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Tirana, Albania
After grabbing a very nice breakfast at one of the cafes on the main square in
the centre of Korça’s bazaar, we hit the road again. Our drive today would take
us along the shores of Lake Ohrid on the Albanian side and through the city of
Elbasan. Our final destination was Tirana, where we would drop off our car and
end our seven-day road trip around Albania.
- Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi Skënderbej)
- Parku Rinia
- Bunk'Art 2
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Korča, Albania
After our misadventures the day beforehand, we were keen to get on the road
early. So we cut our explorations of Përmet very short and hopped in the car
shortly after checkout at 10 a.m. Fortunately though, the road between Përmet
and Korça was in reasonably good condition for the entire journey, save for the
usual Albanian potholes. And the scenery on this particular leg of the journey
completely blew me away. We drove along quiet winding roads amidst lush
tree-covered hills and craggy snow-capped mountain peaks, we passed through tiny
farming villages and vast forests, and the sound of flowing water – whether it
be from a nearby waterfall or stream or from the Vjosa river or one of its
tributaries – was never far away.
- The Cathedral Christ Resurrection
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Berat, Albania
Seeing as though we’d missed out on visiting Butrint, we were keen to drop by
the ancient Illyiran city of Apollonia on route to Berat. Although I use the
term ‘drop by’ very loosely, because it was a very long drive down a very bad
road to get there. We didn’t see a single other vehicle after turning off the
SH8 at Levan, and we had the pick of car parking spaces when we arrived. Founded
by the Greeks in 588 B.C, Apollonia was once a significant trading port and
cultural centre for about 50,000 people. However, an earthquake in the third
century A.D caused the city to fall into decline. It was re-discovered in the
early 19th century and first excavated by the French Archeologist Léon Rey
between 1924 and 1938. But, 80 years later, it is estimated that a large chunk
of the site (around 90%) still remains uncovered. What has been uncovered is
pretty impressive though – especially Apollo’s Temple and the Odeon Theatre.
- Castle Park
- National Iconographic Museum "Onufri"
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Vlorë, Albania