About Albania Albania
Area : 28.748 sq. km. Population: 3.500.000 Local time : GTM +1 ( GTM+2 between the end of April and the end of October ) Capital : Tirana ( population 553.435 ) Language : Albanian ( part of Indo – Europian family) Political System : Parlamentary Republic Religion : Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic Airport : Rinas ( Mother Teresa) Railways : 447 km
Geography and Borders
Albania situated on a border with Montenegro and Kosovo to the North and North East, FYR Macedonia to the East and Greece to the South. It is washed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas to the West and separated from Italy through the straight of Otranto, of 82 km. Albania surprises the tourists with the diversity of its landscapes, which change quickly and dramatically. Landscapes range from typical Mediterranean in West and South West , to mixed landscapes in central area, to steep mountains in the inner part of country. On the beautiful coast virgin and fine sandy and pebble beaches are to be found. The country is jeweled with plenty of beautiful inland lakes, natural lagoons, reserves, hunting grounds and SPA.
Clime
Albania has Mediterranean climate bescause of its muontainous character and broken relief , the climate varies throughuot the country. Albania is characterized by hot and dry summers, with bright sunny days and generally mild winters with abundant rainfalls. In Albanian Alps,in the northern part, the winters are cold and summers chilly. Normally the period from June to September is characterized by hot and sunny whether, while from October to May the weather is cool and wet. Notwithstanding that Albanian beauty can be appreciated around the year the best months to visit Albania are April, May and June as well as the period from mid-October. Required clothing : light clothing in summer and warm clothing in winter.
Currency
The banknotes are in denominations of Lek 5000, 1000, 500, 200, and 100. Coins are in denominations 50, 20, 10 and 5 Lek.Currency Exchange : Many exchange bureaux will change foreign currency, but Banks offer the best exchange rates about 138 Leke per 1 Euro and 100 Leke per 1 US Dollar with slight variations
Local Time
GTM 1 ( GTM +2 between the end of April and the end of October)Postal and Communication Services
Country code: ++355City Codes are : Tirana 4, Durres 52, Elbasan 54, Shkodra 22, Gjirokaster 84, Korca 82, Vlora 33, Berat 32, Fier 34, Kavaje 574, Pogradec 832, Kukes 242, Kruje 511. Central post offices operate in Tirana , Durres and other cities performing a very fast service between Albania and other countries. The majority of accommodations have telecommunication services. How to come in Albania
• By Air • By Sea • By Road
Cities of Interest
• Apollonia • Berat • Butrinti • Durres • Gjirokastra • Korca • Kruja • Pogradec • Saranda • Shkodra • Tirana • Vlora • Bajram Curri
Archeological Cities
• Apollonia • Butrinti • Antigonea • Bylis
Natural Resources
• National Park of Lura • National Park of Llogara • National Park of "pisha e Divjakes" • Mount Dajti National Park • National Park of Thethi • National Park of "Lugina e Valbones" • Balcanic Park of Prespa • Blue Eye
Customs
All personal items, new or old may be taken in Albania without incurring custom duties. A reasonable amount of tobacco , beverages and perfumes for personal use is allowed.
Prohibited items: Firearms, ammunition, narcotics, drugs and goods jeopardizing the observance of public order and social security.
Special exports permits are required for precious metals, ancient coins and scroll, antiques, books and works of art , which are considered to be part of national culture and heritage
Destination in KM
Durres - Rrogozhine 34 km
Durres - Lushnje 49 km
Durres - Fier 78 km
Durres - Mallakaster 104 km
Durres - Tepelene 163 km
Durres - Gjirokaster 190 km
Durres - Kakavia 230 km
Durres - Igumenitca 350 km
Igumenitca – Kufi(Q.Bode)40 km
Kufi (Q.Bode)- Butrint 20 km
Butrint - Sarande 20 km
Saranda - Borsh 35 km
Borsh - Himara 18 km
Himar - Dhermi 22 km
Dhermi - Vlora 52 km
Vlora - Fier 33 km
Fier - Lushnje 15 km
Lushnje - Tirane 95 km
Tirane - Durres 39 km
Tirane - Kruje 39 km
Public Holidays
January 1&2 New Year’s Day
March 14 Summer Day
March 22 Nevruz Day
March 23 Easter Catholic
April 27 Easter Orthodox
May 01 Labor Day
September 30 Last day of Ramadan
October 19 The Beatification Day of Mother Teresa
November 28 Independence Day
November 29 Liberation Day
December 08 The day of Curban Bajram
December 25 Christmas Day