Albania

Situated in Southeastern Europe Albania offers pristine beaches, fascinating cultural sites as well as dramatic mountain citadels, which have now become extremely rare to find in Europe. Although Albania and its people have suffered greatly from the past wars and hardship, this country remains unique and its people friendly and open-minded.

Albania offers something for everyone from its Tomorri massif and Albanian Alps for those who love hiking to ancient tracks that network the country for those on bicycles. Travelers who are interested in history and archeology will find outstanding examples of the past in the sites of Butrint and Byllis, as well as in the Ottoman and ancient castles and fortresses or medieval churches that enclose beautiful frescos and precious icons.

Tirana, the capital is rapidly coming to terms with its past Stalinist injuries and this bustling and bright city now offers most of the attractions such as music entertainment and amenities similar to other European cities. There are many hotels and restaurants to choose from in the capital; here you may savor delicious seafood, mountain lamb served with organic vegetables and fruit while sipping excellent Albanian wine.

Albania has a typical Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters to hot and dry summers. During the winter months snow settles on the Albanian Alps and the mountain villages can get very cold.

The people from Albania are called Albanians.

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    Berat

    Berat is a city and a municipality located in south-central Albania, and the capital of the County of Berat. In July 2008, the old town (Mangalem district) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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    Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter)

    The Blue Eye is a water spring and natural phenomenon occurring near Muzine in Vlore County, Albania. A popular tourist attraction, the clear blue water of the river bubbles forth from a stunning, more than fifty-metre-deep pool.

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    Buthrotum

    Buthrotum was an ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus. In modern times it is an archeological site in Vlore County, Albania, some 14 kilometres south of Sarande and close to the Greek border and became a Latin Catholic titular see.

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    Gorica district, Berat

    On the left bank of the Osumi river below Mount Shpirag is the traditionally Christian quarter of Gorica. The name is derived from the Old Slavic word for "little mountain" and refers to Mount Sphirag in comparison with the much higher Mount Tomorr (2,400 metres) that towers over Berat.

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    Historic Centre (Mangalem district) of Berat

    The Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra, in the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, Albania, are an UNESCO World Heritage Site that were inscribed in 2005. Its borders were extended in 2008. Berat.

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    Historic Centre of Gjirokastra

    The Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra, in the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, Albania, are an UNESCO World Heritage Site that were inscribed in 2005. Its borders were extended in 2008. Gjirokastra.

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    Porto Palermo Castle

    Porto Palermo Castle is a castle near Himare in southern Albania. Huffington Post ranked Porto Palermo first among 15 Undiscovered European Destinations for 2014.