Affordable 'Maldives of Europe' with stunning beaches and flights from £15
Affordable 'Maldives of Europe' with stunning beaches and flights from £15
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Albania has recently gained fame as a budget-friendly alternative to the Maldives, especially for those travelling with family or during peak times. Known as the 'Maldives of Europe', it offers a cheaper option and remains relatively unexplored. Flights from London Luton to Tirana, Albania's capital, are available for just £14.99 with Wizz Air. Accommodation in the city starts from around £20 per night, although prices can increase for more luxurious options or during peak periods.
Albania was isolated from much of the world for four decades under its Communist regime. However, since the early 1990s, the country has undergone a significant transformation. Tirana is a city steeped in history, with remnants of its Ottoman, Italian and Communist past still visible. Tourists are drawn to these historical sites.
The House of Leaves showcases the country's recent communist past, while the Great Mosque of Tirana and the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania show off the city's religious diversity and the history associated with this. Another site that history fans should visit is the Byzantine-era Fortress of Justinian, also known as Tirana Castle. All that is left of this 13th-century structure is a 6-metre high Ottoman-era wall, although the grounds are currently undergoing restoration works.
