IF YOU are thinking about where to go on your next holiday, then you might want to consider Albania.
New research has found that Albania is among Europe’s fastest-growing holiday destinations.
In fact, according to Thomas Cook, bookings are up a staggering 293 per cent year-on-year.
And it isn’t surprising as Albania has loads to explore including pretty beaches with crystal clear waters, a quiet capital city and cheap wine.
Recently, even the cast of TOWIE were in the country, filming the latest series of the popular reality TV show in Drimadhë – a small village near the Llogara National Park on the Ionian coast.
Brits wanting to head to the under-the-radar country, can fly direct from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool during the summer.
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Head to Tirana
The capital of Albania is Tirana and despite being the capital, you won’t find heads of crowds here.
The city can reach 35C in the summer and is even one of the sunniest cities in Europe with more than 2,500 hours of sunshine each year. Pints in the city cost as little as £1.50 too.
Travel reporter Cyann Fielding who visited the city recently, said: “One thing I really love about the city is it still feels completely undiscovered by Brits, lacking crowds and the typical souvenir shops on each corner that tend to come with that.
“In the heart of the city, visit Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll be able to get a clear view of the surrounding architecture – a mix of traditional Albanian villas and Soviet grey concrete buildings.
“If you want to earn your pint, climb the city’s very own pyramid, which has spectacular views of the mountains that border the capital.
“Make sure to also look out for ‘pillbox’ bunkers which are littered across the city – many of which have been turned into vibrant and quirky bars and cafes.”
You could stay at Hotel Elisa Tirana, Affiliated by Meliá with a spa, cafe and bar, for seven nights from £360 per person.
Maldives of Europe
Albania is also home to the so-called ‘Maldives of Europe’ in Ksamil, which earns the nickname from its pretty beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water.
You can head to Ksamil Beach, where you will also find the hand of Ksamil, which is a set of stairs up to a platform that is the palm of hand, hanging over the water.
If one beach isn’t enough, you can also head to Lori Beach ans Paradise Beach, which aren’t a long walk from Ksamil Beach. On Lori Beach you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
In the town itself you will find a number of bars and spots to grab a bite to eat as well.
You could stay at the four-stay Ventus Hotel right by the beach for a week costing from £171 per person.
UNESCO World Heritage sites
If you prefer exploring history, Albania has some beautiful historical towns such as Berat and Gjirokastra – which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Berat dates back 2,400 years and is known as the City of a Thousand Windows with boxy white houses and numerous Byzantine churches from the 13th century.
Gjirokastra, on the other hand, can be found in the Drinos River Valley and is known for its ornate 17th century houses.
Known as the ‘City of Stone’, visitors can explore a 13th century citadel as well as an old bazaar, traditional marketplace.
You could stay at the Te Gjyshi at Grandfather Hotel for seven nights costing from £199 per person.
Durres
Less than an hour from Tirana, you could head to the city of Durres.
In the city, you’ll find the Durres Amphitheatre, which is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans.
Make sure to also head to Durres Beach, which boasts a long stretch of golden sand as well as shallow waters ideal for families.
Stop by one of the restaurants along the seafront as well, to try out a catch-of-the-day grill, often with mussels and squid.
You could stay at the four-star Hotel Alion in Durres, Albania from £165 per person, including flights.
Golem
Golem is a great destination for beach lovers, thanks to being sat on a long stretch of the Adriatic coastline.
This pretty spot is also less than an hour drive from the airport.
Visitors can head along the seafront and find a boardwalk full of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.
Golem is also the perfect place to try out different water sports such as banana boat rides.