after years of world exploration found a paradise
few foreigners were aware of. Clean, cheap, near
the sea, all kinds of food, no religion,
and above all peace.
Why do I like Albania?
If you are not a citizen of the European Union, Albania becomes even more important.
Remember, starting in 2021 every non-EU traveler to places like France, Spain or Greece must either get a visa from their local embassy, or get pre-approval on the internet before you are allowed to enter the European Union. A passport from USA, Japan, Australia, etc., is no longer enough if you want to visit the EU.
Albania has no such restrictions, it's a very welcoming place! :)
Aside from the various restaurants and cafes, two supermarkets and numerous corner shops have everything you can find at home, plus many specialty products imported from Greece (olive and sunflower oil, baklava, yogurt, feta, candies, etc) and Italy (macaroni, muesli, peas, cheese, pesto, etc), all at prices cheaper here than what they would cost if you bought them in Greece or Italy.
Fruits and vegetables direct from local farms are offered daily.
A kilogram of sweets cost a mere one euro. Cinnamon, hazlenut, milk, lemon, strawberry, sesame, malt, and (my favorite) mint flavors.
One. Euro.
The hummus you see depicted is imported from Greece, but with Albanian prices. Cheap AND good!
Any country that can produce a mint with the name "glob" and have it be the tastiest mint in the world is OK in my books.
As we're so near the water swimming is a great way to spend the day. The sea is warm enough March to November (maybe December!).
If you like boating or fishing you have an abundance of opportunites year-round. The locals are very friendly and may offer to take you on an excursion in their boats, show you the best fishing spots or teach you how to use rod and reel.
(Learn a few Albanian and Greek phrases, it will be helpful to you and bring happiness to the natives that appreciate the effort).
Hiking, volleyball, basketball, jetski, parasailing, sunbathing, are also on the list. :)
Vuno is a hilly town half an hour from Himara.
Classic Greek architecture can be found in
the most unusual places (the locals totally take
it for granted) and there are spectacular
scenic views that are found nowhere else.
Architecturally and historically the area evokes a combination of Corfu (Greece) and Perugia (Italy), beautiful stone and woodwork throughout Himara and Vuno. I'm thinking about starting a walking tour that would cover some of my favorite locales.
Hungry? Try local dishes from Greek, Albanian and Italian restaurants. If you like meat, lamb and seafood grills abound. If you are vegetarian, dishes like pasta, pizza, salads, eggplant, etc are plentiful.
If you prefer to cook for yourself the local markets carry all types of grains, cereals (including muesli), fruits, vegetables, cheeses, biscuits, drinks, chips, spices, etc.. You won't notice any difference from what you buy at your local supermarket. Correction, the local foods have less (or no) chemicals -- and are much cheaper! Alcohol (yay) and cigarettes (ugh) are available at every shop. There are also three gelato (ice cream) shops in town.
Watch the beautiful sunsets and sunrises as Sol dips and rises from behind the Greek islands. Corfu is a hop, skip and jump away, clearly visible from the Himaran shore. At night gaze at a spectacular field of stars (no tall buildings and no pollution to block them!) from your private terrace or from one of the seaside cafes.
There are two billiard (pool) halls in town. Enjoy a sport without the sweat. :) A great way to meet locals, as the competition and excitement is fierce but friendly.
Cliffs, forests, hills, mountains, lakes and sea all
contribute to a photographer's dream. And there
are those gorgeous sunsets...
This was one of the best apartments I rented in Albania, and
for value one of the best in the world. Support a friendly and sweet local couple by checking out their
winter rentals here.
