Albania - A Cultural Walking Holiday Through History, Landscapes and Flavours

Albania: A Cultural Walking Holiday Through History, Landscapes, and Flavours

Albania, a hidden gem on the Balkan Peninsula, is rapidly gaining recognition as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking unspoilt landscapes, rich history, and authentic experiences.

On our 15-day Albania walking tour, we’ll take you on a journey through ancient cities, picturesque mountain villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, all while enjoying leisurely walks and sampling the region’s best food and wine. This is more than just a walking holiday – it’s an immersion into Albania’s fascinating past and dynamic culture.

Albania's Hidden History

We love to walk and are always looking for different destinations to explore, so Albania was an obvious choice for a Kudu tour when we first visited 11 years ago. We have been taking our guests there ever since. When we first told people where we were going, reactions ranged from bemused expressions of ‘why’ or ‘where is that’ to ‘wow, that is somewhere I want to go’! The wonders of Albania have been a fairly well-kept secret that is only just becoming a truly original tour.

For much of the 20th century, Albania was hidden behind the Iron Curtain, isolated from the rest of the world under communist rule. When communism collapsed in the early 1990s, over a million Albanians emigrated in search of better opportunities abroad, leaving behind a country with a dramatically reduced workforce. As a result, development stagnated for years and Albania remained off the radar for many travellers. Today, however, this unspoilt country is opening up to the world and its unique blend of history, culture, and landscapes is waiting to be explored.

Albania’s intriguing history is a tapestry of ancient civilisations, medieval empires and a recent past shrouded in isolation. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads of cultures, from the Illyrians and Greeks to the Romans and Ottomans. After decades of seclusion under communist rule, Albania is now embracing its rich heritage and natural beauty, drawing curious travellers to its shores. With its rugged mountains, pristine coastlines, and ancient ruins, Albania is the perfect setting for a walking holiday that delves into the heart of this reawakening nation.

Walking in Albania

Albania is an emerging gem for walking holidays, offering a unique blend of nature, history, and culture that makes it an exceptional destination. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Tirana, with its eclectic mix of Ottoman and modern architecture, or hiking in the remote Albanian Alps, there’s a remarkable variety of experiences. The ancient cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, invite travellers to wander through their cobbled streets, while coastal walks along the Adriatic and Ionian shores showcase Albania's dramatic beauty. Highlights include guided tours through millennia-old ruins in Butrint and Apollonia, treks through lush national parks, and the serene, unspoiled Valbona Valley in the Albanian Alps, offering picturesque alpine scenery. As you traverse forest trails and high-altitude meadows, you'll be treated to an array of wildflowers including gentians, orchids, saxifrages, and globularias, adding vibrant colour to the breathtaking landscapes. This combination of historical exploration and scenic walks makes Albania a fantastic destination for those seeking a rich and varied walking holiday.

 

Albania’s Food and Wine

Albania’s history may be complex, but its food is simple, fresh, and deeply rooted in the land. As we travel through the country, you’ll discover a cuisine that blends Mediterranean and Balkan influences, creating dishes that are both comforting and full of flavour. Along the coast, freshly caught seafood is a staple – think grilled seabass drizzled with olive oil and lemon or tender octopus paired with crisp white wine. Inland, the hearty mountain fare is equally enticing, with dishes like tavë kosi, a baked lamb and yoghurt casserole and byrek, a flaky pastry filled with spinach, meat, or cheese.

Throughout the tour, we stop at family-run tavernas and rural restaurants, where you’ll taste the best of regional Albanian cuisine. A standout is fergese, a rich dish of peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese, often enjoyed alongside freshly baked bread. And no meal in Albania would be complete without a glass of raki, the country’s strong fruit brandy, often shared as a sign of hospitality.

Why Choose a Cultural Walking Holiday in Albania?

If you’re looking for a holiday that combines history, culture, scenic walks, and delicious food, Albania is the perfect destination. Our small group tour offers a unique opportunity to explore a country that has been hidden from the world for decades, but is now emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting travel destinations.

 Join us on our next departure and discover why Albania is fast becoming a must-visit for travellers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten track. For more information about our Walking Tour in Albania click here.