The sundrenched riviera meets the crumbling remains of Greek, Roman and communist rule

Miredita! Welcome to Albania. This Eastern European country has a surprising lineage, and is steeped in the histories of many empires. It was a part of both Ancient Greek and Roman empires before it was Ottoman and then finally behind the iron curtain when it fell. Albania is undeniably beautiful, with incredibly biodiverse limestone mountains it’s a dream for hikers. Then there’s the coastline, with both rugged stretches and perfect sandy beaches upon which to stretch out. The capital, Tirana, has a definite buzz about it, and there are plenty of places to try stick-to-your-ribs Albanian cuisine, or the local rakia, a fruit brandy that flows freely throughout the Balkans. If you’re looking for somewhere welcoming and unexplored, VISIT ALBANIA!