Albania is an unbelievably diverse country, particularly in its regional topography. Northern Albania is mountainous and sparsely populated. As a result, many Albanians prefer to live in the hilly central region. In contrast, the coastal area is densely populated and thriving as an evolving budget holiday destination. Ferry tickets to Albania nowadays allow tourists to enjoy the spoils of its picturesque Riviera. The port towns of Vlorë, Durrës, and Sarandë have become hotspots on the 200 km coastline, known for their laidback attitude and beautiful beaches.

Albania took quite some time to break through its conservative shell, which isolated it, for centuries, from the rest of the world. First, it was the restrictive Ottoman Empire. However, even after independence in 1912, a short-lived monarchy and communist rule limited worldly interaction until 1989. When communism finally fell in the region, Albania looked to the west. It opened its borders and freely greeted travelers eager to discover one of the Balkan peninsula’s remaining hidden gems.

Bordering Albania in the north is Montenegro and Kosovo, North Macedonia sits to the east, Greece in the south, as well as both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas along the west. Interestingly, with its classic Mediterranean climate, Albania’s coastal region is influenced more by Italy than any neighboring country. On the other hand, the capital Tirana proudly displays Albania’s cultural and political heritage through a mix of Ottoman and Soviet styled buildings, museums, the National Theater, and the National History Museum.

While traversing around Albania’s fascinating villages and towns, you’ll come across handmade embroidery and woodwork done by local artisans. The Old Town of Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and host of the annual Folk Festival, which never fails to amaze. Music lovers already throng Albania to attend its many events, from Kala to UNUM and Anjunadeep music festival. Once you have booked your ferry tickets to Albania via Ferryscanner, prepare for a warm-hearted welcome into a country where modern thinking goes hand in hand with a continued passion for age-old traditions.