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Albania has become so trendy that it’s safe to say it can no longer claim ‘hidden gem’ status.
The capital Tirana has exploded in popularity, especially among digital nomads, while the magical coastline is there for everyone to grab.
This beautiful country is a great alternative to many destinations because you can still enjoy several scenic spots without big crowds.
Alongside solo travel and digital nomads, dupe destinations have become one of the hottest trends in travel, and Albania may be leading the way.
The beautiful seaside town of Ksamil is sometimes called the ‘Maldives of Europe’, but now it’s the turn of another bright blue beauty, nicknamed ‘Thailand of Europe’.
With lush forests and crystal clear waters, you can escape Lumi and Shales this summer.
This beautiful hideaway is all the rage on social media
Bucket list destinations are becoming more common in our algorithm, whether we think we asked for them or not.
Whether or not TikTok will go under anytime soon is an entirely different conversation. For now, people are still scrolling and scrolling and scrolling looking for dreamy getaways.
While my own personal algorithm seems to be a mix of car wrecks and questionable Indian street food, eye-popping travel videos always catch my eye the most.
The same goes for thousands of aimless scrollers who have their eyes on Lumi i Shales, also known simply as “The Shalë”.
This secluded bay along the Shalë is as close to the Thai atmosphere as you can get without setting foot in Asia.
No, we don’t necessarily mean Bangkok. You will not find bustling markets or breathtaking temples here.
What you will find is lush vegetation, picturesque mountains and some of the bluest waters imaginable, comparable to the beautiful beaches and islands of Thailand.
Strangely enough, the Shalë is a river far away from the coast, but you won’t find yourself daydreaming about the best beaches in Greece, Cyprus or Albania.
No, you’ll be completely content basking along crystal-clear waters in this lesser-known inland paradise.
The journey is worth the reward
Sometimes the road less traveled is the most rewarding. There are no flights or trains here, so prepare to trek!
Many travelers who were excited about this great outing made it a day trip, probably from Tirana.
As this is the most accessible entry point into Albania, there are plenty of buses to get you where you need to go.
Although I have not personally been to Lumi i Shales, I can say that my minibus ride from Tirana across the border to Ohrid, North Macedonia was comfortable, affordable and right on schedule.
Using the same means of transport, it is best to reach Lumi i Shales from nearby Shkoder or book an excursion from Tirana via Viator for less than $100.
The bus from Shkoder will take you to Komani Lake, after which you can take the ferry for another hour to the most beautiful region of the river.
Fun activities and budget-friendly stays
Leaving for an unknown paradise seems good in theory, but many questions remain.
Where to stay, what to do, how to get there, etc.
Now that you know how to get to one of the most amazing destinations making the rounds on social media, there’s more than meets the eye.
It’s not just a place to sit back, relax and stare into the abyss. It’s packed with fun things to do!
Like Thailand, a traditional boat ride is a must through picture-perfect scenery, but visitors also enjoy a variety of activities, such as:
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Zip lining
- Kayaking
Tourists can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas from nearby guesthouses to relax in the sun.
Although many visitors are only here for the day, finding a cheap, comfortable stay is easy.
Many guesthouses, such as Livadhi Guesthouse, are as low as $40 in the summer months.
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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.
