Two decades after the fall of communism, Albania became a registered destination in the most famous tourist guides. The development of tourism helps to slow down the effects of the global crisis on this Balkan country.
Tirana
Albania had to wait a hundred years since gaining independence to see its inclusion in the most famous tourist guides and become a destination to visit.
The country was underdeveloped by the past and is now a candidate for membership of the European Union. It has transformed its 700,000 bunkers (once used to defend themselves against potential enemies) into real tourist attractions.
The tourist boom
The tourist boom has helped to mitigate the effects of the global crisis on the country. Albanian tourism is booming in recent years. Tourists are more likely to visit the country. Government is increasingly investing in tourist cities. Albania offers 300 days of sunshine per year and 450 kilometers of coastline on the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.
Many hotels and resorts have been built in Tirana, Durres, Vlora and Saranda. Prices are much more attractive than in neighboring countries.
Infrastructures for travel, including roads within the country, are being rebuilt to facilitate transit between the tourist towns. Some cities like Gjirokastra and Berat are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The ruins of Butrint, the ancient Greek city of Apollonia (Illyria), Skanderbeg Castle in Kruja… are places you should not miss.
3 million tourists visited Albania last year and this represents a turnover of more than 1.5 billion Euros.