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Red Corner: Albania and Montenegro Advice

by Neil Woodburn (RSS feed) on May 15th 2006 at 12:29PM

I'll be leaving in a few weeks to tour through popular Croatia, less popular Montenegro, and virtually unvisited Albania. While I've come across many guidebooks and suggestions for Croatia, the other two countries are remote enough that very little travel literature exists for those who venture this far.

So, I am appealing to the masses. Has anyone out there been to Montenegro or Albania recently and do you have any recommendations for me?

The first clown who writes "don't go" will be duly ignored.

Thanks!

Filed under: Albania, Serbia, Red Corner

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ed May 15th 2006 3:33PM

Never been in Montenegro.
Albania is nice, despite what you hear in the media. The overall ignorance that exists today in the media regarding the situation there, is the result of the 50 years of the Albania's self-isolation.
However, today's Albania is a new country and very soon it will be a popular tourist destination.
My advise, if you visit it now you may still enjoy the unspoiled beaches and natural wonders, before it is too late.
I would recommend mostly the southern part of Albania, such as the cities of Berat, Gjirokaster, Saranda and Butrint.
Tirana is the capital and the major city in Albania, it will be interesting to visit it and see the capitalist system in progress...
Regarding the safety, I would let you know this:
My wife and son are in Albania now for a visit, meanwhile I am still here in the US.

Emrah Dincer May 16th 2006 2:53AM

Dont skip macedonia if you intend to go to albania and montenegro. The lake on the border of two countries and the island on it are great.

And remember trying Elbasan tava in the city of Elbasan in Albania. Delicious :)

Duska May 16th 2006 8:43AM

Montenegro - I`m 30 years old and I have spent half of my holidays at Montengrian coast. I`m not going to tell you that it is beautifull or things like that but I will tell you following: what you have to visit is town Budva - centar of Montenegro coast new part of the town and the Old town it is worth seeing, also Milocer beach just next to the Old town!! Also visit Herceg Novi it is close to the Croatian border and also has an Old town which is famous by its many number of stairs, every year there is held a Mimosa festival...And last but not the least OSTROG Monestrey - which is not on the coast (if I have to compare I would compare it with Meteora - Greece) you will be left breathless...

Neil May 16th 2006 12:18PM

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far! Keep 'em coming!

ben May 18th 2006 10:33PM

We're going in Oct to Croatia... any chance you can do a post with your findings?

Neil May 18th 2006 11:53PM

Of course!

rezi May 26th 2006 12:19PM

Happy travel. In Montenegro I would recoment you visit Podgorica- it's a fascinating city- it has a modern/upscale part and an older- classic type if you like.
Corner eateries are the best.

In Albania, do not forget to visit "Syri i Kalter"- is a beautiful spot near Saranda (translates to 'blue eye") it's like an enchanted forest and crystal clear water that comed from nowhere (underground river that found an opening in the forest)_ Do not be scared of the ongoing build ups in one part of the forest as is part of an initiative to bottle spring water frm there.
Make sure to visit the castles of Berat and Kruja- you'll be marvelled.
If it's a beach you're looking for, I would not recommend Durres or Vlora as too crowded and expensive. Try to visit Himara and Jala- very beautiful, partly on the rocky sand beach.