Albania

Albania, located on the Balkan Peninsula, overlooks the Adriatic Sea (precisely the Strait of Otranto) and the Ionian Sea for 427 kilometers, with Cape of Gjuhëz 72 kilometers away from Puglia. Most of the territory is inaccessible, hilly or mountainous, but the Adriatic coast is low and sandy. The highest peak is that of Mount Korab, at 2,764 meters above sea level.

The capital of the Republic of Albania, divided into twelve prefectures, is Tirana, while Durres, Vlorë, Shkodra and Gjirokastra represent the main urban centers. Elbasan, Coriza, Fier, Lezhë are other important cities.

The climate is Mediterranean on the coast and mainly continental in the interior. The flora of the coastal strip is that of the Mediterranean scrub; in mountain areas, beech and fir trees prevail; the alpine area is characterized by herbaceous vegetation. Among the main crops are cereals (mainly wheat), potatoes, beets, olive trees, honey.

Tourism is growing strongly, especially thanks to the pristine beaches surrounded by nature, but also to the landscapes of the valleys and mountains.

The coastal region area includes the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. The coastal strip overlooking the Adriatic, near Durres, the city which in addition to being the main port of the country, is a popular seaside resort, is very often low and sandy. Many beaches are also found in Kavajë and Shëngjin, while those of Velipojë are deserted, surrounded by lagoons.

The high and jagged Ionian coast begins from Vlorë. Dhërmi is one of the most popular seaside resorts, as well as the coastal villages of Vuno, Himara and Borsh. Ksamili can boast the most visited Albanian coast, embellished with rocks and islets. In the area there is also the Butrint National Park, a city inhabited since prehistoric times, was the seat of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric, was administered by the Byzantines and the Venetians, and is now a World Heritage Site. UNESCO humanity. Along the Albanian coastline, 360 kilometers long, there are many small islands and islets. The largest island, located opposite the city of Vlorë, is Sazeno.

North-eastern Albania is characterized by the Albanian Alps and the Shala River, which flows into Lake Koman, fed by the River Drin. The upper valley of the Valbona river belongs to the Valbona Valley National Park, which is part of the ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians.

In south-eastern Albania there are the historic centers of Berat and Gjirokaster, a world heritage site because they are a rare example of an Ottoman city. In Berat you will find the Kala Castle, Byzantine churches and mosques. In Gjirokastra there are the typical tower-shaped houses (kule), the bazaar, the castle, the Church of Labova and Kryqit, the archaeological sites of Antigonea and Hadrianople. The Ohrid region, in the area of ​​the city of Pogradec, on the shores of Lake Ohrid, which was inhabited by the Illyrians in the 5th century BC, is a natural and cultural heritage. and then by Romans and Slavs, and which also houses the remains of the early Christian church of Lin. The Osum River gorge is also a popular place in the area.

Typical dishes are characterized by spices, meat and cheeses. Tave kosi is lamb meat cooked with yogurt; tave dheu is veal liver prepared with Albanian salted ricotta, onion, tomato, salt, pepper and oil; qofte are fried meatballs; fergese is based on tomatoes, salted ricotta, green peppers and liver (or without liver in the vegetarian version); shishqebap is a kind of skewer. Desserts include the shendetlie, an honey, walnut and sugar syrup cake; similar to this one but made of phyllo dough the bakllava; the trilece is instead made of sponge cake, with milk cream and chocolate or caramel.

Among the native vines the following are distinguished: Kallmet, a black grape variety, Shesh bardhë, a white grape variety, Pulës, Vlosh, Debinë, Serinë, Manakuq.