Mango Beach

For an immersion in Albanian history, UNESCO-listed Apollonia Archaeological Park (20 minutes’ drive) on the outskirts of Fier offers up ancient Greek and Roman temple remains, an amphitheatre and classical statuary in its museum. Bylis Archaeological Park (45 minutes) contains the ruins of an ancient Illyrian city and has stunning views over the Vjosë Valley. Parts of Ardenica Monastery (35 minutes) were built in the 13th century; it has ethereal frescoes and a gilded iconostasis in its peaceful church. Coming bang up to date, pay a visit to Saint George Orthodox Cathedral (25 minutes) in the centre of Fier; it was rebuilt in baroque style after the fall of communism in the late 20th century. If the kids are now fed up with old buildings, you can take a family hike on the boardwalks of Divjakë-Karavasta National Park (half an hour); you might be lucky enough to see Dalmatian pelicans or flamingos. You can also take out wooden boats to explore the wetlands and lagoons.