Just Across from Corfu: the "Maldives of Europe" for 60% Less Than Greece

For many years, travelers looking to enjoy a few days of swimming in turquoise waters, eating the tastiest local foods in cozy seaside tavernas, and enjoying the unparalleled Mediterranean sunshine automatically looked to Greece, and for good reason. But what if you could enjoy an equally attractive destination at a fraction of the cost you would normally pay for a vacation to Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, or Crete? 

If you’re not familiar with what lies just across the Ionian Sea, you’re in for a surprise. Albania, as this is the hidden gem that could turn into your next favorite spot for summer vacations, has emerged as one of Europe's fastest-growing holiday destinations, and for good reason. 

Once overlooked by many international tourists, the country has plenty to show, from the Albanian Riviera, a stunning stretch of coastline where crystal-clear waters meet dramatic mountain scenery, to its charming coastal towns, combined with some of the best-value holidays in the Mediterranean.

Spend 40% to 60% Less Than on the Greek Islands

This will take your overall budget to roughly 40% to 60% less than on a similar trip to a popular Greek island. Let’s break it down while revealing the best places to visit and locations to enjoy.

Ksamil: the “Maldives of Europe”

One of the Riviera's main highlights is Ksamil, often called the "Maldives of Europe." It’s a small coastal town that has become particularly famous for its white sand beaches and striking turquoise waters that often look more Caribbean than Mediterranean.

What to Do Here

You can easily reach small offshore islands by boat or even by swimming, and enjoy postcard-worthy scenery that rivals some of the Mediterranean's most famous beach destinations.

Bora Bora Beach. Photo: Shutterstock

Ksamil Beach is the central and also the busiest of them, with many cool beach bars to hang out when the temperatures are too high. Bora Bora Beach has a calmer vibe despite the name while Paradise Beach has excellent water for swimming. 

Ksamil Beach. Photo: Alp Galip / Shutterstock.com

In peak summer, all beaches tend to get crowded, so early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to enjoy them properly.

Just off the shore are four small islands that define the view of Ksamil. You can reach them by renting a kayak or a pedal boat or taking a small taxi boat for a fun ride. 

Once there, you can swim, snorkel, or just explore quiet rocky spots away from the mainland crowds. 

If you’re into visiting museums while on vacation, be sure to check one of Albania’s most important historical sites, Butrint National Park.

The Venetian castle. Butrint National Park and Museum-Reserve. Butrint Lake and lagoon.Photo: Shutterstock

The park is located just a few minutes away from Ksamil, and it is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that mixes Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins in a lush lagoon setting.

What to Eat in Ksamil (and How Much to Budget)

Photo: Shutterstock

Be sure to try restaurants with sea-view terraces and beachfront seafood grills, and have at least one sunset dinner with local white wine. As for one of the most popular drinks of the summer, the beer, you can expect to pay between €3.50 – €4.80 at beachfront and club bars, €2.20 – €3.00 at local restaurants, and €0.88 – €1.75 at supermarkets and local shops.

Tip to save more: Walking just 2–3 minutes away from the sand into the town grid drops restaurant bill averages by 30% to 50% while offering more authentic food. 

Saranda, Corfu’s Close Neighbor

North of Ksamil, you will find Saranda, Albania's main resort city, located just 25 kilometers from the beautiful Greek island of Corfu.

Saranda. Photo: Shutterstock

Saranda serves as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera and offers a lively waterfront filled with restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs.

What to Do Here

Saranda. Photo: Shutterstock

You can stroll the promenade along Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini, a scenic pedestrian strip packed with lively cafes, palm trees, and street markets that truly come alive during the evening xhiro (traditional sunset stroll).

Saranda. Photo: Alekk Pires / Shutterstock.com

You can take a riviera boat tour by renting either a boat or booking an excursion from the marina and go to pristine, secluded bays only accessible by water, including Krorëza Beach, Kakome Bay, and the unique rock formations of Turtle Cave.

Saranda beach. Photo: Shutterstock

If you want to avoid the Ksamil crowds, you can head to spectacular local pebbled beaches like Plazhi i Pasqyrave (Mirror Beach) or Pulëbardha Beach.

Plazhi i Pasqyrave Beach. Photo: Shutterstock

Be sure not to miss the sunset at Lëkurësi Castle, a 16th-century fortress perched high on a hill overlooking the bay that offers panoramic views of Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and the nearby Greek island of Corfu. There is also a gorgeous restaurant inside the castle walls for some truly unique sunset drinks. 

Panoramic view from Lecursi castle. Photo: Shutterstock.

What to Eat in Saranda

Saranda sits right next to the Butrint Lagoon, which produces famous, plump mussels called Mites. Whole grilled fish like Sea Bream (€8 - €12) or Sea Bass (€7.50 - €11) are prepared daily with simple lemon and olive oil marinades. 

• Byrek (€1 - €1.50) is a flaky, savory phyllo pastry that represents the ultimate local breakfast staple. It is traditionally stuffed with wild spinach, salty curd cheese (Gjizë ), or minced meat. 
• Byrek. Photo: Shutterstock
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• Tave Kosi (€6 - €9) is considered Albania's national dish and it consists of tender baked lamb cooked in a rich earthenware dish with rice and a savory, garlic-infused yogurt sauce.
• Tave kosi. Photo: Shutterstock
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• You can also try qofte (€4 - €6), which are seasoned, grilled lamb or beef meatballs, and sufllaqe (€3 - €3.50), the Albanian version of a gyro/souvlaki wrap—packed with shaved meat, tzatziki, onions, cabbage, and french fries.
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• Fërgesë ((€4.50 - €6) is a thick, warm dip made from stewed red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and local cottage cheese, usually served bubbling hot with fresh bread.

Accommodation Prices 

Here is a breakdown of hotel rates (per night), with the mention that prices tend to change dramatically in July and August:

• -Budget guesthouses/apartments: €40– €57, usually located a 10-to-15-minute walk inland.

  -3-star hotels: €79.– €120 during June/September, climbing up to €120 – €155 in July and August.

• -Luxury & beachfront resorts: €175 – €350 for premium properties with direct ocean views.

• Getting There

  Getting to Albania is surprisingly easy, with most countries offering direct flights. Many travelers also choose to first fly to Corfu and then take a passenger ferry to Saranda, a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes and is unique on its own. However, getting from the Tirana Airport to Ksamil is not just as easy. 

• The road distance from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to Ksamil is approximately 255 to 270 kilometers, depending on whether you take the faster inland route through Gjirokastër or the scenic coastal road.

  Via rental car (€15 to €40 per day), the ride will take roughly 4 hours to 4.5 hours, subject to traffic. Fuel will cost €35 to €45 for the one-way trip, and if you plan to do a one-way rental with a drop-off in Ksamil/Sarandë, agencies often apply a one-way fee ranging from €150 to €275. 

• A bus journey will take approximately 5.5 to 7 hours because there are no direct public buses from TIA to Ksamil, meaning you must factor in a transfer. The total fare is highly budget-friendly, averaging around €18 to €20 per person. You will first catch an airport shuttle to the Tirana Regional Bus Terminal (around €4), board a main bus from Tirana to Sarandë (€15 to €16), and then take a quick 25-minute local bus from Sarandë to Ksamil for €1.50

• What Else You Need to Know

  The absolute most critical tip for the region is that most beach operators, sunbed rentals, and local restaurants do not accept credit cards. ATMs in Ksamil carry very high transaction fees, so you are highly recommended to withdraw local Albanian Lek (ALL) or Euros in larger cities before moving to smaller locations. 

  Also, keep in mind that sunbed prices change depending on the row (front rows near the water cost more). Always confirm the total daily price with the staff before setting your bags down. 

  As prices continue to rise across many Mediterranean destinations, Albania is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. It offers the beaches, scenery, and cuisine travelers seek, but at a cost that feels increasingly rare in Europe. The secret is out, but for now Albania remains one of the Mediterranean's best-value escapes.

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