome with Alitalia or Vienna with Air Austrian.
In the photo: a seller with a donkey on an Albanian beach
From Tirana to Albanian Riviera it takes about half a day to go, so there are no options: either book a transfer or rent a car. Personally, I am always for the second option, because then you will not be tied to one location and will be able to explore the entire coastline and across.
WHICH ALBANIA RESORT TO CHOOSE?
The Albanian Riviera has a coastline of 240 kilometers. Situated just opposite Italian region Puglia, so the sea is there, like its neighbors - clean and transparent. Looking ahead, I’ll say right away, in my opinion, if you come to Albania for a period of 10 days to two weeks, then it makes sense to stay in Saranda, because leisure there is the most diverse. Not just sea, sun and sand, but also ancient ruins, as well as natural wonders. I will tell about all the resorts of the Riviera in geographical sequence: I will start from the north and move strictly to the south.
Below for clarity is a map of the resorts of the Albanian Riviera
DERMI AND DRIMARES
The first important point on it is the Greek village of Dhermi, and for purely beach holiday this one is almost perfect. The village itself is located in the Ceravnia Mountains, it is located 200 meters above sea level, but on coastline in recent years, many decent hotels and simple hotels have been built for those who only come to the room to sleep. By the way, it is in such places that Albanian youth likes to live, which is why in the vicinity of the village there are a decent number of nightclubs, bars and other entertainment venues.
There are also wooden houses in the coastal zone, which local population rents to tourists for a moderate fee - a sort of Albanian version of a bungalow. Plus, it's within easy reach of Drymades Beach, considered one of the best in the country. It is located on the shore of a beautiful bay with a large rock separating pebble beach from sandy.
And, of course, it is impossible not to mention that it is here that the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. The information is largely useless, but pleasant to understand: who would refuse to swim in two seas at the same time?
Summary: very clean sea and many entertainment facilities for young people.
HIMARA
If we talk about Himare (Himarë), today this city is an ordinary resort in southwestern Albania with a population of just under 4,000 people, but it has a glorious past. The settlement was founded by the Greeks during the Byzantine Empire, and there were constant battles for the city between the Ottomans, the Kingdom of Naples and the Venetian Republic. The local population calls themselves Himariots - Albanian Greeks, and before the outbreak of the First World War, they made numerous attempts to achieve reunification with neighboring Greece.
If we talk about the beaches of the resort, then they are, of course, not bad, but due to the popularity of Himara among the local population, in August the coastline is overly strewn with the bodies of sunbathing vacationers. Well what to do is flip side medals of the fact that in Himare the tourist infrastructure is developing faster here than in the whole country.
Livadhi is considered the most beautiful local beach. The pebbles there are light, and the beach is surrounded by a grove of olive trees. In general, I would recommend visiting Himara for a day, there is nothing to do there longer.
Summary:not bad, but too many tourists and there is nothing to do besides the beach.
BORSH
The village of Borsh (Borsh) Russians can choose to relax, if only because of the funny name associated with borscht. Okay, jokes aside, in fact, it is translated into Russian as "snow and rain." Not a very good bid for a beach resort, right? However, in the case of Borsh, the principle works: words are just words.
The seaside village is located on the slopes of a mountain range, one and a half kilometers from the warm Ionian Sea and is surrounded by olive trees. The beach of the village itself is small light pebbles, and its length is about 4 kilometers, although guidebooks often write that it is the longest in Albania and stretches as much as 7 kilometers.
This is true and not true at the same time. Yes, the coastline here is many times longer, only officially the additional 3 kilometers no longer belong to Borsh, but to neighboring villages.
In general, Borsh is an incredibly romantic resort. You can stay in one of the bungalows or a hotel on the coastline. Near it there is a promenade with restaurants and cafes, olive orchards begin immediately behind it, and a castle rises on a limestone hill above the village. Its first building was erected in the fourth century BC. Over the long centuries of its existence, the defensive fortification on the mountain was repeatedly destroyed and then rebuilt. What has come down to our days refers already to XVIII century when Albania was ruled by Ali Pasha Tepelensky.
Summary: cute and romantic, especially for couples in love who decide to spend a vacation at sea.
SARANDA
Saranda differs from the resorts described above in that it is an option for those who want everything at once. Not only to lie down on the beach, but to disperse the transparent waves with your hands, but also to devote time to cultural leisure, because everything is fine with the second in Saranda.
The first important local attraction - ruin ancient city Butrinti. It was founded in the VI century BC by the Greeks, then the city naturally belonged to the ancient Romans, and in 551 was destroyed by the Visigoths. However, the story of Butrinti did not end there. It was restored, and it existed until the 15th century, being at first part of the Byzantine province of Epirus, and later being part of the Venetian Republic.
Finally, the city was abandoned only after the conquest of the coast by the Turks. Since 1992, the ruins of Butrint have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, in fact they are an open-air museum. The territory of the city is impressive, and you can walk around it all day. Near each object there are explanatory signs, so you can do without the services of a guide.
Another monument of the ancient era in the vicinity of Saranda is the ancient Greek city of Finichi. Tourists go there mainly to take a look at the local Acropolis, which is larger than the famous Athenian one (some argue that as much as seven times). Yes, for reference, there were acropolises in all major cities of Greece without exception. In fact, it was a fortification located on the very high point cities. Temples and palaces were built there not just for beauty and for religious reasons: the local population could take refuge within their walls in the event of an enemy attack on the city.
For those who want to delve into very ancient antiquity, it makes sense to go on an excursion to the Konispol caves. There are traces of human habitation from the Upper Paleolithic to the Iron Age, and unlike other places in Europe, tourists are allowed inside the caves without any problems.
Add to this the fact that in the city itself there is a fortress of Ali Pasha Tepelensky - the actual ruler of Albania in the late 18th - early 19th centuries. Thanks to his cunning international policy, built on constant short-term alliances with European powers and incessant betrayal of allies, the country has reached an unprecedented prosperity.
Well, just 18 kilometers from the city at the foot of Mount Muzina is an extremely curious natural object- source Syri i Kaltër or "Blue Eye". If we discard the lyrics and turn to prose, then the reservoir is a vaucluse - a karst siphon source with a large volume of water. In 2004, the Blue Eye suddenly began to dry up, but then the water debit in it was restored, and today it feeds the Bistritsa River, several ponds that were used for fish farming in the past, and also ensures the uninterrupted operation of the local hydroelectric power station.
Although vaucluse itself is a rare geological phenomenon, tourists who decide to crouch at the source are unlikely to think about it. They come here to admire the amazing color of the water: dark blue in the center and transparent blue at the edges.
The water in the source is icy, and the speed of its movement is very high. You throw a pebble down and in a few seconds the internal currents will push it back to the surface. All the nuances mentioned above do not particularly stop tourists. Many, remembering the Russian folk tradition of diving into the hole on the night of Epiphany, do the same here, after which they solemnly post a photo report on Instagram.
By the way, divers have repeatedly attempted to measure the depth of the Blue Eye. Nothing happened. As much as possible, they managed to descend to 45 meters, but no further - the water in the bowels of the vaucluse beats under too much pressure, which makes it impossible to dive.
And the last super plus of Saranda is that from here you can sail on the ferry in just half an hour to the island of Corfu. Also entertainment, not only for show from the series “I visited Greece too”, because Boat trip- a pleasant pastime in all respects.
At the same time, the beaches of the Saranda resort are sandy, the water is warm and clear, so it makes little sense to swim just beyond the other sea to the Greek island.
Summary: the best resort in Albania. No reservations!
KSAMIL (KSAMIL)
Actually, usually Ksamil is not singled out as a separate resort, since the village is located just half an hour from Saranda. It is remarkable for one single circumstance: the local beach looks like a frame from the Bounty advertisement or the European branch of the Maldives - come up with any other hackneyed epithet, this will not change the essence.
The purest azure water, three small islands in the bay, a boardwalk pier right above the sea waves and snow-white sand - it was formed from shell rock ground into chalk. True, there is a nuance. Many people have heard about heaven on earth today, therefore in August Ksamili is very crowded. Ideally, I would advise you to come here for one day in order to go snorkeling, ride a catamaran or just soak up the coastal waves from the heart, but it’s better to settle in Saranda.
