Albania Gay Guide – Një guidë për të gjithë ata që duan të njihen me komunitetin gay shqiptar

Për momentin kjo guidë është ende në ndërtim e sipër, dhe për ta përfunduar na duhet edhe ndihma juaj…

Nëse dëshiron të bashkëpunosh me ne për të krijuar një guidë për të orientuar shqiptarët që jetojnë jashtë ose të huajt që vizitojnë Shqipërinë, mund të na kontaktosh në emailin: gaypikeal@gmail.com

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Gay Guide | Cruising places | LGBT story | Gay Bars | lgbt Organisations | The Law | Gay Marriage | Homophobia

About Albania | Climate | Economy | Geography |

Where to Go? Berat | Vlora | Tirana | Puka | Saranda | gjirokaster | Durres | Butrinti | Borsh | Ksamili | Cuka |

Gay Guide | Information about gaylife in Albania

The city of Tirana is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. Like most other capital cities, Tirana is the one city in Albania that offers the most urban lifestyle and relaxed setting for the gay community. And urban is exactly the air you will find here in Tirana, with a huge industrial center and a population over six hundred thousand. With a population that size, you have to know that Tirana is home to a thriving gay community with an active presence in Tirana gay places.
While you are traveling to Albania, be sure to use our gay guide for more information about gay life here.

Gay Bars | Gay bars in Tirana Albania

(m) There are no gay bars in Tirana at the moment, but there are a few bars wich are also known for them lgbt costumers

Gay Cruising | Find out places where you can meet gay people in Albania

(m) In Tirana cruising areas are mostly parks and outdoors places , Visiting Rinia Park or even Lake Hills it’s the best way to met gay people in tirana, but don’t ever think that you they’re the only places…actually you can meet them all over.

Lgbt Organisations | The Lgbt organisation operating in Albania

(m)There are a few lgbt organisations operating in Albania at the moment. The most important one is called The Alliance Against Discrimination of LGBT (Aleanca kunder diskriminimit te personave lgbt) wich operates since may 2009

Lgbt Story | Regarding same-sex sexual activity in Albania

Albania decriminalized homosexuality in 1995. The age of consent has been equal at 14 for all, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation, since 2001.

In the summer of 1994 the Government of Albania put forward a draft Penal code under which homosexuality would have remained illegal, but with the maximum sentence reduced to three years. A campaign by the Gay Albania Society within Albania, and international pressure orchestrated by ILGA, in which the Council of Europe played an important role, led to the withdrawal of this draft law.
On 20 January 1995 the Albanian Parliament legalized homosexual relations in Albania. Article 137 of the old Penal code promulgated under socialist Albania, which mandated up to ten years of prison for “being homosexual,” has thus been done away with completely.
Recognition of same-gender relationships

Same-sex marriage | Same-sex unions are not currently recognized in Albania.

Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced in a cabinet meeting on 29 July 2009 that the government would push for a law that recognises marriages between partners of the same sex. He said that the law had already been put to parliament.

On 5 February the Albanian parliament passed an anti-discrimination law which banned discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Gay rights groups praised the new law but said they hoped that Berisha would eventually keep his promise on legalising same-sex marriage.

The government never officially introduced the same-sex marriage bill. Legalization of same-sex marriage would require a change in Albania’s Family Code, and changes to the Family Code require 84 votes in the Assembly. The ruling Democratic Party, together with their allies, have only 71 votes. The Socialist Party, which have 63 votes, and their leftist allies are boycotting parliament in protest against alleged voter fraud in the 2009 parliamentary elections. As long as the Socialists continue to boycott, it will therefore be impossible to amend the Family Code.

The Law | Albanian anti-discrimination law

On 4 February 2010, the Albanian Parliament unanimously adopted a comprehensive anti-discrimination law which banned discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. The law bans discrimination in all areas, including employment, the provision of goods and services, education, health care, and housing. Albania is one of few European countries to explicitly ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity. The law also exceeds EU minimum standards, which require that employers refrain from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Gays and lesbians are allowed to serve since 2008

Homophobia | What do albanian people think about homosexuals ?

(m)some information about homophobia oes here

General Information about Albania

Albania is a relatively unspoiled country, located on the Adriatic Sea and bordered by Greece to the South and Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro to the North and West. It’s capital city is Tirana and Albania has a population of 3.5 million people. It’s official language is Albanian and its currency unit is the Lek.

Albania has a Mediterranean type climate with temperatures in the summer reaching 25 to 40 degrees C. Albania is steeped in history and there is a World Heritage site in the South of Albania where glimpses of Mediterranean civilization from the bronze age through to the Ottoman periods can be seen. There are numerous outdoor activities in Albania including trekking, hiking, rafting, kayaking and off roading.

Albanian’s are famous for their hospitality and there are hostels and hotels throughout the country where you can experience this.

Climate | Find out about the climate in Albania

Albania is mainly a Mediterranean climate with sea winds exerting a moderate influence on the central regions. In the higher northern altitudes a harsher Central European climate is common with severe winters and plenty of snowfall. Summertime is hot and dry especially in the western central plains with minimal rainfall.

Economy | Learn about the economy in Albania

Albania is a large producer of crude oil outputting over 100,000 barrels a day. They are export hard coal, led by crude oil, coal and chromium ore. Albania is self-sufficient in food even though much of the country is so mountainous. They mainly export to Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria and Macedonia with the main imports being Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Geography | Geographical Information On Albania

Albania is located in the western part of the Balkan peninsula and covers an area of 28,748 square km and is divided into 26 provinces. 70% of the country is largely mountainous and the population in those areas are minimal. 50% of the population live in the fertile lowlands on the east Adriatic coast on less than 30% of the country’s surface area.

Festivals and Events | Discover whats on in Albania

Albania celebrates their Independence Day on November 28 where Turkish rule of Albania ended with the Balkan War. In the Tirana the capital of Albania they host the only international film festival held in Albania and has been running since 2003. Albania aims to be the cultural center of the worldwide alternative and independent cinema.

Where to Go?

Berat | Vlora | Tirana | Puka | Saranda | gjirokaster | Durres

Berat | General Information about Berat

Often referred to as The City of a Thousand Windows is the city of Berat. Berat is ideally located along the Osum river and is home to over 65,000 residents. Berat is the capital city of the Berat District and has been inhabited since as far back as the 6th century BC.

You will notice when you are visiting Berat that the city boasts many beautiful historical churches, mosques and monuments. The Byzantine Church and the Albanian Orthodox Church is of particular interest with a amazing displays of architecture.

One of the main attractions of this historical city is known simply as The Fortress. The original structure of the Fortress which was destroyed in 200 B.C by fire can be found along the Osum River. Exploring through this site is a real treat which has been kept in its near original condition.

Durres | General Information about Durres

You will find the city of Durres set along the central Albanian coast with the closest major cities being Kavaje and Tirana. Durres which has gone through many name changes in its history such as Durrazzo and Epidamnos. This ancient city has been inhabited since 431 B.C but was officially established as a city in 627 B.C. Home to over 114,000 residents making Durres the second largest city in the Albania.

This historical city attracts many visitors each year due to Durres spectacular sights and beautiful beaches. The cityscape of Durres is filled with many historical and interesting buildings.

Durres is home to many mosques and museums that are worth visiting with the Museum of History being one of the most visited. Durres is a city filled with culture and a trip to the famous culture centre should not be missed. Here you will be able to see buildings such as the Estrada Theatre.

Gjirokaster | General Information about Gjirokaster

The historical city of Gjirokastër is a fascinating place to visit with its beautiful landscape of the Gjere mountains and historical buildings it would be a real treat to explore through. Gjirokastër has been listed as a World Heritage and has been inhabited since the 1st century. The city of Gjirokastër’s most notable feature is the Kalaja e Gjirokastres Castle and is home to over 35,000 residents.

You will notice the architecture of Gjirokastër was mainly constructed with stones which has resulted in the city being known as the Town of the Stones. Your trip to Gjirokastër would not be complete without visiting the Old Bazaar which is where many of the city’s historic buildings are located. One of the main reasons for Gjirokastër being listed as a World Heritage site is because of its well preserved Ottoman town.

The best way to get to Gjirokastër is via bus or car, getting around the city is easy with most sights being within walking distance.

Saranda | General Information about Saranda

Saranda, also known as Sarande, (meaning Forty Saints in Greek) is one of the major cities and tourist destinations in Albania. Saranda is the capital of the District of Saranda and is located in the south of Albania, on the Ionian Coast, or Albanian Riviera. In ancient times Saranda and it’s surrounding area were inhabited by the Chaonian tribe which was one of the three Greek tribes of Epirus. Saranda has a population of around 30,000 people.

Just outside the main city of Saranda are the ruins of the ancient city Butrint which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint is located close to the Greek border and overlooks the Vivari Channel. Butrint has a long history and has been the site of an Epirote city, Roman colony and a bishopric. It is believed that Butrint was one of the major centres of the local Greek tribes and was founded by Helenus who had moved west after the fall of Troy. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city has been inhabited since at least the 10th century BC.

Excavations at Butrint have uncovered a Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine basilica, a Roman temple with a mosiac floor, a carved lion gate and numerous other constructions which were built during the various periods. It is believed the city of Butrint was abandoned in the Middle Ages due to a malaria epidemic and marshy surroundings.

Puke | General Information about Puke

Set within the northern parts of Albania, the city of Puke is home to over 6,500 and is neighboured by Shkoder and Kukes. Puke is the capital of the Puke District which boasts a population of over 34,000 residents.

Skiing is a popular activities near Puke with the nearby town of Kukes. If you are interested in hiking and mountain climbing then the nearby Alps of Terbuni is the ideal destination.

Vlora | General Information about Vlora

Located near the Adriatic Sea and the inlet known as Bay of Vlore is the city of Vlora which is also known as Vlore. Vlora, has been inhabited since the 6th century and home to over 124,000 residents. Vlora is a charming city and is fast becoming a popular tourist destination.

You will notice while you are visiting Vlora that the pace is more relaxed than other city’s, with activities such as drinking in bars and clubs being kept to a minimum mainly in western hotels. It is common for men to drink in one of the city’s many cafes in the evenings, but it is uncommon to see woman socializing with the men.

Vlora features a variety of beautiful buildings and monuments with many visitors choosing to relax along the entrance to the Bay of Vlore. Some interesting sights worth visiting while you are at Vlora are the ruins of Himara castle, The Mosque of Muradie, The historic Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.

Tirana | General Information about Tirana

Tirana which is home to over 500,000 and has been the capital of Albania since 1920 and has been inhabited since Neolithic times with is best described as the last part of the Stone Age. Living conditions are slightly different in Tirana with a lack of running water and electricity. Air pollution is not the best at Tirana as a result of over 300,000 cars driving around the city.

Most visitors to Tirana head straight to the Skenderbeg Square which is the Cultural Assembly meeting place. The Skenderbeg Square was named after an Albanian hero of George Kastrioti Skenderbeu and was also known as the Dragon of Albania.

There are plenty of attractions to see while you are visiting Tirana such as the Clock Tower which was built in the early 1820’s. While in Tirana a trip to the Petrela Castle should not be missed as well as a trip up to Mount Dajti where views of the entire city can be seen.

Borsh | General information abbout Ksamilis Islands

It is a wonderfull village near the city of Saranda.It is situated 13 km on North West of this city,near of Ionian Sea ,in a bay protected by wind in a high by 1600 m.

Its calculated that this village has 230 homes and 1100 people or villagers. Also is very important to say that Borshi has very good climateric conditions,many loams and has 25 fountains.

Also has e very wonderfull beach(one of the wonderfull beaches here in Albania),with a longitudinal stretch of 3 km.It is e perfect destination for your summer holidays.

Butrinti | General information abbout Ksamilis Islands

No daubt that everyone has heard about this ancient city.Its an ancient city ,15 km in south of Saranda,above of Ksamil’s peninsula.

This city ,on first century had a very powerfull economi,also had a development agricultuire and farming.Is one of the ancient places of the world and is visited by 2 milion tourists in the year.

Ksamili’s Islands | General information abbout Ksamilis Islands

In the west side of Ksamil’s small city there are 4 small islands. They have corrosive origin,disconnected by earth and builded by limestones.

The general surface of them is 9 hectares. They have a regular form and high abrasive coasts. The biggest island is 60 m far from shore. The average depth between this islands are 7.5 m until 20 m.

The islands and the environment near them constitute one of the pictorial places of Albanian Riviera.

Bottleneck of Cuka | General information abbout Bottleneck of Cuka

It’s a artificial bottleneck,3 km in south of Saranda.It has a length of 450 m,depth of 20 m and a width of 25 m.His relief is been changed by Bistrica’s river and is and is a rocky place.

Also is e very important waterwork place. The beach there is wonderfull and the water is very cold ,but very clean.

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