Inside Europe's 'Maldives' with white sand beaches and hotels from £18 a night

07 February 2023 , 12:25

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Sunshade umbrellas and deckchairs on the beautiful Ksamil beach (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Holidays to an increasingly popular hotspot which has flown under the radar for years may be the perfect cost-of-living countering getaway.

Albania has become a firm favourite in recent years, with its gorgeous beaches, secluded coves, and spectaculary scenery.

In fact last summer Ksamil - a town in the Albanian Riviera - was being compared to the Maldives by TikTokers and travel influencers.

Countless videos online show tanned holidaymakers swimming through the sparkling waters and tanning themselves beneath the blue skies.

However unlike the Maldives, you can actually visit on a budget.

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As reported by the Sun, you can find hotel rooms from £18 a night, while a beer could cost you just £1.10.

There is a long stretch of beaches along the Riviera (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Getting there can be done on a budget too.

British Airways offers flights from London Heathrow Airport to Tirana International Airport, while Ryanair offers flights from London Stansted and Birmingham Airport to the same travel hub.

When we took a look, the cheapest flight currently flying this May is from London Luton to Tirana with Wizz Air, with fares from £54 each way.

The Riviera remains a bargain compared to other European destinations (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There's heaps to see and do while you're out there too.

For a start there's the breathtaking coast that's filled with with sparkling blue waters and glistening beaches.

With the region's growing popularity, there are also plenty of beachside hotels and resorts popping up.

If you eventually get tired of swimming around or sunbathing in temperatures of around 28C, then there is plenty more to do.

The Blue Eye Spring near Sarande is so clear you can see 50m into its depths from a viewing platform from which the brave also launch themselves into its icy waters.

Ksamil has been likened to the Maldives (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The ancient city of Butrint - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is also a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore the archaeological remains of an ancient city.

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Meanwhile, the Ksamil Islands are located just off the coast of Sarande and are considered one of the most beautiful places in the Albanian Riviera thanks to the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Intrepid explorers may also want to leave space on the itinerary for the Llogara National Park, located near the town of Vlora and great for a day trip with its large alpine meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices and dense forests.

Milo Boyd