Image/text by Gent Mati, whl.travel local connection in Shkoder and the Albanian Alps
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I took this picture on an early September afternoon in 2008, on a week-long trip to shoot a documentary on the Albanian Alps.
Posted under Albania, General, Photo of the Week, countries
This post was written by editor on December 27, 2009
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The Stari Most (Old Bridge) of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, spans the Neretva River. Originally built during the Ottoman era, it was destroyed during the Bosnian-Herzegovian War and then rebuilt according to the old design and using as much of the recovered original stone as possible. The bridge and surrounding historic neighbourhoods are now a World Heritage Site.
Posted under Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, General, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, countries, media, responsible travel, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter
This post was written by editor on December 9, 2009
By Ethan Gelber
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About 190 kilometres south of Tirana, Albania, between Dhërmi and Himara (Himarë) in the hills above the coast, the small town of Vuno isn’t really on most people’s tourist radar. Not, that is, unless they’re headed two kilometres away to two of the Albanian Riviera’s most beautiful waterside retreats: the Jal and Gjipe beaches. Although not entirely devoid of tourist services – there are a few family-run restaurants and guesthouses at Jal – they are still blissfully unspoiled by mass tourism. However, with a new main road to the southern Albanian coast nearing completion, some people are concerned that these local gems won’t be spared for much longer.
The southern Albanian Jal beaches: still a gem but for how much longer?
Posted under Albania, General, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel
This post was written by editor on August 28, 2009
By Luke Ford
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Once a well-kept secret, Albania is on the verge of being ‘discovered’ by tourists. Until 1992 a communist country closed off to the rest of the world, Albania has only recently seen greater numbers of foreign travellers venture down to its southern Balkan corner of Europe, bringing with them suitcases of western brands and influences. Not to be discouraged though, and despite a growing number of Mercedes-Benzes, Coca-Colas and Mai Tai cocktails, the country remains very Albanian. Quaint mountain villages indifferent to modern development in the cities, which also retain their own unique charm, give rise to incredible travel experiences that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Europe.
A look down Lake of Koman on the way to the Valbona Valley
Posted under Albania, General, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter
This post was written by editor on June 10, 2009