ALBANIA: Tirana

Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania, 

It is in the centre of the country and is in a really pretty location, surrounded by mountains, hills, and overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the distance.

After WWII it was a communist country and ruled by a dictator, Enver Hoxha, from 1946 to 1985. 

It can easily be said that under his rule the country went backwards instead of forwards. 

The country is now a Republic and it would appear that there is a building boom of new high rises with interesting architecture contrasted with the old communist buildings. 

ALBANIA: Exploring the South

We explored the area surrounding Sarande and were rewarded with stunning scenery. 

Not only is the coast gorgeous, but inland from the coast are steep green mountains, quaint villages, crystal clear water, and ruins from Greek and Roman settlements.

ALBANIA: Plan B is Life on the Albanian Riviera

Plan B was quickly hatched. 

We were looking to tick the boxes: "relatively close" to Morocco, a warm climate on the Mediterranean, not a Schengen country, and, "close" to our next planned destination.

Sarande on the Albanian Riviera became our destination.

We scrambled to book flights and find accommodation.

As it turned out, it was an excellent choice!