Year after year, Europe is on the minds of countless tourists. Albania, the Mediterranean destination remains under the radar to visit in 2024, according to an article published in the American daily CN Traveler (Condé Nast Traveler).

Located north of Greece and south of Montenegro, this Balkan country boasts age-old traditions, stunning coastline and local cuisine.

Albania has not yet been affected by mass tourism, so visitors can enjoy the unspoilt landscape throughout the country – explore nature, the popular hiking trails of the Albanian Alps in the north, and relax on the picturesque Albanian Riviera in the south.

But what makes it particularly attractive? A very unusual past. If you are planning a trip, these are the best places to visit in Albania.

Tirana

To truly appreciate Albania is to understand its history, and the vibrant capital of Tirana makes an excellent base for learning why it is the land of bunkers.

An exact figure is impossible to determine (some are recycled, others are destroyed), but data suggests that there are somewhere between 175,000 and 750,000 of these abandoned "concrete mushrooms" in Tirana.

Personifying the paranoia that defined Enver Hoxha's communist leadership from 1944 until his death in 1985, they were built after World War II in strategic locations such as clifftops – but also in fields, on street corners and along the line coastal in case of a raid by enemies.

And after Hoxha completely withdrew Albania from international politics and economic trade agreements, the Mediterranean country reopened its doors to tourists only after the fall of communism in 1991.

Today, many of the surviving bunkers have evolved into social and cultural spaces such as salons, bars, pizzerias, tattoo parlors and artist studios, showcasing the ingenuity of modern-day Albanians.

In Tirana, for example, one of the largest bunkers now stands as Bunk'Art 2, a 24-room museum that reconstructs the history of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991, recreating its interrogation cells , live images and art installations.

The exhibits and details make for a truly engaging space.

The city is also home to the "House of Leaves", an intriguing museum that occupies the building once used by the Gestapo during World War II, before serving as part of the ruthless surveillance tactics of the communist state's political police, "Security" - another cruel tool of persecution used by Hoxha.

Smaller in size, but equally worth a visit is the Postbllok Memorial Open Air Museum – which contains a section of the Berlin Wall donated to the Municipality of Tirana by the Municipality of Berlin, a bunker and several pillars from a from prisons and camps in Albania.

Interestingly, the fashionable neighborhood of Blloku is located nearby, showing the quiet side of Tirana – symbols of social progress and economic development intermingle with memories of a troubled past.

You can also visit the "Committee Bar" – the perfect place to mingle with the local youth, many of whom have strong opinions about what it means to live in a more liberal and increasingly ambitious Albania.

Between the abundance of Mediterranean produce and the warmth of Balkan gastronomy - accompanied by Ottoman influences - Albanian cuisine is as multifaceted as it is central to the country's identity.

Restaurant "Mullixhiu" is on a mission to research and reinterpret the heritage of Albanian cuisine.

By the way, it is not only the preservation of their cuisine that Albanians care about.

Take a leisurely sunset stroll to Skanderbeg Square – where a beloved social activity takes place – and discover some of the main attractions in this substantial public square.

Reopened as a house of worship in 1991 – Et'hem Bey Mosque is considered unique because of the motifs that adorn its frescoes – depictions of forests and waterfalls are a rare sight in mosques around the world.

The Clock Tower – about 115 meters high was built in 1822. Make peace with heights and enclosed staircases, as a climb to the top of this Ottoman-era monument is rewarded with views of Skanderbeg Square and beyond.

Berat or Gjirokastër?

Both historic cities are excellent contenders when it comes to exploring the Ottoman period of Albania, an influence that continues to be felt to this day.

And while day trips from Tirana to Berat and Gjirokastër are feasible, these historic cities are well worth a visit.

But – if you only have time for one – our recommendation is to go to Gjirokastra.

Known as the "Stone City", its steep cobbled streets lead visitors up to the magnificent Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans - with unrivaled views of Mali te Gera and the Drin valley.

The climb, although somewhat arduous, is part of the experience in a landscape of greenery interspersed with perfectly preserved Ottoman architecture.

At the house of Polyphony, an initiative aims to protect and promote traditional Albanian folk music. In 2022, an iso-polyphony museum was opened under the XNUMXth century Gjirokastra Bazaar Mosque.

Saranda or Himare?

Stretching some 296 miles along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania's coastline offers something for every type of visitor thanks to its vast array of natural wonders, picturesque villages and secret beaches.

The tourist center of Saranda is home to numerous resorts and upscale restaurants.

The coastal village of Himara is much more authentic in feel. Because it remains relatively untouched by urban development, it is more suitable for anyone in need of tranquility.

For nature lovers, start the tour from the Blue Eye, a spring surrounded by greenery and shrouded in mystery - no diver has been able to go deeper than 50 meters due to the strong pressure of the underground spring, so the depth of the truth of this natural monument remains unknown.

Butrint is Albania's most impressive archaeological treasure and visitors can discover ruins that echo the historical traces of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This historic site includes Roman arches and Byzantine mosaics. You can also visit the "Dean" in Butrint, a statue of the goddess that appears proudly on postcards, as well as the ancient theater that continues to organize festivals every summer.

Water adventures are guaranteed in the Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park, where canyons, steep cliffs and mountains dominate.

Take a dive in Haxhi Cave Aliut, a karst cave named after a revered Bektashi dervish and saint in Albania.

The Albanian Riviera is full of fascinating beaches.

To avoid the crowded beaches of Saranda visit Gjipe beach, recently rated as one of the best beaches in the world.

Located between Himara and Dhërmi, this remote stretch of white sand is surrounded by high, jagged cliffs – speaking of the mesmerizing beauty created by the contrast.

Also, make a stop at the beautiful coastal town of Ksamil. A short boat trip will take you to a group of four islands - which make up the most attractive part of this coastal area./ATSH/