Our Honeymoon in Albania: A Beautifully Unexpected Adventure
David and I got married in the middle of the pandemic, a time when everything felt uncertain. Luckily, we didn’t have to move our wedding date or wear masks, and we were able to celebrate at the stunning St Nicholas in Laindon and Friern Manor in Dunton, both in Essex. We always knew we wanted a memorable honeymoon, but with so many travel restrictions, we had to get creative. Only a few countries were letting us in at the time, and after narrowing down our options—Greece, Poland, and Albania—we decided on Albania, a country that called to me despite being a little random.
I'd spent hours researching different places, but something about Albania stood out. It was October, so I wasn't expecting much in terms of weather, but I knew I didn’t want to stay in the capital, Tirana. We chose Durrës, mainly because it was a short drive from the airport—perfect for David, as I don't drive. He handles the driving, while I do the planning and navigating, and it works for us. I can’t stand waiting for transfer coaches, so I prefer to have control over our time. By the time we arrived, I’d already listed all the restaurants we wanted to try, so we didn’t waste time deciding where to eat. I had also mapped out all the street food vendors and new dishes we wanted to try. This was key, as David can be indecisive, and if we hadn’t planned it out, we would have spent hours on Google trying to figure out what to eat!
Exploring the Surrounding Areas of Durrës
Durrës was a perfect base for exploring Albania’s rich history and culture, and we were lucky enough to be close to many exciting towns and attractions. Just a short drive from Durrës, we discovered some wonderful places that became highlights of our trip.
One of the first towns we visited was Krujë, a town brimming with historical charm. Krujë is famous for the Krujë Castle, which dates back to the 5th century and was once the home of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. We walked around the castle, soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and spent time at the nearby Ethnological Museum, which gave us a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s past. The old bazaar in Krujë was a great spot for picking up souvenirs, from handmade jewellery to local spices.
We also ventured to Berat, another town that captured our hearts. Known as the "town of a thousand windows," Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning Ottoman-era architecture. We wandered through the cobbled streets of the old town, admiring the beautiful white houses clinging to the hillside. One of the best experiences was having a traditional mountain breakfast at The Castle of Berat, perched high above the town. The views were simply breathtaking, and the food was equally impressive. Berat’s Onufri Museum, which houses incredible religious icons, was another must-see for us, offering a deeper understanding of the town’s rich cultural heritage.
We couldn’t visit Albania without experiencing its beautiful beaches, so we spent a day in Vlore, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. The beaches were quieter than we expected, providing a peaceful escape where we could relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The waters were crystal-clear, and we spent some time walking along the coast and soaking in the natural beauty of this hidden gem.
A Taste of Albania: A Fusion of Cultures
Albania truly surprised us with its mix of European and Ottoman influences. In every town, we encountered an exciting blend of history, culture, and cuisine, with churches and mosques coexisting in harmony. The fusion of Italian and Turkish flavours was especially evident in the food. From rich Mediterranean seafood dishes to hearty meat stews, every meal felt like a culinary adventure.
The real joy came from trying the local street food. We sampled everything from börek (a savoury pastry) to fërgesë (a delicious stew made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese). One of our favourite moments was visiting the street food stalls in Durrës, where we tried byrek with fresh ingredients, just like the locals do. The food in Albania was rich in flavour and variety, and we were able to experience new dishes that we would never have discovered without our well-planned itinerary.
A Permanent Reminder: Our Albanian Tattoo
Our honeymoon wouldn’t have been complete without something to carry the memories with us forever. Before we left, I had planned for us to get tattoos to mark our journey in Albania. We found a fantastic tattoo artist in Durrës, and after a day of exploring, we went to the studio to get our travel tattoos. The designs were simple but meaningful, serving as permanent reminders of our beautiful honeymoon in this unfamiliar yet fascinating land.
Making Memories that Last a Lifetime
This trip was more than just a holiday—it was the start of a lifelong journey together. The memories we made in Albania, from the mountain views of Berat to the hidden streets of Krujë and the peaceful beaches of Vlore, are ones I’ll carry with me forever. Every aspect of the trip—from the planning to the last day—was a reflection of who we are as a couple. We’ve learned that well-planned adventures give you the freedom to truly immerse yourself in new experiences, and we have no doubt that this was just the beginning of our future travels together.
At Journawell, we’re passionate about creating bespoke travel experiences that allow you to make the most of every moment. Whether you’re looking for a first holiday as a couple or planning your next big adventure, we’re here to help you craft the perfect journey—just like we did in Albania.
