Blog Layout

Unveiling the Magic of Nature at Mrizi i Zanave

Marsel Kalemi • December 29, 2023

As one of the most unique and popular places in Albania, Mrizi i Zanave invites you for an unforgettable experience. The complex is located in the city of Lezhë, in the midst of nature and beautiful fields. It’s the perfect place to leave all your stress and worries behind and indulge in Albania’s beautiful landscapes.


Except for its hotel, Mrizi i Zanave is widely known for its
agrotourism properties, including the farm and the restaurant, which we’ll talk about later on in the article. The whole place is an absolute oasis of tranquility, leaving you to unwind and simply enjoy yourself.



History of Mrizi i Zanave

Mrizi i Zanave is one of the first agrotourism businesses in Albania, bringing the concept of “slow food” properly to life. The owner of the business, Altin Prenga, started his cooking career in Italy in the late 90s.


When he returned to Albania, he wanted to use his experience to bring something new to the country, thus combining his international skills with his true roots. He named the establishment
Mrizi i Zanave in 2007, just like the poet Gjergja Fishta called it, as the village of Fishte was his hometown. 


From the beginning, the chefs of the restaurant focused on
homemade food, which is full of flavor and is sure to stay on your mind for a long time. After all these years, this place hasn’t lost its touch, and it continues to be one of the most famous Albania tourist attractions, accommodating more than 100,000 guests each year.

Agrotourism

Agrotourism


Let’s start with what made the Mrizi i Zanave agrotourism business so popular—the farm, winery, and production facilities, where you’ll find some of the freshest produce, which they also use for the dishes served at the restaurant.


The dairy and meat products are gathered from 400 families who grow them themselves, in addition to fruits and greens. There are also
food stands at Mrizi, where you can buy jars of organic honey, milk, or olive oil, which count for some of the best souvenirs in Albania!


The whole premises is
covered in greenery, with various greenhouses, olive trees, grapevines, and squash vines. Even the walk up to the restaurant is amazing, with green vines accompanying you all the way.


You can also take a tour around the
fields and workshops or visit the winery, which produces the finest wine you’ll ever taste, using fresh grapes and other organic ingredients. All the production facilities at Mrizi are state-of-the-art, but the owner also wants to incorporate traditional methods for food processing, like wooden barrels or old stone mills for flour.

Animal Farm

At Mrizi i Zanave, you can really get in touch with nature and all of its charms, including animals. At the farm, you’ll get to see horses, cows, chickens, sheep, and more. They all live in harmony with each other and nature, making for a very pleasant environment.


You can even take
horse rides around the farm, with the help of the staff, of course.



Restaurant

Restaurant

If you’re a food lover and looking forward to trying new and unique dishes, the restaurant at Mrizi i Zanave is the place to go. It’s among the first restaurants in Albania to perfectly combine traditional Albanian food with fine dining, making for some mouthwatering dishes.


What’s unique about the restaurant is that the Mrizi i Zanave menu is never written down, as it changes regularly. They always focus on
seasonal produce, preparing variations of delicious dishes and drinks.


The outdoor area of the restaurant is breathtaking, set in the
middle of the fields, offering stunning sunset views and amazing panoramas. The staff is always friendly and helpful, carefully walking you through the menu and making suggestions based on your preferences.


The restaurant’s motto is “
Think Globally, Eat Locally.” There couldn’t be a better way to represent this place, which works with the local resources to create something original and full of taste.


Keep in mind that you should
book a table before you go to Mrizi i Zanave, as it’s usually pretty packed there. You might be lucky and find a table without booking in advance, but to avoid any unpleasant situations, simply call the number +355 69 210 8032 for reservations.

Hotel

The hotel at Mrizi i Zanave is a unique and beautiful building set in an old stone house that once belonged to the owner's grandfather. A really creative aspect of it is the ruined corner of the structure, which has been turned into a floor-to-ceiling glass window, beautifully illuminating the space.


There is a variety of rooms available, so here is a list of them to help you decide which one fits your needs best:

Mrizi i Zanave FAQ

  • #1. What’s the most unique dish at Mrizi i Zanave?

    Mrizi i Zanave is all about unique dishes made with only the freshest ingredients. Among the most unique ones is their homemade pasta served with blueberry sauce, different kinds of pickled vegetables, or their delicious spinach puree.

  • #2. What are the check-in and check-out times at Mrizi i Zanave?

    At the Mrizi i Zanave Hotel, you can check in from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. and check out until 11 a.m. 

  • #3. When was Mrizi i Zanave opened?

    Mrizi i Zanave was opened in 2007 in the beautiful and small village of Fishtë, near Lezhë.

  • #4. Why is it named “Mrizi i Zanave”?

    “Mrizi i Zanave” basically means Valley of the Fairies. This is an artistic name that the famous poet Gjergj Fishta gave his hometown, Fishtë, in one of his poems. The owner wanted to be as close to the village’s heart as possible, so he gave his business the name “Mrizi i Zanave”.

  • #5. Is there a bus that takes you to Mrizi i Zanave?

    You can take the bus that goes from Tirana to Lezhe and tell the driver to drop you off along the way, but there aren’t any direct lines that go straight to Mrizi i Zanave.

Share

best festivals in albania
By Marsel Kalemi July 31, 2024
Explore some of the best festivals in Albania, joining in on the celebration of music, dance, good food, friendships, and the country’s rich culture.
apollonia festival
By Marsel Kalemi July 31, 2024
This guide to the Apollonia Festival will walk you through all you need to know—from its location to the events, things to do, and places to stay.
mirror beach
By Marsel Kalemi July 31, 2024
Mirror Beach, Albania, offers the perfect setting for a peaceful and fun vacation, with unbelievably clear waters and a unique location.
best beaches in Durres
By Marsel Kalemi July 31, 2024
Check out Kalemi’s detailed guide on the best beaches in Durres, with all the information on where to find them and how to have the best time.
things to do in himare
By Marsel Kalemi July 31, 2024
The best things to do in Himare include visiting its castle, taking a boat trip, and going on hikes—all guaranteeing you an epic experience.
things to do in shkoder
By Marsel Kalemi July 31, 2024
Use this thorough guide on the best things to do in Shkoder to find places to stay and learn how to get to them for an unforgettable vacation.
ion festival
By Marsel Kalemi June 29, 2024
This article provides a thorough guide to the Ion Festival, detailing the location, lineup, related activities, accommodation, and ticket prices.
unum festival
By Marsel Kalemi June 29, 2024
This guide to the Unum Festival will guide you through the performances you can expect and the available accommodation at the location.
palase beach
By Marsel Kalemi June 28, 2024
Learn all you need to know about the mesmerizing Palasё Beach and what you can expect from this trip to the gem of the Albanian Riviera.
kala festival
By Marsel Kalemi June 28, 2024
Use our thorough and detailed guide on the vibrant Kala Festival to learn about its location, performances, accommodation, and ticket prices.
More Posts
Share by: