Inside our itineraries: Exploring Albania with Jodie
Discover what makes Albania one of Europe’s most under-appreciated yet alluring destinations with the inside track from our Creative & Content Designer, Jodie.
Albania encapsulates the term ‘hidden gem’ – it’s underappreciated compared to its more popular Mediterranean neighbours, rewarding to explore, and packed full of natural beauty. Don’t just take our word for it, though – our Creative and Content Designer, Jodie, had the chance to experience this spectacular country for herself, and we recently sat down to get her post-trip thoughts. From the benefits of exploring with a knowledgeable, local tour manager to her personal highlights, here’s what she had to say.
What was a wish-list moment of your trip?
I was really looking forward to going to Berat. I'd seen so many photos of the city, and I was just so excited to see it in person with the Ottoman architecture and castle.
How did this trip change the way you see the destination?
Throughout the trip, I really did fall in love with Albania, and I definitely want to go back. There’s such a variety of natural beauty that we saw as we were driving through the mountains and hilltops – if you’d told me I was in somewhere in South America, I would've believed you! On the other hand, there’s the brutalist buildings of the post-communist cities, like Tirana, and also a number of really beautiful rural towns like Gjirokastër.
Was there an unexpected experience that turned out to be a highlight of the trip?
A moment that I wasn’t expecting to be so memorable was our visit to Krujë. It truly felt like something out of a fantasy novel, and as we wandered around the cobbled streets and bazaars, it really did feel like we were stepping back in time.
Who do you think would absolutely love this destination, and why?
I think Albania’s a destination that anyone could enjoy. There's such a variety of experiences on offer and it’s all set against the backdrop of some truly spectacular scenery including blue-water beaches and rolling mountains.
Did any of the hotels or experiences stand out?
In general, all of the hotels we stayed in were lovely, but our hotel for the first three nights in Tirana and our beachfront hotel in Sarandë stood out.
What local dishes or culinary moments wowed you the most?
When we were in Gjirokastër, we went to a cooking class at a local restaurant where we made some traditional Albanian dishes. A favourite of mine was Byrek me Spinaq, which is a really delicate spinach and feta pie made with lots of layers of filo pastry. We learnt how to make it in a beautiful open-air courtyard with a lovely lady, who was the chef and owner of a local restaurant. I really enjoyed this not only as an experience, but because the dish itself was so comforting! It's definitely something I would attempt to make again at home.
What cultural traditions or local encounters added something special to your journey?
In general, the people are very sociable and made us feel so welcome. You can tell that local people want to share part of their culture and they have great pride in being Albanian. Given its tumultuous modern history, locals are really proud to see how tourism is growing, and that international visitors are appreciating their country too.
What new insights or practical tips would you share to help others plan the perfect trip here?
This trip in a practical sense is much like a lot of our other European tours. There’s a fair amount of walking, including over some cobbled paths and challenging terrain, so I’d recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes. I’d also recommend buying an eSIM or checking your mobile’s data package with your provider before you go so that you don't get overcharged for using your phone data while out there.
If you could sum up the feeling of this place in one word, what would it be?
Surprising.
Would you go back, and if so, what would you do next time?
I would definitely go back to Albania, especially for the natural beauty. If I were to visit again, I’d like to explore the south a bit more, particularly Ksamil, as it’s just so beautiful!
Embrace Albania’s Adriatic highlights with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’ve always been curious about Albania or simply want to try something new, our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help answer any questions you might have about this delightful destination. Give them a call to get the ball rolling on your next escape or browse our other award-winning itineraries on our dedicated destinations page.
