With beachside huts and hammocks, rolling white sands and turquoise waters, one European nation has been liked to the beautiful South Asian island that is a hit with travellers
An American who dreamed of quitting the United States for Europe discovered a dreamy destination likened to the Maldives where pints cost as little as £1.50. Cepee Tabibian quit Texas for Spain when she was 35 years old, but it wasn’t until last year that she discovered a country she says many Americans couldn’t even locate on a map.
Writing in CNBC , Cepee says she had heard positive things about Albania before she decided to spend a month in the Balkan nation. Cepee spent a month in the capital, Tirana, as well as travelling the Albanian coast to “see what the buzz was about”.
Although Cepee admits Albania may “not be for everybody” she says it “checks a lot of boxes” for people wanting to swap life in the States for Europe. It led her to conclude that it was one of the most “overlooked destinations in Europe for those hoping to relocate”.
Cepee praised Albania for being affordable, picturesque, and community-minded. She wrote: “Albania is one of the few places in Europe where you can still rent a comfortable apartment for under $500 a month, according to the women in my network. This low cost of living is one of the biggest reasons Americans are flocking there.”
She says the cost of groceries, dining out, and healthcare make the country an attractive prospect for people who want to work as digital nomads or retire to the continent. Those wanting to explore Albania can enjoy tours through the alps as well as the Adriatic Sea in the west and the Ionian in the south.
She continued: “During my trip, I drove down the Albanian Riviera and visited Saranda, a lively seaside town with a beautiful promenade. It was September and the weather was still warm enough to swim and sunbathe, but the beaches were practically empty — a rare treat compared to places like Spain or Italy. On a clear day you can see Greece in the distance! The island of Corfu is just a 30-minute ferry ride away.
“I didn’t make it to the northern mountains, but they’re high on my list for next time. Remote villages, hiking trails, and gorgeous landscapes make it a dream for outdoor lovers.”
Cepee highlights Albania’s tourist boom over the past decade after it was locked away under half a century of communism until 1992. She however says this means it feels “authentically Albanian”.
Although the Albanian Riviera has seen a spike in tourism over the last few years, it is yet to become a mainstream destination for tourists. Its white beaches and turquoise waters have however drawn comparisons with the Maldives.
Travellers wanting to visit Albania can find everything from beachside resorts to quiet coves along the sprawling coastline. Dhërmi is considered one of the country’s most popular tourist villages with a 3 mile-long beach, bustling nightlife and annual Kala Fest, designed to promote tourism in the area.
The beachside bars sell beers for as little as £1.50 while a room along the seafront can set travellers back as little as £25. It is however further south, in Ksamil, that has been dubbed the “Maldives of Europe” on social media.
Beaches such as Pema e Thatë have also proven a hit with tourists thanks to their beach huts and hammocks. The huts, available to rent for less than £8, became a viral sensation on TikTok.