AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF TIRANA

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND AGRIBUSINESS

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

PROJECT:
“TOURISM IN ALBANIA”:
Closed to outsiders for much of the 20th century,
Albania has been Mediterranean Europe’s enigma.
Recently its rumpled mountains, fortress towns and
sparkling beaches were merely a rumour on most
travel maps. But, with the end of a particularly brutal
strain of communism in 1991, tentatively swung
open its gates. The first curious tourists to arrive
discovered a land where ancient codes of conduct
still held away and where the wind whistled through
the shattered remnants of half-forgotten ancient
Greek and Roman sites. A quarter of a century after
throwing off the shackles of communism, Albanian’s
stunning mountain scenery, crumbling castles,
boisterous capital and dreamy beaches rivalling any
in the Mediterranean continue to enchant.
 SOUTHERN ALBANIA

The southern region of the country is mostly

mountainous and has become famous for its
mediterranean atmosphere, diverse landscape, scenic
coastline and villages and towns by the shoreline.
The presence of several mountain ranges such as the
Cereunian and Pindus mountains has ultimately
shaped the diverse landscape of the south of Albania.
Stretching in the southwest, the Albanian Riviera is
well known for its pure blue and turquoise beaches
and has been a favorite destination for local and
foreign visitors. Aside from its beaches, it is also a
destination for relaxation, tranquility and nightlife.
Many villages and towns in the area are nationally
known such as Dhermi, Lukove, Palase, Qeparo and
Borsh.
Fir of Hotova-Dangell National park is the country’s
largest national park and stretches within a remote
mountainous region of Nemërcka and Tomorr between the
Vjosa Valley in the west and the Osum Valley in the
northeast. The narrow and deep Lengarica Canyon in
Përmet with numerous caves and thermal springs such as
Banjat e Benjës are among the most visited areas in the
park.

Pogradec and Lid straddles on the western shores of

Lake Ohrid in the east. The lake is one of the most
ancient lakes i n the world and preserves a unique aquatic
ecosystem that is of worldwide importance. Various
monuments from different ancient civilizations are still
evident in this region such as the Royal Ilyrian Tombs etc.
Tomorr National Park encompasses Mount Tomorr in
the south, which is in Albanian folklore
anthropomorphized and associated with the legendary
figure of Baba Tomor. Within the Osum Canyon, close to
the national park, there are a number of rock formations,
caves and waterfalls and are a spectacular natural
attraction in the reagion.

Gjirokaster is listed with Berat as a UNESCO World

Heritage Site. The city is described as a rare example of a
well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of large
estate. Typical houses consist of a tall stone block
structures which can be up to five stories high. There are
external and internal staircases that surrund the houses. It
is thought that such design stems from fortified country
houses typical in the reagion.
Berat is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities
and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known as a
museum and city and also referred as the city of thousands of
windows. Today, the city bears witness to the coexistence of
various religious and cultural communities down the centuries.
Treasures from the Ilyrians, Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and
Ottomans are still alive in the city. Among the attractions in the
city and the surroundings are Byllis, Apollonia,
Bachelors’Mosque, Berat Castle and Citadel, Gorica Bridge,
Lead Mosque, Red Mosque, St. Theodore’s Church, St.Mary of
Blachernae Church, Dormition Cathedral and Ardenica
Monastery.

Voskopojë reached its peak in the 18th century and is nowadays

considered a holy place by local Orthodox, Christians. The
remaining churches in the region are among the most
representative of 18th century ecclesiastical art in Balkans.
Korcë is known for its quarters, composed of low houses and
villas and many architectural buildings of various styles such as
Historicism, Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism. Cultural elements
from Albanians, Greeks, Italians and French merged within the
city to create a unique culture. The largest carnival of Albania is
here organized which takes place before Orthodox Easter.
Among the most prominent sites in the city include the Ilyrian
Kamenica Tumulus.

Prespa National Park encompasses both Lake Prespa and Small

Prespa Lake in the border triangle of Albania, Greece and
Macedonia . The island of Maligrad, within the large Prespa, is
dotted with a monastery and several caves, which are suitable for
wildlife and a ciscular cliff. Hundrends of different species of
animals and plants thrive in the national park.
 ALBANIAN RIVIERA

The Albanian Riviera is blessed with 300 days of sun. The

avarage temperature in January is 10 degrees C, and the avarage
temperature in July is 25 degrees C. The Ionian coastline is
known for having fascinating beaches as the area offers many
opportunities for those interested in water sports like diving, boat
tours, etc. Some of the most exotic and interesting beaches in the
south of Albania are Dhermi, Jal, Himara, Qeparo, Borsh,
Saranda and Ksamil. From the Llogara Pass, which is 1.057
meters above sea level, the breathtaking coast can be seen as if
from the vantage point of an airplane. The first beach here is
Dhraleos in Palasë which has a length of 1.5km. This is one of
the most exotic and tranquil beaches of the Albanian coastal
zone complete with rich blue waters. This beach is popular for
water sports and is sometimes even the destination for the
parachutes that launch from Llogara Pass. Dhërmi is located a
little further south and is one of the most frequented and
important tourist places along the Albanian coast.
The beach of Gjipe has a beautiful shape. Past this beach
there is a steam that has made a canyon with 70 meters
high walls. Located near the beach of Dhërmi is the Cave
of Pirates which tourists can access only by boat or ferry.
There are also hotels, restaurants and summer clubs
located nearby. Throughout this entire area, family tourism
has developed, where tourists can choose to rent
guesthouses or reside in a variety of hotels nearby. Near
Himara 8km south of Dhërmi , you will find the village of
Vuno, which is the central area of the Albanian Riviera. It
is a tourist town that comes to life during the summer
season thanks to the younger generations that come here.
In this area are beaches of Spile, Potam, Llaman and
Livadh. All of them stand out for their deep waters,
navigability and rocky characteristics. After Borsh is
Qeparo and the small tectonic gulf of Porto Palermo where
Ali Pasha castle is located.
Borsh, is one of the longer beach areas of the Albanian Riviera
protected by a collection of massive Mediterranean vegetation,
primarily citrus and olive plantation. Family tourism has also
become very popular in this area. Between here and the city of
Saranda, one can find the beaches of Bunec, Kakome and
Krokey whose collective length runs about three km and each
with beautiful, crystal-clear water.

The city of Saranda is the most populous urban area on the

Albanian Riviera and a very big tourist destination, especially
enjoyed by newly married couples on their honeymoon. The city
and surrounding areas offer a range of hotels catering to five-star
travelers as well as the more budget conscious, while home
rentals also remain an option. The city is well-located on the
coast only 9 km away from the Greek island of Corfu. Daily
ferries offer connections between Saranda and Corfu making this
southern Albanian city a good base for European tourists.