If you’ve always wanted to visit the Maldives, but are lacking the time and budget, Ryanair will be offering inexpensive flights to a European alternative where you can enjoy beaches that are just as beautiful
The country is packed with beautiful, unspoilt beaches(Image: Getty Images)
Budget airline Ryanair has launched a number of new routes to a city that is becoming increasingly popular with Brits, in part thanks to its proximity to beaches often compared to the Maldives.
Ryanair will offer 20 new routes to Tirana, bumping its number of routes into the city to 43 overall. From spring, passengers will be able to visit this Albanian city from Liverpool, Birmingham, and Dublin, with flights taking just over three hours. The new routes are in addition to Ryanair’s existing UK services from London-Stansted and Manchester, and seasonal flights from Edinburgh.
Flights are available to book from Liverpool and Dublin on dates from March 30, and departing Birmingham on dates from March 29. Fares can be found for as little as £23 one-way in May, and with 26C highs during this month, its likely to become a popular destination for sunseekers on a budget in the spring.
If you’re looking for a beach holiday, then you have lots of options once you land in Tirana. Ksamil in the south of the country is one of the most popular beach areas, and you can get a direct bus to the resort from the airport which takes just under four hours. Ksamil is a village that sits between a lagoon and the Ionian Sea, with Corfu just across the water. With its white sand beaches and turquoise seas, plus tiny islands that can be explored by boat, it has drawn comparisons to the Maldives.
For the full Maldives-style experience, book a day at Pema E Thatë, a private beach club where you can hire cabanas. Some beach huts come with overwater nets, where you can sit and relax, watching the gentle waves of the ocean below. You can order a beer from around 250 Lek (around £2.25) to sip while you enjoy the views.
Durrës is about half an hour from Tirana, and is a port city that sits on a long area of sandy coastline. Durrës Beach has a palm tree lined promenade and clear blue waters, yet it’s only minutes from the historic city centre.
There’s also the smaller Plazhi i Currilave right next to the port. While there’s not much space on the sand, you can hire a lounger and umbrella to secure your spot, and there are bars and restaurants right on the beach that create a lively atmosphere.
Durrës is also famous for its Roman amphitheatre, and parts of this 2nd-century structure are still standing including the stone steps. One of the city’s most iconic sights is the 5th-century Venetian Tower of Durrës, a medieval fortification where you can enjoy spectacular coastal views from its old guard towers.
It’s also worth visiting the Muzeu Arkeologjik, a local archeological museum full of items that date back thousands of years that have been discovered just under the city streets.
READ MORE: Alton Towers gives sneak peek of new Bluey rollercoaster opening this yearREAD MORE: Unspoilt English town with cobbled streets is like stepping back in time
Tirana itself is also a fascinating city break destination, bringing together a blend of styles from Ottoman to Soviet in one colourful city. Skanderbeg Square is a great starting spot to explore. You’ll find buildings such as the 17th century Et’hem Bey Mosque sitting alongside the Soviet-style Opera House, and the National History Museum which is adorned with a huge mural depicting people fighting for the country’s freedom.
You can also visit the unique Bunk’Art 2 – a museum set inside a Communist-era nuclear bunker. Climb down the steep steps and you’ll enter an immersive world where you can learn about the fascinating history of Albania and what life was like during its decades as a secretive Communist state.
Many visitors to the city also recommend a trip to Tirana Castle. While only a few ruins remain of the medieval castle, the spot has been turned into a unique attraction with food stalls and places to buy handicrafts, so you can pick up some souvenirs and try Albanian cuisine.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com