Enjoy Albania and its magic

3 things you should try in Tirana:
1.Akullore with Boza at Pasticeri Reka located at Pazari i Ri
2.Burek,with spinach or cottage cheese :
The cheapest and the best : at this place:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Furra+Dragon+Selvi,+ish+arka+e+Kursimeve,+Selvia,+Rruga+4+D%C3%ABshmor%C3%ABt,+Tirana+1001,+Albania/@41.3332207,19.8230346,21z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x1350310436d0482d:0xc8b452b87a569e72!8m2!3d41.3332305!4d19.8229668!16s%2Fg%2F11hz8q1b3y

3.Rakia,the best alcoholic beverage.Taste it at Komiteti Bar,they have different flavours

4.Ashure,the most light desert it exists

Also if you want to camp nearby Tirana go to Farka lake reachable by bus or Dajti Mountain,enjoy some adventures 😊

🇦🇱 If you are in Tirana - what to visit? 🇦🇱
Let me give you a good overview of the best things to do in Tirana and how much time you should spend at each attraction or landmark. I will also put together a list of places to visit near Tirana for a day trip if you are staying in Tirana for a few extra nights.
Dajti Express Cable Car in Tirana (Time Required: Half a Day)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1J9ktYj17ATymY8N8
Dajti Express is a cable car on the outskirts of Tirana. Basically, the cable car takes you from the bottom station up to 1,613 meters above sea level.
Riding the Dajti Express cable car is a thrilling experience. It really does feel like going to a theme park when you were a kid!
And the views from the cable car are absolutely spectacular. You literally fly over the treetops and pass over mountain cliffs. It is also a very calming experience, as you literally sit in silence and look down at the world below. You will see locals working in their gardens and caring for their farm animals. At the top station of the cable car, you will exit onto the balcony of Mount Dajti. The balcony is located right on top of the cliff and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city of Tirana. Although Tirana is actually quite a large city, it really looks small when you look at it from the balcony of the mountain. In the distance, you will see the mountains leading to the Adriatic Sea and the port of Durres.
But the Balcony of Mount Dajti is not just a viewpoint, it is actually an entertainment place for both foreign tourists and locals.
One of the most striking attractions is the Ballkoni Restaurant. The Ballkoni Restaurant was built right on top of the cliff, so it has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the city of Tirana. The restaurant is a beautiful lodge-style design with wooden walls and ceilings, like the lodges in the Swiss Alps.
Apart from the restaurant, you can also go to the revolving rooftop bar at the Dajti Hotel. While you enjoy a drink at the bar, you will literally spin 360 degrees! So you can see all the beauty of the Dajti National Park, as well as the city of Tirana.
Along with the restaurant and bar, you can also take part in a variety of outdoor activities. You can go horse riding, buggy riding, or target shooting. There is also a beautiful mini golf course and some great outdoor playgrounds.
If you are really adventurous, you can head to the Dajti Adventure Park. This adventure park has an obstacle course with high ropes, zip lines, and nets.
To sum it up, the Dajti Express Cable Car is one of the best days out for a couple or family in Tirana. It offers something for everyone, from the views to the restaurants and outdoor activities. And when you fly back to Tirana city, you will feel satisfied and relaxed.

2) Bunk'Art 1 - The most interesting museum in Tirana, and possibly in all of Albania!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SDeTqktYQJ7vMZmy7
Essentially, Bunk'Art 1 is a museum inside a giant communist bunker. You literally walk through an actual communist bunker complex. Inside the huge bunker complex, you can experience what communism was like in Albania for a few hours (and then you can leave communism, which the Albanians couldn't do!).
From the end of World War II until 1992, Albania was a communist country. The country was ruled by the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. Enver Hoxha was notorious for his paranoia. Throughout his rule, he was convinced that Albania would be attacked by a foreign power, and he was afraid that the foreign attack would be nuclear.
Because Hoxha was so convinced that a foreign attack was imminent, he began a gigantic bunker-building project. Albania was covered in 173,000 bunkers.
The massive communist bunker that now houses the Bunk'Art 1 museum was designed to house Enver Hoxha himself and his government elite. The bunker was designed as a place for the government to run the country during a foreign (nuclear) attack.
Like any capital city, Tirana has many museums, including the National History Museum. But by far, Bunk'Art 1 is the highlight. Because Bunk'Art 1 doesn't just tell you the story, you actually walk through the bunker and experience communism. Sure, Bunk'Art 1 is a little creepy, but it will definitely leave an impression. And you'll have a fascinating story to tell when you get home.
3) Bovilla Lake
Bovilla Lake is located 19 kilometers from Tirana and it will take you about 1 hour to get there. You can see the road that leads to the lake on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/9wL2g33Jm81GYMDK6
As soon as you arrive at Bovilla Lake, you will be impressed. It is a dammed lake surrounded by mountains on all sides. From the water level, you can drive along a winding road to a mountain balcony where you can enjoy stunning views.
The mountain balcony is where the Bovilla Restaurant is located. Then, from the mountain balcony, you can go on an exciting rock climbing trail to a metal viewing balcony above the lake.
To sum it up, Bovilla Lake is a must-see for adventure lovers. Those who love to travel to hidden places and admire the beautiful nature.
There is a restaurant on the lake, which is called: "Bovilla Restaurant". It is located on the balcony of the lake, so the restaurant offers a stunning view of the entire lake.
4) Day Trips from Tirana 🚕🚌🚗
If you're staying in Tirana for a few days, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Kruja and Berat.
KRUJA is a beautiful hilltop town near Tirana.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3YSiYSQALcM3aA1X7
It takes only 45-60 minutes to get to Kruja from Tirana city centre by taxi.
You will only need about 3-4 hours to visit all the attractions in Kruja. So, Kruja can be a half-day trip if you have limited time. Or you can combine Kruja with Mount Sarisaltik and enjoy it as a full-day trip.
The main attraction in Kruja is the Kruja Castle. Kruja Castle is located on top of a hill and offers fantastic panoramic views of Tirana, the valley where the airport is located, the Adriatic Sea, the port of Durres, Cape Rodon and Mount Sarisaltik. Kruja Castle is mostly in ruins, however, inside the castle you can visit the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.
On the hillside leading to Kruja Castle, you can visit the Old Bazaar. This beautiful traditional market sells a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs from Albania.
Kruja is a beautiful old town that is well worth a visit and you will definitely spend some very enjoyable hours. If you have a little more time, it is definitely worth the drive to the top of Mount Sarisaltik. It is only 20 minutes away from Kruja Castle and is a very beautiful route to drive. The view from the top of the mountain is even better!
BERAT is definitely the most beautiful historic town in Albania.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JaKCjnD1bF2Yc3zv7
In addition, the old town of Berat has also been crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So when it comes to things to do in Albania, Berat should be at the top of your list!
From Tirana, Berat is about 2.5 hours drive each way. Therefore, Berat is an ideal day trip from Tirana. There are two popular tourist destinations in Berat: 1) Berat Castle and 2) The Old Quarters of the Valley.
Start your visit to Berat by visiting the Berat Castle on top of the hill. The Berat Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city of Berat. What makes this castle truly unique is that people still live within its walls. Even though it is a UNESCO site, it is still a vibrant area!
Then in the afternoon, descend into the Berat Valley to visit the Old Quarters. The two old quarters are also known as the City of a Thousand Windows. This is because the two old quarters were built into the side of a hill. From the valley, it looks like all 1000 little windows are looking down at you.
The little white houses of Berat built into the side of a hill give it a southern Italian feel. Berat is truly a very romantic town with a great atmosphere. Have a glass of wine at one of the restaurants in the Gorica area and look across the river to the City of a Thousand Windows.
Tip 1: Antigoni is a great restaurant near the Berat Bridge.
Tip 2: On the way back to Tirana, stop at the COBO Winery for some wine tasting!
P.S. If you need taxi services at reasonable prices or rental of well-maintained cars from 20 euros per day and without a DEPOSIT - write to me, I will recommend you several companies.

🇦🇱🇦🇱 GETTING AROUND ALBANIA (buses) 🇦🇱🇦🇱
How to get from Tirana airport to the center and beach resorts?
Sometimes I get questions like "Can I book a bus ticket online" or "Can I pay for a bus ticket with a credit card in Albania?" And the answer is "NO". You just go to the bus station and pay the driver in cash (Albanian Lekë).
ATTENTION! The bus station at Tirana airport is located next to the parking lot (foto №1). After passport control and baggage claim, you will find yourself in the arrivals hall. Turn left and walk to the bus station at Tirana airport 🙃
IMPORTANT! To pay for travel on buses, prepare cash in advance!! Payment is usually made to the driver or conductor, it is advisable to clarify the cost of travel when boarding. Payment for travel in LEK, sometimes euros are possible (stock up on small bills) 👍
Tirana Airport (Rinas) → Tirana
There are several ways to get from Tirana airport to the city center and resorts: bus, taxi. There are no electric trains or an Aeroexpress analogue from the airport to the center in #Tirana. The best option for travel depends on your budget and the time of your flight to Tirana. If you arrive late in the evening or at night, your only option is a #taxi transfer.
#Bus is a fast, easy, cheap and reliable way to get from Tirana airport to the city centre. Tirana International Airport is connected to the city centre by the Rinas Express shuttle bus operated by #LUNA Travel. The buses have the word Rinas Express written on the sides; there are both large and roomy buses and small, Gazelle-type buses. The bus leaves from the stop on the left hand side as you exit the airport terminal and arrives at a small park on #Skanderbeg Square https://maps.app.goo.gl/GpXan4Bw7cns7etd8 in the centre of Tirana (the bus parks behind the Opera and Ballet Theatre), photo #3. When travelling in the opposite direction, from the city to the airport, enter “Rinas #Airport Bus” in Google Maps and you will be shown the exact departure location of the bus. A detailed schedule of the route can be seen below in photo #2.
Travel time: 30 minutes
Operating hours: every hour
Fare: €4 one way, prepare some euros in advance or pay in local currency (lek) 😊
From the center of Tirana to Tirana Airport (Rinas) the shuttle runs every hour from 00:00 . You will recognize the bus to the airport by the sign Airport Tirane on the windshield. You can buy a ticket for travel on the bus directly from the driver. If you do not have Albanian lek, you can pay in small euros.
FRIENDS! I present to your attention an electronic map of attractions and places to visit in Albania. The map is very easy to use, video and text instructions are included

Tirana Airport (Rinas) → Durres.
From Tirana Airport (Rinas) to Durres there is a direct shuttle bus operated by ADIS. The fare is about 4 euros one way, travel time: 35 minutes. The bus arrives and departs back at the address: Rruga e Dëshmorëve, Durrës, Albania (Durres Bus Terminal). The schedule and route of the bus Airport - Durres - Airport can be seen in the photo (No. 10).
Tirana Airport (Rinas) → Saranda, Ksamil.
If you need to get to Saranda, Ksamil or Butrint - you can do it in the following way 😊 The bus to Saranda leaves from the terminal "Kthesa e Kamzës", located opposite the Casa Italia shopping center (Tirana). If you arrive by plane, the Luna bus will take you there from the airport and drop you off at the shopping center if you ask the driver 😉 the journey takes 4-5 hours (see departure time in schedule No. 4), including a stop for coffee and a toilet, the price is about 1500 lek 😊 If you need to go to Ksamil or Butrint - upon arrival in Saranda, transfer to a local bus (schedule No. 5). The local bus stops at the roundabout near Eli's Seafront Boutique Apartments, SOS Bar in the city center, Butrinti Hotel, OASI Hotel, Planet Supermarket, Kanal i Çukes, Ksamil and Butrint shopping centers.
The fare is 150 lek, the journey time to Ksamil is about 30 minutes, and to Butrint another 10 minutes.😊 You can also get to Saranda from the South and North Bus Stations. The cost is 1500-2000 lek, the journey time is about 5 hours. The bus stop in Saranda is located along Rruga Flamurit between Rruga Lefter Talo and Friendship Park (Parku Miqësia). It is better to book in advance, before leaving Saranda 😉👍 Buses leave from Trans Dea

**Exchanging cultures,nice conversations and helping each other**

I'm from Tirana,Albania and have been living in Macedonia for a really long time. I consider myself a very easy-going, friendly and adventure-seeking person. I love meeting strangers and learning anything new from others. Love nature, listen to music and simply "being".

In general, I just want to live according to my heart & learn as much as I can. Learning about life and with life, and with people who come into my life. Everyone brings me always something different, something new, positive or negative, etc, which I really enjoy.

LIKES:
*ice cream,
*sunset,
*candles, candles and candles,
*London parks,
*Sunday mornings,
*old films,
*watching the 80's video clips/songs.
*Nostalgia - my youtube channel

DISLIKES:
*pretence,
*shallow people,
*red meat :-)
*oxford street in London,
*watching TV.

PHILOSOPHY: No past, no future. NOW!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I host when appropriate, according to my availability.
Sometimes is difficult to get committed in advance, sometimes I prefer last-minute requests.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I started it recently and as a matter of fact I host people from backpackers community in Tirana, however, I don't host as often as I did in the past. Life gets so busy and nowadays I rarely host, but you are all welcome to request.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet great people and share good moments of friendship and travels.Always eager to share and learn.

Interests

My hobbies are arts&nature.Always having a great desire for them

• movies
• hiking
• sports
• hitchhiking
• biking

Music, Movies, and Books

MOVIES:
Spanish films such as Almodovar, Bigas Luna, etc, also Mexican such as Guillermo Del Toro and other ones from different nationalities: David Lynch, Lar Von Tre, Roman Polansky, Quentin Tarantino...
BOOKS:
The Power Of Now (Eckhart Tolle)
The Biology Of Belief (Bruce Lipton)
The Little Prince (Saint-Exupery)
Demian (Herman Hesse)
Narcissus and Goldmund (Herman Hesse)
MUSIC:
I like listening to music all the time and I quite like so many different types of artists and songs. I'm very open about it. I'm also into old music and old artists from Blues and Jazz like BILLIE HOLIDAY and just love "NINA SIMONE". Nowadays I also listen to a lot of relaxing music as I have created my own YouTube channel (Nov.21) called Silent Mind - Relaxation.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Didn't speak for 9 months in a row!
(then i said my first world: "mama")

Teach, Learn, Share

Learn everything, it may be useful someday

What I Can Share with Hosts

A lot of good laughts,sharing life experiences&also exchanging cultures.Maybe my toothbrush XP

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro