Tourism in Albania
Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy. Albania was under a communist regime which did not allow tourism to become established for a long time. It is a country of great natural beauty which includes sandy white Mediterranean beaches, rocky mountains, fertile plains, big and small lakes, natural monuments, and remote, pristine areas.
Albania has an old history dating to the Illyrian civilization and there are many old ruins and other treasures reflecting the old civilizations.
[[Image:Syri i Kalter.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Syri i Kaltër (The Azure Eye) in Sarandë
Some of the most visited cities include:
- Berat - the Town of a Thousand Windows
- Butrint - a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Durrës - the old port city of Dyrrhachium
- Gjirokastër - Museum city
- Krujë - ("Heroes city") home of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, and his castle (now a museum dedicated to him)
- Sarandë - The wedding city
- Tiranë - the capital
- Vlorë
Some of the problems keeping tourism from flourishing in this beautiful country stem from the political instability. There may still be armed bandits in the remote areas and pollution from illegal construction is ruining some of the most popular areas.