Albania has been inhabited since the ancient times. Its descendants are the Illyrians. The Illyrians spread over the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, resulting in the emergence of Illyrian cities such as Shkodra, Lezha, Berat, and many more. In the coastline, such cities as Butrint, Apollonia and Durres were set up. The Illyrians resisted Roman occupation by preserving their own language, culture and customs. When the Roman Empire was split into two parts, Illyria remained in the Byzantine Empire.

Handicraft in Albania has long standing traditions. Such handicraft products are in filigree, wood carvings, copper engraves vases, ceramic, rugs and leather products. These handicraft articles have constantly drawn the attention of foreign tourists for their original values and high artistic technique.

The country has long-standing traditions in music, dating back to the Illyrian period. In the songs, dances and instrumental works, you will find the temperament and vivid spirit of the Albanians and their spiritual world. Folk songs and dances have always escorted the Albanians in all events of their lives, wedding parties, wars and even funeral ceremonies. Folk music, songs and dances are characteristic and original for each region of the country.

The numerous stadiums discovered in the ancient cities are evidence of the long-standing sports traditions in the country. Almost all kinds of European sports are known and practiced in Albania, the most preferable are football, boxing, weight-lifting and wrestling.

Albania has a rich and varied flora and fauna which is linked with the diversity of geographical landscape and its location on the roads of emigration birds. Albania is home to the brown bear, wolf, fox, jackal, lynx wild cat, otter, wild goat, deer, boar, hares and over 35 species of wild birds including grouse, woodcock, snipe, pelicans and others. A number of reptiles are to be found as well. Different kinds of fish are to be found; sardine, mullet, carp, speckled trout for example. Offshore of the Adriatic sea some rare species have appeared; whales, white breast seals and oceanic whales.

Direct flights from £160 return - contact us for details

Climate
Central Mediterranean, mild and wet winters, hot and dry summers. July is usually the hottest month with temperatures around 30-40°C. Most hotels and restaurants have air conditioning. It can be dusty in some cities.

Languages
In addition to Albanian, English, Italian and Greek are the main languages spoken in Albania. It is not unusual for young Albanians to speak 3/4 languages.

Cuisine
Lots of olive oil and tomatoes, yogurt and cheese; excellent lamb and fish. Fruit and vegetables are fresh – chemicals are rarely used. Raki is a traditional alchoholic drink made from distilled grape juice. Coffee is an integral part of Albanian life.

Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
There are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs in Albania. Many bars and clubs are open 24 hours, particularly in Tirana.

Tourism
Day trips and excursions can be arranged with us prior to your holiday, or via agents in Albania.

Currency
The national currency of Albania is the Lek but Euros are the recommended currency and are widely accepted, as are debit/credit cards. Albania deals mostly in cash and there are now many cash machines in Albania. Currently it is not possible to buy or sell Lek outside Albania.

Telephone/Internet
Most mobile networks operate in Albania, please contact your service provider for tariff and service information. There are internet cafes in Albania and many hotels have internet access.

Time Zone
Albania is one hour ahead of the UK.

Medical
There are hospitals in all the main towns. No specific inoculations are required for travel to Albania. It is recommended that you have adequate medical cover included in your travel insurance.

Getting There
3 hour direct flight from London Gatwick (British Airways) or London Stansted (Albanian Airlines).