Simon Calder took to This Morning to reveal an often overlooked destination in Europe that he dubbed ‘absolutely gorgeous’ and a ‘bargain’
Travel expert Simon Calder has been smitten with one particular destination since the 1980s. Now, this hidden gem is finally gaining recognition – yet Simon claims “prices are really back to kinda 1990s levels.”
Albania is emerging as a must-visit tourism hotspot, but as Simon revealed on ITV’s This Morning in a segment last year, he’s been championing it long before it became trendy. It comes as Wizz Air launches budget £20 flights to the country.
Speaking to presenters Ben Shepherd and Cat Deeley from his accommodation in Durres, Albania, Simon explained he had arrived the previous evening.
He said: “The sun has come out, it’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s one of the most historic and beautiful cities in Albania.”
Beyond its stunning scenery, Simon highlighted Albania’s “incredible bargains”, reports the Express.
A pizza and pint will set you back roughly £6, whilst his coach journey from the airport to his accommodation – spanning 30 miles – would have cost merely a couple of quid; had he not missed the final departure.
The country currently has sunny weather forecast for the next couple of weeks, with highs between 26-28C daily, allowing you to enjoy the summer for longer.
Simon also claimed Albania’s residents are amongst the most hospitable and warm-hearted you’ll encounter anywhere.
He revealed that once locals realised he’d missed his transport, they immediately rallied around to assist him in securing a taxi – even advising him on fair pricing to prevent any potential overcharging.
He noted that Albania currently sits outside the mainstream package holiday market, though he anticipates tour operators will catch on within the coming years.
Direct flights to Albania depart daily from key UK airports – and with this slice of paradise merely three hours away, it deserves a spot on your travel wishlist. If, like Simon, you fancy staying in Durres, then there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Durres boasts a colossal Roman amphitheatre featuring preserved mosaics that visitors can explore and marvel at.
TripAdvisor gives this attraction top marks, with one reviewer calling it essential viewing.
One holidaymaker shared: “This place is absolutely wonderful. I noticed that a lot of people take pictures from the outside and do not wish to spend 200 lek which is little less then £2 to go and see it inside. I think it’s their loss and they choose not to support further recovery of this beautiful place.”
But if lounging on the beach is more your cup of tea, then Durres delivers on that front too – it’s packed with stretches of pristine white sand and sparkling turquoise waters.
Following a busy day of sightseeing, you’ll have built up quite an appetite, so why not sample some of Durres’s freshly caught seafood?
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Squid, fish and octopus are all on offer and taste incredible thanks to being so freshly hauled in and prepared.
Another mouth-watering speciality is Japrak – minced meat and rice wrapped in vine leaves and slow-cooked to create rich, hearty flavours.