Europe’s least known destination in the Mediterranean is also the cheapest destination to go on vacation this year.

While we’re not a burden to anyone, it’s time to start deciding where to go on vacation next summer if we don’t want to find ourselves in a difficult situation to find cheap hotels and flights. Also, if we need a low extra because the budget is more constrained than others this year, we have a recommendation from the list of cheapest destinations. It is about Albania, because moreover, an authentic tourist place to take advantage of.

This Albanian Riviera, anyone shqiptare riviera In Albanian, it is perhaps the least known coastline in the European Mediterranean. However, it is a booming tourist destination that you still have time to get to know without the stress or crowds before it gains more fame.

Albania is washed by two seas: Adriatic and Ionian. Both have interesting beaches, but their reputation is the Albanian Riviera, whose coastline is 200 meters. There is a paradise in the waters of the Ionian Sea.

Olga Budko

Stretching just 60 kilometers from the northern coast of Himara to Saranda, the Albanian Riviera receives 300 days of sunshine. This and the average temperature of 25 degrees in July is already a good introduction. Also, the Ionian coastline known for its stunning beaches with deep and very clean waters.

In addition to the featured beaches Ksamil; Kakome; Himara; Borsh or Porto PalermoAlong the coast we find typical Mediterranean towns, old castles, churches, ravines and residential areas where you can enjoy the Albanian summer party.

Elion Yashari

And in the summer, the night party of the capital Tirana moves to the beach. So, in addition to staying up late and spending the day at the beach, a castle road. You can’t miss the Ali Pasa Fortress, Borshi Fortress, Kaninë Fortress, Lëkurësi Fortress, Porto Palermo Fortress or Gjon Boçari Fortress. Likewise, as in Porto Palermo, we find numerous bunkers, witnesses of the years of dictatorship and the fear of Soviet occupation.

While accommodation in Albania is very cheap, the hardest part is getting there. No direct flights from Spain (all that being said, they’re also very cheap). Options are either by stopping at airports in Italy; France or Germany until you arrive at Mother Teresa International Airport in Tirana, or by flying to another country, the closest is the Greek island of Corfu or the Macedonian island of Skopje.

Jani Godari

But when we land, we still have to go to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Here we can choose to rent a car or hire a private transfer. Moreover, from Corfu or Southern Italyfinally there are ferries that go directly to the port of Saranda, which is the best option to reach our destination.

Cover photo | Polina Ritova