Magnificent sun-drenched hills and mountains – this what Albania, formally named the Republic of Albania is typical of. It is a Mediterranean country located in south-eastern Europe. It is bordered by Greece to the south and southeast, Macedonia to the east, and Serbia and Montenegro to the north and northeast. The country has a cost on the Adriatic Sea in the west and the cost on the Ionian Sea in the southwest. It is typical of continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Visitors are often surprised by the diversity of Albania’s landscape, which changes very quickly and dramatically, so there is a wide range of landscapes in Albania.

From western and south-western typical Mediterranean type, and mixed type in central Albania, to spectacular mountains in the inner part.

History of Albania

First written evidences by Ptolemy show, that a word “Albanoi” was used to name an Illyrian tribe and dates back to the 130 A.D. Through the history it war being conquered by many conquerors and invaders, among them Roman Empire, which reorganized Illyria as a Roman Province, or Ottoman rule in middle Ages. Today’s Albania also played a role in Balkan Wars. After World War II it was under a totalitarian domination of Enver Hoxha, who isolated Albania from capitalistic West and later even from communist East, which grounded down the country. This regime took time a few decades. But nowadays the country passes through the rise of democracy.

People in Albania

Albanians are typical Mediterranean-natured hospitable and outgoing people. Albania has estimated 3,600,523 inhabitants, of which more than 90% are ethnic Albanian. The official language is Albanian, but it is very useful to know Italian, because many Albanians have learned it from TV. Religions include Muslim (Sunni and Bektashi), Orthodox Albanian, and Roman Catholic. Ancestors of modern Albanians were tribesmen, and Albanians still distinguish between Ghegs (northern tribes) and Tosks (southern tribes).

What to do in Albania

Albania offers tourists a very entertaining recreation, because of its combination of warm and hospitable people and beautiful nature. It is also a possible to spend very active holiday there. Climbing, skiing, equestrian events or aeronautics are only a few of opportunities Albania gives. And also its long virgin sand and pebble beaches, a number of fetching inland lakes, lagoons, and national parks… what more can a tourist desire for?