Albanian Adventure

I heard so many good things about Albania (= land of eagles); affordable, a great many natural beauties, and never been there before, therefore it seemed a perfect destination to spend the vacation with the kids there. Just three of us and individually organized, of course. Between 01-08/July, right after I finished my service at work. 

Good decision (both), we had a damn good time spent together and if we can say a holiday is „successful”, this was. We completely tailored to our needs, found everything, did everything what was worth. Interesting fact about the country: first in history, in 2025, an AI system was appointed as a minister here.

Day 1

We landed in the evening after only 1.5 hours flight and with 1 hour delay. We were the first ones who got the lagguages, found the nearby accomodation by foot easily. It was even better than expected, probably we got the best room of the hotel with gorgeous view and location.

 

Day 2

The following day in the morning I realized that my driving license was left home which is a must when renting a car. On Dominik’s suggestion I gave them a short call before we arrived and they assured me that it is not a tragedy. 

After breakfast we walked back to the airport Meet & Greet hall to meet the agent who led us to the place where we got our brand new (44 km) Dacia Sandero (for 175 EUR renting fee and 1200 EUR deposit). At the first patrol station the very well-informed gas station attendant asked me how is the life with the new prime minister? The toll was 0.8 EUR at the first gate, and at the second gate (which would have been more expensive) we were told „it is free, you can go”.

The whole drive from Tirana to Ksamil is approximately 4-5 hours and not very long in distance but low in speed. Our first stop was Vlore where we could first meet the sea and took a dip into and could eat delicious lunch (seafood). The second stop was a must-to-see spot, Llogara-pass with incredibly beautiful view from above. Then the rest of the trip was very slow, as on the beach serpentines the max speed allowed is 40 km/h. 

We arrived safe and sound late in the evening, right into the party zone. At first we found the hotel not so attractive, under expectation. The staff did not speak English, had problem by paying by card. It was just like, Nolen said, Hotel Dafodil in Mr Bean cartoon, ha-ha. Dominik said, it is impossible for everything to turn out always well.

Day 3

Next disappointment was the breakfast. It was not buffet style at all. With kids, it was a sore spot. Not buffet but a slip of paper and a pen on each table. You have to tick what you wanted to eat and they prepared in the background based on your request. Hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt, cornflakes…  Everyday is the same variety and two portions per head. This is called profit maximization and cost reduction – no waste. After breakfast we went to the shop to buy water then headed to the beach. No space for your own beach towel, you definitely have to pay a whole-day fee for the sunbed and umbrella (2000 LEK). The water was crystal clear but a bit port style. Nolen was in the water during the whole day, of course. So this is a famous beach called Bora Bora beach, right in front of our hotel; with crowd and high prices at lunch. Fuming and debate after beach as our empty refill plastic bottles was threw away by the cleaning staff. We took an evening walk and saw the sunset; crowd again but truly beautiful colours on the sky which threw new light upon the restaurant balconies.

Day 4

After the ’beautiful’ breakfast we jumped into the car to drive till the Blue Eye. This is a water spring and when seeing from above looks like the eye of a dragon. During the 45-min drive the beach view was replaced by mountain view. Then a river was flowing parallel and right next to us, on the same level with the road. After parking (300 LEK) and paying the entrance fee (50 LEK/p) we had to walk 20-25 minutes till the natural beauty (we also had the chance to approach by e-bike or by a little train). The water is crystal clear, 10°C, and people aren’t allowed to dip in. On our walkway back to the car we could drink freshly pressed 100% fruit content pure juices, smoothies. This fact itself is rejoiceful, but the way how we could do this is unique and even more welcomed. Some chairs and tables were simply placed in the cold river to rest the tired feet after the hike in the swelter. On our way home we stopped at Mirror Beach which is actually a beautiful bay and quite steep way goes there (parking 500 LEK). Although, Nolen had a sore sole (we carried him on our back from sunbed to the water and took turns with Dominik), he really enjoyed the huge waves and said „This is the best day of my life!” I ate the best seafood there, spoon the liquid with the shell, and was recommended to try the octopus salad next time. Also the music was chilling and not intrusive, melted into the nature. Bought thick-soled water shoes and waterproof plaster for Nolen, so that his sore sole does not shadow the upcoming days. We had dinner on our balcony which later was followed by loud music and fireworks from the party zone.

Day 5

We decided to try a public beach. The approach was a special and not dangerousless attraction. Really steep, narrow, rocky slope, seriously washed by water flow. So here down slowly, guardedly, playing with clutch smartly, taking the opposite traffic into account. As there were no sunbeds and umbrellas, we finished quite quickly and had rest at the hotel. We wanted to spend the golden hour at Lekuresi Castle where it was said it worth. We arrived in time, even had table, ordered a pizza, drank rose lemonade. Later people were hanging from everywhere throughout the castle wall.

Day 6

Only from 10-min drive from our hotel an UNESCO World Heritage site was found: Butrint. Parking was a challenge but smartly solved. Entrance fee 1000 LEK/p. Ancient ruins, taking photos (kids were in photographing mood) then lunch with cats. The second part of the day, as testing another beach but want something good, Dominik found Laguna Beach. Close to our base, four-posted sunbed for 3000 LEK, water jumping track int he water for free. The beach guy Busi approached Dominik and told him to write a Google comment with good rating. Last day in Ksamil.

Day 7

Going back to Tirana. Asked ChatGPT what to see and where to stop during the 4-hour drive. This way we found the beautiful, unpeopled Brajant with its cool river and giant rocks and did river rotting, i.e. let our bodies to flow with the stream – picturesque background was provided by the massive bridge above. Next stop was a monastery, approachable on curly wooden planks in the water. It would have been good to see some flamingos there as it was said but no flamingo wanted to meet us then and there. Our very last accomodation was located in the nearby of the airport. Dominik had a separate room.

Day 8

We had almost a full day in the capital. Tried the chairlift and after we parked nearby of the main square. We finally could park in a narrow street right in front of some weaponed men who were guarding a house. Ate ice cream, bought some nectarine for the flight back, tried Burger King and found some cute baby burgers for Nolen. Then petrol station, car rental office, airport. On time, everything was awesome.

This is the end of the Albanian story, of a successful vacation, satisfying everyone’s needs.

Interesting fact: I was struggling with my right knee just before travel, which did not hurt but was swollen. I spent hours at traumatology and emergency with no result. I was sent from one place to another and nobody knew the what was it and how to heal it. My dad said before travel that the sea cure it. See a miracle! It did. My knee got smaller day by day and by the time we arrived home, it regained its original form. 

Funny golden saying from Nolen: the hotel staff could not resist picking Nolen's face which happened more times. I asked him if it is OK and whether not hurts but he said " I can bear it, I'm doing judo". :-)