Our recent expedition to Albania unveiled the enchanting charm of a country that masterfully blends rugged scenery with warm, family-oriented hospitality.
From the instant we touched down, the genuine kindness of the Albanian people embraced us.
At our cozy hotel in the scenic village of Qeparo, a cheerful local named Manuel welcomed our two-year-old son with open arms, spinning Finley into a lively game of chase that echoed with his joyful giggles.
The Allure of the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera, boasting breathtaking white pebble beaches and shimmering turquoise waters, set a stunning scene for our family getaway.
Yet, beyond the picturesque views, we found ourselves indulging in a culinary delight of locally sourced dishes.
What truly warmed our hearts was witnessing how joyfully our son was received; everywhere we went, he was celebrated, contrasting sharply with our previous trips when he was just a tiny baby.
Over our enriching three-week adventure, we explored UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trekked through the natural wonders of Butrint National Park, embarked on the world-renowned hike from Theth to Valbona, and immersed ourselves in the rich history and soothing thermal springs of Permet along the Vjosë River Valley.
As we ventured north into this captivating Balkan gem, we relished the unique atmosphere.
Instead of gravitating toward the typical sun-soaked tourist spots, we found ourselves enchanted by the earthy scent of rain and the distant rumblings of thunder that danced around the historic village of Theth.
The following day, an exciting 16-kilometer trek over the famed Valbona Pass awaited us, reputed as one of the finest hikes globally.
Eagerly, we set off on our adventure, arriving at a welcoming family-run guesthouse where local kids quickly befriended Finley, drawing him into their playful antics with an energetic puppy.
Unforgettable Steps through History
Sipping on a local Korca beer, we watched our son delight in his newfound friendships, his enthusiasm merging beautifully with the stories shared by weary hikers coming in from Valbona.
Morning broke, leading us to ascend a hillside adorned with majestic Norway Spruce trees, the forest’s earthy aroma wrapping around us like a comforting blanket.
The gentle sound of cowbells accompanied our hike, growing more exhilarating as the first breathtaking views of the Accursed Mountains came into focus.
We paused at a quaint café nestled in the hills.
Here, I encouraged Finley to stretch his legs after being in the backpack.
Armed with a hiking pole, he navigated the trail with enthusiasm.
Fellow hikers made way for his little feet, chuckling as he occasionally stumbled into a muddy puddle left by the previous night’s rain.
Once we arrived in Tirana, we were eager for further exploration.
After securing a rental car and cruising along newly paved roads, we discovered the historic city of Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” This picturesque site, rich with Byzantine charm, captivated us, especially the ancient Citadel of Berat, which transformed into an exhilarating playground for Finley as he gleefully climbed the cobblestone paths and examined the nearby Ottoman Mosque under the warm glow of the setting sun.
Our journey then led us to Permet, near the Greek border, where we treated ourselves to the soothing hot springs of the Vjosë Valley.
There, Finley delighted in crafting mud sculptures along the riverbank while we soaked in the rejuvenating waters, surrounded by stunning alabaster canyons.
Next on our adventure was the ‘Stone of the City,’ a significant local landmark.
Scaling a steep staircase to the remnants of a 4th-century fortress stirred our imaginations as we shared an ancient tale about its ruler, Premt.
Vigilantly, we kept an eye on our curious son as he explored the ruins.
Family Bonds and Lasting Memories
At Gjirokaster, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, we strolled through a mysterious sound tunnel that once served as a Cold War bunker beneath the grand Gjirokaster Fortress.
The castle became a lively playground for Finley, who dashed along the ramparts, his laughter echoing as he spotted ancient armory and played hide-and-seek among the preserved arches of this historic stronghold.
In Butrint National Park, the remnants of ancient civilizations captivated us.
Finley found joy in the community of cats living there, gently petting his furry companions while we soaked in the stunning views of the Adriatic.
While we longed to bask in the sun along Albania’s beautiful coastline, our son’s adventurous spirit led him to rediscover the ruins of a bygone era, each exploration imbued with rich history.
As our time in Albania drew to a close, we reflected on the distance we had traversed as a family.
Finley, who once approached the shoreline with caution, was now gleefully frolicking in the surf, embodying the joy of our unforgettable journey.
Our hearts swelled with appreciation for this beautiful country, leaving us with a strong promise of return etched in our minds.
Source: Euronews