Like every adventurous traveler, she never stops exploring.
In fact, we conducted this interview while she was in India, immersed in the vibrant culture of this spectacular country. Despite her far-flung travels, one thing remains constant—her deep appreciation for Albanian traditions and treasures. No matter how many corners of the world she discovers, Sarafina continues to passionately promote Albania’s rich heritage, showcasing its unique beauty and culture with a heartfelt pride that resonates through her journey.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Meet Sarafina Zekaj!
Meet Sarafina Zekaj, empowering women & traveling between roots and new horizons
1. Your life is split between two cities. If Elbasan and Kukes were people, what do you think they’d say about you and your adventures?
Actually, my life is split between three cities. Elbasan, Tirana and Kukes. Each city represents a different part of my identity and personal growth!
Elbasan is roots that I keep coming back to, now less and less. And I imagine it saying: Come home girl, we miss you! Hajde ‘ja ke lala-e!
Tirana would likely add: I’ve seen you grow, I’ve seen you change, I’ve seen you push through, I’ve seen you been brave, and I just wanna say I’m so proud of you.
Kukes might say: “Sara, you’re a change-maker. Here, you’re helping communities, breathing life into local initiatives, and empowering the youth. I watch you with pride as you build bridges between tradition and innovation.”
2. What’s it like road-tripping with your mom? Does she have a hidden talent for picking the best places to visit?
Road-tripping with my mom is a mix of comfort, spontaneity, and laughter. She’s like this steady presence that keeps everything grounded, but there’s always a dash of surprise with her too.
3. What’s one thing traveling with your mom has taught you that no travel guide could ever explain?
Travelling with my mum has taught me to see beauty in everything and find joy in the small things. She gets happy from finding a rare flower, cuddling a mountain dog or picking up a snail. This is the approach I try to live by in my life too. Moreover, she is a good connoisseur of flowers and wild plants used for medical purposes, more than the travel guides sometimes.
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4. Name one Albanian village that made you think, “I could totally live here forever… if they had better Wi-Fi.”
If I had to choose one Albanian village, it would definitely be Valbona. I have a bit of a personal connection there now, as I know where to go, where to stay, and the local women artisans have become my friends. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the cold waters of the river create the perfect mix for me. In fact, I would prefer not to have Wi-Fi there! It would give me the perfect excuse to disconnect and start hiking all the peaks around me.
Top 10 stays in Valbone, Tropoje
5. You’ve traveled to the north and south—be honest, which side has the better view for a picnic with a cold local beer?
Honestly, both the north and south have their own unique charm, but if I had to choose, I’d say the north has the edge for a picnic. I don’t particularly like beer, so I would opt for the mountains with a glass of fresh yogurt instead. I just feel more connected to the nature this way. Don’t get me wrong, I love some Aperol spritz at the beach 😀
6. How do you juggle exploring Albania while also being a resident of Kukes? Any secret teleportation devices involved?
I am Hermion Granger! And you are? 😉 But in all seriousness, it’s all about good planning and a love for adventure. I make the most of my weekends and holidays to discover new places, and with the stunning landscapes right at my doorstep, there’s always something to explore. However, it’s not always easy to maintain that balance, and sometimes I feel tired too. It can be a challenge to juggle everything, but I believe the exploration and experiences are worth it. No teleportation devices needed—just a bit of magic in the form of spontaneity and curiosity!
Top 15 hotels in Gjirokaster
7. What’s the weirdest animal encounter you’ve had while exploring a village?
Mountain fairies!
Just kidding. Fairies exist, but I haven’t seen them yet.
But I enjoyed the free running of the horses in the mountains of Kukes. In Diber, I have the met biggest Stan dogs, pure Albanian breeds. In Has I have seen for the first time the goats of Has, it is a typical autochthonous breed of goats which is spread in the northern area of Albania as well as in a part of Kosovo.
8. Which Albanian dish is so good you’d eat it while hiking up a mountain?
Mom’s burek! She has the ability to make the best burek in the world with different ingredients. Burek is our -to – go food when hiking, at the seaside or when we walk 20 km a day as tourists in European cities.
9. Your photos always look so spontaneous and carefree. Any tips on staying present while also being Insta-fabulous?
Thank you! In a world where showing off can be common, I prefer to stay natural and capture things as they are, while still highlighting their beauty. I believe that authenticity resonates more with people. I focus on being present in the moment, which often leads to the most genuine and spontaneous photos. It’s all about finding that balance between capturing the beauty of life while staying true to the moment.
10. If there were a “Best Local Wine in Albania” award, who would win and why?
For me it would definitely go to Kantina Arberi, a charming winery set in the beautiful surroundings of Mirdita. They produce some exceptional wines that truly capture the essence of the region.
Lately, though, I’ve been exploring gin more, and I found the first gin in Albania at Kantina Dogjani in Kukës. It’s exciting to see new trends emerging in the local beverage scene!
11. You must have visited plenty of picturesque spots. Which European city is your go-to when you need a break from Albania’s mountains and coastlines?
It is an entire country that I keep going back to- Italy! Sometimes because I miss its vibe, often times because there I have friends and family. Whether it’s the art, the food, or just the atmosphere, Italy is my weekend escape when I need a break from Albania’s beautiful landscapes.
12. Your name, Sarafina, comes from “seraphim,” which are angels in biblical terms. So, whose angel do you feel like you are right now?
I didn’t know this! Thank you for the explanation. Interestingly, someone once told me that, like all souls, we come into this world with a purpose. Right now, I feel like my purpose is to support and uplift women, helping them find their strength and voice. It resonates deeply with the work I’m doing, and I see it as my way of making a meaningful impact.
However, my name is actually inspired by Serafina Topia, one of the central poetic works of the Arberesh writer Jeronim De Rada. Serafina is a deeply romantic figure, filled with a burning love for her country. She represents the ideal of the Albanian woman—strong, passionate, and loyal—while also embodying the virtues of a well-rounded individual.
