Dajti National Park, Albania

Mount Dajti National Park has a surface area of 3300 hectares, is situated 26 km east of the capital and considered the 'Natural Balcony of Tirana'.  In winter, the mountain is often covered with snow, and it is a popular retreat to the local population of Tirana. This must be one of the lodges or restaurants situated in the area. Many thanks to Jelena who recognised my love for snowy views :)

UNESCO - Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra, Albania

Berat and Gjirokastra are inscribed as rare examples of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period.  Located in central Albania, Berat bears witness to the coexistence of various religious and cultural communities down the centuries. It features a castle, locally known as the Kala, most of which was built in the 13th century, although its origins date back to the 4th century BC. Gjirokastra, in the Drinos river valley in southern Albania, features a series of outstanding two-story houses which were developed in the 17th century.

Last autumn during my breeze travel through the Balkans I spent a few days in the mystical Albania...and besides the capital Tirana, I managed a (only-too-short) day trip to the gorgeous Berat. Considering the experience with cards never arriving from this area I have sent only two cards, but oh what a wonder, they arrived in only a few weeks, yay!

UNESCO - Butrint, Albania

I was already too happy to arrange a swap for an Albanian card; when I received this great Unesco view, I was over the moon :))) Thank you so much Sonni!

Butrint or Buthrotum was an ancient Greek and later Roman city in Epirus region - in modern times it is an archeological site in Sarandë District in Albania, some 14 kilometres south of Sarandë and close to the Greek border. Bouthroton  was one of the major centres of the Ancient Greek tribe of Chaonians. The earliest archaeological evidence of settled occupation dates to between 10th and 8th centuries BC.

The amphitheatre on the photo dates from the 3rd century BC and  is situated at the foot of the acropolis.

Tirana, Albania

Tiranë is the largest city and capital of Albania, founded under Ottomans in the 15th century. It became a capital in 1920 and counts 400 000 inhabitans.

This postcard shows the main plaza Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero whose statue marks the centre of the square. I wasn't aware at the time that my friend is going to Albania so this card came as a complete surprise - first w/s from this unique country, and oh what a gorgeous stamp - thank you Mishek! xD