Many of our firm favourites like Greece and Italy have gone up in price in recent years so it’s time to discover some lesser known regions. One nation which has been capturing British minds in recent years is Albania, which its just above Greece, and it’s little wonder when you consider its glorious riviera.
Many Brits will never have thought to head to Albania, but it’s filled with incredibly cheap deals and beaches that some say rival the Maldives. You can still enjoy the sunshine as temperatures reach the high 20s during summer.
Not only can you get a hotel from as little as £16.60 a night – that’s just £83 for five nights – but while you’re there you won’t overspend either. According to PintPrice, you can get a beer for as little as 38p in some hotspots while even in the capital it claims a pint costs just 76p. However, some other websites, like Hiker’s Bay, state that you’re likely to pay closer to £1.65 in a restaurant.
READ MORE: Incredible island has beaches that rival the Maldives – and are a lot cheaper
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The Albanian Riviera, which spans the country’s coast on the Adriatic, could rival the Amalfi Coast or the Greek islands thanks to its bright turquoise sea and white sand. So it’s worth checking out some of the best spots if you want a low-cost, but stunningly beautiful holiday destination.
One of the most stunning areas of Albania’s riviera is Ksamil which has been likened to the Caribbean by visitors. The village sits in Southern Albania within Butrint National Park and it has everything you could want from a holiday.
Areas of outstanding beauty include the Ksamil islands which you can seek out on boat trips and wander among the docks to stare at the crystal clear Ionian Sea. Other beauty spots include Lori Beach where the land rises against the white sandy bay and Bora Bora beach which boasts pool clubs and plenty to do.
On booking.com, you can find a five-nigh stay for £83 at the, fairly basic, Hola Rooms. Those who want an entire villa won’t pay much more as you can get one for around £100 for the same duration.
A room in a hotel in Ksamil, between May and June, will cost from £131 for five-nights – that’s £26.20 a night at Studios Florand Sela. The top reviewed hotel in the area, on booking.com, is Hotel Sunway which costs £196 for five nights.
Ksamil isn’t the only gorgeous town to enjoy on the Albanian Riviera though. Seranda is the unofficial capital of the region which sits just by the Greek border. The city is full of busy promenades, balconies with sea views and waterfront nightclubs.
The main beach – while surrounded by the city – is full of crystal clear blue water and a small marina. Corfu, the Greek island, is just half an hour offshore by boat so the city boasts a similar hot climate and Mediterranean feel as well as blooming flowers and palm trees.
Hotels are a touch more expensive in Seranda, but you can still book a studio flat from £133 for five nights at the Hard Rock Apartments. You can also stay on the beachfront at Epirus Hotel from just £196 for five nights.
Meanwhile, Palasë Beach, also known as Palasa Beach, in Albania's Riviera has 'aqua' water that people say is the 'best beach they've ever seen”. It’s been compared to the Maldives by holidaymakers.
It’s all about the pale sand, hot weather and relaxing beachside restaurants and bars in this small resort town. On TripAdvisor, one person said of Palasë: "Paradise on earth, everyone in the world should visit this bay, crystal blue waters like in Maldives."
Hotel Imperial is a good option for those who want to stay near Palasa Beach as it’s 1km from the centre of Dhërmi and there’s a private beach you can use not far too. The property organises boat tours, as well as visits to local attractions such as the Butrint archaeological site – and you can stay for five nights for just £218.
Another option is the Sea View Hotel Dhermi which is 200m from Dhermi Beach and 2km from Palasa Beach. It offers sea views for just £196 for five nights. Flights to Albania don't cost a bomb either as Skyscanner has them from £22.
One pensioner who is an avid Albania fan told Travel Republic: "I visit as it is just so much cheaper and nicer than the UK in winter, especially at the moment. I can end up with my British pension still in my wallet at the end of the month. It is a no brainer."
Francesca Masotti, an Albania expert who writes for the advisory Culture Trip site, added: "One of the best things about travelling to the Land of the Eagles you will be welcomed by the locals. Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll ever visit. Albania is also one of the least dangerous places in Europe. But visitors need to make sure they bring a pair of stretchy pants with you, because the cuisine is fantastic… and completely affordable."
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