Albania is attracting growing attention as an affordable European tourist destination. Well-known music stars and television productions are increasingly choosing the country’s coastline for holidays and filming.

This time, British magazine “HELLO!” has put Albania in the spotlight. Travel journalist and expert Heidi Fuller-Love shared her experiences from several visits to the country and suggested ways to explore Albania on a lower budget.

The article opens with Albanian-born singer Dua Lipa, who has shared photos from her holidays in Albania. It also highlights the British reality show “TOWIE”, or “The Only Way Is Essex”, which has aired since 2010 and filmed in Albania in June.

The article also mentions plans by international luxury beach restaurant and bar brand “Nammos”, based in Mykonos, to open a location in Albania.

According to Fuller-Love, Albania offers an interesting alternative for travelers seeking beautiful beaches, nightlife, historic cities and traditional villages without spending as much as they would in some other popular European destinations.

Tirana: Nightlife and Affordable Prices

Fuller-Love describes Tirana as a lively city with plenty of options for entertainment, food and accommodation.

During her visits, she stayed at Xheko Imperial, a hotel near the Blloku area. She describes the hotel as elegant, with wooden elements, artwork and marble. According to the article, rooms cost around £103 per night.

She also mentions The Crown, a roughly 100-year-old building that, according to the article, was once home to the sister of King Zog.

Both properties are located near Blloku. During the communist regime, the area was reserved for the political elite. Today, it has become one of Tirana’s main nightlife centers.

The article recommends several bars and businesses in the area, including Radio Bar and Nouvelle Vague, as well as the Perla and Pirro boutiques.

Meanwhile, travelers looking for lower prices and a more everyday view of Tirana can visit Medrese Market on “5 Maji” Street, Fuller-Love suggests.

Bunkers: A Distinctive Part of Albania’s History

The article also explores Albania’s history through the bunkers built during the communist regime.

According to Fuller-Love, around 750,000 bunkers were built in Albania during Enver Hoxha’s rule. Today, many of these structures remain across the country and form a distinctive part of Albania’s historical heritage.

In Tirana, the article recommends visiting Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2. Through photographs, documents and various objects, the museums present life in Albania during the communist period.

For a different experience, Fuller-Love also mentions Bunker 1944, a bar and restaurant inspired by the 1940s, as well as War Bunker Hostel in Saranda, where visitors can stay inside a Cold War bunker.

Kruja, Berat and Gjirokastra

Beyond Tirana and the coast, Fuller-Love recommends Albania’s historic cities.

Kruja, about an hour from Tirana, features cobblestone streets, a traditional bazaar and local handicrafts. Visitors can find silverwork and traditional wool carpets there, according to the article.

Further south lies Berat, a UNESCO-protected city known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Its traditional white houses built along the hillside give the city its distinctive appearance.

The article recommends visiting Berat Castle, its churches, mosques and museums, as well as trying traditional dishes. It highlights tavë kosi, one of Albania’s best-known specialties.

Gjirokastra, another UNESCO-protected city, also features prominently in the article. Fuller-Love highlights its Old Bazaar, castle and Cold War tunnels.

In Gjirokastra, she recommends trying qifqi, a traditional dish made with rice and herbs.

Albanian Riviera: From Vlora to Ksamil

The Albanian Riviera occupies much of the article. It stretches along the coast from Vlora south toward Ksamil.

Fuller-Love describes the Riviera as an area with numerous beaches and clear blue waters. Visitors can find both quiet locations and destinations known for nightlife.

The article mentions Drymades Inn Resort, where the TOWIE team reportedly stayed during its June filming.

Further south, it highlights Kep Merli, a private resort where Dua Lipa stayed during her holiday.

Ksamil and Dhërmi in the Spotlight

The article describes Ksamil as one of the Riviera’s most beautiful destinations and refers to it as the “Maldives of Europe.” Fuller-Love links this reputation to its white sand, blue waters and small islands near the shore.

Dhërmi, meanwhile, stands out for its clubs and nightlife. The article highlights Havana Beach Club as one of the places favored by the TOWIE team.

For travelers seeking more peace and quiet, Fuller-Love recommends Nazar Beach in Palasë. She also links the choice to Dua Lipa’s preference for quieter locations.

Albanian Guesthouses Offer Another Way to Discover the Country

At the end of the article, Fuller-Love highlights Albanian guesthouses as another way to combine accommodation with local food and traditions.

She names Mrizi i Zanave among her favorites. The guesthouse is known for its restaurant, which uses locally sourced products. It is located near the Patok Lagoon, a coastal area where visitors can also spot Dalmatian pelicans.

For nature lovers, Fuller-Love also recommends Bujtina Kapinova. Visitors can stay in wooden cabins built in an Alpine style and enjoy views of the landscape around Mount Tomorr National Park.

Overall, the article presents Albania as a destination that combines beaches, history, nature, cuisine and nightlife. It also highlights the country’s opportunities for travelers seeking a more affordable experience than some other well-known European destinations.

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