Gjirokaster - Albania Most Beautiful Unesco Town, Gjirokaster, Albania

Traveling along the southern coast of Albania literally made my jaw drop. I had not expected at all what I was going to see. Paradise, completely unspoiled beaches, clearest sea possible, superb food and accommodation at ridiculously low prices, friendliest locals I'd ever met... I thought nothing else was able to surprise me. Then, we reached Gjirokaster - a little Ottoman town which turned out to be breathtakingly unique not only in Albania but in the whole Europe. It could easily compete with the French or Italian equivalents - in Gjirokaster you'll see the most beautifully decorated houses covered with original stone roof tiles, authentic, perfectly well maintained old town with cobblestone, winding little streets and... literally zero tourists!

Gjirokaster is only 1 hour drive (55 km/35 miles) from the port of Sarande (which is in my opinion the easiest way to enter Albania - much better than from the chaotic roads in the north). After relaxing on white sand beaches of Ksamil (best visited in June or September due to crowds in the season), admiring the indescribable, crystal clear fresh water spring and lake Blue Eye and the ancient ruins of Butrint - it's easy to get to charming Gjirokaster by bus/mini bus from Sarande - there are around 8 daily. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).