I’m having my arm twisted to go to Albania. Evidently there are some pristine beaches.
What can you tell me/recommend?
The big Barnes & Noble near me has only one guidebook, and it’s not entirely encouraging. Top of the list of things to bring: (1) a flashlight because, while electricity has gotten more reliable, there still are outages and (b) those little moistened towelettes because, while most roadside restaurants now boast running water, they’re unlikely to have soap or towels. Oh, and it said that, until recently, there was little danger of speeding drivers because the roads were too poor for speed.
From Wikipedia: “The architecture of Tirana as the capital of the country, was marked by two totalitarian regimes, by the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini during the World War II and the communist regime. Both have left their mark on the city with their typically architecture.”
“In recent years, Tirana is becoming a popular hub for events. Festivals are one of several things that people in Tirana enjoy well. It has a large number of festivals and events. The diversity of festivals makes it possible for people of different tastes to find themselves in a city this small. Festivals in the city provide entertainment for the youth as well as for adults. The Summer Festival takes place every year on March 14, celebrating the Spring Day (Albanian: Dita e Veres), the country’s largest pagan festival.”
A tourist office was opened in Tirana in 2011! (Wikipedia repeatedly refers to Tirana as the country’s “primate city.” It turns out that is a legitimate term, but in this context it sounded like all too appropriate a mistranslation.)
Reading this reminded me a little too much of the JetLag guide to Molvania: A Land Untouched by Modern Dentistry.
Am I being too skeptical?
Last night I spoke to the sister of a friend who went last month and loved it. Her foursome was interested mainly in hiking and they liked the up country. She said Tirana is charmless and kind of a dump. Sarandë, the most developed beach town, is fine if you want night life, she said, but it was one of her least favorite places.
Thoughts? Suggestions?