Albania is one of the very few unexplored countries in Europe. With tourism gaining a foothold only in recent times, the Southern Adriatic Coast offers some beautiful azure virgin beaches, ancient towns,lagoons, national parks and plethora of other attractions.
One of the most popular beaches in the country is Mali Robit, a 45-minute drive from the capital Tirana. A beautiful pine forest adds to the scenery of the beach. The best time to visit the beach is right after the high season, when the crowds start to decline. The summer season attracts a huge crowd making the water tad dirty, so head to the beach right after the summers, and you can enjoy a pristine beach. Shengjin, a beach town on the Adriatic coast, also has got some good beaches. Wildlife, wetlands and pine forests near the town makes it a place worth visiting.
The beautiful city Vlora, the second major port of Albania, is seen as the country’s best hope to develop tourism. The crystal clear water of the beaches here invites number of tourists. The city also has a rich history with many old monuments preserved till today. The most monuments are the Great Mosque built in 1542 and the Monument of Independence, inaugurated in 1972. There is also a “Kuz Baba” building atop a hill which also offers a beautiful view of the city and the Vlora Bay. Around 6km from Vlora is the very famous Kanina castle. The castle is supposed to have been built in 3rd century and is built on the top of a 380m high hill. The castle is beautiful and view from it is breathtaking.
Another place worth visiting in this region is the Sazan island, a 1-hour trip from Port Vlora. The island offers some amazing landscapes added with the beautiful blue waters. For people interested in historical sites, they can experience it by visiting the town of Appollonia. It is one of Albania’s most significant archaeological sites and will be a treat for history enthusiasts. The town of Oricum, which was founded in the 7th century, also has some archeological remnants.
Beautiful coastline, striking scenery and archaeological wonders, the South Adriatic Coast is an appealing tourist destination.