A crumpled boarding pass, a backpack slung over one shoulder, and a $60 flight deal snatched from a budget airline’s flash sale. That’s all it took for Mia, a 29-year-old graphic designer from Chicago, to land in Albania—a country she barely knew existed until a friend mentioned its turquoise beaches and mountain trails. What she discovered wasn’t just a cheap getaway; it was a place so vibrant, so unexpectedly soul-stirring, that she’s still talking about it a year later. Albania, often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors like Greece and Croatia, is the underrated gem that’s quietly stealing hearts. Here’s why Mia’s trip—and the country itself—might just convince you to book your own $60 flight tomorrow.
Why Albania Flies Under the Radar
Albania’s anonymity in the travel world is almost comical. Tucked along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, it boasts landscapes that rival the Amalfi Coast and a history stretching back to ancient Illyrians. Yet, it’s rarely the first (or even fifth) destination on anyone’s European itinerary. Why? For decades, Albania was isolated under a strict communist regime until the 1990s, keeping it off the tourist map. Even today, outdated stereotypes about safety or lack of infrastructure linger, despite the country being as welcoming as it is affordable. According to the Albania National Tourism Agency, visitor numbers are climbing—1.7 million tourists in 2024 compared to just 300,000 a decade ago—but it’s still a fraction of Croatia’s 20 million annual visitors.
Mia didn’t know any of this when she booked her flight. She was chasing a deal, not a destination. But that’s the magic of underrated places—they surprise you when you least expect it.
The Arrival: Tirana’s Colorful Chaos
Stepping off the plane in Tirana, Albania’s capital, Mia was hit with a kaleidoscope of colors. The city’s buildings, once gray under communist rule, are now splashed with vibrant murals—pinks, yellows, and blues—thanks to a revitalization effort by former mayor Edi Rama, an artist-turned-politician. “It was like walking into a painting,” Mia said, describing her first stroll through Skanderbeg Square, where locals sipped espresso at sidewalk cafes and vendors sold roasted chestnuts.
Tirana isn’t a polished capital like Paris or Vienna. It’s raw, a little chaotic, and bursting with personality. The Blloku district, once an elite enclave for communist officials, is now a nightlife hub with trendy bars and restaurants. Mia spent her first night at Radio Bar, sipping rakia (a potent local spirit) and chatting with a bartender who shared stories of Albania’s transformation. A meal of byrek (flaky pastry filled with spinach or meat) and a glass of wine cost her less than $5. “I kept checking the bill, thinking there was a mistake,” she laughed.
What to Do in Tirana
- Explore Skanderbeg Square: The heart of the city, with the National History Museum and its iconic mosaic facade.
- Visit Bunk’Art: A museum in a former nuclear bunker, offering a haunting look at Albania’s communist past.
- Wander Blloku: Grab a coffee at Komiteti, a quirky cafe with retro decor and homemade rakia.
- Hike Dajti Mountain: A 20-minute cable car ride from the city for panoramic views and hiking trails.
The Riviera: Beaches That Rival the Mediterranean’s Best
After two days in Tirana, Mia rented a car (a steal at $20/day) and headed south to the Albanian Riviera, a stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea that’s been called “Europe’s last untouched shore.” The drive along the Llogara Pass was a thrill—winding roads with jaw-dropping views of cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. “I had to pull over every five minutes just to take it all in,” she said.
Her destination was Himara, a coastal town with beaches like Jale and Livadhi that could pass for the Greek Isles. The sand was soft, the water crystal-clear, and the crowds? Nonexistent. Mia stayed in a guesthouse for $15 a night, steps from the shore. She spent her days swimming, sipping freddo espressos at beachside cafes, and hiking to hidden coves. “One day, I found this tiny beach completely to myself. It felt like a secret the universe let me in on,” she said.
The Riviera’s affordability is staggering. A seafood dinner of grilled octopus and local wine at a seaside restaurant in Ksamil cost Mia $12. Compare that to Santorini, where a similar meal could easily top $50. According to travel blogger Karen Gomez, Albania’s Riviera offers “the same beautiful coastlines, historic cities, and crystal-clear waters as Croatia—but at a fraction of the cost.”
Must-Visit Riviera Spots
- Ksamil Islands: Tiny islets you can swim to, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.
- Gjipe Beach: A secluded cove accessible by a short hike, perfect for adventure seekers.
- Porto Palermo: A historic bay with a 19th-century castle and calm waters for kayaking.
- Dhermi: A lively village with nightlife and stunning beaches like Drimadhes.
The Alps: A Hiker’s Paradise
If the Riviera was Mia’s coastal love affair, the Albanian Alps were her adventure crush. She joined a small group tour to Valbona Valley National Park, a rugged wilderness in northern Albania that feels like Switzerland 50 years ago. The Accursed Mountains (yes, that’s their real name) are a hiker’s dream, with trails winding through pine forests, past waterfalls, and up to peaks with views that stretch into Montenegro.
Mia’s highlight was the Valbona-Theth hike, a 7-hour trek that’s one of Europe’s most scenic. “I’m not a hardcore hiker, but this was doable and so rewarding,” she said. Along the way, she stayed in family-run guesthouses where hosts served homemade bread, cheese, and lamb stew for $10 a night, including meals. The hospitality floored her. “One family invited me to their daughter’s birthday party. We danced to Albanian folk music under the stars. I felt like I belonged.”
The Alps are also a haven for sustainable tourism. Local guides, like those with Albanian Adventure, emphasize eco-friendly practices, ensuring the region’s pristine beauty stays intact. Travel expert Carolyn Addison notes, “The Albanian Alps are totally untouched by tourism, offering authentic experiences with local families.”
Tips for Exploring the Albanian Alps
- Book a Local Guide: Trails can be unmarked; guides ensure safety and share local lore.
- Stay in Guesthouses: Affordable and authentic, often with home-cooked meals.
- Pack for All Weather: The mountains can be chilly, even in summer.
- Visit Theth: A charming village with a historic church and the Grunas Waterfall.
A History That Hits You in the Heart
Albania’s past is a tapestry of triumph and tragedy, and Mia felt it everywhere. In Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed town, she wandered cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era stone houses. The Gjirokastër Castle, perched above the town, offered views of the Drino Valley and a museum detailing Albania’s complex history, from Illyrian tribes to Ottoman rule to the communist era. “It’s like the stones themselves have stories,” Mia said.
In Butrint, another UNESCO site, she explored ancient ruins dating back to the 8th century BCE. The site, a mix of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine remnants, sits in a lush national park by the sea. “It was so peaceful, nothing like the crowded ruins in Rome,” she noted. Admission was just $7, compared to $20 for the Colosseum.
Albania’s recent history is equally gripping. The Bunk’Art museums in Tirana and the House of Leaves, a former surveillance center, reveal the paranoia of the communist regime. Mia described a lump in her throat reading about families separated by the regime’s policies. “It made me appreciate the warmth of the people today even more,” she said.
The Food: A Love Letter to Your Taste Buds
Albanian cuisine is a delicious mash-up of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman flavors, and Mia couldn’t get enough. In Tirana, she tried fërgesë, a creamy dish of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, at Oda, a traditional restaurant tucked in an old house. In the Riviera, she devoured fresh mussels in Ksamil and tave kosi, a baked lamb and yogurt dish, in Vlorë. Street food like qofte (grilled meatballs) and sufllaqe (Albanian-style wraps) kept her fueled for under $3 a pop.
The affordability blew her away. A 2019 report by The Wanderful Me noted that a hearty meal in Albania can cost as little as $5–6, making it one of Europe’s cheapest destinations. Pair that with local wines or rakia, and you’ve got a feast that rivals any Michelin-starred spot for a fraction of the price.
Foodie Favorites
- Byrek: Flaky pastry with fillings like spinach, cheese, or meat.
- Tave Kosi: A creamy, tangy lamb dish baked with yogurt.
- Fërgesë: A rich pepper and cheese casserole, often served with bread.
- Rakia: Sip cautiously—this fruit brandy is strong but beloved.
Why Albania Feels So Special
What made Mia’s trip unforgettable wasn’t just the landscapes or the price tag. It was the people. Albanians have a reputation for hospitality, rooted in a cultural code called besa, which emphasizes honor and welcoming guests. “Everywhere I went, people treated me like family,” Mia said. A cafe owner in Himara gave her a free dessert just because she smiled at his dog. A hiking guide in Valbona shared his grandmother’s recipe for baklava.
This warmth, combined with Albania’s raw beauty and affordability, creates a rare travel experience. As travel journalist Samantha Brown puts it, “The best trips happen in places you never expected, where you can slow down and connect with locals.” Albania delivers that in spades.
Planning Your Own $60 Adventure
Ready to follow Mia’s footsteps? Albania is more accessible than ever. In 2025, Air Albania will resume direct flights from New York to Tirana, and budget carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair offer cheap connections from major European cities. A round-trip flight from the U.S. can cost as little as $500 if booked early, per Skyscanner. Once there, daily budgets of $25–50 cover accommodation, food, and transport, according to We Are Global Travellers.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for beaches, June–October for hiking. Spring and fall are less crowded.
- Getting Around: Rent a car for flexibility, or use buses and furgons (shared minibuses) for budget travel.
- Safety: Albania is safe for tourists, with a lower crime rate than many European countries. Exercise normal precautions.
- Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas; learning a few Albanian phrases earns big smiles.
A Destination That Stays With You
Mia’s $60 flight to Albania wasn’t just a trip—it was a revelation. She returned home with a camera full of photos, a heart full of stories, and a new perspective on travel. “I went for the deal, but I stayed for the soul of the place,” she said. Albania isn’t perfect—it’s still developing, with occasional bumpy roads or spotty Wi-Fi—but that’s part of its charm. It’s real, unfiltered, and waiting to be discovered.
So, what’s stopping you? Dig through those flight deals, pack light, and let Albania surprise you. Maybe, like Mia, you’ll find yourself dancing under the stars in a mountain village, wondering why you didn’t come sooner. Where’s the one place you’ve been hesitant to visit, but now feel curious about? Let Albania be your nudge to take the leap.
