Albania
From CruisersWiki
Albania Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing the coast of Albania.
| Albania | |
 Albania | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Tirana 41°20′N, 19°48′E
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|---|---|
| Language: | Albanian1 |
| Currency: | Lek |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| 1Greek is widely spoken along the coast. | |
Background
Albania with a population of 2,986,952 has a total area of 28,748 square kilometers. Its coastline is 362 kilometers long and extends along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The lowlands of the west face the Adriatic Sea.
In antiquity there were many colonies in what is today Albania. The territory was part of the Roman and then of the Byzantine Empires. In the 7th century it was absorbed by the emerging Bulgarian Empire and then on the 15th century it, like the rest of the Balkans, became part of the Ottoman Empire. In the early 19th century Albania and Epirus on the south was dominated by the colorful and cunning Ali Pasha. After the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire Albania became short-lived principality (1914–1925) which was succeeded by an even shorter-lived first Albanian Republic (1925–1928), to be replaced by a monarchy (1928–1939). Albania was annexed by Fascist Italy during World War II. After the collapse of the Axis powers, Albania became a communist "Stalinist"dictatorship under Enver Hoxha (d. 1985). During this period Albania was totally isolated from the rest of Europe.
The Albanian communist regime collapsed in 1990, and the Republic of Albania was founded in 1991. Crisis followed crisis throughout the 1990s, peaking in the 1997 Lottery Uprising, that led to mass emigration of Albanians, mostly to Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Germany and to North America. Albania became a full member of NATO in 2009. The country is applying to join the European Union.
Albania has a large population of ethnic Greeks and the Greek language is widely spoken. Many Albanians now live in Greece but return home during their vacation.
Cruising in Albania until 1990 was strictly forbidden but now it possible although there are very few cruisers. The lingering bureaucracy is one discouraging factor.
Climate & Weather
With its coastline facing the Adriatic and Ionian seas, its highlands backed upon the elevated Balkan landmass, and the entire country lying at a latitude subject to a variety of weather patterns during the winter and summer seasons, Albania has a high number of climatic regions for so small an area. The coastal lowlands have typically Mediterranean weather; the highlands have a Mediterranean continental climate. In both the lowlands and the interior, the weather varies markedly from north to south.
- Athens Observatory gives 3 day (every 6 hrs) detailed graphical forecasts for the Greek seas.
- Poseidon System gives 3 day forecasts for Greek seas from the National Center for Marine Research (Not very reliable).
- Weather on Line provides detailed 7 day forecast charts for the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Atlantic.
- Greek Meteorological Service (EMY) it includes the Navtex weather bulletins.
- Wind Guru a surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts.
Charts
- BA
- 186 Vlorë to Bar and Brindisi to Vieste
- 188 Entrance to the Adriatic sea including Nisos Kérkira
- 1590 Albania Ports
- NIMA
- 54240 Dubrovnic to Pellg I Drinit
- 54260 Pellg I Drinit to Kerkira including the Strait of Otranto
- 54266 Durres and Vlore Albania
- 54267 Durres and Appr Albania
- 54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti Albania
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Albanian Coast Guard - VHF 11
Arrival/Departure procedures
Arrival
You must clear into every port. It is best if you contact, via VHF, the Coast Guard or the Harbor Master before arrival. Sometimes they may not respond.
If you are entering the country, you will have to deal with the Harbor Master, Coast Guard, Customs, Police, and Security. All these officials will, most likely, want to inspect your boat. In most ports, the officials will insist that you engage an agent. This agent will, for a stiff fee, fill-in all the numerous forms and clear them with the officials.
As of 2007 the use of a dinghy was strictly forbidden FANEROMENI 
Departure
You must get clearance before departing from any port.
Immigration
Visas are not required for citizens of European Union, Australian, Canada, USA, Japan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kosovo, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, San Marino, Switzerland, and Turkey for stays of up to 30 days.
Visas can be issued at the ports of entry. For more information see Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Customs
There are no restrictions other than on firearms. For more information see Albanian Tourism.
Ports & Popular Stops
- Sarandë (Port of Entry)
- Himarë
- Oricum
- Vlorë (Port of Entry)
- Durrës (Port of Entry)
- Shëngjin (Port of Entry)
Offshore Islands
Health
Submit any health warnings/information.
Security
Details?
Transportation
Transportation - mainland or to other countries, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
References & Publications
- Trevor and Dinah Thompson, Adriatic Pilot - Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, east coast of Italy, Albania, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 978085288970
- Heikell, R. Mediterranean Cruising Handbook, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 0852887795
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Haiqu |
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