16 May 2024 , 08:58
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A country once off-limits to British tourists is now a leading travel hotspot - with holidaymakers praising its luxury beaches and cheap pints.
After spending decades behind the iron curtain, Albania opened its doors to tourists around the turn of the 21st century - and has since seen grey communist-era buildings replaced with colourful city scenery and a chic café culture.
What's more, the nation's beaches - long overlooked for more obvious travel hotspots - have been praised as some of the best in the whole of Europe. Ksamil, a town in the Albanian Riviera, has even been compared to the Maldives by TikTokers and travel influencers.
Its white sands, calm sea and straw huts on the beach certainly bear more than a passing resemblance to the tropical island, and it's much more affordable too. A booming tourist industry in Ksamil now means there is a wide choice of hotels and alternative accommodation available, with some rooms available for just £19 a night.
Ksamil is proving increasingly popular thanks to its beautiful beaches and warm sea (Getty Images)Praising the up-and-coming holiday destination, TikTok user The Travel Mum said: “When people see pictures of this place they instantly think of the Maldives! But lucky for us, it’s a lot closer to home". Another said: "Add it to your bucket list for 2024."
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Popular activities along the coast include snorkelling, and swimming - but if you're in for a more relaxed stay, there are plenty of reclined chairs dotted around for sunseekers to use. The average cost of a beer in the country meanwhile is just £1.78, while summers tend to be nice and warm, with average temperatures at 25C.
In Ksamil you'll also have the whole Albanian Riviera on your doorstep, a beautiful area still relatively untouched by international tourism which boasts UNESCO world heritage sites, quirky cities and friendly locals. Highlights include the Salt Lagoon in Lake Butrint, the enigmatic Cave of Kreshmoi and the ancient Byzantine city of Gjirokaster.
Albania is much more affordable than many more popular holiday hotspots (Getty Images/EyeEm)Flights to the Albanian capital Tirana from London start from around £60. A historic city nestled between the mountains, Tirana itself is definitely worth a visit for those who enjoy a good city break, with its vibrant mix of old and new giving a fine introduction to Albania before you head off into the rest of the country.
If you are looking for a last minute summer holiday this year - or are planning ahead - then Jet2 has some great deals. The budget airline is saving sunseekers money this summer by dropping some incredible deals in their latest 'huge' price drop.
Brits who can't wait to get away could save up to £120 on European hot spots and beach destinations. With holiday prices under £300 for late-breaking getaways in May, you could be on the beach for less before the month is out.
As well as offering low prices on last-minute holidays, Jet2 is also enticing holidaymakers with a series of deals. Sunseekers can save £100 per couple on selected holidays, while savvy travellers who sign up for a free myJet2 account could save £120 per couple on holidays departing in May and June.
Single parents heading out on holiday will receive a £60 discount using the code J2HSPF60 at checkout, and solo travellers can save 30% on the cost of their holiday using the using the code SOLO30 at checkout.
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