If you are visiting Tirana, the capital of Albania, you must also visit the Cape of Rodoni especially during the summer. Why? Because the Cape of Rodoni is only a short drive from both Tirana and Durres. Not only is it an historical location but it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.
My family and I visited the Cape of Rodoni for the first time last summer. We were so impressed by the beautiful scenery on our way from Lalzi Bay through the villages to the Cape of Rodon.From the top of the mountains you can see down to the Adriatic Sea with its stunning beaches, a few fishermen sailing their boats, and in the farmland beyond, some cows, sheep and goats.
There are two famous beaches there; ‘Rera e Bardhe’ beach and also the beach near the so called Skanderbeg Church which is administered by the Franciscan Order. Both of the beaches are really beautiful and my children love to swim there. You can also enjoy a very delicious lunch at a small and authentic restaurant owned by a man called Gezim who will welcome you with the hearty smile that is so typical of Albanian hospitality.
The Cape of Rodon also boasts the Rodon Castle built by Skanderbeg which was destroyed by the Ottomans and then rebuilt by the Republic of Venice. Only sparse remnants of the structure remain to this day, trying their best to resist the eternal and unstoppable sea waves.
Back down on the beach, you can enjoy the very authentic food of a small restaurant that also sells homemade liquor made by the locals who were taught the craft by an Italian catholic priest of the parish.
The Cape of Rodoni is relatively undiscovered by tourists but is becoming more and more well known, especially with the locals. If you are looking for a truly authentic, unspoilt, Albanian sea-side experience then the Cape of Rodoni is definitely worth a visit.
……in search of lost time…
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