We've Booked Our Holiday to Albania

Ever since we got together, we’ve dreamt about moving abroad. You know, once the kids are old enough to make their own breakfast, wipe their own butts, and we’re old enough to start counting how many summers we might have left…

Of course, we considered buying a house in Ukraine, but that’s not looking very realistic. So one day I threw out the idea of Albania. To my surprise, luba loved it.

Albania ticks a lot of boxes for me: warm weather, amazing food, a mix of Christian and Muslim cultures, ancient Roman ruins, and houses that are still pretty affordable.

About a year ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook group and saw a few posts by a guy named Florian. He runs a kind of family BnB with his parents and sister, so I reached out. We had a great video chat, and by the end of it, I was convinced: we had to visit.

Fast-forward almost a year, and we’ve finally booked our stay: a full week at Florian’s place.

Why We Chose Florian’s Place

What made us book this place, besides Florian being super welcoming over video, was the vibe. It’s more than a bed and breakfast. It’s a little oasis on the edge of Shkodër, surrounded by vineyards and gardens, run by Florian, his parents, and his sister.

🍇 Homegrown everything
Most of the food comes straight from their land. Think fresh vegetables, homemade wine, raki, and bread baked that morning. Breakfast is flexible (no need to set alarms), and if you stay for dinner, expect a warm vegetarian feast served with stories and laughter. It’s €10 for a full meal and a glass of wine. Honestly, not bad.

🚲 Free bikes & Albanian countryside
You can borrow bikes and cycle into Shkodër in minutes. Or just coast past fields and breathe in that early-summer air.

🌞 Eco-friendly & solar-powered
Showers are heated by the sun from April to September. It’s rustic, yes, but there’s something nice about knowing your hot water came from the sky.

👩‍🍳 Cooking class with Florian’s sister
Want to learn how to cook Albanian food the real way? Florian’s sister is a trained chef and offers traditional cooking classes on-site. Tempted? Us too.

🗺️ Adventures nearby
Whether it’s hiking the Albanian Alps, horseback riding, or even crossing into Montenegro, Florian can hook you up with guides and help organize your whole trip. He runs a tour company on the side.

♿ Accessible & down-to-earth
The guesthouse is wheelchair accessible and peaceful, with a gate that locks at 11 pm to keep things quiet at night. It’s not luxury, it’s family, comfort, and shared meals under the stars.

We’re not going to Florian’s for marble bathtubs or pillow menus. We’re going for the homemade jam, the garden tomatoes, the smell of fresh bread, and maybe, just maybe, to fall a little in love with Albania.

Here’s the spot we booked: 🔗 Florian’s Guest House

What We’ll Spend for Two

Not bad for a week of sun, adventure, and scouting out what might one day be our second home.

📚 Learn More About Albania & Shkodër

Want to dive deeper into the culture, history, and beauty of northern Albania? Here’s a selection of resources to guide your exploration:

🏛️ Culture & History

• 🔗 Culture of Albania – Wikipedia
  A comprehensive look at Albanian customs, traditions, religions, and folklore.

• 🔗 Albania National Tourism: Shkodër
  Official travel info including attractions, tips, and seasonal events in and around Shkodër.

• 🔗 Shkodër – Wikipedia
  A deep dive into the city’s long history, from Illyrian tribes to modern times.

• 🔗 Shkodër – Britannica
  A scholarly overview of the city’s importance throughout the Balkans.

• 🔗 Wikivoyage: Shkodër Travel Guide
  Practical travel advice, transport tips, places to eat, and visitor favorites.

🗺️ Travel Guides & Local Experiences

• 🔗 6 Best Things to Do in Shkodër – Relentless Roaming
  Local tips including Rozafa Castle, lake biking, and cultural strolls.

• 🔗 The Best Things to Do in Shkodër – Along Dusty Roads
  A thoughtful guide to the town, lake life, and as a base for the Albanian Alps.

• 🔗 Our Week in Shkodër – Two Travel Turtles
  Story-driven travel diary exploring Shkodër as a calm base for adventure.

• 🔗 Shkodër – Amber Eats Abroad
  A personal perspective on food, ambiance, and the rhythm of daily life.

🌄 Nature, Day Trips & Activities

• 🔗 15 Best Things to Do in Shkodër – Tripadvisor
  Top-rated sights including Rozafa Castle, Lake Shkodër, and Mesi Bridge.

• 🔗 Gateway to the Albanian Alps – Nomads Travel Guide
  A perfect resource if you’re headed toward Theth, Valbonë, or Koman Lake.

• 🔗 Adventure Albania – Shkodër Region Tips
  For those into hiking, cycling, and active trips across northern Albania.

🚲 Local Tours & Events

• 🔗 VisitShkoder.org
  Local tours, bike rentals, SUP on the lake, and events in the city.

💡 Tip: Use Shkodër as your base to discover the north, spend a day cycling to Lake Shkodër, another wandering Rozafa Castle, and book a side trip to Theth if you’re into mountain magic.