2011’s tourism hotspots – The Independent suggests what to do in Albania

TIRANA, Feb. 1 – Albania, a former Eastern-bloc country rebranding itself “a new Mediterranean love,” is set to be one of the hottest destinations of 2011, Britain’s The Independent reports.
Named top of Lonely Planet’s “countries to visit in 2011” last year and an “emerging destination” by the Financial Times, the country offers low prices, a good climate and a rapidly-developing infrastructure.
Visitor numbers were up 42.5 percent for the first three quarters of 2009, the most recent figures published by Albania Tourism, and although the majority of visitors still come from neighboring states such as Kosovo, Albania is putting itself on the map.
The Financial Times lauded the country’s “quiet, affordable Mediterranean beaches” and rugged landscape, while Lonely Planet predicted “Albania won’t be off the beaten track for much longer.”
So what can this year’s tourists look forward to when planning a trip to Albania?
1. Dig. Albania has a long history dating back to the Illyrian, Greek and Roman civilizations and is fast becoming an archeological hotspot again after a lull at the end of Communist rule. Don’t miss learning about the history of Durres, which is built on top of the settlements of Epidamnos (or Dyrrachion).
2. Eat. Albania’s food reflects its geographic position, partly Mediterranean, partly Asian. Tav롫osi, the national dish, is baked lamb and rice, served with yogurt sauce (phenomenally popular in its own right in Albania).
3. Get outdoors. Albania has a stunning landscape, offering adventure in the mountains and relaxation on the beaches. Don’t miss Pogradec and Lake Ohri (on the Macedonian border), the 2.4 million-year-old lake protected by UNESCO for its biodiversity and harboring unique species covering the entire food chain.
4. Sunbathe. Both the Adriatic Coast and Ionian Coast offer beautiful, quiet beaches with warm temperatures, alongside towns with a rich cultural history.
5. Witness. Albania’s capital Tirana is a relatively young city (founded 1614) and is still going through a period of intense change from the collapse of Communism over 20 years ago. Infrastructure is improving and the city is being tidied up in an attempt to make it more European – its evolution is a reflection of the country’s development as a whole.