With beachside huts and hammocks, rolling white sands and turquoise waters, one European nation has been liked to the beautiful South Asian island that is a hit with travellers

An American who fantasized about leaving the United States for Europe uncovered a stunning destination compared to the Maldives where beers cost as little as £1.50. Cepee Tabibian quit Texas for Spain when she turned 35, but it wasn’t until last year that she found a country she claims many Americans couldn’t even pinpoint on a map.

Publishing in CNBC, Cepee reveals she had received glowing reports about Albania before she chose to spend a month in the Balkan nation. Cepee dedicated a month in the capital, Tirana, while also exploring the Albanian coastline to “see what the buzz was about”.

While Cepee acknowledges Albania might “not be for everybody” she insists it “checks a lot of boxes” for individuals wanting to trade life in the States for Europe. This led her to determine that it was among the most “overlooked destinations in Europe for those hoping to relocate”.

Cepee lauded Albania for being budget-friendly, scenic, and community-focused. She penned: “Albania is one of the few places in Europe where you can still rent a comfortable apartment for under $500 a month, according to the women in my network. This low cost of living is one of the biggest reasons Americans are flocking there.”

She claims the expense of groceries, eating out, and medical care make the nation an appealing option for people who want to work as digital nomads or retire to the continent. Those seeking to discover Albania can experience tours through the alps as well as the Adriatic Sea in the west and the Ionian in the south, reports the Mirror.

She continued: “During my trip, I drove down the Albanian Riviera and visited Saranda, a lively seaside town with a beautiful promenade. It was September and the weather was still warm enough to swim and sunbathe, but the beaches were practically empty – a rare treat compared to places like Spain or Italy. On a clear day you can see Greece in the distance! The island of Corfu is just a 30-minute ferry ride away.

“I didn’t make it to the northern mountains, but they’re high on my list for next time. Remote villages, hiking trails, and gorgeous landscapes make it a dream for outdoor lovers.”

Cepee points out Albania’s tourism explosion over the past decade following its isolation under half a century of communist rule until 1992. She notes, however, that this means it still feels “authentically Albanian”.

While the Albanian Riviera has experienced a surge in visitors over recent years, it hasn’t yet become a go-to spot for mainstream travelers. Its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters have earned comparisons to the Maldives.

Visitors looking to explore Albania can discover everything from luxury beachfront hotels to secluded bays along the extensive shoreline.

Dhërmi stands out as one of the nation’s top tourist hotspots, boasting a 3-mile stretch of sand, vibrant nightlife scene, and the annual Kala Fest, created to boost tourism in the region.

Beachside bars offer beers for as low as $2, while a seafront room can cost travelers just $30. However, it’s further south in Ksamil, that’s been tagged as the “Maldives of Europe” on social media.

Beaches like Pema e Thatë have also become popular with tourists due to their beach huts and hammocks. These huts, available for rent for under $10, have become a viral sensation on TikTok.

-https://www.themirror.com/travel/woman-discovers-europes-most-overlooked-1323975-