ALBANIA

Korça Beer Festival

Korça

Korça is Albania's oldest and best-loved beer, and this is its biggest and best-loved festival. It's held annually in August in the town of the same name, with plenty of live music and – of course – plenty of the local brew being downed.

For more info on the Korça Beer Festival, click here

National Festival of Urban Folk Songs

Elbasan

This celebration of Albanian folk music takes place nationwide in March. The city of Elbasan is its spiritual home, and attracts the cream of the country's folk music performers.

Summer Festival

This traditional pagan festival marks the end of winter, and takes place annually on 14th March. It's celebrated throughout the country but the revelry reaches its peak in Tirana, with live music, circus performances and traditional foods aplenty.

For more information on Summer Festival, click here

Gjirokastër Folk Festival

This festival of folk music takes place every four years in the Castle of Gjirokastër, and features performances of traditional folk music and Albanian polyphonic song, a highly unique national art form included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Tirana International Film Festival

Albania's sole red carpet event takes place each November. An excellent program of feature films and shorts from Albanian and international directors make it one of the top Tirana attractions for film buffs.

For more information on the Tirana International Film Festival, click here

Fergese

Like the sound of green peppers, chicken livers and gjizë (a traditional feta-like cheese) fried up then baked in an earthenware dish? Well, you've come to the right place.

_{Best eaten at
Restorant Piceri Era, Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II, Tirana}

Tave Kosi

This sumptuous dish of lamb and rice baked in yoghurt is one of the country's most popular dishes, and an Albania food must-try.

_{Best eaten at
Restaurant Mangalemi, Rruga Mihal Komneno, Berat}

Tave Krapi

A mouthwatering Albanian dish of stewed carp, tave krapi is found in many Tirana restaurants and comes in many varieties.

_{Best eaten at
Restaurant Mangalemi, Rruga Mihal Komneno, Berat}

Qofte Te Ferguara

These succulent traditional meatballs can be made with beef or lamb, and are a staple of many restaurants in Albania.

_{Best eaten at
Restaurant Mangalemi, Rruga Mihal Komneno, Berat}

Burek

This Albanian favourite is made from multiple layers of flaky filo pastry, with common fillings including spinach, ground meat and delicious feta-like gjizë cheese.

_{Best eaten at - ODA, Rruga Luigj Gurakuqi, Tirana}