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When you think of the best European holiday destinations, locations like France, Italy and Greece probably come to mind.
But the country whose tourism sector has made the fastest record recovery after years of travel restrictions is likely to surprise you.
The number of tourists arriving in Albania was up 56% this year compared to 2019. Albania beat better-known European destinations such as Croatia, France, Greece and Spain to this top position.
This is why Albania is the fastest growing destination in Europe:
A rich history
Albania’s history is just as rich as that of neighboring countries Greece and Italy.
For five centuries, Albania was ruled by the Ottoman Empire before declaring independence in 1912. After World War II, Albania became a Stalinist state.
The capital Tirana has stunning architecture and a huge range of museums and galleries. In Berat you will find a 13th century castle that is still standing. Travelers from all over the world visit Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are four different UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania, while another four sites are currently on the organization’s tentative list.
History buffs love Albania for the wide and varied range of historical events you can discover here.
Like other Mediterranean countries, Albania has warm and dry summers, followed by mild and wet winters. That means the winter months are a great time for sightseeing and exploring the country.
Beautiful coastline
Albania is often considered the hidden pearl of the Mediterranean. It is located in the southeastern part of the Adriatic Sea and the northeastern part of the Ionian Sea.
Albania boasts incredible turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches. It has a prime location between Italy and Greece and has many idyllic seaside resorts.
With 450 kilometers of beautiful coastline, some of Albania’s best beaches include the pale pebble beach of Dhermi and the bustling seaside resort of Himara. The Albanian Riviera is home to sandy lagoons and pristine sandy beaches.
And although visitor numbers have increased significantly, Albania does not attract nearly the same number of tourists as other Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece.
That’s not to say that summer on Albania’s beaches isn’t busy. But the summer months in Albania are not nearly as busy as in many of Europe’s other Mediterranean hotspots.
Incredible landscapes
If you don’t fancy a beach holiday, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Albania. The landscapes of Albania are incredibly diverse and offer beautiful scenery.
The north of the country is wild and untamed, making it the perfect destination for adventurous travelers. And outdoor explorers will enjoy the beautiful Thethi and Llogara National Parks. These are great places for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.
During the winter months, the snow-capped peaks of the Albanian Alps are a great place for snow sports and a much cheaper place to hit the slopes than the Alps of France or Italy.
A destination for the whole year
Although the summer months are considered peak season in Albania, the country is a year-round destination. In fact, many travelers believe that the low season is the ideal time to discover Albania.
The number of tourists in the country is lower, so you have many of the sights to yourself. And because Albanians are very hospitable to visitors, this is a good time to see the authentic heart of the country and live like a local.
The months between September and November are the best time to visit Albania if you want to enjoy hiking, cycling, sightseeing and water sports.
No matter what time of year you visit Albania, it is a very affordable destination to visit. You get a lot for your money in terms of food, tours and accommodation, meaning it’s an excellent choice for budget travellers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
