{"id":2158108,"date":"2026-09-22T14:00:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T11:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2158108"},"modified":"2026-09-22T14:00:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T11:00:28","slug":"hidden-gem-to-holiday-hotspot-how-albania-became-one-of-europes-fastest-growing-travel-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2158108","title":{"rendered":"Hidden gem to holiday hotspot: How Albania became one of Europe\u2019s fastest-growing travel destinations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_f61e2187-7019-59c6-bbb5-cd84ea6e0a38-9923468.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2927785-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2927785\" data-cid=\"9923522\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927785-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/35\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_da7da674-cd4a-5722-8162-206ef21bd9e3-9923522.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US forces in Salociai, some 178 kms (110 miles) north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, Monday, March 23, 2015.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lithuania<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New rotation of US troops bound for Lithuania: Lithuanian president\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927754-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2927754\" data-cid=\"9923343\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927754-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/33\/43\/189x106_cmsv2_de1dbdac-ae21-5664-9326-a8140c23e229-9923343.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man with an umbrella struggles against strong wind brought by Typhoon Ampil, while walking on a street, in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>        Flooded streets and rescues as Typhoon Dujuan hits Japan\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927670-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2927670\" data-cid=\"9922834\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927670-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/14\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_bbfd3820-2fe3-58aa-9a31-eb7d9d3d9414-9921470.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vladimir Putin and Alisher Usmanov.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU renews Russia sanctions but removes Usmanov at France&#8217;s request\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2926824-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2926824\" data-cid=\"9918961\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2926824-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/89\/61\/189x106_cmsv2_d6929c99-6779-5e6f-b7c1-0eac190c1141-9918961.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska carry candles to honour the memory of the victims of the Russian occupation  at a memorial in the town of Bucha.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fake passport photos claim Zelenskyy and family chose Israel as home\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927785-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2927785\" data-cid=\"9923522\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927785-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/35\/22\/189x106_cmsv2_da7da674-cd4a-5722-8162-206ef21bd9e3-9923522.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US forces in Salociai, some 178 kms (110 miles) north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, Monday, March 23, 2015.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Lithuania<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New rotation of US troops bound for Lithuania: Lithuanian president\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927754-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2927754\" data-cid=\"9923343\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927754-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/33\/43\/189x106_cmsv2_de1dbdac-ae21-5664-9326-a8140c23e229-9923343.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man with an umbrella struggles against strong wind brought by Typhoon Ampil, while walking on a street, in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, Aug. 16, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>        Flooded streets and rescues as Typhoon Dujuan hits Japan\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927670-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2927670\" data-cid=\"9922834\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927670-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/14\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_bbfd3820-2fe3-58aa-9a31-eb7d9d3d9414-9921470.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vladimir Putin and Alisher Usmanov.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU renews Russia sanctions but removes Usmanov at France&#8217;s request\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2926824-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2926824\" data-cid=\"9918961\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2926824-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/89\/61\/189x106_cmsv2_d6929c99-6779-5e6f-b7c1-0eac190c1141-9918961.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska carry candles to honour the memory of the victims of the Russian occupation  at a memorial in the town of Bucha.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fake passport photos claim Zelenskyy and family chose Israel as home\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Destinations<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Hidden gem to holiday hotspot: How Albania became one of Europe\u2019s fastest-growing travel destinations<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/1536x864_cmsv2_f61e2187-7019-59c6-bbb5-cd84ea6e0a38-9923468.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Albania is one of the fastest growing destinations in Europe\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Albania is one of the fastest growing destinations in Europe<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Michel Struharova\/Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Michel Struharova\/Unsplash\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspDianne Apen-Sadler\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1790085628\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-22 16:00:28 +02:00\">22\/09\/2026 &#8211; 16:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" 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loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The number of tourists visiting the Balkan nation has doubled in the past decade as more and more people discover its fascinating history, brilliant beaches and awe-inspiring hiking trails.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>Albania\u2019s tourism story is unlike any other. Closed off to the world for decades under the rule of dictator Enver Hoxha, foreign tourists began to slowly trickle in after his death and the fall of communism.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Today, the number of visitors has soared \u2013 in 2025, arrivals hit 11.9 million, up 3.3% year-on-year but up 93.6% compared to 2019, according to UN Tourism.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no one single factor that has led to this meteoric rise, although we imagine the sheer number of travel publications referring to the Balkan nation as the \u201cMaldives of Europe\u201d (including Euronews Travel) has had something to do with it.<\/p>\n<p>Here, we take a look into the boom, and where you should be heading on your next trip.<\/p>\n<h2>Hidden gem to holiday hotspot<\/h2>\n<p>Travellers are always looking for the next \u201chidden gem\u201d: As soon as one place peaks in popularity, people begin to look for off-the-beaten path alternatives. <\/p>\n<p>A decade ago, Croatia \u2013 and Dubrovnik in particular \u2013 hit the mainstream thanks to Game of Thrones. Then tourists began looking for quieter locales on the Dalmatian coast, landing on Montenegro. Now, people are headed further south still, with the Albanian Riviera earning praise for its clear waters and affordable prices.<\/p>\n<p>The relative ease of moving around the region by bus has brought in plenty of travellers opting for multi-country trips, taking in North Macedonia, Kosovo and other spots in combination with Albania.<\/p>\n<p>For those flying in, the expansion of Tirana International Airport has helped, but a more significant event was the launch of a Wizz Air base here in 2020, bringing with it affordable flights to and from cities across Europe including Barcelona, Budapest, London, Madrid, Rome and Stockholm.<\/p>\n<p>A big part of why Albania is now so popular is also the sheer variety of its offering, whether you\u2019re into history or just want to fly-and-flop.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/808x539_cmsv2_3cc0b994-6c2c-5d35-abeb-d88a5861efd0-9923468.jpg\" alt=\"The mural mosaic outside the National Historical Museum depicts 13 people representing different periods of Albanian history\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The mural mosaic outside the National Historical Museum depicts 13 people representing different periods of Albanian history<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Tirana: For history buffs<\/h2>\n<p>Albania\u2019s capital Tirana is an excellent way into the country\u2019s history and its rapid development over the past few decades.<\/p>\n<p>Begin with a visit to Skanderbeg Square, so named for the statue dedicated to the country\u2019s national hero who resisted the Ottomans in the 15th century.<\/p>\n<p>While the National Historical Museum will remain closed until 2028, the mural on the outside still offers an insight into the country\u2019s past through the figures represented, which include an Illyrian warrior, a fighter from the Albanian National Awakening period, a depiction of Mother Albania and a communist worker.<\/p>\n<p>Communist-era Albanian history piqued my interest, which led me to the House of Leaves, a museum that focuses on the Sigurimi, the country\u2019s secret police. You\u2019ll get to see inside former interrogation rooms, and see first-hand documents, recordings and photos from that time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/808x608_cmsv2_db854984-dcb5-5f5e-8f04-0025f61a611d-9923468.jpg\" alt=\"Hemingway is known for its rum-based cocktails\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Hemingway is known for its rum-based cocktails<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Brutalist architecture isn\u2019t the only legacy of Hoxha\u2019s Albania: The country is also covered in bunkers, with 5.7 for every square kilometre. Most are derelict, but near Skanderbeg Square you can visit Bunk\u2019art 2, which also looks at life under the fear of the secret police.<\/p>\n<p>Bunk\u2019art 1, the larger of the two, is on the outskirts of Tirana and covers various periods from the 1930s up to 1990. If you\u2019re planning on taking the Dajti Mountain Cable Car, it\u2019s just moments away from the lower station.<\/p>\n<p>For tourist knickknacks and local food, you can visit Tirana Castle, aka the Fortress of Justinian, which is now the home of many independent restaurants, caf\u00e9s and shops.<\/p>\n<p>Tirana is known for being a cheaper city break than destinations in neighbouring countries, and it has a thriving nightlife scene as a result.<\/p>\n<p>The Blokku district is a good place to start. For cocktail lovers, try Hemingway, which is known for its live jazz and rum-based beverages, or Radio Bar. For beers, I liked Ruka&#8217;s Bar 1991.<\/p>\n<p>Wherever you go, be sure to try raki at some point\u2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/808x539_cmsv2_7f8a82a3-7da8-571f-a562-d3daf242e4c1-9923468.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Shkod\u00ebr is the gateway to the Albanian Alps\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Lake Shkod\u00ebr is the gateway to the Albanian Alps<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Shkod\u00ebr: For lakeside relaxation<\/h2>\n<p>The largest lake in Southern Europe is split between Albania and Montenegro. <\/p>\n<p>Called Lake Shkod\u00ebr on the Albanian side (and Lake Skadar on the Montenegrin side), you can explore the town by foot and visit Rozafa Castle, but the best thing to do here is rent a bike and make your way around the lake.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/808x608_cmsv2_8b70ca1b-ab7f-536d-8ca6-2466acfc8490-9923468.jpg\" alt=\"Dine, or stay, at Hotel Tradita in Shkod\u00ebr\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Dine, or stay, at Hotel Tradita in Shkod\u00ebr<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>This is very much a place to slow down and not do very much at all. I stayed at Hotel Tradita, a boutique property within a building that originally dates back to 1694 and was once the home of poet Filip Shiroka.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t stay there, be sure to pay a visit to the restaurant, which serves up traditional dishes, wine, and raki, and often has live Albanian music, too.<\/p>\n<p>Shala River and Lake Koman are popular day trips from Lake Shkod\u00ebr, and adventures in the Albanian Alps start from here.<\/p>\n<h2>Albanian Alps: For nature lovers<\/h2>\n<p>The Valbona Pass is among the most popular hiking routes in the Albanian Alps, and you can read all about our writer Rebecca Ann Hughes\u2019 time exploring the trail in detail here.<\/p>\n<p>The TL;DR version is that the trail from Valbona and Theth is 12 kilometres and takes around seven to 10 hours, and along the way you can expect to see unspoilt scenery, with dramatic peaks and wildflower-strewn meadows.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6585\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/808x532_cmsv2_ae7e4130-9ec2-59da-a03e-926bde117afc-9923468.jpg\" alt=\"The Albanian Riviera has earned the country the nickname &apos;the Maldives of Europe&apos;\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Albanian Riviera has earned the country the nickname &#8216;the Maldives of Europe&#8217;<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Albanian Riviera: For beach bums<\/h2>\n<p>The place that you\u2019ve probably heard the most about is undoubtedly the Albanian Riviera, aka the \u201cMaldives of Europe\u201d, so called because of its crystal clear waters and soft sandy shores.<\/p>\n<p>Vlor\u00eb, Albania\u2019s third-largest city, has seen the biggest influx of visitors, but other popular hotspots along the coast include Dh\u00ebrmi, Sarand\u00eb and Ksamil.<\/p>\n<p>The tourism boom in the country has brought with it plenty of investment in the tourism infrastructure, with five-star hotel options on the coast now including Green Coast Hotel &#8211; MGallery Collection (which opened in June last year), Crowne Plaza Durres by IHG (which opened earlier this year), and Miamar Luxury Hotel &amp; Spa.<\/p>\n<h2>How to get there<\/h2>\n<p>There are direct flights to Tirana International Airport from major hubs across the continent, including London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Istanbul, although it should be noted that many of these flights are seasonal.<\/p>\n<p>You can also take buses to Tirana from nearby cities including Skopje and Ohrid in North Macedonia, Podgorica and Budva in Montenegro, or Prishtina and Prizren in Kosovo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2924352-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2924352\" data-cid=\"9907217\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924352-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/72\/17\/480x270_cmsv2_87efb3ca-066f-58ca-bc02-1c84ae53c5d6-9907217.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Known for its beautiful beaches, Albania has been tipped as a top destination for travel in 2027\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Destinations<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Albania, Hong Kong and Egypt: Trending destinations to watch in 2027<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920324-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2920324\" data-cid=\"9887526\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2920324-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/75\/26\/480x270_cmsv2_c66873bd-9c95-5a8a-960c-33ef98b73e15-9887526.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Albania&apos;s capital Tirana is one of the best-value city break destinations\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where you can go on holiday in Europe for less than \u20ac100 a day<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887876-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2887876\" data-cid=\"9730118\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887876-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/01\/18\/480x270_cmsv2_cd521e7f-bb7f-56b9-a03e-6dd7c3e4a2a6-9730118.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Green Coast hotel opened in Albania in June 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Destinations<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Albania? Here\u2019s what\u2019s new for visitors to see in 2026<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel destinations<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Tourism<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Tirana<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Albania<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel guide<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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id=\"abe-2925319-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/16\/47\/320x180_cmsv2_254f196f-216d-5e3e-81d1-c64480d57c6e-9911647.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Nepal\u2019s Sa: Paru festival is celebrated annually in August or September across the Kathmandu Valley\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why you need to experience Nepal\u2019s Sa: Paru festival<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" 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class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Everything to see and do in \u0130stanbul after dark<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>GoT\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2911554-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911554\" data-cid=\"9845904\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Social media is ruining travel\u2019s element of surprise, survey reveals<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924352-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2924352\" data-cid=\"9907217\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924352-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/72\/17\/480x270_cmsv2_87efb3ca-066f-58ca-bc02-1c84ae53c5d6-9907217.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Known for its beautiful beaches, Albania has been tipped as a top destination for travel in 2027\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Destinations<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Albania, Hong Kong and Egypt: Trending destinations to watch in 2027<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2920324-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2920324\" data-cid=\"9887526\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2920324-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/75\/26\/480x270_cmsv2_c66873bd-9c95-5a8a-960c-33ef98b73e15-9887526.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Albania&apos;s capital Tirana is one of the best-value city break destinations\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where you can go on holiday in Europe for less than \u20ac100 a day<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887876-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2887876\" data-cid=\"9730118\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887876-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/01\/18\/480x270_cmsv2_cd521e7f-bb7f-56b9-a03e-6dd7c3e4a2a6-9730118.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Green Coast hotel opened in Albania in June 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Destinations<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Albania? Here\u2019s what\u2019s new for visitors to see in 2026<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, Magazines &amp; Inspiration | 24\/7<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927370-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927370\" data-cid=\"9921452\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927370-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/12\/18\/320x180_cmsv2_01578129-97d9-586a-9920-00b8a1a1a0a8-9921218.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Tourism: Lisbon voted the happiest destination in the world\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Lisbon voted the world&#8217;s happiest travel destination<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927428-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927428\" data-cid=\"9921499\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927428-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/14\/99\/320x180_cmsv2_d2151556-074d-5c39-8c82-e7382abea6a5-9921499.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Beau-Rivage Palace is among the seven hotels in Europe that have been upgraded from Two to Three Keys by Michelin\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    All the new Michelin three key hotels in Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927411-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927411\" data-cid=\"9921409\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2927411-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/14\/09\/320x180_cmsv2_edf5e667-f64d-563b-8fff-1ba2cf364d65-9921409.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Out of 22 European airlines, AirAdvisor only found three carriers that didn&apos;t allow pets to travel in the cabin \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which are Europe\u2019s best pet-friendly airlines?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925319-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925319\" data-cid=\"9911647\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925319-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/16\/47\/320x180_cmsv2_254f196f-216d-5e3e-81d1-c64480d57c6e-9911647.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Nepal\u2019s Sa: Paru festival is celebrated annually in August or September across the Kathmandu Valley\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why you need to experience Nepal\u2019s Sa: Paru festival<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2912952-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2912952\" data-cid=\"9852052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Troy&#8217;s ruins, Bozcaada&#8217;s vines: \u00c7anakkale&#8217;s long history<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>GoT\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927641-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927641\" data-cid=\"9922747\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Wrapping passports in foil to stop hackers: New trend goes viral<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886075-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886075\" data-cid=\"9721340\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why 2026 is the year to visit Ankara<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>GoT\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886073-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886073\" data-cid=\"9721338\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Everything to see and do in \u0130stanbul after dark<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>GoT\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911554-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911554\" data-cid=\"9845904\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Social media is ruining travel\u2019s element of surprise, survey reveals<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Albania\u2019s tourism story is unlike any other. Closed off to the world for decades under the rule of dictator Enver Hoxha, foreign tourists began to slowly trickle in after his death and the fall of communism.Today, the number of visitors has soared \u2013 in 2025, arrivals hit 11.9 million, up 3.3% year-on-year but up 93.6% compared to 2019, according to UN Tourism.There\u2019s no one single factor that has led to this meteoric rise, although we imagine the sheer number of travel publications referring to the Balkan nation as the \u201cMaldives of Europe\u201d (including Euronews Travel) has had something to do with it.Here, we take a look into the boom, and where you should be heading on your next trip.Hidden gem to holiday hotspotTravellers are always looking for the next \u201chidden gem\u201d: As soon as one place peaks in popularity, people begin to look for off-the-beaten path alternatives.\u00a0A decade ago, Croatia \u2013 and Dubrovnik in particular \u2013 hit the mainstream thanks to Game of Thrones. Then tourists began looking for quieter locales on the Dalmatian coast, landing on Montenegro. Now, people are headed further south still, with the Albanian Riviera earning praise for its clear waters and affordable prices.The relative ease of moving around the region by bus has brought in plenty of travellers opting for multi-country trips, taking in North Macedonia, Kosovo and other spots in combination with Albania.For those flying in, the expansion of Tirana International Airport has helped, but a more significant event was the launch of a Wizz Air base here in 2020, bringing with it affordable flights to and from cities across Europe including Barcelona, Budapest, London, Madrid, Rome and Stockholm.A big part of why Albania is now so popular is also the sheer variety of its offering, whether you\u2019re into history or just want to fly-and-flop.Tirana: For history buffsAlbania\u2019s capital Tirana is an excellent way into the country\u2019s history and its rapid development over the past few decades.Begin with a visit to Skanderbeg Square, so named for the statue dedicated to the country\u2019s national hero who resisted the Ottomans in the 15th century.While the National Historical Museum will remain closed until 2028, the mural on the outside still offers an insight into the country\u2019s past through the figures represented, which include an Illyrian warrior, a fighter from the Albanian National Awakening period, a depiction of Mother Albania and a communist worker.Communist-era Albanian history piqued my interest, which led me to the House of Leaves, a museum that focuses on the Sigurimi, the country\u2019s secret police. You\u2019ll get to see inside former interrogation rooms, and see first-hand documents, recordings and photos from that time.Brutalist architecture isn\u2019t the only legacy of Hoxha\u2019s Albania: The country is also covered in bunkers, with 5.7 for every square kilometre. Most are derelict, but near Skanderbeg Square you can visit Bunk\u2019art 2, which also looks at life under the fear of the secret police.Bunk\u2019art 1, the larger of the two, is on the outskirts of Tirana and covers various periods from the 1930s up to 1990. If you\u2019re planning on taking the Dajti Mountain Cable Car, it\u2019s just moments away from the lower station.For tourist knickknacks and local food, you can visit Tirana Castle, aka the Fortress of Justinian, which is now the home of many independent restaurants, caf\u00e9s and shops.Tirana is known for being a cheaper city break than destinations in neighbouring countries, and it has a thriving nightlife scene as a result.The Blokku district is a good place to start. For cocktail lovers, try Hemingway, which is known for its live jazz and rum-based beverages, or Radio Bar. For beers, I liked Ruka&#8217;s Bar 1991.Wherever you go, be sure to try raki at some point\u2026Shkod\u00ebr: For lakeside relaxationThe largest lake in Southern Europe is split between Albania and Montenegro.\u00a0Called Lake Shkod\u00ebr on the Albanian side (and Lake Skadar on the Montenegrin side), you can explore the town by foot and visit Rozafa Castle, but the best thing to do here is rent a bike and make your way around the lake.This is very much a place to slow down and not do very much at all. I stayed at Hotel Tradita, a boutique property within a building that originally dates back to 1694 and was once the home of poet Filip Shiroka.Even if you don\u2019t stay there, be sure to pay a visit to the restaurant, which serves up traditional dishes, wine, and raki, and often has live Albanian music, too.Shala River and Lake Koman are popular day trips from Lake Shkod\u00ebr, and adventures in the Albanian Alps start from here.Albanian Alps: For nature loversThe Valbona Pass is among the most popular hiking routes in the Albanian Alps, and you can read all about our writer Rebecca Ann Hughes\u2019 time exploring the trail in detail here.The TL;DR version is that the trail from Valbona and Theth is 12 kilometres and takes around seven to 10 hours, and along the way you can expect to see unspoilt scenery, with dramatic peaks and wildflower-strewn meadows.Albanian Riviera: For beach bumsThe place that you\u2019ve probably heard the most about is undoubtedly the Albanian Riviera, aka the \u201cMaldives of Europe\u201d, so called because of its crystal clear waters and soft sandy shores.Vlor\u00eb, Albania\u2019s third-largest city, has seen the biggest influx of visitors, but other popular hotspots along the coast include Dh\u00ebrmi, Sarand\u00eb and Ksamil.The tourism boom in the country has brought with it plenty of investment in the tourism infrastructure, with five-star hotel options on the coast now including Green Coast Hotel &#8211; MGallery Collection (which opened in June last year), Crowne Plaza Durres by IHG (which opened earlier this year), and Miamar Luxury Hotel &amp; Spa.How to get thereThere are direct flights to Tirana International Airport from major hubs across the continent, including London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Istanbul, although it should be noted that many of these flights are seasonal.You can also take buses to Tirana from nearby cities including Skopje and Ohrid in North Macedonia, Podgorica and Budva in Montenegro, or Prishtina and Prizren in Kosovo.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/09\/22\/hidden-gem-to-holiday-hotspot-how-albania-became-one-of-europes-fastest-growing-travel-des&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/34\/68\/1200x675_cmsv2_f61e2187-7019-59c6-bbb5-cd84ea6e0a38-9923468.jpg&#8221;] Lithuania New rotation of US troops bound for Lithuania: Lithuanian president No Comment Flooded streets and rescues as Typhoon Dujuan hits Japan Europe News EU renews Russia sanctions but removes Usmanov at France&#8217;s request The Cube Fake passport photos claim Zelenskyy and family chose Israel as home Lithuania New rotation of US [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2158108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2158108"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158108\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2158108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2158108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2158108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}