10 fascinating facts about Albania that will surprise you

10 facts about Albania you may not know

Try to see how many of these facts you already know, and how many will surprise you!

1. Albanians call their country "Shqipëria"
Albania is not a local name. Albanians call their country "Shqipëria", which means "Land of Eagles". This symbol also appears on the national flag.

2. Albania has been isolated from the world for decades
From the end of World War II until 1991, Albania was one of the most isolated countries in the world under the leadership of communist dictator Enver Hoxha.

3. More bunkers than houses
There are more than 170,000 bunkers in Albania that were built during the communist era as a defense against a non-existent invasion. Today, these bunkers are used as cafes, galleries or tourist attractions.

These bunkers are now used as cafes, galleries or tourist attractions.

4. Albania has two official religions
Albania is one of the few countries where Islam and Christianity are considered equal religions. The country is known for its religious tolerance, and most of the population identifies itself as rather secular.

5. Albania's coastline is one of the most beautiful in Europe
Albania has over 450 km of coastline, including beautiful beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Places like Ksamil, Dhermi and Saranda are often compared to the Greek islands, but at a fraction of the price.

6. "Gjirokastër" and "Berat" are UNESCO cities
The cities of Gjirokastër and Berat are UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their historic architecture and well-preserved Ottoman houses.

7. Albania is home to the largest natural lake in the Balkans
Lake Skadar, shared with Montenegro, is the largest lake in the Balkans. It is a paradise for birds and a nature reserve for nature lovers.

8. Albanians have unique gestures for yes and no
Unlike most of the world, a nod of the head means "no" and a shake of the head means "yes". It is important to know this to avoid misunderstandings.

9. Albania's highest mountain reaches more than 2,700 metres
The highest peak, Korab, rises to 2,764 metres and lies on the border with Macedonia. Albania is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts.

10. Albania is a cheap but luxurious destination
Prices in Albania are much lower than in other European countries, but the quality of service, accommodation and gastronomic experiences is of a high standard. An ideal destination for travellers who want to experience luxury at a reasonable price.

How many of these facts did you already know? If any of them caught your eye, share your impressions with us!