Day 688 - Tirana, Albania

EuropeAlbania
Written By Chip Walter

Passing Through a Busy Metropolis on the Way to Corfu

Atlases on Display in the Jumbo Store.

Tirana, the Albanian Capital is a big city and a busy place, moving fast out of the Soviet era into 21st-century capitalism. We only spent the night there but we got the vibe as we walked through the big mall that had just been built nearby and stayed in its modern hotel, the Metro. The service was terrific and the people are extremely nice. The bus ride that got us there was pleasant as we crossed from the Adriatic coast through rugged mountains and broad farmlands.

The next morning after breakfast, an excellent one in the hotel, we caught a cab and headed into utter mayhem to Tirana’s other bus station, which was NOT modern and had not yet moved out of the 19th let alone 20th century. Somehow, we managed to find the right bus and began a long back breaking journey to Sarande, Albania, where we picked up a ferry at Sunset to Corfu.

Recommendations

If you’re setting out for the Balkans and Adriatic Regions of Europe, please consider some of these recommendations.

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Guesthouse Imperator
Guesthouse Imperator

A great place located just next to Split’s Old Town with walking access to Croatia’s unique heritage, including Diocletian’s Palace and St. Domnius Cathedral. Visitors will also find excellent shopping and dining nearby.

Emilana’s Gelato
Emilana’s Gelato

“Gelateria Emiliana is a small ice cream shop selling Italian-style gelato, both denser and richer than the usual run-of-the-mill ice cream on sale in the generic ice cream shops. The interior is pretty, the location even more so, but what really sets Emiliana apart is its palette of tastes  dominated by fresh and nuanced tastes of their gelato. Whether you are in for something fruity, something nutty or just or classic chocolate,, Gelateria Emiliana has it all. Don’t forget to drop by and give them a taste while you roam the mazy streets of Split’s Old Town.”

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Restaurant
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Restaurant

“Evoking by name the spirit of Barcelona’s world famous La Boqueria market, Bokeria is one of the first establishments in the city that had combined the experience of a restaurant together with that of a wine-bar. It boasts of a spectacular interior design that makes it one of the most recognizable places in the city. The food at offer is seasonal, best described as Bokeria’s own modern take on the pan-Mediterranean cuisine. The extensive wine lists promises a good time even if you just visit the place for some fine Dalmatian wine and tapas.”

Chip Walter
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Day 686 - Kotor, Montenegro