Albania is a small country in the Balkans. It shares borders with Greece, the Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. While the relative majority of the people in Albania are of Muslim heritage (50-60%), Albania also has a large number of religious minorities (mainly Albanian Orthodox and Roman Catholic-the largest Christian minorities in Europe along with Bosnia and Herzegovina). Religion is not currently a contentious issue in Albania the majority of people are non-practicing.
Traditional Albanian culture reveres the role and person of the guest. In return for this place of honor, respect is expected from the guest. Albanians enjoy the long walks the city streets, drinking coffee, and among the younger generations, partying.
Following the defeat of the Axis powers at the end of World War II, a totalitarian Communist government was established, presided over by resistance leader Enver Hoxha. Albania became infamous for its isolation, not just from the market-run democracies of Western Europe, but from the Soviet Union, China, and even neighboring Yugoslavia. Even as the Iron Curtain came down and Communists lost power throughout Eastern Europe, Albania seemed intent on staying the course, alone.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Tirana's "Mother Teresa" International Airport is located just 15 minutes away from the city. It is served by numerous European flag carriers such as British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Austrian, and the low cost carrier Germanwings. A new, larger terminal opened in 2007. At the airport exit there are numerous taxis 24/7 that can take you to the city. The taxi fee to the city center is 25 Euros. Taxi fees to other locations are posted on a placard just outside the exit doors.
By train - It is not possible to enter or leave Albania via train. There are, however, trains that operate within the country.
By bus - You can reach Tirana by coach from
Istanbul, Turkey (20hr, €35 one-way)
Athens,Greece (13 hr, €30)
Sofia, Bulgaria (22 hr, €25)
Tetovo,Macedonia (7 hr,€ 15)
Prishtina,Kosovo (10 hr, €20)
By boat - Ferries to Durrës arrive from Bari (9h, €50) and Ancona (19h, €70). A high-speed service operates from Bari (3h, €60).
There is also a reliable overnight ferry service operated by Skenderbeg Lines from Brindisi to Vlore Skenderbeg Lines.
Ferries from Corfu to Saranda every day.
By car - You can reach Albania by car from:
Podgorica, Montenegro
Ohrid , Macedonia
Prizren, Kosovo
Ioannina, Greece
where pass the National Roads.
There is a 10-euro/person tax, which must be paid upon entering Albania. After payment of the tax to the police, the customs officer will issue a "road tax certificate", which you must keep until you leave the country. When you exit the country, you'll pay 2 euro/day and return the certificate.
STAY SAFE
Take the usual precautions. Foreigners are not targeted by the local crime scene and since the opening of the border, no major incidents toward tourists have been reported.
Its best to drink bottled water, but potted water is usually drinkable too. The food in Albania is mostly healthy, anywhere you go in the country. You can walk around to stay fit, as many people do in the capital. Be careful at the beaches because shards of glass and sea urchins are common on the sea floor. Also, pharmacies and other stores are closed from about 12PM-4PM so bring all necessary medicine with you. Also, many Albanians smoke cigarettes. It is a normal thing and expect it everywhere. The government has banned smoking in restaurants though, so beware of that.
RESPECT
Albanians are very hospitable. Even more so than the rest of the Balkans, elder males expect to be shown due respect on account of their age. Men of the family have to be respected in particular. Shake hands with them and do not argue about topics such as religion and politics. Certain topics are strictly taboo, although they may be fine in the United States or other countries. Homosexuality, is one good example. Just remember that the situation changes a lot according to the location(village or city) and the people with whom you speak as well. Of course, in the hidden north, avoid topics that go beyond local understanding, but be sure that in Tirana you will find very cosmopolitan people that are as open to new ideas as citizens in the rest of Western Europe. There is nothing particular to worry about, all you need to remember is to respect local people as much as you do back home.
CITIES
