Albania

  For those of you who are intrigued by the ancient times and their proof of existence, I assure you that all archaeological parks, amphitheatres, UNESCO heritage and old towns will be waiting for your visit after this pandemic of modern times comes to an end. Promise!
They have survived hundreds and thousands of years only for us to be amazed by their history and design and we are proud to have them part of our national heritage. 
Visit Albania and its town of 1000 windows (Berat), our largest archaeological park of Apollonia and its relics, Buthrotum (UNESCO Heritage), Gjirokastra’s traditional house architecture and its citadel and of course, so many more historical sites.

© Armela Qafoku, Ecotour Albania

Clear your mind & enrich your soul with a trip to Albania!

As we were impatiently waiting for winter to finally end and for summer to knock on our doors, we were taken by surprise by an invisible ‘guest’:

CORONA VIRUS

But, should we let it in only to shatter our dreams of a tanned body, mojitos under the sun and many more crazy adventures on the beautiful coast of Albania?

NO WAY!

Jump out of the bed into the sea! It is challenging in this period to be positive and think of a bright future. But honestly, have you ever seen a brighter world as now? Mother Nature is welcoming us again and invites us to discover her beauty. One of them is called Albania!

Not to forget about all the extra treats you washed yourself with during quarantine that now have to go away. Yes, is the fat I am talking about. Get rid of it while joining some adventure activities such as kayak to hidden bays, cycling old villages with amazing views to the sea or even hike in national parks until you reach the cool crystal water of the Riviera.

This is what I’m talking about:

 

© Armela Qafoku, Ecotour Albania

The Christmas market in Brussels in December 2017 will have an extra jewel to decorate it’s Christmas tree, Albania.

Brussels’ square will be animated by all what is the best from Albania. In order to know this beautiful country, we invite you to visit the stands dedicated to Albania.

The agents of the tour operator Ecotour Albania will tell you more about the holidays, tours, itineraries, cultural tours and adventure offered by Albania. The trips organized by Ecotour Albania respects the charters of responsible and sustainable tourism. 

Direct contact with locals, authentic places, beautiful mountain and seaside landscapes are part of the menu of Ecoutor Albania.

White wine, red or sparkling; beer, olive oil, typical dishes, crafts, but also traditional dance shows: this is what the city of Tirana and Albania will be offering you during the “Winter’s pleasures” which will be held from the end of the month in the city center. The Albanian capital will be the guest of honor of this 17th edition. 

All of the above will be installed on the St. Catherine Square in front of the church. 

Mire se vini ne Shqiperi

Welcome to Albania.

 

Visit of Apollonia

Climbing in Bovilla

Visit of Butrint, UNESCO

Hiking in Albanian Alps

Holidays in Albania

Berat, Unesco

Travel to Albania, off the beaten track

Ski and snowshoeing in the Albanian Alps

On this sunny Saturday was the Fustanella Festival. The term « fustanella » refers to an Albanian traditional piece of cloth worn by men from the XIII^th century. It is a sort of kilt but in a white color. Nowadays, the tradition to wear this type of cloth remains solely in the South of the country, in the region of Gjirokastër, during festive events.

 

This edition of the Fustanella festival took place on the heights of Gjirokastër, in the fortress garden. This place offers a perfect setting for this event, with an overhanging view on the stone city, facing the mountains. The old edifice, heritage from the past, reminds us in a certain way of the ancient traditions. On this day, it created a contrast with traditional music intertwined with modern and at times international notes.

 

The large audience then had the opportunity to enjoy traditional isopolyphonic music with Albanian Iso Phonic Choir. These unique songs are precious to Albania as they got classified by the UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Spectators also had the chance to appreciate the music of Koza Mostra, on an alternative rock and ska type of note this time.

 

The featuring between Fanfara Tirana and Transglobal Underground was a nicely surprising combination as well, mixing Albanian brass band sounds with exotic vocals. The evening ended on contrasted not with the American electronic band H.A.T.

This festival finished on a high note with an instrumental demonstration of electrical guitar, cello, and drums, led by Robert Bisha. Lastly, the band The River Voices consisting only of Albanian women wearing traditional clothes, sang some more isopolyphonic songs.

 

This was an opportunity to stroll in the little streets of Gjirokastër, on the look for the old stones of the UNESCO classified town. Visitors can there visit the refurbished house of the famous Albanian writer, Ismail Kadare, as well as the one of the ex-dictator Enver Hoxha, now turned into an ethnographic museum.

On top of that, the Skenduli house, one of the largest ottoman style habitations in Gjirokastër opens its doors to the curious. Mr Skenduli, the landlord, offers a commented visit in French, and her daughter in English.

Last but not least, travelers may wander in the bazaar, where embroidery and stone or wooden sculpted objects shops go one after the other.

 

An excursion to Gjirokastër gives the opportunity to every traveler to immerse him/herself into an authentic and traditional Albania, reflecting the habits and customs from the past.