As an experienced traveler, the idea of visiting Albania never occurred to me. You may ask why I thought so? It is because while all other European countries were successfuly recovering from World War II and developing further, Albania just closed itself off from the rest of the world, wallowed in its fears and lived in constant readiness for next war. The situation began to change only after the death of the dictator in 1985. Market relations with other countries gradually began to revive, and Albania gradually began to open up to the outside world.
I knew practically nothing about it, but I thought that this country was not interesting from a tourism point of view, that there was nothing to see and nowhere to relax. Perhaps I would have remained with my thoughts about Albania, if not for an accident.
Since we chose to go home from Greece via Albania, we simply had to travel via Saranda. We reached Saranda in the evening. The children were already starting to complain that they were tired of traveling, so I was glad that I booked the apartments there for the night in advance. We booked an apartment via booking. As we needed a satay just for one night, we did not search for luxury hotels. Most important was cleanliness and comfortable beds. We left our things in the apartment and looked for a place to have dinner.
Saranda from the sea gives the impression of a densely built-up city. Saranda acquired its current appearance in the 20th century. We tried incredibly tasty and cheap food. The abundance of fish and seafood is impressive - in restaurants they show you what fish they caught today, and you choose how to cook it. Huge portions, incredibly kind and smiling waiters, and in general the people are just incredible!
And after dinner, we decided to walk along the promenade of Saranda. I do not know how it is in daytime, but in the evening, parties and discos begin all along the coast. Music plays from all sides, crowds of people scurry past and through cafés, stalls, sellers of corn and ice cream. Oh my God! What amazingly delicious ice cream there is! Naturally, I didn’t remember the name, but the color was amazing - blue.
Everyone dances everywhere, even on the boat dock. Lots of Italians and Greeks. Hotels are packed, but there are always rooms for rent. At first glance, the promenade of the city is not badly equipped - beautiful houses, well-kept alleys, greenery pleasantly please the eye.
We were in the old city, going along the pedestrian street of Saranda, which begins behind the former gates of the former fortress. There are many sellers of souvenirs and various handcrafts everywhere around. We reached the Cathedral in Constitution Square.
Albania has clean air, beautiful nature and a clean sea. Of course, if you go on holiday, then go to the sea.
Albania is a country of contrasts, where the future is actively fighting the past. This country still has a lot to catch up on and finish, but the authorities are trying, and it is seen. In Albania, everything is not as modern as, for example, in other European countries, but for me, as a person who loves to explore new places, it was very interesting to look at this country.
Everything would be just wonderful in Albania, if not for the total dirt... If the paid beaches were cleaned, then everything else would be littered by the locals. People just throw bottles, papers, packages out of their cars. All the roadsides are strewn with garbage. There is no culture of cleanliness, unfortunately. This is the only thing that spoiled the impression of the country. I hope that over time they will understand that this is not the way to treat it. Or maybe, due to the fact that Albania is actively developing tourism, prices will start to rise and tourists will no longer want to come here if nothing changes with cleanliness. Therefore, I am optimistic.
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With love @madeirane
Photos are taken by me.
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