One of the wilder destinations to be found in Europe is the remote coastal country of Albania. Albania is still not a member of the European Union, but despite this getting there is not that difficult. You will not require a visa to travel, just your passport.
The only international airport drops you in about 26km northwest of Tirana, which is one of the larger cities. Travel within Albania can be confusing, especially to the modern traveller. Most people get around by bus or small 10 seat vans, many of which will not leave for a destination until all the seats are taken; in order to maximize their meagre profits. Taxis can also be hired. You will not want to rent a car or drive in this country. The roads are in extremely bad condition; most of them are not paved, and most of its citizens only learned to drive within the last 15 years or so, thus conditions are treacherous at best. Prior to that, communist rule did not allow most citizens to own a licence, which explains the lack of experience.
Despite the backwoods sound of this European country, she is like the sleeping princess, just now awakening to the modern era. There are untouched pristine beaches that line the Mediterranean coastline, vast forests and mountain ranges that make up a wild frontier where ancient blood feuds still hold, and the city of Tirana is blooming with modern bars, hotels, and otherwise normal accommodation.
The people of Albania tend to be sincere and warm to tourists, and while this country is a relatively unexplored section of Europe by the modern traveller, there are enough pristine sights to make the trip worthwhile, despite being a little rough around the edges.
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