The Shala River in Albania has been dubbed the “Thailand of Europe” for its stunning turquoise waters and lush, jungle-like scenery – and it’s just a short flight from the UK
Aditi Rane and Ketsuda Phoutinane Spare Time Content Editor
15:58, 25 Aug 2025
The turquoise water of the Shala River could be mistaken for somewhere tropical (Image: Bardhok Ndoji via Getty Images)
Whilst millions of tourists head to Thailand annually for its legendary tropical islands, there’s a European secret that delivers a comparable adventure much nearer to home.
The Shala River has earned the title “Thailand of Europe,” offering a taste of paradise without the lengthy journey or cost of a holiday in Southeast Asia. It features stunning turquoise waters and dense, rainforest-like landscapes, creating an exotic adventure in Europe’s heartland.
Ideal for an autumn getaway, Albania enjoys delightfully mild temperatures of approximately 25C in October, with plenty of sunshine making it perfect for late-season sun-seekers.
For those drawn to Thailand’s 1,500 miles of shoreline and more than 1,400 islands scattered with limestone formations, colourful coral reefs, and magnificent beaches, Albania’s Shala River offers an extraordinary substitute, reports the Express.
Albania’s Shala River is closer to home – and makes a cheaper holiday(Image: Maleo Photography via Getty Images)
Reachable only by vessel, the Shala River meanders through the breathtaking Albanian Alps. With its remarkably pristine waters and jade-coloured peaks, it could be confused with one of the remote islands of Thailand.
Thrill-seekers will be delighted, as the Shala River region provides pursuits like zip-lining, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and trekking, all amidst striking natural splendour.
However, it’s just as perfect for those seeking to relax, with its serene environment creating the ideal setting for unwinding beside the water.
The river’s secluded, chilled-out character delivers a restful retreat without the enormous expense. The stunning beauty of this region has captured attention across social media platforms too.
TikTok user @olam281’s footage of the Shala River left countless viewers gobsmacked to discover this tropical paradise was actually in Europe rather than some exotic Indian Ocean isle.
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One amazed comment read: “I’ve been to Albania multiple times. [It’s] my favourite country of all time, and I’ve travelled quite a lot. 10/10 would recommend to everyone.” Another flabbergasted follower exclaimed: “I THOUGHT IT WAS THAILAND.”
Reaching the Shala River involves a boat trip from Lake Komani’s harbour, though the spectacular natural scenery more than justifies the journey.
This pristine location remains largely undiscovered, a world away from the packed shores of better-known holiday hotspots, making it a genuine hidden gem.
Travelling to Albania proves remarkably straightforward for British holidaymakers as well. Direct flights operate from numerous major UK airports, including Bristol, Birmingham, Luton, and Stansted.
With tickets starting from about £25 in October for flexible travellers, it offers an budget-friendly getaway for those craving sunshine without enduring lengthy flights or jet lag.
Brits looking for a postcard-perfect spot for their next holiday may want to check out the breathtaking destination that’s been proving a hit with the social media crowd
This beautiful national park needs to be on your radar(Image: Getty Images)
Brits planning their next adventures on France holidays may want to bookmark a breathtaking national park that’s home to fjords full of crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs and almost no crowds.
The Calanques National Park in France looks like something out of a storybook thanks to the turquoise waters that make up the landscape, with a range of quiet sandy and pebbled beaches lining its shores. The region can only be reached by boat or on foot, meaning that it’s a lot quieter than other French hotspots as there are smaller crowds of visitors who flock to the area.
The clear waters mean you can get a great look at what’s been described as an “underwater garden” thanks to the diverse array of plants and wildlife that reside there, including the likes of octopuses, sea breams and anemones. (Just keep an eye out for urchins!). It’s one of those beautiful areas that rivals the likes of Europe’s coolest seaside town that’s just three hours from the UK.
It’s therefore no surprise that the Calanques have become increasingly popular with the social media crowd, who have been tempted by its postcard-worthy landscapes. The good news is that it’s still relatively quiet compared to plenty of other hotspots because it’s not as easily accessible, so even with the influx of tourists it’s easy to find plenty of peaceful spots.
One of the best ways to explore the region is by boat, so you can leisurely make your way along those crystal-clear waters and take in the dramatic scenery. In fact, an increasing number of holidaymakers are opting for boat trips to explore Europe’s hidden gems.
The Calanques boast ridiculously beautiful crystal-clear waters(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
According to recent data from SamBoat, bookings via its UK site rose by 75% last year, with most Brits opting for day trips as part of their travel plans. Of those, 89% of boats were rented without a skipper, with prices around £340 a day proving appealing for families or groups of friends wanting a memorable day out.
As for the Calanques, these remain a firm favourite with those who love to experience destinations off the beaten track. The SamBoat insiders explained: “Swap the busy city streets for sea cliffs if heading to Marseille and take a day trip to the Massif des Calanques, a dramatic stretch of limestone coves and turquoise waters nestled between Marseille and Cassis.
“Only accessible by boat or on foot, these secluded inlets offer wild swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing far from the crowds. Hiring your own boat for the day from the Old Port is a great option, offering total flexibility for you to explore at your own pace.”
For Brits, Marseille is the best destination to visit if you’re planning to head to the Calanques. There are plenty of direct flights with the likes of easyJet and Ryanair with a flight time of just under two hours, and then it’s approximately a 35-minute drive to the national park. Alternatively you could get the Eurostar from London to Paris and then change on a train to Marseille in France, with the total journey time being around seven hours.
The stunning lake has been compared to the Maldives thanks to its clear blue water and floating lodges
Visitors have compared the water at St Andrews Lake to the Maldives(Image: St Andrews Lakes, Kent)
Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, might not be the first place you’d think of when picturing turquoise waters and floating lodges. However, this county, known for its charming cathedrals and rugged coastlines, is also home to a lake that’s been likened to the Maldives.
St Andrews, once a chalk quarry, is now a stunning lake nestled in the Kent countryside. The water is so pure it’s almost potable, although it’s probably best not to drink it.
Located in the quaint village of Halling, the lake’s vibrant colour comes from suspended chalk particles reflecting light. While there’s a sandy beach for lounging, the lake is more famous for its array of attractions.
Visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boards and pedalos for a jaunt across the lake. Sailing courses and swimming are also on offer for those seeking a less intense activity, with the water reaching a warm 22C in summer. However, if you fancy a swim, you’ll need to complete an open water swim induction first, reports the Express.
The lake’s most renowned attractions, aside from the dazzling blue water, are the two aqua parks situated on the 70-acre lake. A new addition this summer is a towering water slide named La Jefa.
Visitors can also take a plunge in one of the nearby hot tubs(Image: St Andrews Lakes, Kent)
While the main aqua park welcomes visitors aged six and above, there’s also a kids’ aqua park suitable for kids between the ages of two and six.
For adults seeking a tranquil retreat, the wellness offerings include a more sophisticated tour of the lake coupled with access to invigorating facilities such as a sauna, hot tub, and plunge lagoon, complemented by premium sun loungers in the relaxation area.
But there’s also an abundance of excitement to be had on the ground; you can view the quarry from a breathtaking vantage point on the 33ft high zip wire. For additional thrills, try your hand at axe throwing, test your aim with archery, or scale the 23ft rock climbing tower.
When it’s time to wind down after a day brimming with adventure, St Andrews beckons guests to one of its serene floating lodges on the lake for an overnight getaway, each boasting their very own hot tub.
One enchanted Tripadvisor reviewer shared: “Absolutely lovely. The lodges are gorgeous and I could not get enough of sitting on the deck looking at the beautiful lake.”
Echoing the sentiment, another guest who revelled in the delights of Coots Lodge remarked: “Had Coots lodge, unreal views and stunning setting, the smallest fish I saw was 8-10lb, like being in the Maldives.”
Welcoming visitors daily from 10am, St Andrews is a mere stone’s throw away from Halling and a straightforward 40-minute drive from London; alternatively, guests can hop on a train to Halling and find themselves at the lake following a brisk 10-minute stroll.
It’s advisable to book activities in advance through the lake’s website to secure your spot, particularly during the bustling summer season.
Aged seven or eight, planting onions on his father’s land above Kabak Bay, Fatih Canözü saw his first foreigner. Before the road came in 1980, his village on the jagged coast of south-west Turkey’s Lycia region was extremely remote, isolated by steep valleys and mountains plunging into the sea. It took his family two days to get to the city of Fethiye on winding donkey tracks, to sell their apricots, vegetables and honey at the market. Despite his shock at seeing the outside world intrude for the first time, Canözü remembers thinking even then that tourism was the future.
Four decades on and having trained as a chef, Canözü has not only built a restaurant and 14 tourist cabins in Kabak, he has married a foreigner too: a former Middle East correspondent from England, who came here to research a novel and ended up falling in love. Now they are raising their family on this wild fringe of Anatolia’s Turquoise Coast, a region that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founding father of the Republic of Turkey, is said to have called the most beautiful in the country.
The Olive Garden takes its name from the 200 to 300 olive trees growing on the terraced hillside above the sea. Canözü’s father dug them up in the mountains and lugged them here on his back, a testament to the years of hard work it took to make this place. Canözü designed the cabins himself, building them in wood and stone to minimise the environmental footprint. Then he installed an infinity pool where his family once threshed grain. When the restaurant opened in 2005, he waited a nerve-racking 45 days for his first customer. Slowly, people came.
My wife and I stay here for four nights, sleeping first in a standard cabin and then in one of two luxury cabins overlooking the sea. The room is airy, glass and pine, but we spend most of our time sitting on the deck outside, continually astonished at the view. On the far side of the forested valley rise immense limestone walls that mark the southern reaches of the Taurus mountain range – the summit nearby is slightly lower than Ben Nevis. On the beach below, a sliver of sand meets startlingly blue water. Kabak beach has long been known for its alternative vibes, a place where groups of hippies sunbathe alongside Muslim families, women in burkinis and dogs dozing on the sand.
Food at the Olive Garden restaurant. Photograph: Louise Pamment
This sense of coexistence – something that many see as the heart of modern Turkishness – extends to the marine life: at sunset, half the beach is cleared for nesting loggerhead turtles.
By road, the village of Kabak is literally the end of the line, which, along with the rugged terrain, has helped shield it from the overdevelopment suffered by resorts elsewhere.
On foot, it is a resting place on a longer, slower journey. One of the things that brings travellers here is the 470-mile Lycian Way, established in 1999 by a British-Turkish woman called Kate Clow, who still lives locally. We hike sections of this world-renowned walking trail, first along a rocky path through pine forest and strawberry trees to visit a nearby waterfall. Some beach party stragglers have landed after a long night, so we take our plunge to the thump of techno. A few minutes’ scramble and the trail brings us back to wild silence.
The following day I walk south for two hours while others go ahead by boat; we meet on Cennet Koyu, which translates as Paradise Bay. No road has made its way to this beach, and it fully deserves its name. Swimming here, in water as clear as glass with steep green mountains rising behind, is as close to paradise as can be imagined. Up in the forest is one of the “camps” that were founded before gentrified tourism arrived – vaguely piratical travellers’ outposts that keep things reassuringly scruffy. Dogs, chickens and donkeys wander among the trees.
One of the cabins at Olive Garden. Photograph: Louise Pamment
The boat, steered by a local man with an anchor tattooed behind his ear, takes us around the next headland to the site of a ruined village. Its archway and collapsed stone walls, half swallowed by greenery, are a testament to the darker history of this stretch of coastline. Kalabantia was once inhabited by Greeks, forced to abandon their beautiful home during the brutal “population exchange” that followed the Turkish war of independence in the 1920s. No one came to take their place – it was too remote even for local Turks – so now its stones are sinking back into the land from which they came.
A 45-minute drive away is the much larger settlement of Kayaköy, formerly Levissi, from which over 6,000 Greeks were deported in 1923 to a “homeland” they had never seen. This melancholy ghost town of 500 roofless houses is almost entirely abandoned, but for roaming goats and tourists. There is something particularly tragic in its Orthodox chapels and churches, with their painted stars still pricking the ceilings. Strangely, I realise I’ve been here before: under the fictional name Eskibahçe, this was the setting of Louis de Bernières’ novel Birds Without Wings, which describes how nationalism tore apart multicultural communities that had lived side by side under Ottoman rule for centuries.
The Greek influence is also apparent in Lycia’s most famous ruins: the rock-carved tombs that we saw on our way here from Fethiye. They were made by the ancient Lycians, who blended Hellenic architecture with the Persian technique of hewing structures from the living rock. Smaller tombs, which resemble lidded caskets made of stone, are scattered throughout the mountains and along the Lycian Way, monuments to another of Anatolia’s vanished cultures.
Life has never been settled here. Kabak might still be remote but the road has inevitably brought change, and since the Olive Garden opened, trees have been bulldozed and concrete poured, although the pace of construction has apparently slowed in recent years.
Owner Fatih Canözü
With increasing visitor numbers, the water supply is a big concern, followed closely, in this time of ever-rising temperatures, by the risk of forest fires. But other things stay much the same. Where the road terminates the mountains are still vast and wild, the forests are still full of boar, and the turtles still return to the beaches every year. As in other places where beauty masks a harder existence, there’s a balance to be struck: without tourism – including the hikers slogging along the Lycian Way – many of Kabak’s young people would be forced to move elsewhere instead of working locally, as the Olive Garden’s staff do. At least for now, Kabak feels on the right side of that balance.
On our last night we eat imam bayildi, which translates as “the imam fainted” – presumably because the dish is so good – roasted aubergine stuffed with onions, tomatoes and garlic, drenched in olive oil and smothered with melted cheese. The food has been consistently fresh, local and delicious. The moon shines on the walls of the valley, which glow as bright as bone. We have learned a new word, yakamoz, my favourite in Turkish or any other language: it describes the sparkling of moonlight on dark water. There is poetry in this land. Any culture that has a word for this must be doing something right.
Standard cabins at Olive Garden Kabak (olivegardenkabak.com) from £70, luxury cabins £120 (both sleep two), breakfast included
The row of brightly coloured houses on the beach promenade in Villajoyosa makes for the perfect photo opportunity, particularly next to the white cliffs, sandy beaches and turquoise waters
Villajoyosa has beautiful buildings and a stunning beach(Image: Hugo via Getty Images)
Often dubbed as Europe’s best-kept secret, Villajoyosa is a tranquil town brimming with attractions for tourists seeking an enjoyable Spanish retreat. Known as ‘The Joyful Town’, Villajoyosa is nestled in the Alicante region in eastern Spain and boasts a modest population of just under 34,000.
One of the town’s most striking features is the line of vividly painted houses adorning the beach promenade. Originally inhabited by fishermen, these slender yet towering homes were adorned in bright, contrasting hues to be easily spotted after a hard day’s work. Nowadays, they provide an ideal backdrop for photographs, especially when juxtaposed against the white cliffs, golden sands and azure waters.
Villajoyosa is on the Costa Blanca(Image: Allard Schager via Getty Images)
Visitors keen on delving into Villajoyosa’s history should consider a trip to the Valencian Chocolate Museum.
This attraction chronicles the evolution of chocolate production in the region from the 1600s to the present day, highlighting their unique take on this global delicacy, reports the Express.
Interestingly, the museum also houses a vast library filled with historical documents and photos pertaining to chocolate and cocoa.
Lastly, for the truly intrepid, a visit to Villajoyosa offers the chance to explore the remnants of the Bou Ferrer, situated approximately half a mile off the coast.
Discovered by two divers in 1999, the Bou Ferrer is the wreckage of a Roman merchant ship that dates back around 2,000 years.
While firms provide diving tours for those keen to explore the ship’s remnants, more laid-back tourists have the option to visit a museum displaying a variety of artefacts retrieved from the vessel.
