A travel enthusiast claimed to have found the European alternative to the Maldives in a cheap and unexpected country – and it’s just a £30 flight away – however, not everyone was convinced
When people start describing what they believe paradise would look like, the Maldives often top the list or are what most people would imagine, even if they don’t say it by name.
Its idyllic sapphire waters and consistently balmy weather lead many to herald it as a slice of heaven on Earth. However, reaching the Maldivian shores can be expensive and take a long time, with journeys including long 12-hour flights as well additional travel by speedboat or seaplane to get to your resort.
For those seeking an escape closer to British shores, a globetrotter named Scott claimed he’s discovered Europe’s answer to the Maldivian paradise – and it’s only a £30 return flight away.
Taking to Instagram, Scott shared his discovery with a video montage of his holiday, which including enjoying the sunny days by dipping into the clear turquoise water.
“POV: You find the European Maldives in the cheapest most unexpected country,” he wrote in the caption of his video, which has gone viral on the platform with over 5.2million views.
His video continued to show the white sandy beaches leading up to the blue waves, where visitors relax under parasols at tables and chairs sprinkled along the shore.
Scott also raved about the cheap yet incredible accommodation options with beach views and pool access, which once again looks like they belonged on the Maldives. He then shared clips of the many bars and beach clubs available for your evening activities.
While it all looked like it belonged to another world, Scott revealed the place in question was Ksamil in Albania. It’s located in the riviera of Southern Albania, just 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Saranda and near the Greek island of Corfu.
During the summer months, Ksamil becomes one of Albania’s most popular and crowded beach destinations, attracting both locals and international tourists looking for an affordable Mediterranean paradise.
However, Scott’s glowing review sparked a mixed bag of reactions from those who had visited Ksamil themselves, as not everyone had enjoyed the holiday spot as much as he had.
One viewer commented: “It does not look like this… I fell for this con last summer,” with another echoing the sentiment as they labelled it a ‘tourist trap’.
However, others jumped to Ksamil’s defence, suggesting that timing is key to making the most of the destination. They recommended visiting during the early or late parts of summer to avoid the peak tourist season in July and August.
One defender of Ksamil said: “That’s our Holiday Season then, but when you go some other time it is this calm and Beautiful Like in the Video. I myself am every year in Albania and can say the Video is right with this Beauty,”
Another simply stated: “It looks amazing.”