Albania, long Europe's most remote country, has become a volatile state whose prospects for peace and stability seem to change from day to day. Tirana, the capital, has periodically been under siege by mobs who have attacked government buildings and looted stores. The situation has been made worse by the influx of refugees from Kosovo and Macedonia, whose populations include many ethnic Albanians.
Sadly, until these conditions are resolved, we advise against travel to Albania. Despite its troubles, though Albania has always had at least one great asset -- its natural beauty. The scenery along the southern coast is breathtaking, as are the jagged mountains in the interior. While a trip to Albania isn't for everyone (even under the best conditions), adventurous travelers will find it to be an exciting and rewarding destination - once conditions there have stabilized.