One Last Hike, One Last Bite in Tirana

For our final full day in Tirana, we ventured out of the city for a bit of nature. We headed to the Bovilla Reservoir, which gets its water from the Terkuza River, and hiked up Gamti Mountain. The trail wasn’t too long, but it was steep enough to make things interesting. At the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the turquoise reservoir—calm, vast, and dramatic against the rocky cliffs. It’s hard to believe the reservoir was only completed in 1998; it looks like it’s always belonged there.

Back in the city for our final dinner, we treated ourselves to something a little different at Salt, a sleek modern restaurant. I had sushi—yes, sushi in Tirana!—and it was surprisingly great. A fresh, stylish ending to a trip full of surprises.