Religion in Albania

     Since antiquity, the time when Albania were Illyrian tribes, the religion of Albanians was mostly Christian. As the centuries passed, the people of Albania began to conform mostly to Muslim belief as the conquering Ottoman Empire spread throughout the lands. The process by which this happened came from multiple events. Like most religions of that time, forced belief, conversion of peoples empowerment in society with religious conversion, and/or providing sustainable land were common ways to change people's religions. (During the Ottoman's control, approximatley 1400 to the 1900s, many resisted the Ottoman occupation and their religious conquests. A famous figure in Albania who disliked the couersion of forgein, oppressive religion, Pashko Vasa, wrote a famous ryhme "Feja e Shqiptarit eshte Shqiptaria!". Meaning, "Our Religion is Albanism!".)

During the Bulgarian, Italian, German, we didn’t have problem with our religion.

Mostly Italian wanted to be catholic but it wasn’t a big deal.

After the wars the communist leader Enver Hoxha prohibited the churches and mosques. Many were destroyed and closed.

The nation was becoming atheist. But the religion people never stopped to believe.

With the democracy coming, the churches and mosques are free to visit from Albanians.

In public school it’s not taught.

You can find small communities of Protestant, Jehovah, Bahia.

Also there are 150 Jews people.

Radhim Beach

          Radhim Beach, Southwest Albania, is on the Ionian Sea. The beach area is primarily rock area with private, sand beaches surrounded by clear, blue and green water. For lodging there is a large selection of mid-range to premium hotels, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, large families from Italy, usually vacationing with Albanian relatives, enjoy this area as an Italian getaway.

Bay of Lalzi

          Bay of Lalzi, North of the port of Durres, offers soft, white sands and close proximity to "Mother Teresa Airport". Highlights here are riding horses, observing the first sustainable housing project currently being built by an English company, hiking, and walking the beaches which have only been discovered by tourism recently. Fresh air is very apparent here!

Dhermi Beach

          Dhermi, a 2 hour drive South of Vlore, is a beautiful place. Rock faces into clear, blue and green water are as captivating as well-known Greek beaches. As for things of interest, the monastery of Saint Theodor and small Orthodox churches exist for the more religious travellers, private sand beaches exist for family fun or relaxation, and boating to Karaburun Peninsula is a treat. Additionally, the seafood here is delicious and clubbing at nights is most enjoyable for those how seek it.

Lukove Beach

          Lukove, or Lukova, is another beautiful area in Southwest Albania. (A 20 minute ride from the city of Saranda. Dirt roads are a feature.) The beaches here consist of rocky and sandy areas with virgin swimming areas in crystal clear water. Additionally caves of limestone are in the area for the more adventurous (Caution should be used and a professional speleologist is recommended). A couple vacationing favorites here are to enjoy a day of swimming, light eating, and being blanketed by the typical, romantic sunsets.

Beach 6

          Waiting for you!