Albania

Albania is the last place in Europe where nature still feels untamed: on one side a virgin turquoise coastline that all but touches Italy and Greece, and on the other snow-capped alpine peaks and villages frozen in time. To avoid getting lost you have to understand the country’s clear split — geographic and experiential. The Albanian Riviera (Sarandë and Ksamil) is the unpolished Mediterranean dream: a dramatic coastline where white limestone mountains plunge straight into transparent, luminous turquoise water, and staying here — in the new boutique villas and hotels rising on the cliffs — suits anyone who wants a stunningly photogenic beach holiday, sunsets over the Ionian Sea and food that bridges the Greek and Italian kitchens, but at the pace and energy of a country still building itself. The Accursed Mountains and the Albanian Alps (Theth and Valbona) are the extreme opposite of the warm coast: one of the wildest, most isolated mountain ranges in Europe, named for the harsh conditions of its winters, and staying here — in traditional stone guesthouses and designed eco-cabins — is for lovers of raw nature, treks between giant canyons and a direct encounter with an ancient, uncompromising culture of hospitality; a place where time has stood still. The historic stone cities (Gjirokastër and Berat) are the cultural and architectural heart of Albania: UNESCO World Heritage towns of ancient Ottoman stone houses clinging to the hillsides and vast castles commanding the valleys, and staying here suits lovers of history, archaeology and nostalgic aesthetics who want to get lost in slippery stone lanes and experience the fascinating meeting of East and West. At SherryStay we lift the smokescreen off Albania: we have filtered only the hotels and places to stay that offer the most meticulous, Western service standard in the most perfect locations — so you can experience the country’s wildness in maximum safety and comfort.

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