travel fest albania

We have had a hardware incident with the servers and are bringing back the services, sorry and thank you for your patience.

Your browser has JavaScript disabled. This website requires JavaScript to function properly. Please turn on JavaScript or get in touch with support

• Film festival
• Rules & Awards
• Sections & Fees (12)
• Submit  

Travel Fest Albania (1)

07 Oct 2021 Call for entries

05 May 2022 Festival closed

18 Jun 2022 Notification date

18 Jul 2022 24 Jul 2022

Tomi Kristo St.,  1015, Tirana, Tirana, Albania Web --> Email -->

Festival start: 18 July 2022      Festival end: 24 July 2022

Nature, wildlife, mountaineering, climbing, landscape, underwater world, biodiversity, flora, extreme and adventure sports, historical places, heritage, expeditions & routes, food and drinks etc. will be the reference of the first edition in Travel Fest Albania contest , on the big screen where a large audience will enjoy videos, films and documentaries as well. Travel Fest will take place in Tirana, capital city of Albania, on July 18-24, 2022. During festival days the participants can register for day trips in the museum city of Berat, National Park of Divjaka, anceint fortress of Petrela and the historical city of Kruja – all expenses are covered by the festival. Winners will be awarded at a special ceremony on the last day of the Festival and can register for a three days trip in Valbona valley to enjoy a beautiful experience in Albanian Alps and showing their films in front of tourists visiting the area. Full details of registration will be announced soon.

Best Travel Fest Film Best Nature & Wildlife Film Best Environment & Ecology Film Best Destinations Film Best History & Heritage Film Best Adventure Film Best Expeditions & Routes Film Best Food & Drink Film Best Tv & Web Series Best Commercial video Best Mobile Film Best Drone Film Best Albanian Film Best Director Best Screenwriter Best Editor Best Cinematographer Best Sound Designer Audience Award

• The submitter guarantees the full rights to the submission, this also applies to attached press and advertising material. • Film screenings of the submitted films are free of charge for the organizer. Demo fees, license fees and / or costs of any kind will not be due or will be borne by the submitter. Rights of third parties must not be violated, the responsibility lies with the submitter. Costs of any kind are not covered by the festival and are the responsibility of the submitter. • Submitted films may not have been published before 01.01.2019. • Film must be submitted in English or with English subtitles. The submitter is responsible for the correctness of the translation. • Submission is only possible via FestHome at https://filmmakers.festhome.com/festival/travel-fest-albania. All films must be available for download from FestHome either via Vimeo or YouTube link. • The festival reserves the right to reclassify festival entries into other categories where this is deemed appropriate. • The festival organization does not accept any responsibility for the cancellation of the festival due to force majeure. • All films should be submitted electronically in resolution: Full HD (1920×1080 pixels), 16: 9 (other resolution accepted for mobile films), Video codec: H.264, Audio codec: AAC, format: MP4, MOV, AVI. DVDs or other media will not be accepted. • Unsolicited submitted materials will not be returned. • The submission fee may vary depending on the time of submission. The fee is payable on the day of submission - exclusive early bird discount may apply. • More than one film per submitter may be submitted. Each submission requires separate submission documents and a separate fee. • A refund of the festival fee is not possible under any circumstances. • A pre-jury, organized by the festival management, will nominate up to 15 films in each category (up to 30 films/videos on Commercial, Mobile and Drone category). • The main jury selects the respective winners from the nominated films in each category. The jury may award special prizes. • All nominated films and the respective winners must be confirmed by the festival management. The decisions of the jury are not contestable and not subject to any legal appeal. • Winners who can not attend the festival and wish to receive their trophy after the festival, must inform the organization and pay the respective shipping costs. • The cost of the accommodation will be covered by the Festival for three days, including transport from the airport. • After the awards are announced, the finalists of the festival can take a three days trip in Valbona valley with the best guides to enjoy a beautiful experience in Albanian Alps and showing their films in front of tourists visiting the area. Full details of registration will be announced soon. • The Festival participants stay in partner hotels of the Festival. Private reservations will not be accepted. • With the submission, the submitter assures that he has read, understood and accepted all regulations of the Festival. • The festival reserves the right to compile entries on a “Festival Reel” or similar, also in processed form, and to distribute the same on a medium deemed appropriate by the festival. This also applies to stills/images provided to the festival. The entrants transfer all rights appropriate in this context upon entrance of the festival entry to the festival. • The festival reserves the right to use all recordings taken at the festival for any promotional purpose in any medium deemed appropriate by the festival. The festival reserves the right to exclude entries from the competition. • Changes to the regulations can be made by the festival management at any time. • Submission deadline is 05.05.2022.

Submissions deadline 05 May 22

Nature, mountains, sea, animals, plants, or other non-human living creatures. Wildlife or ecosystems in relationship to human beings

Impact of human beings on the environment and climate change. Preservation and appreciation of our natural habitats and ecosystems.

Travel films or creative and engaging videos to present their destination: city, region, country, vacation spot, or a trip for recreation or tourism.

Films about traveling to historic places, remote populated areas. Showing events, fairs, heritage and anthropological view of societies.

Films about the celebration of the outdoors and adventures: skiing, running, sailing, extreme sports and adrenaline junkie stunts including also solo Traveler – One traveler film.

Expedition and passion to find new worlds, passion for adventure by exploring new routes traveling around the continents. Biography of travelers or explorers on their road.

Culinary Films celebrating emerging and prominent gourmet chefs, the art of gastronomy, international food and drinks culture.

TV or web-series that is currently running on YouTube, Vimeo, or any streaming service and would like to increase exposure to new fans.

Video commercials about countries and cities, hotels and airlines, museums and parks, travel agents, events and festivals, hotels and tour guides for creative advertisement.

Video/film must have been shot on a mobile device. All kinds of New Media and Video Skits, published or unpublished, vertical or horizontal format related to travel theme.

Film must have been shot mostly on a drone, at least 50% of footage. All kinds of drones UAV or FPV released in Full HD format.

Film, Documentary or Video about travel in Albania from filmmakers around the world, or from Albanians abroad. Must be translated in English.

Discover great films & festivals, one click away

Copyright 2012-2024

All Rights Reserved

• News (current)
• Politics (current)
• Economy (current)
• Region (current)
• Culture (current)
• Sport (current)
• All about Albania (current)
• Profile (current)

Travel Fest being held in Albania

• 7/19/2022 1:20 PM

Travel Fest Albania has opened its doors.

On the first day of the festival, well-known names of Albanian music, but also politicians and ambassadors joined this activity. In a message on the "Facebook" page, Travel Fest Albania reveals the names of the participants, to whom it sends a thank you, for making the first one special festival day.

"Thanks to all participants in the opening ceremony, for making the first day of the Travel Fest Albania festival so special! Thanks to Jonida Shehu, Bojken Lako, Andi Seferi, Hubert Perr, Ornela Cikuli, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Polish embassy, Tirana city hall, Ema Andrea, Angelina Korn, Katarzyna Bojkowska, Michał Stańczyk, Anastasia Durand, Garnet Mae, François Legrand "- reads the message of Travel Fest Albania.

Nature, wildlife, mountaineering, climbing, landscape, environment and ecology, underwater world, biodiversity, flora, extreme and adventure sports, historical places, heritage, expeditions & routes, food and drinks etc. will be the reference of the first edition in Travel Fest Albania contest, on the big screen where a large audience will enjoy and talk about videos, films and documentaries as well.

Travel Fest Albania will take place in Tirana, capital city of Albania, on July 18-24, 2022, screening films focused on sustainable development and natural tourism, exploring the most innovative tendencies in the audiovisual representation of the travelling experience around the world.

Winners will be awarded at a special ceremony on the last day of the Festival and can register for a three days trip to Albanian amazing travel destinations. This project is supported by Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

/Klara Ruci/

Related News

International stage musician Red Radoja: Tosk polyphony and Gheg Epos is pride for Albanians

Calendar - April 1st

Tourism revives the wood carving, the masters of Gjirokastër inspired by the tourists’ interest

Rama: The Medieval Museum of Korça, a destination not to be missed

Concert with music by Beethoven, Abigela Voshtina, Etrita Ibrahimi and Jakopo Sipari together on stage

Calendar - March the 30th

The Easter atmosphere in Mirdita, believers show the moments of preparation for the great celebration

"Escape Club", a holographic diary dedicated to Dritëro Agolli at Rinia Park in Tirana

The "Marie Kraja" Operatic Festival, Veliaj presents the "Clock Tower" to the jury members: "Proud of this tradition that has become a city heritage"

Calendar - March the 29th

• Share full article

Dancing Till Dawn on the Albanian Riviera

A weeklong music-and-wellness festival on the beach is just one reason visitors are now flocking to a country that was sealed off to the world for decades.

About 3,500 mostly young revelers descended on Dhermi, Albania, in late May and early June to spin and sway to the beats of world-famous D.J.s at five stages for the weeklong Kala music festival. Credit... Maria Mavropoulou for The New York Times

Supported by

By Valeriya Safronova

Valeriya Safronova, based in Vienna, has been hunting for good places to dance for 15 years. This was the first time that quest left her facing down a goat in a village street.

• July 31, 2023

More than a dozen sweaty people in various states of undress giggled as a capoeira instructor directed us to crawl around on the floor. Make eye contact, he told us as we tried to follow the flow of one another’s bodies. But it was hard not to stare at the sparkling blue Ionian Sea.

On one side of an open-air pavilion in Dhermi, a village on the Albanian Riviera, those waters glimmered under the summer sun, free of the yachts that crowd the Croatian and Greek shorelines to the north and south. On the other side, palm trees dotted the landscape. Behind them loomed the lush, green Ceraunian Mountains.

A sound check interrupted the class, an abrupt reminder of the larger reason we capoeira novices had gathered: Kala , a weeklong music-and-wellness festival. I was part of a crowd of about 3,500 mostly young people, resplendent in transparent flare pants, crop tops and cowboy boots, who had descended on Dhermi in late May and early June to sway and spin in the moonlight, hypnotized by the beats, and to pack our days with Kundalini yoga, breath work, massage and capoeira classes.

Across four stages, D.J.s like Hunee and Antal , CC:Disco! , Grace Sands and Daphni performed nightly, spinning techno and electronic beats mixed with funk, disco, jazz and more. A fifth stage, open during the daytime, beckoned from Gjipe, a canyon with soaring red cliffs, a short, scenic boat ride away.

In Dhermi, restaurants served fresh, delicious seafood and drinks at reasonable prices. Kala’s weeklong packages, which included tickets and accommodations, started at $370. (Similar U.S. festivals this year charged about $200 to $400 for a two- or three-day ticket, without lodging.) Residents joined in the fun, blasting their own music from bars, cars and balconies at night. And in the morning, some hung-over revelers were surprised to find themselves face to face with wandering goats on the village streets.

“I’ve gone from Ibiza, which got really built up, to Croatia, which got really busy. And I’ve spent a lot of time in India, and now Goa is super busy, too. And Greece is so expensive now,” said Annabel Turbutt-Day, 38, a corporate affairs director from London who drove to Kala from Tirana, Albania’s capital, with her partner and three friends. “Albania is still a little bit undiscovered, and a bit more affordable.”

From hermit state to hot spot

Since its debut in Albania in 2018, Kala has helped drive a boom in international tourism in Dhermi. Three more events have joined Dhermi’s summer dance card, with support from Mainstage Festivals , the company that runs Kala, including the upcoming Ion Festival , which takes place there from Sept. 6 to 13. The tourism season in Dhermi, which used to last about six weeks, now runs from the end of May through September.

Dhermi’s landscape was integral to Kala’s appeal: The beaches where people sunbathed during the day turned into parties that lasted till sunrise — and the cycle repeated every day.

Each open-air stage was its own little world — a cozy cove, a platform jutting into the sea, a vast space surrounded by palm trees. When I got tired of bobbing my head to the music in one spot, I could weave down the street through shouting, laughing festivalgoers and slip into a different crowd swaying to a different set.

Spontaneous parties formed in the streets, too. One evening, after hours of dancing, I devoured a slice of pizza while watching a trio of locals and visitors join hands and spin in a circle, first to Albanian songs and then to Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.”

Dhermi’s rising popularity has mirrored Albania’s as a whole. In 2022, a record 7.5 million people visited the country, spending around $3.1 billion, compared with 6.4 million and $2.4 billion in 2019, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. And in the first three months of 2023, Albania experienced a 54 percent jump in visitors compared with the same period in 2019, according to the World Tourism Organization.

Many of those tourists head straight for the resort towns and beaches of the Albanian Riviera, which are drawing European sun-and-sea seekers who find the Greek island of Corfu and Dubrovnik, Croatia, too expensive and crowded. On Instagram and TikTok , influencers compare Albania’s seascape to that of the Maldives or Bali.

At the same time, history buffs are flocking to Albania’s ancient Greek and Roman ruins , Ottoman-era architecture and the tens of thousands of repurposed concrete bunkers built by Enver Hoxha, who ruled the formerly Communist country with an iron fist for four decades. UNESCO World Heritage sites like the prehistoric ruins of Butrint and deep, ancient Lake Ohrid add to the attractions.

Outdoorsy types come to bicycle along the wild Vjosa River and hike in the Albanian Alps . Nearly 300 government-certified agritourism operators offer farm tours, wine tastings and homemade meals at properties growing cherries, walnuts, plums, quince and more.

Today’s tourist-friendly environment stands in sharp contrast to the Albania of the early 1990s as it emerged from four decades of isolation as one of the poorest countries behind the Iron Curtain. An economic crisis and a near descent into civil war followed. In early 1997, during a popular uprising, an estimated 550,000 weapons were looted from armories and at least 2,000 people died as government forces cracked down and insurgents battled. The United Nations finally sent in a multinational force to restore order. But all this left Albania with a reputation as a crime-ridden, dangerous country.

“The image of Albania was not the real one,” said Mirela Kumbaro, the country’s minister of tourism and environment. “It was only the bad parts.” Now, Albania want to show its “real face,” she said.

“Kala is one of our best ambassadors,” said Ms. Kumbaro, who had dropped by the festival for a news conference, following in the footsteps of other officials, including Prime Minister Edi Rama, who showed up to the first Kala in 2018 and later sent a pallet of free beer.

Gratitude and growing pains

Development in the Dhermi area has accelerated at a breakneck pace: Half of the adjacent village of Drymades seems to be a construction site. The influx of foreign visitors to a place that only a few decades ago was sealed off to the world has brought both prosperity and challenges.

“It’s been a 100 percent transformation,” said Erjon Shehaj, 46, whose family opened a 10-table restaurant in Dhermi in 2016. “When we started, there was nothing.” Today, they own and operate the Empire Beach Resort , a luxury hotel on the same land where the small restaurant once stood. The resort hosted the biggest stage of the festival and was booked solid all seven days.

“I’ve never encountered so many tourists in Albania,” said Anisa Koteci, 33, a lawyer, who was born in the country then emigrated with her family to London when she was 8. Returning to Albania for Kala for the first time in four years, she said, has been “a bit of a shock to the system.” The abundance of foreign visitors made her excited and happy, she said, but she also worried that Albania might become known as just a party destination. She called the wave of tourism a “stress test” for her homeland.

In Dhermi, the electricity or water was sometimes turned off at hotels without warning, and bathrooms in restaurants and bars were left uncleaned for long stretches. On the second day of the festival, one local shopkeeper wiped her brow and grumbled as she surveyed an endless line of impatient bathing-suit-clad tourists waiting to buy chips, water, beer and sunblock. She was running the grocery store and the adjacent currency exchange alone, she explained, because her brother had stayed up all night registering local SIM cards for tourists.

The flood of visitors is also raising fears about possible harm to the region’s flora and fauna. In the city of Vlore, about an hour’s drive from Dhermi, an airport construction project the government promotes as a way to bring more tourists to the Albanian Riviera has faced protests from environmental groups that say it could endanger sanctuaries for birds like flamingos and pelicans.

Tomi Gjikuria, 34, an entrepreneur and a D.J. who grew up in Dhermi, said he was happy with all the new business and hoped for more visitors, but wondered how all the new construction would affect the landscape.

“When I was a child, there was no tourism,” said Mr. Gjikuria, who operates a campsite called the Sea Turtle Camp on land that his family owns in Drymades.

“I have 5,000 square meters where I put a campsite,” he said. “I could have built a casino, but I don’t want to cut down the trees.”

A spirit of hospitality

Despite all the challenges of development, residents of Dhermi have kept the welcome mat out — even if it sometimes has had a few wrinkles.

Alan Crofton, the manager and director of Mainstage Festivals, recalled the fall of 2017, when he and Rob Searle, Kala’s creative director, went to Gjipe Canyon to ask the owner of a local campsite if they could use its beach during Kala. The man they met insisted that before they agreed to anything, they needed to break the ice by toasting each other with a shot of raki, a local liquor. One shot turned into several, until finally the man told Mr. Crofton and Mr. Searle — by then quite buzzed — that he would lease them a space for the festival, Mr. Crofton said.

But when Mr. Crofton and Mr. Searle returned several months later, they found out that their raki-toasting host was not actually the landowner. He was the security guard who looked after the campsite in the winter.

Andrea Kumi, 47, founded Havana Beach Club , a place that helped draw some of the area’s first waves of tourists, after moving to Dhermi, his father’s hometown, when he was 24. Mr. Kumi, who grew up in Vlore and Athens, began inviting world-famous D.J.s to perform at the club about 15 years ago.

Today, besides the Havana Beach Club, Mr. Kumi owns two other restaurants. As the area continues to change, Mr. Kumi said, everybody is trying their best to be gracious and helpful hosts. As an old saying in Albania goes: “Our house belongs to God and guests.”

He illustrated this point with a story. In 2009, Mr. Kumi persuaded the Dutch D.J. Tiësto to perform in Dhermi. There were no luxury hotels, so, eager to please, he rented a three-story, 80-foot yacht for Tiësto to sleep on, but the D.J. started feeling seasick as soon as he boarded.

All the hotel rooms in the area were booked with the thousands of guests who’d come to see Tiësto perform, so Mr. Kumi offered up his own bedroom in his family’s house in the hills. Tiësto accepted, and the next day, Mr. Kumi said, the D.J. joined his parents and nephew for homemade pancakes.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Advertisement

[Youth & Festival’s Stories] Travel Fest Albania

Travel Fest Albania 3 July 2023 - 9 July 2023 Tirana, Albania Film, Photography, Video

Travel Fest Albania has concluded the first edition successfully. 128 films from 42 countries were screened in 4 cinemas during one week and 22 prizes were awarded to the winners. About 30 invited creators from as far away as Australia, along with the rest of Europe and neighboring countries, were accommodated in Tirana to attend the festival and then enjoyed a 3-day trip to the Albanian Riviera. We would not have been able to achieve the success of such an extensive activity without the extraordinary help of young volunteers. The call for volunteer registration was opened 2 months before the festival, and about 20 young people received the volunteer uniform. They worked tirelessly to make the festival a success.

Some of them, like Stolija, carried on working the third shift during the night, until 5 in the morning, and at 8:30 she accompanied the invited creators to the cinema. She is an Interpreter (English to Albanian and Albanian to English), part of ESN Tirana and an ex-Erasmus student, and has studied software development at the European University of Tirana.

Klea, who meanwhile was taking the main exam for her master's degree, found time to deal with the co-ordination for the evening shows in outdoor cinemas.

Jonas is founder of Tech Point, an ambassador for next generation tourism graphic designers, also web designer, member of European Youth Parliament Albania and also an experienced editor member of YATA international and volunteer at EU solidarity corps as well as UNDP Albania.

The example of these young people is inspiring for many others and we are convinced that in the next edition we will have other equally beautiful stories from the volunteers of Travel Fest Albania.

Welcome Oli, Jonas, Klea! Oli will be co-ordinator of accommodation, Jonas will be the screening assistant and Klea the co-ordinator of volunteers.

Their volunteer experience will be passed on to other young people as the festival grows.

More info: travelfestalbania.com (General Editor: Simon Mundy)

World Theatre Day

As the seasons change and the harsh winter days turn into brighter spring days, filled with the scent of flowers, we too are invited to change the scenery of our own lives, as in a play. Why not take inspiration from this on World Theatre Day, celebrated this 27 March?

International Women's Day - Interview with City of Women Festival

In honour of International Women’s Day, we highlight the City of Women - International Festival of Contemporary Arts . International Women's Day is an occasion to celebrate women and review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, liberty, and development. We talked to Iva Kovač, Programme Director of the City of Women Association.

[Go green] Porta Ferrada Festival

In 2023, Porta Ferrada Festival prioritised sustainability with reusable cups and funding beach cleaning. Over 24,000 ecological glasses were distributed, embodying their commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement.

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > 17 Of The Best Festivals In Albania To Enjoy

17 Of The Best Festivals In Albania To Enjoy

Written by our local expert Drita

Drita is a shy Albanian girl. Her Mom is from Kosovo, her Dad from Serbia. She loves to travel & share travel trips to help first-time travelers exploring Albania & the Balkans.

Albania has a surprising amount of festivals each year. Here, we have selected the best festivals in Albania. From beer to tomatoes and music, we know that you will find one to enjoy.

Albania is fast becoming the newest and hottest destinatio n on the travel must-visit list, but the great news is that it’s not gone mainstream quite yet. This means you can visit and enjoy local traditions and customs without dealing with mass tourism. It might come soon, so get in fast.

Until then, now is undoubtedly the best time to head to Albania .

The beaches are lapped by the Adriatic and the Ionian seas , with stunning beaches to chill out on. You can also head into the Albanian Alps and enjoy dramatic scenery anywhere you turn.

Visit Tiran a and explore history and culture while enjoying a shopping spot along the way. Albania has so much to offer, and if you’re a fan of festivals, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the wide range this country provides.

To help you plan your time in Albania , check out this selection of the best festivals in Albania, listed in order by month:

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

1. Dita e Veres

Dita e Veres is not a festival but an annual celebration that is hugely important in Albanian culture. If you’re visiting the country in March, you’re in for a treat as there are huge celebrations all around the country, with families and children often spending time together. You’ll find lots of traditional food , dancing, and general merriment.

This celebration is a pagan holiday that celebrates when Diana, the Goddess of forests, greenery, and nature, comes out of her temple to break the winter season. As such, it marks the change from winter to spring and strongly emphasizes nature. The day before Dita e Veres, you’ll see people searching for a clump of grass containing soil and roots, as they will then keep it in their home as a sign of good luck.

When: March  | Where: Across Albania

2. National Festival Of Urban Folk Songs

Folk music is quite important across this region of the world. Every March, you will find this nationwide celebration of the local folk music, which varies from village to village.

Elbasan is the place to be for this particular festival, as there is a large concert of different performers from across the country and a generally fun-filled feel in the air!

When: March | Where: Across Albania

3. South Outdoor Festival

The South Outdoor Festival is located in Borsh, in the south of the country, every April for four days. You can enjoy local foods, cultural performances of music and drama, and learn more about this beautiful part of the country and its local customs.

The fact that South Outdoor Festival is located on the idyllic Albanian Riviera certainly doesn’t hurt either! However, be sure to venture past the beaches and into the surrounding countryside, where you’ll find peaceful olive groves.

When: May  | Where: Borsh

Brands We Use And Trust

4. përmet national folklore festival.

Held in the picturesque town of Përmet, this festival celebrates Albanian traditional music, dance, and costumes. It’s a vibrant display of Albania’s folk heritage, attracting performers and spectators from across the country.

The festival usually takes place in May, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich cultural traditions in one of its most scenic regions.

When: May | Where: Përmet

Kala is a relatively new festival, having its first outing just two years ago. However, it was such a huge success; it happened both years afterward! Kala is a music festival that attracts big named DJs from across Europe. Located in Dhërmi , you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while dancing ’til dawn.

Kala traditionally takes place in June, but check ahead of time as the exact date changes every year. Remember to check out the beautiful and secluded beaches around Dhërmi to top up your tan while enjoying the music.

When: June  | Where: Dhermi  

6. UNUM Festival

Spanning over three days towards the end of May into June every year, the UNUM festival is a fun-filled music festival that doesn’t allow you to sleep! Packed with local and international music acts, you’ll find something to suit your taste, and it’s located in the stunning north of the country, in the Lezhe area.

UNUM is about celebrating nature and music together; however, it’s certainly not the most relaxing of festivals – there is too much to do! Fun though? Certainly!

When: June  | Where: Rana e Hedhun Beach

7. Berat City Festival

This festival celebrates the heritage of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “town of a thousand windows.

The Berat City Festival includes a series of cultural events, traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and more, highlighting the city’s historical and cultural significance. It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore Albanian traditions in one of its most iconic cities.

When: July  | Where: Berat

8. Korca Beer Festival

The Korca Beer Festival is a must-visit for four days every August if you’re a lover of local and international beers. This is a hugely popular festival, with more than 100K people in attendance every year. The other plus point? It’s free, and you’ll get to sample beers from all over the world and some locally produced in the Korca region.

The festival also features music from local and national bands, with food stands and a fun feel in the air.

When: August  | Where: Korce

9. Kruja Mountain Festival

In August, you will be able to enjoy the Kruja Mountain Festival, which certainly has a lofty perch to enjoy the scenery from! Many religions take this pilgrimage route throughout the country, visiting the cave within the mountain where several miracles are said to have occurred.

You can head up the mountain on foot if you’re feeling energetic, or you can drive up instead. The views are unique, so make sure you have plenty of space on your camera memory card.

When: August  | Where: Kruja

10. Zâ Fest

Zâ Fest is a newer festival that focuses on promoting Albanian culture, nature, and spiritual traditions through music, art, workshops, and outdoor activities.

It typically takes place in the Dajti Mountain area near Tirana. This festival offers a unique blend of contemporary and traditional experiences, making it an exciting addition for those interested in Albania’s natural beauty and cultural depth.

When: Summer | Where: Shkoder

11. Gjirokastër Folk Festival

This particular festival isn’t as frequent as the others, as it takes place every four years in September. Despite that, it is quite a big deal, with the first one happening way back in 1968.

Gjirokaster Folk Festival is full of music, dancing, performances, and art from around the Balkan region , and many international performers take to the stage. UNESCO recognizes this festival for its cultural heritage roots , and you can be sure of a massive crowd on the day.

When: September | Where: Gjirokaster Castle

12. Tirana International Film Festival

If you are in Tirana in November, head to the International Film Festival. Every year since 2003, the festival has been full of movie clips, full-length titles from all over the world, and many local films also showcased.

When: September | Where: Tirana

13. Tirana Jazz Festival

For music enthusiasts, especially jazz lovers, the Tirana Jazz Festival is a must-attend.

This event brings together local and international jazz musicians for several days of performances, usually held in various venues around Tirana. The festival occurs annually, offering a platform for jazz in a country rich with musical diversity.

14. Tomato Festival

As obscure as it may sound, the Tomato Festival is a popular yearly event in September in Shëngjergj Village. The village is only a short distance away from the capital of Tirana , but the drive is sublime through the beautiful Priska pass.

You’ll be able to enjoy local traditions and cultural performances, as well as plentiful, delicious, locally-grown foods , including tomatoes! Check out the folk dancing and music, and you’ll also find lots of trinkets and handmade souvenirs to take home with you.

When: September | Where: Shëngjergj Village

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

15. Albanian Independence Day

Albania’s most significant public holiday takes place on November 28th and marks the day when independence was declared in 1912, after hundreds of years under the Ottoman Empire’s control.

You’ll find countless celebrations going on around the country, and because most people are off work, there is likely to be something happening no matter where you are! 

When: November | Where: Across Albania

16. Olive Festival

On November 3rd of every year, the Olive Festival takes place in Brar. This festival showcases many locally-produced foods from around the country, but mostly anything to do with olives! You’ll also get to enjoy a tour of the olive groves around the area, some of which date back thousands of years.

This fun festival allows you to try lots of local produce and, of course, purchase some to take back home with you. Locally-produced olive oil from here is divine!

When: November | Where: Brar

17. The Lighting Of The Torch Festival (Festa E Flamurit)

While not a festival in the traditional sense, this event marks Albania’s National Youth Day on November 8th. It is deeply rooted in the country’s history, commemorating the Albanian struggle for independence and freedom.

The celebration includes various activities, such as the symbolic lighting of torches, parades, and cultural performances, mainly in the city of Vlorë, where the Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed.

When: November | Where: Vlorë

So tell us, which festival in Albania will you head to first?

• A Guide To The Albanian Riviera
• Albania National Parks Guide
• List Of Things To Do In Albania
• Best Beaches In Albania
• Explore The City Of Tirana, Albania
• Castles In Albania
• Top Picks For Albania Accommodation
• Best Hotels In Saranda
• 21 Ideas On Where To Go In Albania
• Best Time To Go To Albania

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

• Ha & Pi
• Style Council
• Vende Tërheqëse

Festivali ndërkombëtar i filmit dhe fotografisë “Travel Fest Albania”

Një edicion i dytë i shumëpritur është në horizont, pas inaugurimit të suksesshëm të Travel Fest Albania. Edicioni i parë shfaqi 128 filma nga 42 vende në katër kinema gjatë një jave, duke kulmuar me prezantimin e 22 çmimeve për fituesit e merituar.

Në edicionin e ardhshëm nga 3-7 korrik 2023, Travel Fest Albania do të zgjerohet edhe më tej duke prezantuar një konkurs fotografie. Konkursi do të përfshijë tema të ndryshme si natyra, jeta e egër, alpinizmi, ngjitja, peizazhet, bota nënujore, biodiversiteti, flora, sportet ekstreme dhe aventureske, vendet historike, trashëgimia, ekspeditat dhe rrugët, ushqimi dhe pijet. Tema kryesore e ngjarjes do të jetë “Dedikuar Tokës”.

Përveç konkursit të filmit, festivali i këtij viti do të shfaqë një konkurs të zgjeruar fotografish me tema të ngjashme, duke përfshirë natyrën, jetën e egër, jetën e qytetit, peizazhet, botën nënujore, biodiversitetin, florën, vendet historike, trashëgiminë, ekspeditat dhe rrugët, ushqimin, dhe më shumë. Fotografitë magjepsëse do të ekspozohen pranë kinemave dhe do të vlerësohen nga një panel fotografësh profesionistë të nderuar.

Ne jemi të ngazëllyer të ftojmë kineastët dhe fotografët të marrin pjesë në këtë ngjarje të jashtëzakonshme. Bashkohuni me ne për një festë të Tokës dhe mrekullive të saj në Travel Fest Albania!

Stay in touch

“Tirana Street Food Festival”, javën e ardhshme vjen “parajsa” gastronomike në kryeqytet!

Albania dance meeting festival – edicioni i 18-të, mos mungoni, “festivali i rinisë 2023” një botë me mundësi për të rinjtë, “check-in fest” një fundjavë e mbushur me aktivitete dedikuar muzikës, kulturës dhe aventurës..

‘Më la tre fëmijë për të rritur dhe iku’, Julia rrëfen për herë të parë historinë e ndarjes me ish-bashkëshortin

‘Ishte studente e po shkonte për vizitë te tezja që do operohej’, flasin dëshmitarët e aksidenti ku humbi jetën 20-vjeçarja shqiptare në Greqi

Emri/ U përplas nga makina ndërsa po priste autobusin, kush është shqiptarja që humbi jetën

'E kisha neglizhuar prej kohësh', Veliaj falenderon mjekët që e operuan: Ky vend ka profesionistë plot dinjitet për t'i pasur zili e gjithë bota

Projekti/ Kjo do të jetë baza e re më e madhe e NATO-s në Europë! Me vlerë 2.3 miliardë dollarë dhe kapacitet për 10 mijë ushtarë

‘travel fest albania’, mbyllet me 22 çmime maratona e filmave që sollën botën në tiranë.

Pas një jave të maratonë, ku u shfaqën në tre kinema paralele në Tiranë mbi 120 filma , kushtuar udhëtimeve, natyrës,  mjedisit dhe turizmit, u mbyll mbrëmjen e së dielës edicioni i parë i "Travel fest Albania", me një ceremoni të veçantë , ku u ndërthur, emocioni i garës në ndarjen e 22 çmimeve për regjisorë nga e gjithë bota,  muzika e zgjedhur, por edhe mesazhet pikante të fituesve.

Pas një jave të maratonë, ku u shfaqën në tre kinema paralele në Tiranë mbi 120 filma, kushtuar udhëtimeve, natyrës, mjedisit dhe turizmit, u mbyll mbrëmjen e së dielës edicioni i parë i "Travel fest Albania", me një ceremoni të veçantë , ku u ndërthur, emocioni i garës në ndarjen e 22 çmimeve për regjisorë nga e gjithë bota,  muzika e zgjedhur, por edhe mesazhet pikante të fituesve.

Fituesi i çmimi të madh të festivalit, regjisori gjerman Oliver Goetzl me filmin e tij "Ujqërit e bardhë - Fantazmat e Arktikut", mori edhe dy trofe të tjera në kë festival si, çmimin e parë në kategorinë "NATURE & WILDLIFE" si dhe  çmimin si regjisori më i mirë i këtij festivali. Ai tha në një videomesazh dërguar menjëherë pasi u lajmërua për çmimet e fituara, se ishte i lumtur që filmi i tij pati impaktin e duhur tek publiku dhe juria. 

Filmi i tij "Ujqërit e bardhë - Fantazmat e Arktikut",  trajton një udhëtim plot emocione, në ndjekje të një tufe ujqërish në ishullin Ellesmere, në veriun e largët të Kanadasë, ndërsa ata luftojnë për të rritur të vegjlit e tyre në verën e shkurtër arktike. Epiqendra e dokumentarit është femra alfa e tufës, e cila  qëndron e fshehur në strofkën e saj dhe lind një brez të ri. Beteja më e madhe dhe thelbësore është ajo me kohën, pasi të vegjlit e saj duhet të rriten shpejt dhe ata kanë shumë për të mësuar nëse duan ti mbijetojnë dimrit të pamëshirshëm që po vjen.

LEXO EDHE: FOTOT/ Çmimet BAFTA, pamjet magjepsëse në tapetin e kuq, ja çfarë veshën yjet e kinematografisë

Në kategorinë "Adventure", u shpall fitues dokumentari "Uta- Ngjitja për Kosovën " i regjisorëve Jake Tupman dhe Jack Somerville, një dokumentar që trajton emocionet, forcën, pasionin dhe shembullin e një luftëtareje të paepur të jetës. Bëhet fjalë për  34-vjeçaren Uta Ibrahimi,  e  para nga Kosova që tentoi të ngjitet në malin Everest. Qëllimi i saj ishte të frymëzojë një gjeneratë të re të pasluftës në Kosovë që të largohet nga lufta dhe të ndihmojë në krijimin e një të ardhmeje më të mirë për vendin e tyre.

Uta, kishte dërguar në mbrëmjen e ndarjes së çmimeve , një video përshëndetëse nga malet e Sharrit, pasi ishte njoftuar për marrjen e këtij çmimi.

"Shpresoj që nëpërmjet filmit të kemi mbërri me inspiru gjeneratat e reja në Shqipëri dhe kudo nëpër botë",  tha ndër të tjera protagostja e këtij dokumentari Uta Ibrahimi.

Çmimin e audiencës e fitoi filmi "Kthim në Edenin e humbur"  i regjisorit Adriano Zeça, që trajton një udhëtim në dy kohë drejt një ishulli për të vëzhguar jetën e nëj komuniteti indigjen që ai i quan njerëzit e luleve.

Pratogonist ëhstë vetë regjisori i njohur italian , Adriano Zeça, i cili më 1969,  atëherë 24 vjeç, shkroi shënime të shkurtra në ditarin e tij të udhëtimit mbi aventurën e tij të pabesueshme në një nga vendet më misterioze dhe më pak të njohura në tokë. Kjo përvojë e jashtëzakonshme, e ndarë me një komunitet indigjen pothuajse të pandotur, shënoi fillimin e punës së tij për këtë dokumentar. Në korrik 2019, pas gjysmë shekulli udhëtimesh, reportazhesh dhe dokumentarësh, duke përmbushur një karrierë që e çoi në pjesët më të largëta të botës, regjisorit italian i mbetet një pyetje e tmerrshme nga e kaluara: Çfarë ndodhi me ishullin e vogël të Siberutit dhe me "njerëzit e luleve" që banojnë në të? Ky dokumentar është një përpjekje për t'iu përgjigjur kësaj pyetjeje, por, mbi të gjitha, është historia e një udhëtimi emocional  mbi kthimin dhe balancën ekzistenciale të një jete. 

Në kategorinë e filmit shqip u shpall fitues filmi "Sparks of Light" i regjisorit Burim Haliti, një film me mesazhe të rëndësishme, për forcën, energjinë dhe kreativitetin e një djali të jashtëzakonshëm, i cili edhe pse me aftësi të veçanta ia del të çajë në karrierë e ti marrë në dorë frenat e jetës së tij.

Regjisori Burim Haliti , një krijues me një varg çmimesh në karrierën e tij si kineast, tha se ky është çmimi i parë për filmin e tij të ri, dhe është një ogur i mirë për të si krijues por edhe për kauzën e mbështetjes për personat me aftësi ndryshe.

Një çmim i rëndësishëm i dhënë për një dokumentar të veçantë ishte edhe "Best script", me të cili u vlerësua skenari i dokumentarit belg  "Tandem Local" me regji të François Legrand. Dokumentari trajton sfidat e jashtëzakonshme të fermerëve, të cilët përpiqen me mish e me shpirt të ruajnë  traditën natyrën dhe të sigurojnë zinxhirin natyral ushqimor, sfidë kjo që i përball me qindra barriera të politikave moderne të globalizmit. 

Regjisori François Legrand i pranishëm në ceremoninë e ndarjes së çmimeve tha se "ky çmim shkon si mirënjohje për të gjithë fermerët e ndershëm në botë, që ashtu si protagponistët e dokumentarit të tij,  luftojnë çdo ditë për të mbrojtur tokën dhe jetën". 

Juria e " Travel Fest Albania" dha në finale të këtij edicioni të parë plot 22 çmime dhe u shprehën se prurjet cilësore të këtë  edicioni e bënë punën e jurisë mjaft të vështirë, në shumë raste, por filmat fitues në çdo kategori janë  me të vërtetë filmat më të bukur që mund t'i meritonin këto çmime. Ema Andrea dhe Lutfi Dervishi, si përfaqësues të jurisë së festivalit, rekomanduan një sërë filmash të vlerësuar me çmime, që nuk duhen humbur nga publiku. 

Travel Fest Albania u mbajt në Tiranë nga data 18 korrik deri me 24 korrik 2022, kur u ndanë edhe çmimet e fituesve nga e gjithë bota.  Gjatë kësaj jave plot emocione, në tre kinema të Tiranës u transmetuan mbi 120 filma të gjinive të ndryshme që lidhen me udhëtimin, turizmin dhe mjedisin.

Drejtori i këtij festivali Pandeli Çeço tha në fund të  ceremonisë së ndarjes së çmimeve se kjo sfidë e parë për të ishte e mbushur plot emocione të bukura dhe ende pa u shuar shkëlqimi mbrëmjes së madhe të çmimeve, për të, nis puna për edicionin e dytë të "Trafes Fest Albania" një edicion për të cilin ka shumë më tepër pritshmëri por edhe ide sfiduese.

"Travel fest Albania" u mbështet nga Bashkia e Tiranës, Ministria e Turizmit dhe Delegacioni i BE-së në Tiranë. përqafësuesit e këtyre institucioneve si, nënkryetari i bashkisë Andi Seferi, Hubert Perr nga delegacioni i BE-së dhe ministrja e Turizmit Mirela Kumbaro,  e vlerësuan  këtë iniciativë , që bashkon artin me turizmin e mjedisin, si një promovimi mirë i Shqipërisë në botë dhe si pjesë e aktivizimit në mbrojtje të mjedisit dhe natyrës. 

Lista e plotë e fituesve në 22 kategori në edicionin e parë të "Travel Fest Albania"

NATURE & WILDLIFE

White Wolves – Ghosts of The Arctic | Oliver Goetzl | Germany

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

The Whale from Lorino | Krzysztof Nowicki | Poland

DESTINATIONS

Serra da Lousã | Filipe Morato Gomes | Portugal

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Antica Trasversale Sicula – Il cammino della dea madre | Francesco Bocchieri | Italy

 ADVENTURE

Uta – The Climb for Kosovo | Jake Tupman, Jack Somerville | Kosovo

EXPEDITIONS & ROUTES

Red Route Home | Adam Lisý | Slovakia

FOOD & DRINK

Caffè e Vino – due mondi un documentario | Vincenzo Lamagna | Italy

TV & WEB SERIES

Dear Mama | Devin Luther, Charlie Taylor | United States

COMMERCIALS

Time for Thailand | Vladi Korn | Thailand

 DRONE

Awakening | Enrique Alexander Gracia Herrera | France

Red Wisdom | Hossein Moradizadeh | Iran

 ALBANIAN

Sparks of Light | Burim Haliti |

 Special Mention

Black Lagoon | Felipe Esparza | Peru

 Audience Award

Return to the lost Eden | Adriano Zecca | Switzerland

 Best Sound Designer

The Whale from Lorino | Krzysztof Nowicki |Poland

Best script

Tandem Local | François Legrand | Belgium

Best Cinematographer

Caged with Great White Sharks | Blane Henderson | United States

 Best Editor

 Best Director

 Best Film

• Oliver Goetzl
• TRAVEL FEST

KUJDES! Nuk do të publikohen komente që përmbajnë fjalë të pista, ofendime personale apo etiketime mbi baza fetare, krahinore, seksuale apo që shpërndajnë urrejtje. Në rast shkelje të rëndë të etikës, moderatorët e portalit mund të vendosin të bllokojnë autorin e komentit, të cilit do t'i ndalohet nga ai moment të komentojë te Shqiptarja.com

Qeveria rrit pagat e administratës, duhet të jenë prioritet edhe pensionet?

Lajme të tjera.

Lista e plotë e fituesve në BAFTA 2023, në vend të parë 'Asgjë e re nga fronti i Perëndimit'! Ja filmat që e pasojnë

‘Asgjë të Re nga Fronti i Perëndimit’ me 14 nominime për Çmimet BAFTA! ‘Kasaphana’ e Luftës së I Botërore shkruar nga Remark, korr sukses edhe në kinematografi

Se keni ndarë mendjen çfarë filmash të shihni? Ja disa sugjerime fantastike për të zgjeruar imagjinatën e për të forcuar humorin

Është seriali më i ndjekur në Netflix, pse të gjithë janë të fiksuar pas vrasësit serial Jeffrey Dahmer?

11 filmat më të mirë që duhet t’i ndiqni patjetër shtator

Edicioni i 94-të, filmi 'Coda' fitues i çmimit Oscar! Will Smith qëllon me shuplakë Chris Rock në mes të skenës

'Edi Luarasi mban lidhje me një armik', dokumentet që zbulojnë censurën e filmave në ’76-ën, shënimet e Ramiz Alisë e Hysni Kapos për aktoret: Këto vetë nuk kanë gjë, por burrat e tyre

Rep-pop/ Dita e dashurisë si nëpër filma, ja si të bëni një ‘movie night’ romantik me njeriun e zemrës

Suksesi i filmit ‘Zgjoi’ ‘rrëmben’ mbështetjen nga Qeveria e Kosovës, i mundësohen rreth 100 mijë euro

Ndërron jetë në moshën 70-vjeçare autori dhe regjisori i shumë filmave Vladimir Kasaj

Makina luksoze e filmit Cruella De Vil, e veçanta e mjetit që të gjithë e mbajmë mend nga filimi që i parapriu '101 dalmatëve'

Rep-pop/ Disiplinë, dedikim dhe sakrificë, ja disa prej aktorëve që ndryshuan plotësisht pamjen për një rol

Lajmi i fundit.

Shembet ballkoni ku po festonte fitoren, vdes zyrtari i opozitës në Turqi (VIDEO)

The best holidays in Albania – the Med’s budget secret

T here’s a good chance you’ve been to Greece . You may well even have thought about the current darling of the Adriatic, Montenegro , for your next beach break. But for those really looking to get ahead of the curve? It’s all about beautiful Albania, the unsung pearl of the Balkans. 

Sitting snugly between these aforementioned holiday hotspots on the shores of the Ionian Sea, Albania is beginning to draw international visitors with its blend of beguiling scenery, excellent cuisine and intriguing history.

Visitors willing to diverge a little from the well-beaten Mediterranean track are rewarded with a mosaic of cultural riches and natural beauty: from the Ottoman stone houses of Gjirokaster and unspoilt sands of the Albanian Riviera, to cutting-edge culinary culture in Tirana and whispers of ancient civilizations at the Unesco-listed Butrint Archaeological Park.

Getting there couldn’t be simpler, with direct flights to the capital, Tirana, running regularly from London, Manchester , Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh with Wizzair, Ryanair and British Airways . Flights come in under four hours from all UK airports, meaning Albania is ripe for both weekend city breaks and bigger adventures. 

Now all you need is a little inspiration, so we’ve picked ten thrilling ways to get under the skin of Europe’s latest holiday hotspot in the making – before this Balkan pearl is unsung no longer.

Hit the town in Tirana

Tirana, Albania’s dynamic capital, is making a name for itself as an off-beat urban escape. This is a city where rich – albeit sometimes unsettling – history converges with a distinctly youthful energy: step back to the communist era via bunkers-turned-museums Bunk’art 1 and 2 and the House of Leaves Museum of Secret Surveillance, set in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi state intelligence service, before hitting the lively cafes and stylish boutiques of the chic Blloku neighbourhood. 

A jaunt up nearby Mt Dajti on the Dajti Ekspres – the longest cableway in the Balkans – gives you an idea of the area’s impressive topography, while dinner at culinary hotspot Mullixhiu, set at the edge of the Grand Park, showcases a bounty of local produce.

Stay in style at The Plaza (00 355 422 112 21; plazatirana.com ), which has rooms from £125 per night.

Experience the European Galapagos

Why visit one country when you can tick two off the list, all in the space of one relaxing waterside break? One of Europe’s oldest and deepest inland bodies of water, Lake Ohrid straddles Albania and North Macedonia and is often referred to as the “European Galapagos”, thanks to its impressive biodiversity. 

Stroll the promenade or take a sweetwater dip at Pogradec and enjoy a boat ride at Drilon, before peeking over the border into North Macedonia and taking in the Byzantine St Naum Monastery. If time allows, follow the road round to the Unesco-protected town of Ohrid.

Lounge lakeside at Hotel Hymeti’s Palace (00 355 67 500 0800; hymetispalace.al ), where rooms start at £70 per night.

Discover Albania’s unsung cuisine

Drawing on the diverse produce of its varied landscape – think rustic, hearty fare in the northern mountains, and quintessential Mediterranean flavours along the riviera – and its history under numerous empires (perhaps most notably the Ottoman), Albania’s culinary culture will surprise and delight with every olive oil-laden mouthful. 

Savour national dish tave kosi (baked lamb and rice with yoghurt), pispili cornbread with leeks and scarlet fergese stew packed with tomatoes, peppers and generous helpings of feta, before sampling the fruits of the local terroir at one of Albania’s many up-and-coming vineyards (there are plenty of excellent options, but Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery makes a particularly good one-stop-shop intro to food and wine culture).

Dig into the best of Albanian gastronomy with Responsible Travel (01273 823 700; responsibletravel.com ), which has a seven-day Albanian food and wine tour from £1,200 per person.

Chase waterfalls in the Osumi Canyon and Vjosa River

Albania is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, particularly when it comes to aquatic activities. Beyond the watersports available at the pristine beaches that punctuate the Albanian Riviera, heading inland means river hiking or rafting in the Osumi Canyon – a deep 16-mile river gorge, dotted with waterfalls – and kayaking on the Vjosa River, dubbed Europe’s last truly wild river. 

And if you’d sooner explore the Osumi riverbed on foot than in a boat? Visit in the dry season between July and October.

Enjoy high-octane fun with Much Better Adventures (020 3966 7597; muchbetteradventures.com ), which offers a range of rafting, kayaking and hiking trips from £828 per person.

Hike the Albanian Alps

Swap Mont Blanc and Zermatt for the Albanian Alps, set in the country’s rugged north. Home to Albania’s finest hiking, this mountain range sees dramatic peaks melt into lush forests and deep valleys dotted with wildflowers. 

Don’t be put off by the area’s other moniker, the “Accursed Mountains”: the epic scenery is crisscrossed by varied trails, ensuring a happy holiday for all intrepid walkers of all abilities. The most popular trails run through the Valbona pass to the village of Theth – dubbed the most beautiful village in Albania.

Trek Balkan (00 383 49 601 007; trekbalkan.com ) has a six-day hiking tour from £640 per person, including local accommodation.

Mix ruins and relaxation

Holidaying in Albania’s far south means combining adventures in history with lazy beach days. Start by exploring Albania’s most extensive archaeological site, Butrint, marvelling at the way the ruins trace the settlement’s evolution as new occupants made their mark on the city. 

With traces of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans all in evidence, it’s easy to see why Butrint is often called the perfect microcosm of Mediterranean history. Ancient amphitheatre and agora duly investigated, take to your sunlounger on the nearby pure white sands of the Ksamil Islands: Albania’s answer to the Maldives, surrounded by inviting, crystal-clear waters.

Hop on the ferry from nearby Greek island Corfu to reach the Albanian seaside city of Sarande in 1.5 hours. Blue Eye Ksamil (00 355 693708250; blueeyehotel.al ) has doubles from £43 per night.

Delve into Ottoman history in Berat and Gjirokaster

During the communist era, much of Albania’s Ottoman architectural heritage was dismantled in favour of functional, often more stark, building design. The UNESCO-protected cities of Berat and Gjirokaster escaped this fate: Berat is known as the “city of a thousand windows” for its beautifully preserved Ottoman-era hillside houses, while Gjirokaster is crowned by its 12th-century castle and dubbed the “city of stone”, thanks to its slate-roofed stone houses. 

Journeying between the two cities by car generally takes less than three hours, with local buses providing a cheaper (if slightly slower) alternative.

Albanian Holidays ( albanianholidays.co.uk ) has the two-day Berat and Gjirokaster tour from £250 per person.

Road trip the Albanian Riviera

Skip St Tropez in favour of southwestern Albania’s very own riviera: a seemingly endless string of breathtaking bays between Vlore and Ksamil. 

Often cited as some of the country’s finest swimming spots, the beaches at Dhermi and Gjipe are the perfect setting for your first Ionian paddle. Here, near-radiant white pebbles are lapped by turquoise waters and backed by the dramatic Ceraunia Mountains, with Gjipe offering a taste of wilder Albanian beauty and Dhermi equipped with comfy loungers and seaside lunch spots. What’s more, Dhermi is touted as the holiday destination of choice for Albanian prime ministers. 

While you’re in the Sarande area, head inland to visit the Blue Eye – a breathtaking spring, shrouded in local legend and known for its deep underwater cave.

Take in unparalleled coastal views from Villa Filip (00 355 696247924; villafilip.business.site ) which has rooms from £30 per night.

Combine city and nature in Shkoder

The legend-rich Rozafa Fortress may well be Shkoder’s star attraction, but pottering past rows of pastel-coloured houses, enjoying cafe culture on charming Kole Idromeno Street and exploring the Marubi National Museum of Photography should all be draws to the city. In addition to its distinctly relaxed vibe, a remarkable feature is the large number of mosques and churches that pepper the cityscape. 

These buildings, and their close proximity, speak to the city’s high level of religious diversity (Shkoder is the centre of Catholicism in the Muslim-majority country) – perhaps best experienced by visiting the 19th-century St Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by the modern Ebu Beker Mosque. From here, head to the nearby village of Shiroka to go paddle boarding or kayaking on the eponymous lake, or tuck into fresh fish by the water.

Family-run Cocja Boutique Hotel (00 355 685383781; cocja.com ) has doubles from £66 per night.

Pedal through Albania

Prefer to travel on two wheels? Drawn by the striking coastal views of the Albanian Riviera, the challenging gradients of the Accursed Mountains, or the promise of simply pootling along by Lake Shkoder or Ohrid, cyclists are arriving in Albania in their droves each year. Many resorts have bike rental available, but for more extensive expeditions it’s worth exploring organised tour options.

Hit Albania’s highlights from the (dis)comfort of your saddle with Explore (01252391103; explore.co.uk ), which has an eight-day cycling tour from £1,179 per person.

Insider tips

• If you’re travelling to southern Albania, where Ksamil and Butrint are located, it’s worth looking at flights to the Greek island of Corfu rather than Tirana – Corfu Town is a mere 40km and an easy ferry ride away from the Albanian city of Sarande.
• Albania’s national currency is the Lek (with approximately 121 lek to the pound). You can’t exchange it outside of Albania, and euros are the best to bring if you want to exchange cash on arrival.
• Most major credit and debit cards are accepted in banks, larger supermarkets and international hotels, but smaller businesses and taxis may only accept cash.
• A cappuccino in a cafe in central Tirana will set you back in the region of 170 lek (£1.40), while you can sip on a Korca beer for 300 lek (£2.50).
• Tirana’s average high in July and August is 31C, so visit outside of high summer for a less sweaty city break. The average high in May is a comfortable 24C, for example.
• Among the cheapest ways to get around Albania is by furgon minibuses. Look for the sign announcing the final destination in the front window and be prepared for an adventure. Furgons are inexpensive and can be a lot of fun, but timetables can be on the unpredictable side.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Address: Tomi Kristo Str., No 15, A. 1, Tirana – Albania

Email: [email protected]

Asheville ranks high on list of best flower festivals in the world

ASHEVILLE - One of the best places to stop and smell the flowers is in Asheville, according to international travel agency, Planet Cruise.

Biltmore Blooms, a flower festival at Biltmore Estate, ranked No. 8 worldwide, based on search volume, social media mentions and sentiment, number of observed flower species at peak month, and the average daily sun hours and monthly rainfall.

The No. 1 ranked flower festival is the Tulip Festival in Amsterdam in The Netherlands, which has 85 locations of colorful tulips across the city including in public gardens and museums.

Biltmore Blooms received the most positive social media sentiment score at 91%. in Planet Cruise's research study. There were 590 searches and 6,840 social mentions reported for the flower festival.

In May, the peak month for blooms, 908 flower species were observed, and an average of 9.3 sun hours daily and 93 millimeters of rainfall monthly was measured, according to Planet Cruise.

This season, Biltmore Estate’s “Spring at Biltmore” features thousands of flowers including daffodils and tulips, and orange, purple, yellow, red and white bulbs are in the Walled Garden.

According to the estate, its founder George Vanderbilt was “fond of tulips as they paid tribute to his Dutch heritage.”

Biltmore’s gardens shift and change daily but guests may check Biltmore Director of Horticulture Bill Quade's weekly bloom report , updated on the estate's website.

Inside Biltmore House, the estate’s floral team has created floral décor in the theme of “Spring Romance” and recreated a large wedding bell and floral bouquet display in the Tapestry Gallery as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the springtime wedding of Cornelia Vanderbilt ― daughter of Biltmore’s founders George and Edith Vanderbilt ― and John F.A. Cecil in April 1924. According to Biltmore, the design is based on the room’s 1924 decor for the couple’s wedding breakfast.

On April 15, Biltmore House tours will offer a new self-guided audio tour with new stories about the Vanderbilt family, recorded in English with versions in Spanish, French, German and Mandarin Chinese available later this spring.

Guests may request an American Sign Language and descriptive audio tour for the visually impaired.

In March, Biltmore premiered its new special art exhibition, “Chihuly at Biltmore,” featuring artworks by globally renowned artist Dale Chihuly, open through Jan. 5 at Amherst at Deerpark on the estate.

For details about admission tickets, events, and overnight stays, visit Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

Planet Cruise’s Best Places in the World to See the Flowers Bloom in 2024:

• Tulip Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
• Calla Lily Festival, Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei, Taiwan.
• National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.
• Girona Flower Festival, Girona, Spain.
• Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa, Canada.
• Floralia Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.
• The Gardens of Versailles, Versailles, France.
• Biltmore Blooms, Asheville.
• Springhill, Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
• Infiorata Flower Carpet Festival, Noto, Italy.

See the full list at planetcruise.com .

Stories you may have missed:

• 'Chihuly at Biltmore' art exhibit opens with glass chandeliers, more at historic estate
• Handle with care: Dale Chihuly artist team moves new exhibit onto Biltmore Estate
• Asheville Orchid Festival will feature thousands of blooms at NC Arboretum
• Asheville restaurant named one of the most romantic places to dine in the U.S.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times .