Usually ‘middle of nowhere’ is a bad thing, but not in this case. We’re talking about Farma Sotira, a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Southeastern Albania, where you forget about daily life, traffic, noise and pollution.
Farma Sotira is located in proximity of the Village of Germenj, halfway between Erseka and Leskovik in Kolonje. But don’t let the title ‘in the middle of nowhere’ scare you.
Farma Sotira isn’t a hotel. It’s an escape. Tucked away in the forests of Leskovik, this off-the-grid farm invites you to disconnect from noise, reconnect with nature, and experience rural Albania; up close and hands-on.
Whether you want to go horseback riding, milk goats at sunset, breathe in beehive air, or sleep under the stars, this place offers all of it in one location.
At Farma Sotira, you’ll find Toni (Jeton) and Nida (Jonida), 2 very passionate farmers that met in Greece, and decided to pursue their dream of running an agrotourism resort, although Toni had already started Farma Sotira a few years prior to meeting Nida. In the beginning, Farma Sotira was just a fish farm, which led to Toni being commonly known as ‘Toni the fish guy’.
You can find Farma Sotira and hundreds of other unique places across Albania with our Albania360 app, the ultimate companion for your Albanian visit.
Things you can do at Farma Sotira:
Welcome to Visit Albania by Albania360.
Imagine this: you’ve booked your perfect Albanian trip to Ksamil using the Albania360 app, you come to Ksamil, and it’s raining on one of those days. What do you do?Rainy days in Ksamil don’t have to dampen your spirits. This charming coastal town and its surroundings offer a variety of indoor and weather-friendly activities to keep you engaged and entertained. Here’s a curated list to make the most of your time, even when the sun isn’t shining:1. Explore Butrint National Park
Just a short drive from Ksamil, Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history. The park features ancient ruins from various civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Byzantine. The on-site museum provides an indoor experience to delve deeper into the area’s past.
2. Visit Lekursi Castle
Perched above Saranda, Lekursi Castle offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. While the castle itself is open-air, the adjacent restaurant provides a cozy spot to enjoy the scenery with a warm meal or drink.
3. Take a short trip to Gjirokaster
Approximately an hour’s drive from Ksamil, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO-listed city known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Explore the Gjirokastër Castle and the city’s charming old streets, and enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine in local eateries.
Keep in mind that summer showers are pretty localized, so even though it might be raining in Ksamil, it might be sunny in surrounding cities, ie. Gjirokaster
4. Take a Cooking Class
Engage in a hands-on experience by joining a local cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Albanian dishes like Lakror pie and Fërgesë, and enjoy the fruits of your labor afterward.
5. Enjoy Local Cuisine
Rainy days are perfect for indulging in Ksamil’s culinary delights. Visit restaurants like Guvat Restaurant for grilled octopus or Mussels House for fresh mussels in various sauces.
6. Relax in a Café
Find a cozy café to sip on espresso or raki, and perhaps engage in conversations with locals. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Albanian culture and pass the time.
7. Visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
While primarily an outdoor attraction, the Blue Eye spring is mesmerizing even in the rain. The vivid blue waters and surrounding lush greenery offer a serene experience. Just be sure to bring appropriate rain gear.
8. Explore Saranda
The nearby city of Saranda offers various indoor activities, including shopping, dining, and visiting local markets. It’s a vibrant place to explore Albanian urban life.9. Take a Scenic Drive
Use the rainy day as an opportunity to drive along the Albanian Riviera. Even with overcast skies, the coastal views are breathtaking, and you can stop at picturesque towns like Dhërmi or Jale Beach.
Embrace the rainy days in Ksamil as a chance to explore the rich culture, history, and cuisine of the region. With these activities, your trip will remain memorable, rain or shine.
One thing to keep in mind is that rainy days usually clear up, it’s not a whole day full of rain. Also, the weather apps aren’t always 100% accurate, so don’t let rain stop you from visiting the Albanian ‘Maldives’.
Don’t forget to take Albania360 with you!
Albania360 is the ultimate companion for your Ksamil and Albanian visit. Discover places, explore hidden gems, book directly, plan your whole trip, or plan your day around you! You can find it on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Is Albania Good for Tourists?
If you’re wondering whether Albania is worth visiting, the answer is yes — absolutely. As the country’s biggest tourism platform, Albania360 is here to help you explore, discover, and plan the perfect trip. Let’s break it down.
First, safety. Albania is generally a safe country for travelers. You’ll find friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere, especially in popular tourist spots like Tirana, Saranda, and Berat. Like anywhere, petty theft can happen in crowded places, so keep an eye on your things. But overall, violent crime is rare, and most visits are completely trouble-free.
Second, the beaches. Albania’s coastline is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. The Albanian Riviera offers turquoise waters, sandy shores, and charming villages like Ksamil, Himara, and Dhermi. Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying fresh seafood by the sea, the coast is a major highlight.
Third, if you love the outdoors, the Albanian Alps in the north are stunning. You can hike from Valbona to Theth, visit dramatic waterfalls, and take the scenic Lake Koman ferry. These areas are still largely untouched by mass tourism — perfect if you’re looking for nature and adventure.
Fourth, history and culture. Albania has a rich and layered past. Visit Berat and Gjirokaster — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites — to see traditional Ottoman architecture. Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint, or walk through the cobbled streets of Kruje and its medieval castle. There’s history everywhere, from Roman to Byzantine to Communist landmarks.
Fifth, food. Albanian cuisine is fresh, local, and influenced by Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish flavors. Try dishes like tavë kosi, fresh seafood, and homemade byrek. Don’t forget to sample local raki — the traditional Albanian spirit.
And finally, it’s affordable. Albania is one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations. You’ll find great deals on hotels, meals, transportation, and tours. It’s ideal whether you’re backpacking, traveling with family, or planning a romantic getaway.
At Albania360, we make it easy to plan everything — from where to stay, what to eat, and which places to explore. You can use our platform to save your favorite spots, build your own itinerary, and even book activities directly through the site or our app.
So is Albania good for tourists? Yes. It’s safe, stunning, rich in culture, and kind to your wallet.
Visit albania360.com or download the Albania360 app today and start planning your unforgettable Albanian adventure.
Welcome to today’s episode, where we take you on a virtual tour of Southern Albania’s breathtaking coastline! If you're planning a summer getaway, this region is a true hidden gem—offering everything from secluded bays and vibrant beach towns to adrenaline-pumping water sports and unforgettable sunsets.
Here are 7 must-visit beaches that should be on your travel list:
🌊 Potam Beach, Himare – A short walk from the city center, with crystal-clear water from fresh springs and plenty of bars and restaurants. Try speed-boating for an extra thrill!
🚣 Filikuri Beach, Himare – A stunning, remote beach accessible by speedboat, kayak, or a challenging hike. The panoramic view from the top is worth the effort!
🏕 Livadh Beach, Himare – A great spot for camping, canoeing, and tasting local pancakes made with honey and cheese—a breakfast must!
🏝 Ksamil Beach, Ksamil – Famous for its four small islands, mix of sandy and rocky shores, and easy access from Saranda. Swim, explore, and enjoy fresh seafood!
🛶 Grama Bay, Vlore – A secluded paradise with historic rock inscriptions, reachable only by boat. Perfect for those seeking peace and quiet!
🌅 Lukove, Saranda – Unique pinkish rock formations and hidden bays make this a perfect off-the-grid escape. Bring your own snacks and enjoy nature!
🎉 Drymades, Dhermi – Known as the Ibiza of Albania, this spot is ideal for partying, foam festivals, and beach volleyball, with camping options in the shade of trees.
📲 Thinking of visiting Albania? Download the Albania360 app for Android & iOS—your ultimate guide to discovering, exploring, and planning your Albanian adventure!
🔊 Subscribe for more travel tips and digital marketing insights for tourism businesses in Albania! See you in the next episode!
Celebrating March 7, The Teachers’ National Day in Albania, Here’s what happens today.
Honoring the heroes of the classroom with gratitude, gifts, and a whole lot of nostalgia!
March 7: The Day Teachers Rule the Classroom (and the Country!)
Once a year, Albania takes a moment to swap math problems for appreciation speeches, history lessons for heartfelt hugs, and red ink for red roses.
March 7, the Teachers’ National Day in Albania, isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an annual festival of gratitude where students, both past and present, celebrate the legends who shaped their futures.
A Blast from the Past: How It All Started
Way back in 1887, when dinosaurs didn’t roam the Earth but education was still a rare commodity, the very first secular Albanian-language school opened in Korçe. This wasn’t just any school; it was a game-changer, a revolution in chalk and blackboards. Before this, learning in Albanian was about as common as finding a unicorn. March 7 commemorates this groundbreaking moment, celebrating teachers as the champions of knowledge who continue to fight the good fight against ignorance (and sometimes, against sleepy students in 8 a.m. classes).
Fast-Forward to Today: How Albanians Celebrate
Today, March 7 is a mix of nostalgia, laughter, and occasionally, some questionable karaoke at teacher appreciation parties. Schools are filled with students bringing gifts—flowers, chocolates, and maybe even a poetic letter (handwritten, because teachers can always tell when it’s AI-generated). Alumni return to their old classrooms, sometimes with fond memories, sometimes with flashbacks of surprise tests, but always with gratitude.
It’s also the one day where teachers get a break from endless grading and instead bask in the glory of being the real MVPs of society. Speeches are made, songs are sung, and somewhere, a retired teacher sheds a tear over a thank-you note from a student they never thought was paying attention.
The Takeaway: Teachers Deserve More Than Just One Day!
Let’s be real—one day isn’t enough to appreciate the superheroes in white jackets who taught us algebra, grammar, and the importance of not chewing gum in class.
But at least on March 7, they get the recognition they deserve. So, if you have a favorite teacher, send them a message, buy them a coffee, or at the very least, don’t forget to wish them a happy Teachers’ Day. They’ve earned it!
Thank you for listening to Visit Albania podcast, by Albania 360. Albania360 is the first, and longest running platform dedicated to Albanian tourism. Download the Albania360 app for Android and iOS to explore, discover, and plan your perfect Albanian trip!
How many cities can you name, which are built in the name of love?
Whose walls have been built to honor the name of a girl who had won the heart of a king?
You may have heard something alike, but none like the beautiful story of Antigonea, the city that rose from love and was destroyed by hatred.
This is the story that has traveled through the centuries and today, traces of time remind us. Antigonea was an ancient school town in the 3rd century b.c. It was a short-lived city that lasted about 150 years.
The founding of the city is associated with one of the most famous names of antiquity, King Pyrrhus of Epirus. When he was 17 years old after King Pyrrhus and ousted from the throne after an uprising against him, he went into the service of King Demeter of Macedonia, and later in honor of the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt. He attracted the attention of the queen of Egypt Berenice, who has been selected among other princes to marry Antigone, one of the royal couple’s daughters.
With the support of his wife Antigone, Pyrrhus raised money, army and returned to Epirus retaining the royal throne. Due to the gratitude to his mother-in-law Berenice and his wife Antigone, Pyrrhus rushed to establish two towns by their name: Berenica and Antigonea. The first was in Thesprotia, while Antigonea in Antitani. Antigonea was founded in 295 b.c. The city became a proper center, due to the control of the Drinos valley which is called the Straits of Antigonia.
But now that so much time has passed, and the centuries have covered the ruins with dust and oblivion, can we find traces of this city? In fact, the first excavations in the city were undertaken on the eve of the First World War. In the ancient city, several dwellings of different types were discovered, which belonged to the commercial-craft strata of the city. Rich archaeological findings testify to the high degree of culture and well-being of the city. The Paleo-Christian Church of Antigonea is a triangular-shaped church of the V-VI century. It is distinguished by the mosaic discovered in it, which depicts a figure with a human body and a dog’s head. This figure is identified with St. Christopher and is the oldest example of this iconographic representation.
The city survived less than 2 centuries, burned within a night by the order of the Roman general Aemilius Paulus, as revenge against Pyrrhys. The ancient city of Antigonea is situated between two peaks connected by a narrow pass. The peak in the northern part is 700 m high above sea level and has a small field on top, while the southern peak is 600 m high and is formed by a series of folded terraces.
What distinguishes Antigoneia from most other ancient cities is its quadrangular and quite modern urban plan. The ancient city was surrounded by solid walls about 4000 m in length, protecting the city on all sides. The highest hill is connected with the settlement by a 4 m wide corridor between two parallel walls. The latter are 3.50 m thick and up to 3 m high. The fortifying walls and those of majority of houses discovered until now are made of huge and medium size blocks of lime stones extracted from the mountain of Lunxhëria. The surface area of the city, within and outside fortified walls, is estimated to be about 60 ha, while the Archaeological Park has a total surface area of 90 ha.
According to archaeologists and experts of antiquity, the Drinos valley in Gjirokastra district has an extremely high number of archaeological sites and ancient settlements. Thus far, about 20 sites have been identified, including ancient cities and fortifications, monumental tombs, ancient temples, and theaters. They stretch from the extreme south of the valley on the frontier with Greece, up to Lekël in the northern part of the valley. In this context Antigoneia is undoubtedly the main center of the area’s ancient civilization.
Antigoneia is situated at a dominant point on the hill of Jerma, southwest of the village Saraqinishtë, 14 km by road from the city of Gjirokastra. The park is open every day from 8.00-16.00. The ticket is 200 ALL. During the National Festive days, the entrance is free.
If you want to learn more about this tourist attraction, in addition to having to visit the city, you can take part in the Argjiro folk festival, where historians and scholars of local culture will explain more about Antigonea. The festival usually takes place in September and starts from Gjirokastra, to be further distributed in the suburbs.
Welcome to the Visit Albania podcast powered by Albania360 .com. I'm your host, Klajdi Hena, here to guide you through the best travel experience Albania has to offer. Today we're highlighting a unique and charming accommodation option in the heart of Korca Situated in a historic building, old bazaar rooms offer a delightful stay in Korca with a cozy bar and stunning views of the city.
Old bazaar rooms is conveniently located just meters from the famous Korca Old Bazaar, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. Old Bazaar rooms feature spacious family rooms and outdoor fireplace, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for all guests. Each unit at the guest house includes a comfortable seating area and a private bathroom equipped with a walk -in shower and slippers. Enjoy complimentary Wi -Fi in all rooms. And some rooms even offer a private terrace for an extra touch of luxury.
Guests can unwind in the shared lounge area, perfect for relaxing with a drink after a day of sightseeing in Korca. Discover the charm of Korca and enjoy a memorable stay at old bazaar rooms.
Ready to explore more? Visit albania360 .com to discover, explore and plan your perfect Albanian vacation.
At Albania360 .com you'll find detailed information about all bazaar rooms and many other fantastic destinations across Albania. Start your adventure today and make your dream vacation a reality. Albania360 .com Don't visit Albania without it!
Hello and welcome to Visit Albania podcast by Albania 360. I am your host, Klajdi Hena And today we're going to talk about discovering Albania on a budget with low cost car rentals with rentfromlocals .com. This service allows you to explore more, spend less and travel with ease in Albania's largest cities and airports. If you're planning a trip to Albania and looking for an affordable way to explore its vibrant cities and stunning landscapes, look no further. RentFromLocals .com is here to make your travel experience in Albania smooth, convenient, and budget friendly. At RentFromLocals .com, they focus on the importance of finding the best rates for car rentals in Albania. They offer competitive rates starting from just 8.99 Euros per day. Whether you're visiting Tirana, Saranda, Durres, Vlore, Shkoder, Kukes or just need a car near the airports in Rinas or Kukes, you are covered with this service. Finding the best rates for car rentals in Albania is important for several reasons. First of all, it allows you to save money that you can use for other experiences during your trip. Secondly, an affordable rate gives you greater freedom of movement and allows you to explore more places during your stay in Albania. And finally, let's admit it, you feel much better when you feel like you've gotten a good deal, right? Okay, so why choose rentfromlocals .com? First reason is local expertise. The team consists of locals who know Albania inside and out. They provide you with insider tips and recommendations to make your trip Second is convenience. Booking with rentfromlocals .com is easy and convenient. With just a few clicks you can secure your rental car and focus on planning the rest of your trip which you can easily do with Albania 360. Third reason is a wide range of vehicles. Whether you're traveling solo with a family or in a group they have a diverse fleet of vehicles to your needs. From compact cars to spacious SUVs they have it all. And fourth but not least is flexible options. They offer flexible rental options including daily, weekly and monthly rentals so you can choose the best option that best fits your travel plans. To book your rental you can go to rentfromlocals .com So don't let transportation constraints hold you back from exploring all that Albania has to offer. One thing to keep in mind is Albania is a small country, but the terrain is mountainous. And another issue is the public transportation isn't that great in Albania yet, at least. So by having a car at your disposal, you can travel everywhere you'd like. This is a service that is recommended by Albania 360. So if you'd like to book your next car, you can go to albania360 .com and we have a bunch of places where we're promoting rentfromlocals .com. You can just click on that and you'll save tens and even hundreds of euros. That's all we have for today. We'll see you on the next podcast.
Hello everyone, my name is Klajdi Hena. I am your host for Visit Albania Podcast powered by albania360 .com. Today we are going to talk about the platform statistics for June 2024 for albania360 .com. June was surely a busy month for Albania, especially for tourism. More than a million people came to the Mother Teresa airport in Tirana not to count the other points of entry into the country. And today we're excited to share some platform statistics for this last month and we hope you can enjoy. And the first one we're going to start with is the 10 most booked places on Albania 360. These are bookings that happen through multiple channels on our platform, whether it's our website social media accounts. Please note that the following rankings are in no way in any particular order.The first first we have is the Cocja Boutique Hotel in Shkoder It provides accommodation with a garden, free parking, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Each room is fitted with a desk and a flat-screen -frame TV and certain rooms at the hotel have a balcony. And you'll also have a fridge inside the rooms. Coming up, it's Hotel and Spa Butrinti in Sarande, which provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a terrace. Coming up is Guest House Prrockaj in Theth. Boasting mountain views, Guest House Prrockaj Theth offers accommodation with patio around 3 .2 kilometers from Theth National Park. Next up we have Life Gallery Hotel in Korca. Opened in May 2011 and reopened after renovation in July of 2023. In the historic part of Korca, the Life Gallery Hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with free Wi -Fi and LCD smart TVs as well as two locally popular bars with different ambiances. Next up we have IlioBoutique Hotel in Ksamil Set in Ksamil, 300 meters from Ksamil Beach, Ilio Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, terrace and a restaurant.Next up we have Kodiket Guesthouse in Berat. Located in the center, in close proximity to UNESCO protected Old Town of Berat, Kodiket Inn is surrounded with a garden and features a terrace and offers air -conditioned rooms with free Wi -Fi access.Located in Tirana, 700 meters from Skanderbeg Square,Hotel Teatro City Center provides accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Next up we have Mervin Hotel in Kruja. Set in Kruja, Mervin Hotel offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a bar.Next up we have Hotel Chicago in Shkoder. It provides accommodation with a fitness center, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Next up we have Hotel Villa Pascucci in Durres. Set in Durres, Hotel Villa Pascucci offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free parking, private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. These were the top 10 most booked places in June 2024 on our platforms. And next up, we have the most searched terms on Albania 360.These are just the top 10. We have the city of Fier, Shpella e Pellumbave or Pigeon's Cave, Dermi Beach, Berat Castle, Durres Beach, Lezhe Vlore Beach, Radhime Beach, Himare Beach and Tepelene.And we have the most users by country. These are in order. It's Albania, USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, North Macedonia, Netherlands, Poland, Greece, and Canada. And we also have the top 10 most read articles on albania360 .com, precisely on our website. Most read is The 10 best beaches near Durres to enjoy this summer. Second one is a guide to the Outdoor swimming pools and water parks near Tirana. Third one is 10 best beaches near Vlore to enjoy this summer. Fourth one is 10 best beaches near Himare accessible by car or boat.Then we have Experience Euro 2024 Live at the Fan Zone at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana. Next up we have Top 10 Things to do in Tepelene Next up we have Top 10 Things to do in Ksamil, Albania. Next up we have Top 7 Party Beaches in Albania, the Summer Party Guide. Then we have the 11 Islands of Albania and why you should visit them. And last but not least is the 10 Best Beaches near Sarande to enjoy in 2024. So these were our platform statistics. If you want to read the articles, we have a link on albania360 .com. Just go there and search for statistics, June, 2024, and you will be able to see the 10 most booked places, which you can book directly from the link. We also have the search, most searched terms and most used by country. And also at the end, we have most read articles, which you can click and read all of them. That's all we have for today. If you want to go to albania360 .com, you can find accommodations, eats, drinks. It's a full tour guide that you can explore and plan your Albania vacation.
