pocket guide

alba

nia

general information

your’s to discover

Albaniatheme guidesgeneral information

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The country where you can admire and enjoy nature, both beautiful and chaste. The gleaming

and warm sea, clean air and healthy climate, the hospitality of Albanians - one of their most

deeply-rooted traditions, and the natural and cultural wealth, will etch unforgettable memories

in your mind.

WELCOME TO ALBANIA

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CONTENTS

Welcome to albania �

General information 6

Procedures to enter albania 10

Entrance points to albania 12

Ground distances 18

Urban transport 20

Tourist attractions 22

National parks 2�

Museums 28

6

History

Location

Area: 28.748 km2 Capital: TiranaPopulation: 3,144 million inhabitants (2004)Language: AlbanianCurrency: Lek Regime: Parliamentary Republic

Albania is situated in the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern part of Europe . It land borders are with Greece, Former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia,Kosovo and Montenegro. In the west the Strait of Otranto (72 km) separates from Italy. The climate is healthy and favor-able. On average, there are 120 days a year of a temperature higher than 20 degrees celsius, and approximately 112 - 120 days of sun (the second country in Europe, after Spain).

Albania is country inhabited from antiquity. The predecessors of Albanians are the ancient Illyrian inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula. The name Albania derives from that of the Illyrian tribe of Alban, (Albanoi). Whereas the name “Shqipëri”, means the “Land of Eagles”. It refers not simply to the presence of the rare species of eagles in our territory, but it is also a symbol of the heroic century - long resistance of the Albanian people.

General information

GENERAL INFORMATION

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Tiranë Shqiponja 129Tiranë (2nd District) 04 / 223322Directorate of Tirana 04 / 228152Shkodër 022 / 40019 / 3295 129Durrës Shqiponja 052 / 22544 or 052 129, /23151 Kavajë 0554 / 3723,46318Golem, Kavajë 0554 / 2647 / 3999 / 129Vlorë 033 / 28391 / 2/3/4Korçë 082 / 42500 (129)Sarandë 0852 / 3333 / 4444Gjirokastër 0846 / 6999 / 2571,3682Pogradec 0832 /129 / 2333,Shëngjin 021 53205 / 07

Tiranë - ER 04 222235/ 253364/ 253365Durrës - ER 052 127, 22222Kavajë - 055 42830 / 42828Shkozet - 052 23075Berat - hos. 032 34409 / 34737, 34222Korçë - hos. 082 42674 / 42972Pogradec - ER 083 127 / 22300 Vlorë - hos. 033 22657 / 127,24336Gjirokastër - hos. 084 62017,62310Sarandë - 085 22442 / 2778,2017Fier - hospital 034 22409 / 22761,22021Kukës - hos. 024 22370,22229Shkodër - hos. 022 42125 / 42429,42789 Lezhë - ER 021 52127,52222Night Drugstore, Blvd. ‘’Zog I‘’ 04 222241

Police

Public services

GENERAL INFORMATION

8

New Year: January 1 and 2Catholic Easter Orthodox EasterThe “Summer Day” ( March 14) Fitr Bajrami (the end of Ramadan)Kurban BajramDay of Sultan Novruz (March)Day of Beautification of Mother Theresa (October 19th)Independence Day: November 28Liberation Day: November 29Christmas Day: December 25

Public Holidays

Currency

The national currency is Lek, in denominations of 5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100 lek and coins of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 lek. Credit cards like American Express, Diners Club and Visa, are accepted by banks and the major hotels. The same is true for Travelers Checks. However, most payments are made in cash. Banking hours: Monday to Friday: 08.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m..

GENERAL INFORMATION

Albania has a European compatible network: 220 V and AC 50 Hz.

Local timeGMT +1 (GMT + 2 between end of April and end of October)

Electric Current

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Useful contacts

Ministry of Tourism,Culture, Youth and SportsNational Tourist Organisation Department for Promotion Tel. 00 355 4 273 425 Tel 00 355 4 273 281Fax. 00 355 4 273 281liykugtkutkut

www.albaniantourism.com

Country and City codes

Albania country code: ++ 355Tiranë 4, Durrës 52, Elbasan 54, Shkodër 22, Gjirokastër 84, Korçë 82, Vlorë 33, Berat 32, Fier 34, Kavajë 574, Pogradec 832, Kukës 242, Krujë 511. Sarandë

The central post offices operate from morning to evening. Besides regular service they offer DHL, EMS, ACS, FEDEX etc..

GENERAL INFORMATION

10

Passports: A valid passport is required to enter Albania.Visas: By a decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic Nr.439,date 4.3.2000 the citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter in Albania.E.C. Austria,Belgium,Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary ,ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,Luxembourg,Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Poland,Romania, Spain ,Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia and United Kingdom.EFTA Countries: Norway and SwitzerlandOther: Australia, U.S.A.,Canada, Turkey,Japan, South Korea, San Marino, Singapore, New Zeland,Malaysia, Croatia, Andorra, Argentina, Principate of Monaco, Vatican. May enter without visas, by having only an ID the citizens of the following countries : European Comunity, U.K., Iceland, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, U.S.A., New Zeland (they have to pay the entry tax of 10 Euros).The citizens of other countries may obtain visa at any entry point: Macedonia (10 Euros at the borders) , Montenegro (free of charge) Israel (30 Euros). The citizens of other countries are reqiured to obtain visas in the embassies of the republic of Albania or Albanian Consulates in their respective or neighbouring countries. The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web. www.mfa.gov.al, carries information in english and albanian about visa requirements.All foreign citizens of Albanian nationality can enter in Albania without visa. In such case identity cards are accepted as valid.

PROCEDURES TO ENTER ALBANIA

Procedures

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According to the Customs Code, it is prohibited to take into the territory of the country: fire arms, muni-tions, drugs as well as other objects and substances that are dangerous for the public.There are special rules to prohibit the transport out of Albania of precious metals, antique coins, old maps, certain antique objects, books and art work which are part of the national cultural and historical heritage.

Customs Regulations

PROCEDURES TO ENTER ALBANIA

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Nënë Tereza (Mother Theresa) Airport+ 3 5 5 4 3 6 2 137 -37 12 0 1 - 2 3 4 8 5 4www.aeropor t . com.a leleka@aeroport.com.alThe airport has duty free shops.Customs operate 24 hours a day.

One can reach the Republic of Albania by air, land and sea.

“Mother Theresa” is Albania’s international airport. A new terminal is located 10 km north-west of Tirana. A taxi service links Tirana to the Airport. The fare is approximately 20 Eu-ros. There is also a bus service for each hour, wich links Tirana with airport. The departeure is behind the National Historic Museum, at “Ded Gjo Luli” streat. The travel fare is 200 leke.

ENTRANCE POINTS TO ALBANIA

ALBANIAN AIRLINESRr.: “Dëshmoret e 4 Shkurtit” Tel: 00355 4 235162/233494 Fax: 00355 4 235138/ 228461Provides connection to Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Pristina, Zurich, Athens, London.

ALITALIABlvd. Dëshmorët e Kombit Hotel ”Europapark” Tel: 00 355 4 230023, Fax: 257061 Provides connection to Roma and Milan.

ADA AIRRr.: “Durrësit” No. 11, Tel: 00 355 4 233421/ 256111 Fax: 00 355 4 240888Provides connection to Bari.

The airlines that operate in Albania

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AUSTRIAN AIRLINESBlvd. Dëshmorët e Kombit Hotel ”Europapark” Tel: 00 355 4 235029, 235028, Fax: 235026Provide connection to Vienna.

MALEVTorre Drin, Second FloorTel: 00 355 4 234163,227900, Fax: 234578Provides connection to Budapest.

BELLE AIR Boul “ Zog I “Tel: 00 355 4 240227Fax: 00355 4 240213Provides connection to Genova, Pisa, Verona, Bergamo, Trieaste.

ADRIA AIRWAYSQendra Tregetare ETC Tel: 00355 4 272666Provides connection to Ljubljana.

BRITISH AIRWAYSProvides connections to London ,through Gatwick Airport.

OLYMPIC AIRWAYSBlvd ”Zogu I”, VEVE Center, 2nd f loorTel: 00 355 4 228960 / 61Fax: 00 355 4 228959Provides connection to Athens.

TURKISH AIRLINESSheshi Skëndërbej, Hotel “Tirana International”, Tel / Fax: 00 355 4 240964 /234902Provides connection to Istanbul.

HEMUS AIRRr.: “Durrësit”, Tel: 00 355 4 230410 Fax: 00 355 4 267989Provides connection to Sofia.

JAT“Torre Drin”Tel: 00 355 4 234163 / 227900Fax: 00 355 4 234578Provides connection to Belgrade.

AIRLINES

1� Albania can be reached by ferries through these ports

Port of Durrësconnects to the Italian ports of Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, Trieste. Tel: 00 355 52 13115/ 24470Customs operate 24 hours a day.

Port of Shën Gjini(Saint John), connects to Bari. Customs operate until 22:00

Port of Vlorës connects to Brindisi. Tel: 00 355 33 24 521, 29 418, Fax: 00 355 33 29417Customs operate until 22:00

Port of Saranda has daily traffic with the Greek island of Corfu.Customs operate until 22:00

ENTRANCE POINTS TO ALBANIA

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Important sea travel agencyss:

To BariVenturis Ferry,the ticket can be taken from Duni Agency Tel / Fax: 00 355 52 24900Merlines Company, the ticket can be taken from Adria Shiping Agency, Tel: 00 355 52 28610Azzuro Lines company, the tickets can be taken from San Nikolla Agency , Tel: 00 355 52 303383D&P Ferry Company, the ticket can be taken from Magelan Shiping Agency,Tel: 00 355 52 36340, Fax: 00 355 52 39836 To Ancona Adria Ferry Tel / Fax: 00355 52 27333To Trieste Lion Lines , the ticket can be taken from KAD agencyTel / Fax: 00355 52 24154To Brindizi Capedan Aleksandros Ferry, ticket can be taken from Albania Series Agency. Tel / Fax: 00355 33 29937To CorfuKristi Ferry, Skenderbej Ferry and Sotiraqi Ferry. The ticket can be taken from Shkendia Travel Agency in Sa-randa

ENTRANCE POINTS TO ALBANIA

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ENTRANCE POINTS TO ALBANIA

KosovoThrough Morina passwhich links Kukës with Prizren.Customs operate 24 hrs a day.

One can reach the Republic of Albania by road through the following neighboring countries:

GreeceThrough Kapshtica which links Korça with Thessalonica.Customs operate 24 hours a day.Through Kakavijawhich links Gjirokastra with Ioannina. Customs operate until 24 hours a day.Through the Pass of Botiwhich links Konispol with Filat.Customs operate until 22:00 Through Tre Uratwhich links the area of Përmet and Leskovik with Konica.Customs operate until 22:00

MacedoniaThrough Qafa e Thanës which links Pogradec, Librazhd, Elbasan with Struga. Customs operate until 22:00Through Tushemisht which, through the southern shore of Lake Ohrid, links Pogradec with Saint Naum and Ohrid.Customs operate until 22:00Through Bllata which links Peshkopia with Dibra e Madhe. Customs operate until 22:00 Through Goricawhich links the northern shore of the lake of Prespa Major with Otoshev and other parts of Macedonia. Customs operate until 19:00

MontenegroThrough Hani i Hotit, which links Shkodra with Pogorica. Customs operate until 19:00 Through Murriqan, which links Shkodra with Ulqin.Customs operate until 22:00 Through Vermosh, which links the region of Kelmendi in Albania with Plava and Gucia in Montenegro. Customs operate until 22:00

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Several agencies provide international bus travel

MontenegroThrough Hani i Hotit, which links Shkodra with Pogorica. Customs operate until 19:00 Through Murriqan, which links Shkodra with Ulqin.Customs operate until 22:00 Through Vermosh, which links the region of Kelmendi in Albania with Plava and Gucia in Montenegro. Customs operate until 22:00

Drita“Ded Gjo Luli“ Street, Tirana Tel: 00 355 4 251277, Fax 00355 4 257663,provides daily connections with TetovaJoy travelRr. Sulejman Delvina , Tirana, Tel / Fax 00355 4 273030 272992, Provides connection to Athens.HeliosBoul “ Zog I” nr 66, Tirana Tel: 00355 4 231222 Fax 00 355 4 231999Provides connection to Thessalonica, Athens and Milan. Departs daily at 04:00 from the agency offices. Klid ballkan interbusRruga Murat Toptani, Tirana Tel: 00 355 4 235540/ 235491Albania interlines Boul “ Zog I” ,TiranaTel: 00355 4 222272Provides daily connection to Athens.

Europcar‘’Durrësit ‘’ Street, L.61Tel: 00 355 4 22 78 88, 22 63 70ALBRENTCARRr. ‘’Sami Frashëri’’, Agimi buildingsTel: 00 355 4 22 81 66AvisBlvd. ’’Dëshmorët e Kombit”, Hotel Europa ParkTel: 00 355 4 23 50 11

Rental cars

Sixt“ Kavaja” StreetTel: 00 355 4 259 020, Fax: 233 650Hertz“ Ded Gjo Luli” street behind the National Museum Tel Fax 00 355 4 255028

Leaded: 105 -110 lekëUnleaded: 110 -120 lekëOil D1: 90 - 95 lekë

Price of Gas

OTHER SERVICES

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From MontenegroHani i Hotit-Tiranë 146Shkodër 37Shirokë 47Shëngjin 35Durrës 150Golem 162Vlorë 285Sarandë 400Pogradec 285

From MacedoniaQafë Thanë 122Shkodër 331Shirokë 340Shëngjin 205Durrës 162Golem 174Vlorë 268Sarandë 407Pogradec 17

GROUND DISTANCES IN KM

From Kosovo Morini (Kukës)Tiranë 225Shkodër 238Shirokë 247Shëngjin 273Durrës 243Vlorë 395Sarandë 504Pogradec 364

From TushemishtTiranë 144Shkodër 253Shirokë 259Shëngjin 225Durrës 184Golem 196Vlorë 293Sarandë 424Pogradec 6

From Bllata (Peshkopi)Tiranë 176Shkodër 165Shirokë 174Shëngjin 144Durrës 178Golem 190Vlorë 325Sarandë 461Pogradec 315

The road network of Albania is 18,000 km long, out of which 7,450 km are considered main arteries.

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The main routes from Tirana are:Southward: Tiranë - Berat, Tiranë - Vlorë, Tiranë - Gjirokastër, Tiranë - Sarandë. Departure near the flour factory at “Kavaja” street

Northward: Tiranë - Shkodër, Tiranë - Kukës, etj. Departure from Zogu i Zi and the rail station.

Southeastward: Tiranë - Pogradec, Tiranë - Korçë. Departure from the behind of “Qemal Stafa” Stadium.The buses of Tiranë - Durrës and Tiranë - Golem routes depart from rail station

The main routes from Gjirokastra are:Gjirokastër - Tiranë (05.00, 06.00, 08.00).Gjirokastër - Sarandë (08.00).Gjirokastër - Vlorë (06.30).Buses depart from the town entrance.

The main routes from Korça are:Korçë - Tiranë (07.30, 08.30)Korçë - Durrës (09.30, 10.30)Korçë - Vlorë (08.30)Korçë - Sarandë (06.30)

The road network of Albania is 18,000 km long, out of which 7,450 km are considered main arteries.

Travel time and bus fares:Tiranë - Durrës ( 45 minutes) 100 lekëTiranë - Krujë ( 45 minutes) 100 lekë Tiranë - Shkodër ( 2 hours) 200 lekëTiranë - Sarandë ( 5 hours) 800 lekëTiranë - Golem ( 1 hour) 100 lekë Tiranë - Vlorë ( 3 hours) 500 lekë

The main routes from Durrës are:Durrës - Tiranë (06.00, 17.00), Durrës - Sarandë (06.00 - 09.00, 13.00 - 17.00), Durrës - Korçë (06.00 - 09.00, 13.00 - 17.00), Durrës - Shkodër (07.30), Durrës - Vlorë (06.15 - 08.15), Durrës - Berat (06.30, 07.30, 08.15), Durrës - Kapshticë (05.45).

The main routes from Vlora are:Vlorë - Sarandë - Vlorë (08.00 - ret 14.00), Vlorë - Gjirokastër - Vlorë (06.00, 07.30 - ret 06.00, 08.30), Vlorë - Durrës - Vlorë (06.15, 08.15 - ret 10.45, 12.45), Vlorë - Korçë - Vlorë (08.00-ret 09.00 following day), Vlorë - Tiranë - Vlorë (04.00, 04.30, 05.00, 10.30).Busses depart by the mosque at the center of the city.

The main routes from Berat are:Berat - Tiranë (every 30 minutes from 04.30 to 15.00)Berat - Korçë ( 05.00)

MAIN ROUTES

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URBAN TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT WITHIN THE COUNTRY

Urban TransportA city bus service operates in Tiranë, Shkodër, Durrës, Vlorë, Berat, Korçë etc..

The main routes in Tirana are: City belt, Kinostudio - Kombinat (West to East), Tirana e re - Stacioni i Trenit, Sheshi Skënderbej - Profarma etc..Bus fare is 20 lekë.

The main route in Durrës is Durrës - Plepa, which passes through the whole of the Beach area (from 05.00 to 22.00). Durrës - Shkozet (from 05.00 to 22.00)

The main route in Vlora is Sheshi i Flamurit - Uji i Ftohtë, Vlorë - Plazhi i Vjetër.

The main route in Shkodra is Radio Shkodra - Buna bridge and in the opposite direction of the industrial area. Interurban Transport is carried out by private buses.

21Radio-taxi service is in operation. Such are: Radio “Taxi Express”24 hour service - tel. 355 555,274 000Rigel Agency - tel. 04 23 27 75Korrekt - tel. 04 22 34 63Radio taxi - tel. 04 24 44 44Radio taxi - tel. 04 37 77 77,36 66 66

In Tirana, the taxi stands are at “Tirana In-ternational Hotel”, Hotel “Europapark”, “Avni Rustemi” square, Et’hem Bej Mosque, Wis-ton square, etc.. Nortttthethe price

In Durrës, radio-taxi service Tel. 052/ 55555, address: L.17, Rr.14 Nëntori, Cel. 068 22 07854.In Vlorë, radio-taxi service Tel. 033/ 28753, address: next to the Mosque.In Berat, taxis line in front of the “Tomorri” hotel, Tel. Cel. 068 25 13307 / 068 23 65253.In Krujë, radio-taxi service from the town center, Cel. 068 21 49791.In Lezhë, radio-taxi service Tel.021/ 53333, address: Rr.”Fran Ivanaj”.

In other cities, usually taxis are parked at the rail stations and main hotels. They are distinguished by the sign reading TAXI. Meters are not opera-tional throughout the country.If you come to Albania with your own vehicle, you will find service and gas stations all over the country.

TAXIS

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Lakes Albania is also in rich in diverse, big and small lakes. The most famous for its beach and recreational potential is Lake Ohrid, with an area of 362 m2, one-third of which belong to Albania. It is the deepest in the Balkan Peninsula. Its depth reach approximately 300 meters. Thanks to its history and the diversity of its rare flora and fauna, the Lake has been declared a sight of cultural and natural heritage by UNESKO. The rarest species of the lake fauna is “koran”, a delicious fish. The city of Pogradec, build on the southwest-ern shores of the Lake, is well known for its healthy climate. There are a number of tour-ist centers on the lake shores, such as: Lini, Pojska, Pogradeci, Driloni and Tushemishti, where one can find accommodation in hotels or houses for rent.

BeachesThe best suited for families are the beaches of the Adriatic Sea: Velipoja, Durrësi, Golemi, Divjaka, Old Beach in Vlora etc..The Ionian coast is renowned for its intimate beaches, mainly frequented by young people. These offer opportunities for diving enthusiasts, speed boat tours etc.. Such are the beaches of Dhërmi, Jali, Himara, Qeparoi, Borshi, Saranda and Ksamil.The Albanian coast, through its wonderful lagoons and beaches also offers opportunities to nature lovers and eco tourists. Observation of seafowl can take place especially in the lagoon of Karavasta, the ensemble of Kunë-Vain in Lezhë, etc..

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

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Mountainous destinations These are widely spread throughout the territory of Albania. The most notable are: Dajti Mountain near Tirana, Llogora in the district of Vlora, Dardha and Bozdoveci in the dis-trict of Korça, Valbona in Tropoja, Thethi in Malësia e Madhe (the Big Highland), etc.. They offer numerous opportunities to engage in skiing, mountain climbing, mountain biking, etc..The natural beauty of the mountains is complemented by numerous sights of the national cultural and historical heritage, such as the archeological park of Butrint (under the protection of UNESCO), Apolonia, ancient Durrës, the castle of Rozafa in Shkodër, castles of Kruja, Durrës, Petrela, Elbasan, Berat, Gjirokastra, Lëkurs, Porto Palermo, etc.. Of interest are also a number of edifices of the byzantine period, like the church of Berat, Voskopojë, the Monastery of Ardenica, various museums.

The Lake of Shkodra has an area of 362 km2, from which 149 km2 belong to Albania. Its key tourist centers are Shiroka and Zogaj. Many hotels and restaurants serve special-ties of the lake fish: carp, eel. The main activities include sunbathing, fishing, swimming, small-ship cruises, etc..

The Lake of Pespa has an area of 285 km2, from which 38.8 km2 belong to Albania. It stands out for its intimate shoreline and the small island of Maligrad, which houses an eremite church.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

2�National Park of “Dajti” is located 26 km to the east of the capital, 50 km from the international airport “Nënë Teresa” (Mother Theresa), and has an area of 3, 300 ha. One finds there 200 years old beech trees. They are precious natural monuments and attractive sights to visit. Dajti Park is well-frequented, especially by daily visitors. It can be considered the “natural balcony of Tirana”. Accommodation is available for longer stays.

National Park of “Thethi” with an area of 2,630 ha, is situated in the Albanian Alps, in the proximity of Bjeshkët e Namuna (Cursed Mountains). It lies 70 km from the city of Shkodra. Thethi River, flowing at 1,000- 1,300 l/sek., and rich in mountain trout, runs through the Park. An especially picturesque and captivating sight is the Grunas cataract. Worth mentioning is also the presence in the Park of the relic tree of Taxus baccata. The Park has the largest popula-tion of bobcats in the country (50 heads).

National Park of “Lura”with an area of 1,280 ha, is located on the eastern slope of the massif “Kunora e Lurës” (the Crown of Lura). Especially picturesque are the 14 glacial lakes of Lura. They freeze during the winter. In the southern part of the Park lies a meadow called the “Field of Mares”. Its diverse vegetation with multicolor flowers and century-old coniferous trees, creates a relaxing environment. Lura Park is a potential destination for ecotourism.

NATIONAL PARKS

2�The National Park “Pisha e Divjakës” (The Pine-Tree of Divjaka), with an area of 1,250 ha, is located 5 km from Divjaka and nearly 40 km from the center of the town of Lushnja. It is part of the ensemble of the Lagoon of Karavasta, an area under the protection of the International Convention of Ramsar from the year 1994. Divjaka Park constitutes one of the most important ecosystems in the whole of Albania thanks to its rich fauna. Its most distinct inhabitant is the curly pelican (pelicanus crispus), whose colony represents nearly 6.4% of its population worldwide.

The National Park of “Llogara” is situated 40 km to the southeast of the city of Vlora on the border between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In the proximity of the Pass of Llogara one encounters trees of very unique shapes, a result of wind currents. One such is the “Flag Pine-Tree”, a rare natural monument of scientific and touristic interest. From the Pass of Llogara, the view encom-passes sights within 3 km of straight-line distance, including the Ionian sea, the rugged sides of the Mountain of Vetëtima, and a good part of the Albanian Riviera. The Park has undeniable values as a health cen-ter thanks to the prefect blending of the fresh mountain air and the sea breeze.

The National Park “Bredhi i Drenovës”`(Fir of Drenova), is situated 10 km from the city ofKorça and lies against the Mountain of Morava. The Park has an area of 1,380 ha. It is very well frequented by the inhabitants of Korça and the surrounding villages. The presence of many springs of potable wa-ter throughout the year, such as that of Shën Gjergji (Saint George), the Spring of the Old Woman, the Spring of Pilica, etc., add to the attractive features of the Park.

NATIONAL PARKS

26The National Park of “Lugina e Valbonës” (the Valley of Valbona), with an area of 8,000 ha is considered a miracle of the Albanian Alps. It is located 25 - 30 km from the town of Bajram Curri and lies in between high rugged mountain tops, amidst a fantastic blend of colors in every season, giving it an air of mys-tery and surprises. It draws enormous interest from a scientific, touristic, and recreational standpoint. Moreover, its biodiversity is significant both nationally and internationally. The village of Valbona is the most important tourist sight. The valley traversed by the river of the same name, has wonderful and unpolluted scenery. Its configuration, morphology, water re-sources, woods, pastures, diversity of flowers, the characteristic houses, the generosity and hospitality of the inhabitants create excellent conditions for the development of tourism.

The National Park “Mali i Tomorrit” (the Mountain of Tomorr), with an area of 4,000 ha is situated to the east of the museum-town of Berat. It includes the Mountain of Tomorr, which from afar appears like a gigantic natural citadel. The beauty of the Park is manifest in every season of the year. The tomb of Abaz Alia (Tyrbe of Kulmak - a place of worship) is found in the Park at an altitude of 1,200 meters above the sea level. Every year, at the end of August, thousands of people climb to this location in a week-long ritual of the Bektashi sect. This can stimulate visits from those interested in religious traditions.

National Park “Bredhi i Hotovës” (the Fir of Hotova), with an area of 1,200 ha, is situated in the region of Frashër, 35 km to the northeast of the town of Përmet. The characteristics feature of this Park is the fir of Hotova, which is regarded as one of the most important Mediterranean relic plants of the country. Thanks to the wonderful and picturesque landscape, the healthy climate, clean air as well proximity to residential areas, the Park offers opportunities for tourism, ecotourism, camping, excursions, as well as recreation and sports in every season of the year.

NATIONAL PARKS

2�National Park of “Qafë Shtamë” (Shtama Pass), with an area of 2,000 ha, is situated 25 km to the northeast of the town of Kruja. The overall scenery of the Park, which has a round shape, is very picturesque. A most attractive sight is the fountain of “Queen Mother”, with very clear and cold waters. The curative properties of the water as well as the natural landscape make this a well-frequented location.

National Park “Zall Gjocaj” with an area of approximately 140 km, is situatednearly 40 km to the northeast of the town of Burrel. The overall scenery of the park is very picturesque. The presence of several springs and ravines adds to its beauty.

The National Park of “Prespa”with an area of 27,750 ha, is located where the national borders of Albania, Greece and Macedonia meet. It is composed of the lakes of Prespa Major and Prespa Minor, as well as their reservoir basin. The area of Prespa is one of the richest culturally with the eremite byzantine churches, as well as those post-byzantine, the cave of Tren in the Lake of Prespa Minor, the castle of Trajan, the church of Saint Mary in the island of Maligrad, erected in the 14th century. By an agreement signed at the prime ministerial level, the Lake of Prespa Major and that of Prespa Minor are included in the Balkan Park of Prespa.

National Park “Butrinti” is situated approximately 25 km to the south of the town of Saranda. It has high interest from the scientific, archeological, touristic, social and recreational standpoint. Its biodiver-sity is of both national and international significance. The area of the Park is 2,500 ha. It is of particular importance for tourism in Albania, primarily the cultural tourism targeting the antique town of Butrint, protected by UNESKO-s, the blue tourism in Ksamil, ecotourism, water sports, fishing in the lake of Butrint, etc..

NATIONAL PARKS

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National History Museum (Sheshi Skënderbej)Tel: 0355 4 223 446, 223 977, 228 389open: 09.00 - 12.30, 17.00 - 19.00 closed: Monday

National Museum of Albanian PhilatelyTel: 0355 4 229 696open: 08.00 - 16.00, closed: Saturday and Sunday

Museum of Natural Sciences (Rr. Kavajës) Tel: 0355 4 229 028open: 08.00 - 15.00, closed Saturday and Sunday

Museum of Archeology (Sheshi Nënë Tereza)Tel: 0355 4 240 711open: 10.30 - 14.00, closed Saturday and Sunday

Mosaic of Tirana (Rr. Naim Frasheri)Tel: 0355 4 266 207,226 005open to visitors at all times

Botanic Park (Rr. Komuna e Parisit)Tel: 0355 4 225 287open: 80.00 -14.00

National Galery of Arts (Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit)Tel 0355 4 226005open: 90.00 - 13.00, 17.00 - 20.00Thursday: 17.00 - 20.00, closed on Monday

Tiranë

MUSEUMS

2�Museum of Archeology (Rr. Taulantia) Tel: 0355 52 222 53open: 08.00 - 16.00, closed on Monday

Museum of Ethnographyopen: 08.00 - 17.00

Museum of History (Rr. Oso Kuka) Tel: 0355 22 43213open: 08.00 - 14.00, closed on Monday

Museum of Rozafa Castle open: 10.00 - 14.00closed on Sunday and Monday

Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti”, Museum of Ethnography open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00closed on Monday

Museum “Onufri” (Lagja Kala) open: 08.00 - 16.00, closed on Monday Tel: 0355 32 32248

Museum of Ethnography (Lagja Kala) open: 08.00 - 16.00, closed on Monday Tel: 0355 32 32224

Durrës

Shkodër

Krujë

Berat

MUSEUMS

30

Museum of EthnographyTel: 062687009open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00

Museum of Medieval Art Tel: 0355 82 43022open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00

Museum of the First School in AlbanianMob: 0692461792open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00

“Vangjush Mio” Museum Tel: 082 43 32open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00

Museum of Archeology Tel: 0355 82 43185open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00

Bratko MuseumMob: 0692156561open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 18.00

MUSEUMS

Korça

31Vlorë

Gkirokastra

Saranda

Butrint

Pojan, Archeological Center and Museum of ApoloniaTel: 038 450 420open: 08.00 - 15.30, closed Monday and Tuesday

Archeological Center of Finiq (Foinike).open to visitors at all times

Finiq

Fier

Museum of Ethnography Tel: 033 23514, open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 17.00

Museum of History Tel: 0355 33 23534open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 17.00

Museum of IndependenceTel: 0355 33 29419open: 09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 17.00

Museum of Weapons in the CastleTel: 0355 84 624 60open: 09.00 - 19.00 , closed on Monday and Tuesday

Museum of Ethnography open: 08.00 - 12.00 and 16.00 - 19.00 closed Monday and Tuesday, Tel 0355 84 624 60

Mosaics in the town, open to visitors at all times

Archeological Park of Butrint, open to visitors at all times.

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS

theme guides

general information

traditional couisine

museums

underwater heritage

sport activities

your’s to discoverMinistry of Tourism, Coulture, Youth and Sports“Abdi Toptani” street, Tirana, AlbaniaNational Tourist OrganizationBld. “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, hotel Dajti, Tirana Albania

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