The famous UK news website The Telegraph has recently featured Albania as the Mediterranean’s budget secret in an article late last month.
Comparing Albania to Greece and Montenegro, the article says that tourists looking for an affordable, adventurous holiday destination should look no further than the unsung pearl of the Balkans: picturesque Albania.
Growing in popularity amongst travellers from all corners of the globe, The Telegraph says that Albania is beginning to draw international visitors with its blend of beguiling scenery, excellent cuisine and intriguing history – perfect for both weekend city breaks and bigger adventures.
Here at Castle Park Hotel, we couldn’t agree more – with a mixture of incredible natural views, rich history, delicious food and unbelievable hospitality, Albania has something for everyone.
The article goes on to rave about the adventures awaiting tourists in Berat and the Osumi Canyon and Vjosa River – from chasing waterfalls in kayaks and white-water rafts, to river hiking, canyoning, bird watching, thermal baths and hydro speed boating.
Co-Founder of Castle Park Hotel, Zamo, has over 25 years-experience rafting in the canyons and rivers in Albania, and was the first person to introduce white water rafting to the people of Berat. He and his wife Alma have come together to create Castle Park Hotel, which not only offers beautiful accommodation to it’s guests, but also unforgettable cultural experiences (think wine tastings, cooking classes, Albanian Folkloric music, yoga retreats, hiking, kayaking and waterfall tours).
Co-Founder of Castle Park Hotel, Alma, says “We are very happy every time we read an article in the international media, like this one dated March 31, 2024, in Telegraph Travel Magazine. In the article which lists the 10 most interesting places to inspire tourists who, according to journalist Elise Morton, should hurry to visit ‘Pearl undiscovered of the Balkans’. How could the Osum Canyons in Skrapar and the Vjosa River in Permet be missing from the list of the 10 most beautiful places, which thanks to our 25 years of hard work are always at the top of the most beautiful places in Albania.”
Journalist Elise Morton writes: Follow the waterfalls of the Osum Canyon and the Vjosa River. Albania is a paradise for those who seek thrills, especially for water activities. Beyond water sports on the Albanian coast, traveling in depth means rafting or canyon exploration in the Osum Canyons, a canyon 16 miles deep, full of waterfalls and kayaking on the Vjosa River, called Europe's last wild river. If you want to explore Osumi Canyon on foot and not by raft or kayak, explore it from July to October.
The Telegraph article also mentions Berat in relation to it’s Ottoman history. The UNESCO listed city of Berat is known as the “city of a thousand windows” for its beautifully preserved Ottoman-era hillside houses, which as equally dazzling during the day and at night. While in Berat, make sure you take a photo of the Gorica Bridge too, and climb to the top of the 13th century Berat Castle for your history fix, and to get a glorious view of the entire city.
Even more impressive is the traditional Albanian food that Alma and her team cook at Castle Park Hotel. The recipes are passed down through the generations, with every mouthful sure to satisfy a food critics’ wildest desires. Some personal favourites are Tave Kosi (a dish containing lamb baked in yoghurt, with rice and eggs) and the Byrek (phyllo dough filled with vegetables, meat or cheese). The various forms of cheese and grilled vegetables are also not to be missed.
If you want to get ahead of the curve and explore a beautiful, untouched country, look no further than Albania. Castle Park Hotel in Berat offers a range of adventure tours and cultural experiences, you can learn more and make a booking here.
Read the full article from The Telegraph here.
