If you want the beauty of Thailand but without the price tag – plus a shorter flight from the UK – then there’s a hidden gem of a country in Europe you need to know about.
The Albanian Riviera has been offered forward as a dupe for the picture perfect landscapes of some of Thailand’s islands like Phuket or Koh Samui.
Clare Tobin, the CEO at Wild Frontiers, said: “Albania is a beautiful country located in southeastern Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula.
« Its neighbouring countries include Greece, Montenegro and North Macedonia. With its impressive mountainous landscape and breathtaking coastline, Albania has an untamed beauty that is now a rarity in Europe.
“The Albanian Riviera is a fantastic option for those looking for a paradisiacal holiday with the white sandy beach aesthetic, but it is also more affordable, accessible and less crowded.”
For keen travellers, Ksamil in the Albanian Riviera is an ideal alternative to tropical Thailand.
Located near the city of Sarande, it’s often referred to as the ‘Albanian Caribbean’ thanks to its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Clare says: “Ksamil is a small fishing village that many travellers aren’t aware of. It offers the most serene atmosphere for a relaxing holiday. The area is known for its rich history and outstanding beaches, offering high-end tourism for travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-track holiday in Europe.”
As well as being beautiful and quieter than other more famous destinations, Albania has the added bonus of being very affordable.
Clare said: “A three-course mid-range meal for two people will cost around £42(5). A beer will cost you around £2 and a coffee comes in at approximately £1.30.
“I’d suggest budgeting for around £40 spending money per person each day in Albania. Travel is relatively inexpensive, as are excursions. There are also plenty of free activities, whether it’s exploring local towns or relaxing on one of Albania’s many beaches.”
If you want to explore this stunning country for yourself the easiest way to reach it is to fly to the neighbouring city of Corfu in Greece then catch a ferry to the city of Sarande. The flight takes around 3 hours from London and the ferry is 30 minutes.
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