US media outlet Quartz has included Albania among its 10 best travel destinations to visit in 2026.

The publication highlights the Albanian Riviera for its natural beauty, lower prices and relatively smaller tourist crowds compared with other Mediterranean destinations.

Quartz selected the destinations for their scenery and cultural attractions. It also points to their potential to become more expensive and crowded as tourism grows. The Albanian Riviera stretches along the coast from Vlorë to Sarandë. It combines turquoise waters, beaches and mountains along the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

According to Quartz, prices remain well below those in Italy, Croatia and Greece. Towns such as Dhërmi, Himarë and Ksamil lie across the water from Corfu. Their location also makes Albania accessible to visitors from nearby Greece.

For decades, Albania remained isolated under the communist regime. The country opened up to the outside world in the early 1990s. However, large-scale resort development did not reach Albania at the same pace as other Mediterranean destinations. As a result, the coastline still has fewer high-rise hotels. Beach services also remain relatively affordable. Visitors can find lower prices for sun loungers and umbrellas than in many popular destinations across the region.

Quartz also highlights Gjirokastër and Berat, two Albanian cities on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Gjirokastër is known as the “City of Stone.” Its Ottoman-era houses climb the hillside, with distinctive stone roofs. The historic bazaar and hilltop castle reflect the city’s long history.

Berat is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” White Ottoman-era houses line the hills above the river. Quartz describes the city as one of the most photogenic places in the southern Balkans.

Tirana is also undergoing a major transformation. The capital has repainted many apartment buildings and developed a stronger design-focused identity. Meanwhile, direct flights from several major European cities have expanded. This has made Albania easier to reach for international visitors.

Cost remains another major attraction. Quartz says meals, hotel rooms and rental cars in Albania generally cost much less than similar services on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast during the summer. At the same time, Albania continues its EU membership negotiations and is investing in infrastructure. Quartz notes that the current price gap with other Mediterranean destinations may not last forever.

The other destinations on Quartz’s list are Uzbekistan, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Japan, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, the Faroe Islands, Puglia in Italy and Armenia.