Albania General Information
Situated: Balkan Peninsula
Surface: 28 000 km²
Population: 3.2 million
Language: Albanian
Capital: Tirana
Albania is a country in the West of the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Montenegro and Kosovo in the North, Macedonia in the East, Greece in the South and South East and washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in the West and South West. Citizens of EU, North America, Japan, Australia etc. enter Albania without visa. The climate is Central Mediterranean in the coastal areas and Central Continental in the Alpine areas. Albania enjoys an average of 300 sunny days per year offering thus an opportunity for year round exploration. The language is Albanian a unique branch of Indo-European. The country can be reached from several major European capitals by taking a direct short flight through airlines, such us British Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Malev, Alitalia, Olimpic Airways, Turkish Airlines etc. There is also direct access by ferry from Bari, Ancona and Trieste to Durres, Brindisi to Vlora and Corfu to Saranda.
Nature
Being a Mediterranean country but with a very rugged and mountainous terrain Albania offers some of the most spectacular natural elements in the region. Dominant mountain peaks, wonderful valleys, glacier lakes, beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking canyons and pristine coastal areas, wait to be discovered. Albania offers the perfect combination of nature, history and traditions for exciting experiences and enjoyable events.
History & Culture
Albania still remains today probably one the least discovered countries in Europe. This is due to a troubled past history starting with the formidable Illyrians, influenced by the glorious Greek and Roman civilizations, followed by a 5 century long Ottoman occupation and ending with probably the hardest communist regime in the world for nearly 50 years. Yet Albanians are a people full of vitality that not only survived against all odds, but also managed to retain their unique culture.
Traditions
Forced by fate to coexist with different civilizations, adding to it their Mediterranean passion and strong Balkan character, Albanians have created a unique blend of traditions. This is reflected in the variety of the folk elements, legends, costumes, cuisine, family events etc. While some more unique elements survive like: the language, polyphonic songs, the “besa” (Albanian oath) and hospitality, one of the most precious Albanian traditions. We observe that these authentic traditions remain stoically genuine despite an increasing pressure to commercialize them and we are ready to demonstrate it by being the perfect Albanian host to you.
Hotels – Accommodation
Hotels offer modern design, comfort, and latest conference technology and meeting facilities. Marled Travel & Events works in partnership with a selection of the best hotels and can offer you the conditions and support for the organization of the perfect event.
Restaurants – Cuisine
Albanian Cuisine can be described as an evolved mix of old and new Mediterranean recipes. Due to the country having been under different influences, it is only understandable that Albanian cuisine itself would not escape being influenced either. Hence the result is a delicious combination of Turkish, Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, combined of course with authentic Albanian elements. Furthermore almost all Albanian local products are organic, as a result they taste very natural and fresh something being lost in many countries. To be able to experience this culinary tradition we work with carefully selected restaurants for the perfect food feast.