Albania is the least explored country in Europe by Russians, which is a strategic mistake. Despite the fact that she did not manage to preserve any cultural flavor due to the powerful influence of neighboring states, she is an extremely attractive place to relax in clean, untouched nature. Albania is the cleanest beaches, sharp as mountain spiers and the incredible hospitality and generosity of the locals. Albania is a new pearl of the Mediterranean, which is up to you to discover!
Geography of Albania
According to extrareference, the Republic of Albania is located on the coasts of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas with a total length of 362 kilometers. It has land borders with Serbia and the autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija, with Montenegro in the northwest, with Macedonia in the east and with Greece in the southeast. Albania is separated from Italy by the Strait of Otranto. The territory of Albania covers an area of 28,748 km². Its main part, about 70%, is occupied by wooded and mountainous areas, while in the west of the country a zone of lowlands is concentrated. The highest point in the country is Mount Korab (2753 m), located in the prefecture of Dibra. There are three large deep-water lakes in Albania: Lake Skadar, Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest river in Albania flows in its northern part and is called the Drin.
Capital
Tirana
Area
The area of Albania is 28,748 km. sq., occupies the 138th place in the world by area.
Population
2 831 741
Currency
The state currency is lek (ALB).
Language
Official language – Albanian
Weather in Albania
In the coastal part of Albania, the climate is Mediterranean, turning to the continental to the east. Summers here are usually hot and dry, while winters are wet and cool. The average temperature of the hottest summer month, July, is +24 ° – +25 ° C, and the coldest, January – +8 ° C – +9 ° C Albania shines bright sun. Please note that the situation in the mountainous regions of Albania can differ significantly, in winter the thermometer readings here drop to -20 ° C, and at altitudes of more than 1000 meters there is snow almost all year round. The tourist season in Albania is considered to be the period from May to September, however, in April and October, the weather here is also conducive to a pleasant stay.
Currency exchange in Albania
In Albania, both dollars and euros are equally liquid. You can exchange them for local currency (Albanian leks) at bank branches, at hotel receptions or at exchange offices, called in the local language “kambim valuator”. Please note that banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday, on weekdays they operate only until 14:00, exchange offices usually close in the early evening. In major cities, there are many ATMs that accept international cards, but you can withdraw up to $500 at a time. With rare exceptions, bank cards are not accepted for payment in Albania, just as travelers checks are not cashed. Note! In Albania, there are two price standards, which differ in the presence of one zero, be careful.
Electricity
Voltage 220 V, 50 Hz. European standard sockets, with two round pins.
Religion
70% of the inhabitants of Albania are Sunni Muslims, 30% are Christians (Greek Orthodox Church – 20%, Roman Catholic Church – 10%) and a very small number of adherents of other religions. For more than 50 years, Albania has been officially considered a secular country without religion, many locals only symbolically identify themselves with any religion.
Security
Albania is a completely safe country for foreign tourists, but to maintain a pleasant atmosphere during your vacation, try to follow the standard rules of decency. In Albania, it is customary to kiss each other on the cheeks when meeting, to praise parents for obedient and beautiful children, but it is not appropriate to compliment unfamiliar girls and women. It is better to store large sums of money and other valuables in a safe place, as elsewhere. While walking around large cities, beware of pickpockets, gypsies and sellers of various fakes.
Health
Before traveling to Albania, it is recommended to take out medical insurance, any vaccinations or preventive medications are not necessary. Health care in the country is at a high level. Despite the fact that running water is well purified, for a 100% guarantee of your safety, it is still recommended to use bottled water. There are no poisonous animals and plants in the country.
