TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Blue eye, Saranda
0:13 Borsh Beach
0:40 Pine forest, Fushe Arrez
1:47 Vlora
2:31 Tirana
Blue eye, Saranda
The Blue Eye itself is obviously the big eye catcher. From the parking lot you can reach it in about 30 meters by crossing a small footbridge across the river. The Blue Eye is famous for its stunning beauty and clear turquoise water. The water is so clear that you can see al the way through to the bottom and observe the light blue bubbles rising to the surface.
There is a small platform from which you can observe the phenomenon from above. The video below shows how the bubbles reach the surface and create small waves in the water.
Officially, as the signs indicate, it’s not allowed to swim, but you might still see people jumping into water. That’s actually very brave as the temperature of the water is only about 10 degrees all year round. Even in summer this is pretty cold!
The area around the Blue Eye is a protected area which is considered a natural monument where you can enjoy the beauty of the forest with oak and sycamore trees. There are some information panels explaining more about the flora and founa in the area. There are also walking and hiking trails and camping is allowed.
Borsh Beach
Borsh Beach (Plazhi i Borshit) is the largest beach in the south of Albania and stretches out over a length of 7 kilometers in front of the town of Borsh, which is about 2 kilometers away from the beach. For the most part, the beach is also relatively wide, about 30 meters. Since the area around Borsh is one of the lesser developped regions in terms of tourism, there is plenty of space and you’ll feel surrounded by nature.
Due to its lenth, the beach is great for long beach walks and is also an amazing place to watch the sunset. On the other side, you have a beautiful view at the olive groves and other green areas and the mountain range in the background. If you look up, you can see the Borsh Castle up there as well.
Fushe Arrez
Fushe-Arrez, a city in northern Albania, 23 km away from Puka – around 35 minutes car drive – is another place, which offers many tourist attractions that are absolutely worth a visit. Now it is quite clear, the north of Albania is an alpine paradise for everyone that loves fresh air, the breath-taking mountain landscapes and the crowns of forests that surround the northern cities and give one the chance to hike, stop over the many crystal water creeks and most importantly, fill up your lungs with the clean air that is lacking in our metropoles.
The alpine climate is certainly perfect for the production of various fruits starting from blueberries, raspberries, strawberries… all kinds of berries. The fruit grows naturally in the mountain forests and after being collected by locals it is brought to the Factory of Fruit Collection in Fushe-Arrez, supplied to the national market and exported internationally. These small factories also make various fruit juices that apart from being full of vitamins and good for your health, they are thoroughly delicious. For anyone that knows the value of organic fruits, Fushe-Arrez is the perfect stop to try them and pack up for the entire year.
Vlora
The city of Vlora is one of the most beautiful cities of Albania, where the blueness of the sea, the beauty of nature, with the mountain and rocky slopes of the rugged coast of the south of the country, are combined.
Considered the pearl of Albanian tourism, Vlora lies on the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, in southwestern Albania, about 135 km away from Tirana. It is bordered to the north by Fier, to the east by Mallakastra and Tepelenë, while to the south with Saranda and Gjirokastra.
In antiquity Vlora was known as Aulona, and is mentioned by many foreign travelers and chroniclers, as one of the main cities of Southern Illyria, which flourished after the fall of Apollonia and Orik. The importance of Vlora grew even further as the independence of Albania was declared in this city, by the Ottoman Empire, in 1912.
Among the most visited attractions within the city is the historic Museum of Independence, the sea terrace of Teqea of Kuzum Baba, located on a hill above the city, Murade mosque, near Vlora -Skelë boulevard, in the archaeological area near Flag Square, The Jewish Street etc.
Tirana, a city with never-ending movement and energy
Tirana, the heart and capital of Albania, like all other European metropolises has never-ending movement and energy. With its clubs, bars, cafes, and taverns, Tirana is worth discovering by both day and night. The hospitality shown towards tourists is something that will mark your journey not only in Tirana but also all over the country.
There are different thoughts regarding the origin of the name of the city. Some think that it relates to Tyrrenia (a name of Etruscan origins), while other believe that it relates to the word Theranda (harvest), or to the Tirkan (a castle at the foot of Mount Dajti).
