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Do you think you should visit Spain for the best beaches in Europe? Or Italy for the best of Roman culture?
What if you could find both in one lesser-known and more affordable hidden gem?
Enter Albania!
Albania has seen something incredible 233.3% increase in the number of air passengers compared to 2019, making it by far the fastest growing destination in Europe.
Here’s why you should visit:
Fascinating historical sights
The country that is modern-day Albania was once part of the Roman Empire, so you’ll find an abundance of incredible Roman sights here.
But without the crowds and overtourism that you find in Rome!
Some of the most important Roman ruins in Albania include the Apollonia Archaeological Park, Butrint and Berat Castle.
Not only is Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also considered the most important archaeological site in Albania.
The remains of a Roman amphitheater are included at this important site, but it has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
Exploring Berat Castle
Perhaps the most unique archaeological attraction in Albania is Berat Castle.
A walk through the castle is like a walk through Albania’s history, as it has been adapted and updated with each of the country’s successive occupations.
This is a fortified walled castle, but also contains churches and mosques and is completely unique. Nowhere else in the world will you find anything like Berat Castle.
The city of Berat, where it dominates the skyline, is also historically rich, fascinating and well worth exploring.
The Albanian Riviera
If breathtaking beaches are more your thing, then you won’t be disappointed here.
Considered the most up-and-coming beach destination on the Mediterranean, the Albanian Riviera stretches an incredible 130km of beautiful white sand.
There are few bad beaches on the Albanian Riviera, but if you are looking for the best, try Saranda, a typical coastal town, ideal for travelers who love attractions and comfort during their beach holidays.
Here you can stroll along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard, enjoy delicious freshly caught fish in the plethora of restaurants, and spend your evenings in open-air cocktail bars.
The tourist infrastructure here is incredible.
For those incredible blue seas that rival the Maldives, and for which the Albanian Riviera is so famous, head to Ksamil. This is my favorite beach in the country, although not as less known as it once was.
There are 4 uninhabited islands off the coast of Ksamil and these are a great choice for a day trip from the mainland.
Tourists come here for the spectacular views, but also for swimming, jet skiing or kayaking.
An affordable destination
Compared to many other beautiful places on the Mediterranean, Albania is definitely cheap!
The dollar is a significantly stronger currency than the Albanian Leke, so everything is more affordable locally when you arrive in the country.
You should expect to pay between $2 and 5 for an inexpensive meal or snack at a cafe, and $10 for a hearty lunch or dinner at a local restaurant.
A pint of beer will only cost you about $2.50, while a cappuccino currently costs just under $2.
The more tourists there are in the area you are visiting, the higher the prices will obviously be.
But it still remains true that Albania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe and ideal for budget travelers.
Exploring Tirana
Tirana is the Albanian capital and despite its small size it is a vibrant, bustling capital.
You’ll find a lot of rich traditional culture here, but it’s the youthful, contemporary side of Tirana that makes it so fascinating.
Tirana was once a drab, communist capital, but now the buildings are painted in bright colors and the city’s pedestrianized streets are a joy to explore.
Highlights of the city include the National History Museum and Bunk’Art, a Cold War bunker converted into a fascinating modern art gallery.
If you fly to Albania you’ll land in Tirana, and it’s definitely worth taking a few days to explore this exciting capital before traveling on to the coast.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
