What Makes Albanian People So Charming?

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Part of the Balkan Peninsula, Albaniainfo-icon has its own unique atmosphere. After long Ottoman domination, people here mostly adopted Muslim religion (over 50% of the population), but a cultural and ethnic mix has always been present.

Today, modern Albania is welcoming and eager to show its features. Along Communist time and recent Yugoslavia, related war drove away from the tourists. But the welcoming nature of the Albanian people remained loyal and the tourist of today is treated like a prince.

Friendly faces smile everywhere, and a constant need to please you will make an interesting trip for you. Add the natural beauty of Albanian beaches and mountains, the charm of old castles, and a flavored cuisine, and you’ll really feel like a prince.

Albanian people have gathered many influences. From Byzantine times to Ottoman times, from old Venetian and Serbian Empires to the Independence Day, Albania has grown and learned. They have many customs and traditions, beliefs and curiosities, but, after all, who doesn’t?

Sometimes they want to know everything, sometimes they ignore the obvious. Albania is a non-religious country and still, it has many mosques, churches and cathedrals, and synagogues. People wear religious symbols and respect for each other. The family is important, like in all Balkan cultures.

So, don’t mess with religion and family if you know what’s best for you. Come as a friend and see just the nice face of the Albanian people.

What Makes Culture in Albania Unique and Diverse?

Culture in Albania

What is really interesting for someone who visits Albania isn’t the politics, the economy, or the religion. What interests you is the culture that lives on the streets, the traditions, the way people enjoy life. And the Albanian people really know how to enjoy life.

Their folk music and dance are an emblem. They sing about honor and hospitality, about heroes and legends, about life and death. The Albanian people have a strong tradition of storytelling, fairy tales, and myths.

So try to take part in festivals and fair, to mix with the locals, and find out all their stories. They would really like to tell them. Have a strong Turkish coffee and a long Albanian story.

But what you really need to try is the food. A true Mediterranean cuisine is waiting for you. Yes, the olive oil isn't used just in Italyinfo-icon. And because almost every herb and fruit can grow in Albania, the diversity and richness of flavors are very large.

Their cuisine has Oriental influences, uses many spices, seafood, and meat. You will also come across figs and many other fruits. And when it comes to dessert, be prepared. Try to learn these words: Baklava, Petula, Ballokume, Kanojet, Tulumba, Tambeloriz, Akullore, Eklera. You won't regret it. Albanian people are famous for their sweets.

Albania is a strong country that fought many wars. The people are tough, brave, and determined. Still, their national flower is the red poppy, so delicate and fragile. The red poppy grows everywhere and colors the landscape with the most amazing red tone.

Nature and Geography of Albania

Nature and Geography of Albania

Albania is mostly a mountainous region. The Albanian Alps are part of the Dinaric Alps and offer a beautiful landscape and a diverse territory. Canyons, caves, valleys, and exquisite beaches at the Ionic Sea and the Adriatic Sea are the treasures of this country.

Thinking of visiting Albania soon, but don't have a clear idea about the places or attractions to visit in this stunning country? Don't worry, here's the list of stunning places to visit in Albania! We made sure to spice it up a bit and mix some historical places with amazing hikes and beautiful nature that can be found on each step in Albania. 

The climate is not bad itself. Mediterranean weather, with soft winters and hot summers, with enough snow in the mountains and a nice breeze on the coastline, make it perfect for trips all over the year. And if we add that Albania is home for 30% of Europeinfo-icon’s species of plants and over 40% of Europe’s species of animals, we have a clue about the wonders that nature gave to the Albanian people.

Travel Ideas for Albania

Lezhke castle

Albania has a very long history and many fortifications and castles. You can see the legacy of the Ottomans and others all around the country. Start your visit to Tirana and build it up from there. The Old Town is quite unique in Europe. Bazaars, mixed architecture, public baths, monuments, churches, and mosques are everywhere. Ancient and modern history came together in a town with a Mediterranean air.

Still thinking of visiting Albania, but don't have an idea where the country is located? Here's the answer you're looking for! 

If you want to see castles, take a peek:


You have the chance to visit Albania and get to know the Albanian people. After 1990, when the Communist time ended, the country accepted a new challenge and this is a country that had many challenges in its history. A welcoming and warm people are ready to be the host for every tourist in the world. And Albania is a wonderful host. Blessed with a beautiful and diverse landscape, the Albanian people promote their traditions, their fantastic cuisine, and their ancient tendency to enjoy life.

Monica Radulescu a freelance writer for aSabbatical.com
Travelling is a joy. It's a way to become a better and wiser person. Mountain paths and road trips are my favourites.