Bradt Albania (Travel Guide)

This new, extensively revised eighth edition of Bradt's Albania remains the most authoritative and detailed standalone guidebook to what is still a relatively little-known part of Europe.This Balkan country has much to offer almost everyone - from hiking in unspoilt mountains to gawping at Byzantine churches or plentiful birds, from homestays in traditional villages to backpacking around beaches. Many visitors rave about spectacular alpine scenery with stellar hiking and cycling opportunities.Others laud the country's cultural heritage, which reaches back two and a half millennia.Must-sees include the Ottoman cities of Gjirokastra and Berati (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), many outstanding archaeological sites and early mosques, Venetian castles dotting hilltops and coastal promontories, and Byzantine religious art in medieval churches and the museums of Tirana, Korça and Berati.For city slickers, lively Tirana offers shopping malls, fine dining, art galleries and historic building