Photo: Contiki
Albania is the dazzling new hot shot along the European coast. Well, it’s not exactly new new, but it is new in the sense that Albania is a hidden gem finally getting the love it deserves! The natural beauty of the Mediterranean nation should be enough to get you going there – especially the beaches.
Don’t believe us? See for yourself! Alysiah, avid Contiki traveller, hopped on our Albania Beaches and Peaks trip and was totally stunned to find sandy stretches and ocean fronts as beautiful as the south of France. And now she’s telling us all about her experience and why Albania is the new beachy destination to add to your bucket list.
Before travelling to Albania, what did you think of when you imagined the country?
“Before I travelled to Albania, I imagined a skyline of medieval structures surrounded by lush rolling hills and vineyards. For my movie gurus, imagine the panoramic views from Under the Tuscan Sun and Albania to be the charming, fairy-tale destination Diane Lane moves to.”
Image source:Contiki
Did beaches come to mind?
“Surprisingly, I did not think of turquoise shorelines or warm Mediterranean waters, but after researching Albanian beaches I was stoked to visit. Looking at photos of Himarë brought me back to my first Contiki trip, 11 Days of Greek Island Hopping, when my tour group stayed in Aliki on the southern coast of Paros. Pro tip: the photos only hinted at the incredible scenery in Himarë.”
Were you surprised to find out that Albania has a ‘Riviera’?
“Prior to my tour in Albania, I had never swum in a Riviera! Checking that off my 2024 bingo card was definitely a surprise. Everyone in my group was amazed by the castle along the Riviera in Porto Palermo, set amidst miles of sparkling turquoise water.”
Image source:Contiki
What were the beaches in Albania like? Could you compare them to beaches anywhere else?
“The beaches in Albania offered tranquility and adventure. If I could compare the scenery to a location I’ve visited, it would be Sirmione in Lake Garda. A core memory of mine is the sunset swim in Vlorë. Revathi, another traveller with me, captured one of my favorite photos from that night – giving credit where it’s due!”
Would you recommend Albania as a travel destination to others? If yes, why?
“Since returning from Albania, I’ve recommended Albania to several friends and family in search of a “trending destination”. While there, the locals were more than willing to chat about their country’s history, architecture, and most importantly – family recipes passed on for generations. For me, this was not a vacation; it was a cultural immersion experience. I returned home with the ability to say I’d visited the Balkan Peninsula and a new lens through which to view the Balkans.”
Image source:Contiki
In your opinion, is Albania a ‘hidden gem’ destination?
“If “hidden gem” were in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Valbonë National Park next to it. I’d happily retire in the charming villages near Hotel Margjeka, surrounded by wildlife and crystal clear lakes. To get there, we boarded a ferry to cruise along Lake Komani. Be sure to get a seat on the top deck – you won’t want to miss the panoramic views and photo ops.”
What do you think is unique about the beaches in Albania?
“For travellers seeking secluded, unspoiled and largely undiscovered destinations, I truly believe Contiki is the best tour company. This is especially true on the Albanian coast, where we found prices to be refreshingly affordable compared to other Mediterranean beaches. Who doesn’t love a budget-friendly option?”
