A beautiful European country with stunning beaches and where a beer costs just £1.67 is experiencing a surge in tourism.

More Brits than ever are flocking to Albania thanks to its beautiful beaches along the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, which can easily rival those found on the shores of one of its neighbours, Greece and the rugged mountains of the Albanian Alps.

Almost three-quarters of Albania’s land is mountainous, making for some stunning views that can leave holidaymakers, rivalling those of Switzerland, Austria, and France.

With rolling hills and mountains hugging the city, Vlore is one of Albania’s most significant cities. Renowned for its long palm-tree-fringed promenade along the seafront, Vlore has some of the clearest waters in Europe.

The mountainous country is kind on your wallet. A dinner here rarely costs more than £10 to £15 per person in high-end establishments, while those looking for more cost-effective options can eat freshly prepared pizzas for under £5. 

The mountainous country is kind on your wallet as a dinner here rarely costs more than £10 to £15 per person in high-end establishments, while those looking for more cost-effective options can eat freshly prepared pizzas for under £5. 

Then there are the drinks. On Vlore’s main strip, beers start at just £2, while spirits and cocktails are around £4.

Unlike some other European countries, the Albanian people are notorious for their welcoming mannerisms toward tourists. Some villagers even open their homes to accommodate holidaymakers.

Those looking to immerse themself in the Balkan nation can stay in Tirana, the capital of Albania, for as little as £6 per night. In Tirana, three-star hotels average around just £42 per night.

Albania has most definitely found its way onto the tourist map. More than 120,000 UK nationals now visit the Balkan nation each year. In 2024, Albania saw  11.7 million tourists visit, marking a 15% increase from 2023.

This surge in visitors has had a transformative impact on the economy, generating €3.8 billion in tourism revenues during the first nine months of 2024. 

Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro said: “The consolidation of Western European markets like Italy, Germany, France, and Spain, along with growing regional tourism and an increase in visitors from Asia and the Americas, shows that our vision is becoming a reality. Prestigious promotion and positive travel experiences are building Albania’s reputation year by year.”

You can travel here for a fraction of the price you would pay in Greece and Italy, making it a great alternative to pricey Mediterranean hotspots.

Ryanair is set to make the most of rising interest in Albania by introducing new flights from Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh on October 31. Its first flight from Stansted will leave that day at 6.30am with prices from just £17.