Expatriates Forums in Albania

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN ALBANIA / ALBANIA HOTEL GUIDE

Albania Info — Fri May 04, 2007 9:30 am

Author: Albania Info

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 9:30 am

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN ALBANIA

Chateau Linza
Qesarake,
Komuna & Dajtit,
Tirana
Phone: +355 4 228-758/ 362-906
Fax: +355 4 362-913/ 346-923
Website: www.chateaulinza.com

Rogner Hotel Europapark
Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit,
Tirana
Phone: +355 4 235-035
Fax: +355 4 235-050
Email: info@tirana.rogner.com
Website: www.hotel-europapark.com , www.tirana.rogner.com

Sheraton Tirana Hotel & Towers
Sheshi Italia,
Tirana
Phone: +355 4 274-707
Fax: +355 4 274-711/ 274-680
Email: reservation.tirana@sheraton.com
Website: www.sheratontirana.com

Tirana International Hotel & Conference Centre
Skenderbeg Square 8,
Tirana
Tel: +355 4 234-185
Fax: +355 4 234-188
Email: hotel@tirana-international.com

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN ALBANIA / EMBASSIES IN ALBANIA

Albania Info — Fri May 04, 2007 9:18 am

Author: Albania Info

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 9:18 am

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN ALBANIA

AUSTRIA
Embassy of Austria
Rr. Frederik Shiroka Nr. 3,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 233-144/ 157
Fax: (+355) 4 233-140
Email: tirana-ob@bmaa.gv.at

BELGIUM
Consulate of Belgium
L. 13, Rr. Dhimiter Kraja,
Dürres
Phone: (+355) 68 202-4156/ 52 23-630
Fax: (+355) 52 60-760/ 22-320
Email: consubelalb@hotmail.com

BULGARIA
Embassy of Bulgaria
Rr. Skenderbeu Nr. 12,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 232-906/ 233-155
Fax: (+355) 4 233-272
Email: bgemb@icc.al.eu.org
Website: www.bulgaria.bg/Europe/Tirana

CANADA
Consulate of Canada
Rr. Bulevardi Shan d'Ark,
Kulla Teknoprojekt Nr. 2, Ap.1,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 257-274/ 5
Fax: (+355) 4 257-073/ 273
Email: canadaalb@canada.gov.al

CHINA
Embassy of China
Skenderbeu Str. 57,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 232-385
Fax: (+355) 4 233-159
Email: chinaemb_al@mfa.gov.cn , chem@adanet.com.al

CROATIA
Embassy of Croatia
Rr. A. Toptani,
"Torre Drin" Building 4,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 256-948
Fax: (+355) 4 230-578
Email: croembassy@interalb.net , croembassy@albaniaonline.net

CZECH REPUBLIC
Embassy of the Czech Republic
Rr. Skenderbeu Nr. 10,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 234-004/ 232-117
Fax: (+355) 4 232-159
Email: tirana@embassy.mzv.cz , tiranaczemb@albaniaonline.com
Website: www.mzv.cz/tirana

DENMARK
Royal Embassy of Denmark
Rr. Nikolla Tupe No. 1,
4th Floor, Apt. 4,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 257-422/ 3/ 4
Fax: (+355) 4 257-420
Email: tiaamb@um.dk
Website: www.ambtirana.um.dk

EGYPT
Embassy of Egypt
Rr. Skenderbeu Nr. 43,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 233-022/ 247-986
Fax: (+355) 4 232-295
Email: egyemb@albaniaonline.net

FRANCE
Embassy of France
Rr. Skenderbeu Nr. 14,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 234-054/ 250
Fax: (+355) 4 234-442
Email: ambfrtir@mail.adanet.com.al

GERMANY
Embassy of Germany
Rr. Skènderbeu Nr. 8,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 274-505
Fax: (+355) 4 233-497
Email: german.embassy@icc.al.eu.org

GREECE
Embassy of Greece
Rr. Frederik Shiroka Nr. 3,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 223-959/ 247-897
Fax: (+355) 4 234-140
Email: gremb.tir@mfa.gr
Website: www.greekembassy.al

HUNGARY
Embassy of Hungary
Rr. Skenderbeu Nr. 16,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 232-238/ 234-903
Fax: (+355) 4 233-211
Email: huembtia@interalb.net

ITALY
Embassy of Italy
Rr. Lek Dukagjini, Nr. 2,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 234-045/ 6
Fax: (+355) 4 250-921
Email: segreteria@ambitalia-tirana.com
Website: www.ambitalia-tirana.com

JAPAN
Consulate of Japan
Blvd.”Zogu i I”,
Tirana Business Centre, Nr. 1,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 256-296/ 7 (ext. 101)
Email: bdida@yahoo.com

NETHERLANDS
Royal Embassy of the Netherlands
Rr. Asim Zeneli, Nr. 10,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 240-828/ 9
Fax: (+355) 4 232-723
Email: tir@minbuza.nl
Website: www.netherlandsembassytirana.com

NORWAY
Royal Embassy of Norway
Deshmoret e 4 Shkurtit,
Sky Tower, No. 5, 5th Floor,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 256-923
Fax: (+355) 4 221-507
Email: emb.tia@mfa.no
Website: www.norvegji.org

POLAND
Embassy of Poland
Durrësi Street 123,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 234-190
Fax: (+355) 4 233-364/ 247
Email: polemb@albaniaonline.net

ROMANIA
Embassy of Romania
Themistokli Gërmenji Street 1,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 256-071/ 2
Fax: (+355) 4 256-072
Email: roemb@adanet.com.al

RUSSIA
Embassy of Russia
Asim Zeneli Street 5,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 256-040
Fax: (+355) 4 256-046
Email: rusemb@icc.al.eu.org

SERBIA
Embassy of Serbia
Skenderbeu Building 8/3-II,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 232-091/ 223-042
Fax: (+355) 4 232-089
Email: ambatira@icc-al.org

SOUTH KOREA
Consulate of South Korea
Rru. e Kavajes Nr. 118,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 259-023
Fax: (+355) 4 233-650/ 259-550

SPAIN
Consulate of Spain
Mine Peza Street No. 2/5/34,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 237658/ 224-693
Fax: (+355) 4 224-693
Email: skendervucini@hotmail.com

SWEDEN
Royal Consulate General of Sweden
Rr. Qamil Guranjaku,
Pall. 12 Katesh
Shk 2, Ap 5 C,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 347-524
Fax: (+355) 4 347-525
Email: atlascopco@icc-al.org

SWITZERLAND
Embassy of Switzerland
Rr, e Elbasanit 81,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 234-888
Fax: (+355) 4 234-889
Email: vertretung@tir.rep.admin.ch

TURKEY
Embassy of Turkey
Kavaja Street 31,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 274-588
Fax: (+355) 4 232-719
Email: turkishembassy@albaniaonline.net

UKRAINE
Consulate of Ukraine
Punetoret Relentgs 42,
1st Floor, P.I.3,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 273-389
Fax: (+355) 4 273-389
Email: office@ukreons.org.al

UK
Embassy of United Kingdom
Rr. Skenderbeu Nr. 12,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 234-973/ 4/ 5
Fax: (+355) 4 247-697
Website: www.uk.al

USA
Embassy of United States
Rr. Elbasanit Nr. 103,
Tirana
Phone: (+355) 4 247-285
Fax: (+355) 4 232-222
Website: www.usemb-tirana.rpo.at

GETTING AROUND IN ALBANIA / ALBANIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

Albania Info — Fri May 04, 2007 7:28 am

Author: Albania Info

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 7:28 am

GETTING AROUND IN ALBANIA

BY RAIL

Trains are diesel, dilapidated and mostly overcrowded. Services operate from Tirana to Shkodra, Vlora, Fier, Ballsh and Pogradec. There are long-term plans to build railways connecting Pogradec with Kicevo (Macedonia, FYR) and Florina (Greece). If you do go anywhere by train, expect an extremely uncomfortable ride, and strange looks from your fellow passengers!

BY ROAD

Bus

This is the main form of transport within Albania. Most people in Albania travel by private minibusses (called the "furgons") and they depart quite frequently to destinations around Albania. These furgons have no timetable (they depart when they are full). Also ask around for the directions and to where you can get these minibuses.

From Tirana, many furgons a day depart to Shkoder, Durres and Berat. Furgons departing to the south like Gjirokastra or Saranda tends to depart fairly early in the morning. These furgons are fairly comfortable and is quite a fast alternative to travel.

The main routes from Shkodra, Korça, Saranda, Gjirokastra, Peshkopia and Durres to Tirana are operated by private bus companies.

Busses are more comfortable and cheaper, but they are less frequent.

Car

There are around 18,000km (11,250 miles) of roads in Albania, but only 7450km (4656 miles) are considered main roads. Maintained by the State, they are supposed to be suitable for motor vehicles, although only 2850km (1781 miles) are paved and, of those, three-quarters are in very poor condition, with numerous potholes: 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. There are strict speed limits according to type of vehicle and type of road as well as within towns. International road signs apply. Traffic drives on the right. Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution when driving, owing to the poor condition of the roads and the unpredictability of local drivers. Night-time driving should be avoided, as there is no street lighting except in urban areas and major inter-urban arterial routes. In addition, whilst petrol stations are available in urban areas, they are not common in the countryside. Cars should be fully self-sufficient, carrying minor repair equipment since there is no national recovery system.

Documentation: International Driving Permit and national driving license are required. A fully comprehensive insurance policy is absolutely essential.

URBAN TRANSPORTATION

A cheap, flat-fare urban bus service operates in the main cities, although the buses are usually crowded. Taxis can be found in Tirana in front of the main hotels housing foreigners.

ALBANIA TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN ALBANIA

Albania Info — Fri May 04, 2007 7:08 am

Author: Albania Info

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 7:08 am

ALBANIA TOURISM GUIDE

TIRANA

Created in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, Tirana has only been the capital of Albania since 1920. The city has examples of early 19th-century architecture such as the Ethem-Bey Mosque (built 1789-1823) and the 35m- (117ft-) high clocktower (1830). The old bazaar quarter was demolished in 1961 to make way for the Palace of Culture, which houses the Opera and Ballet Theatre and the National Library. The city centre and the government buildings on Skanderbeg Square date back to the Italian era, creating the impression of a provincial Italian town, while the Pyramid, which was built as a museum for Enver Hoxha (Albania’s former communist leader), has been turned into an international Cultural Centre.

Today, Tirana is not only the most populous city in Albania, but also the political, economic, cultural and spiritual centre of the country with national museums of archaeology, history and art. The National Historical Museum and the National Art Gallery are highly recommended, along with the Exhibition of Folk Culture. The best view over the city is from the Martyrs’ Cemetery, which contains the Mother Albania Monument.

Other attractions in Tirana include the Fortress of Pertrela, located south of Tirana on the right side of national road linking capital with the city of Elbasan. It was built in the middle age. The castle was under the command of Skanderbeg sister, Mamica Kastrioti. The fortress of Preza, which was built in 15th century has a very nice and strategic position in front of Kruja mountain.

THE COAST

The important port of Durres is the second-largest city in Albania with the second-largest concentration of industry. The city was colonised by the Greeks in 627 BC and was named Epidamnos, later becoming Dyrrachium under the Romans. From the Venetian Tower at the harbour, the medieval Town Wall leads to the Amphitheatre dating back to the second century BC and containing an early Christian crypt with a rare wall mosaic. There is also an excellent Archaeological Museum. Between the first and third centuries, Durres was an important port and trading centre on the Via Egnatia trading route between Rome and Byzantium (Istanbul). Following a number of earthquakes, much of ancient Durres sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently built over. Today the city is best known for the nearby beach resort of Durres Plazh.

In Roman times, Apollonia, located 12km (7.5 miles) from the city of Fier, was a large, prosperous city at the mouth of the river Vjosa where there is still much left to be excavated. The amphitheatre, a colonnade of shops and several other parts of the Roman city centre are open to the public. There are monuments of Agonothetes and Odeon, as well as an ancient portico and the Mosaic House with a fountain. Unfortunately, some of the statues and other portable objects were removed before 1946 and sent to other countries. Those remaining have been placed in the well-organised museum which is to be found on the site of a 13th-century monastery. In the courtyard of the monastery is a Byzantine-style church, the Church of St Mary, believed to have been built in the 14th century. Not far from Apollonia, on the route to Durres, is the Monastery of Ardenica.

Vlora is not only a major port, but of great historical importance, for it was here in 1912 that the Assembly was convened which first proclaimed Albania an independent state and set up the first national government, headed by Ismail Qemali. In recognition of this, it was proclaimed a ’Hero City’ in 1962. The Muradiye Mosque (1538-42) was designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan whose family originated in Albania. On a hill above the city is the tourist centre Liria, which offers panoramic views of the beach and town.

Albania’s southern coastline remains completely unspoilt. Situated opposite Corfu, Saranda is now much visited by day trippers who come to enjoy this previously inaccessible resort.

The ancient town of Butrint was once an important centre for the Illyrian tribes. It has been known as a settlement since 1000 BC and has belonged to both the Greek and Roman empires during its long history, leaving a rich legacy. Several sites dating from the first and fourth centuries AD can now be visited, among them a theatre, the Temple of Aesculapius, the Nypheum, the Lion Gate, the Dionysus Altar, Roman houses and baths. The Baptistry, with a floor of colourful mosaics, is not to be missed. The nearby tourist site of Ksamil offers magnificent views of Butrint Lake, the islands and citrus- and olive-tree plantations.

THE INTERIOR

Known as the ’city of a thousand windows’, owing to the plethora of windows in the city’s red-roofed houses, Berat has been declared a 'Museum City’. Built on the slopes of a mountain, the old Turkish part of the town is very picturesque, being largely encompassed by the medieval fortress. To house the growing population, a new town has been built further down the valley beside the largest textile combine in the country. The Onufri Museum, dedicated to the 16th-century painter and his contemporaries, houses restored icons in an orthodox church. There is also a magnificent castle near here.

Gjirokastra, in the far south, has also been designated a ’Museum City’ as so many of the houses retain their traditional wood- and stonework. The narrow and winding cobbled streets ensure the virtual exclusion of motor traffic. The town is dominated by the 13th-century Fortress which was extended by Ali Pasha in 1811. It now contains the National Museum of Weapons; the collection ranges from medieval armour to a shot-down US reconnaissance aircraft (the museum was looted in 1997 but most of the collection is still there) and the view is not to be missed. The surrounding area is renowned for its many mineral springs.

Korça was the seat of government during Turkish rule. In the 18th century, the city was able to exploit its location at the crossroads of several caravan routes and became a major trading point. Standing at the foot of the dramatic Morava mountain near the Greek border, Korça is home to the Mirahor Mosque, dating back to 1466, the Museum for Medieval Art, the Museum of Education (where the first Albanian school was opened in 1887) and a listed, though decaying, bazaar quarter.

The charming resort of Pogradec near the Macedonian border stands beside Lake Ohrid, renowned for its clear water and rich in trout and carp. About 5km (3 miles) to the east is the tourist center of Drilon, surrounded by extensive ornamental gardens.

Visible for miles around, Kruja is an attractive medieval town perched on top of a mountain north of Tirana. It was the centre of Albanian resistance to the Ottoman Turks under Skanderbeg, the national hero, and the Skanderbeg Museum is to be found inside the recently restored castle. The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a medieval Turkish bazaar.

Situated on Lake Scutari, which divides Albania from Montenegro, Shkodra is dominated by the ruins of the Fortress of Rozafa, one of the ancient Ilyrian castles, built on a rock hill from which a spectacular panorama of the surrounding countryside, the lake and the Lead Mosque can be enjoyed. A museum is dedicated to one of the greatest Albanian writers, Migjeni. The Mesi Bridge, 8km (5 miles) from Shkodra, is also well worth a visit, as is the Monument to Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg at his burial ground in Lezha.

ALBANIA TRAVEL INFORMATION / ALBANIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Albania Info — Fri May 04, 2007 6:34 am

Author: Albania Info

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 6:34 am

ALBANIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Full Name

Republic of Albania

Capital City

Tirana

Area

28,748 sq km
11,100 sq miles

Population

3,500,000

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +1

Languages

Albanian (official)

An Indo-European dialect of ancient Illyrian, with a number of Latin, Slavonic and (modern) Greek words

Italian (other)

A useful language as many Albanians have learned it from TV.

English (other)

English runs a strong second to Italian

Greek (other)

Religion

Sunni Muslim (50%), Bektashi Muslim (20%), Albanian Orthodox (20%), Roman Catholic (10%)

Currency

Lek (Lek)

Electricity

220V 50HzHz

Electric Plug Details

European plug with two circular metal pins

Country Dialing Code

355