TIRANA, June 19 – The German media outlet “Merkur.de” reports that foreign tourists increasingly view Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive travel destinations. The article highlights turquoise waters, UNESCO-protected historic towns, and authentic cuisine as key drivers of interest.

Meanwhile, “Merkur.de” describes Albania as a “well-kept secret” for many European tourists, even as visitor numbers continue to rise.

The report focuses on the Albanian Riviera. It compares the coastline to Greece due to its calm bays, clear waters and small seaside restaurants. Ksamil stands out with white sand beaches, shallow turquoise waters and small islands that visitors reach by boat within minutes.

At the same time, Himara offers a quieter coastal atmosphere with fewer crowds. The Karaburun Peninsula attracts visitors with wild nature, rocky coves and unspoiled landscapes. In the north, Shëngjin draws growing attention for its long sandy beaches, which German tourists still know less.

“Merkur.de” also underlines tourism growth in Albania. The country received around 12.47 million visitors in 2025. However, many areas still keep an authentic character away from mass tourism.

Meanwhile, traditional cuisine remains a strong attraction. The article mentions “tava e kosit” as a national dish, along with traditional byrek filled with cheese or spinach.

Beyond the coastline, cultural heritage also draws visitors. Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, attracts visitors with its stone streets. Berat, the “city of a thousand windows,” holds UNESCO protection. Tirana is also emerging as a cultural centre with museums and art galleries.

According to “Merkur.de,” Albania will attract more tourists in the coming years. The report highlights new air connections and growing promotion of the Albanian Riviera. It also notes that Vjosa, Europe’s first wild river national park, strengthens Albania’s position as a destination that combines nature, culture and authentic experiences.

/a.p./