Pretty seaside country dubbed Maldives of Europe but ‘visit now before it’s r…

Albania’s stunning coastline has been likened to the Maldives, but a fast growing tourism industry could threaten its natural beauty.

Last year, it had 10.1 million international visits, up from 7.5 million in 2022 according to UN Tourism data, representing a huge 25% increase in just one year.

When you see the trendy beach clubs which stretch out over lazy waves, offering fresh Mediterranean cuisine at cheaper prices than neighbouring Greece, it’s easy to understand the allure.

Ksamil, one of the most popular beach towns, is known for its Ibiza-esque beach resorts and has fast become one of the must-see destinations.

One tourist who recently visited Ksamil told the Express: “The sunsets here is actually the best I have seen. It’s definitely worth the trip. The beach clubs are the best.”

However, there are fears its beauty might not last long if increased tourism leads to mass construction in places like Sarandë on the Riveria.

Founder of Globe Gazers acknoweldged tourism being a blessing and a curse: “On one hand, it’s bringing much-needed opportunities to local communities. But we can’t turn a blind eye to the challenges that come with this rapid growth.”

Reporter Alice Murphy likened Sarandë on the Albanian Riveria to a concrete jungle when writing in the Metro, due to a “flurry of construction” driven by a spike in tourism.

TripAdvisor tells the same story. Popular beach resort Ksamil has just 2.5 stars, with references to the idea of Instagram versus reality.

One reviewer said: “Artificial beach, crowded, overpriced, dirty. If you are considering going there, search for Ksamil social media vs reality and you’ll find some videos of the real deal 🙂 so glad I went only for a day.”

Another review points to the growth in tourism: “You actually cant see any beach, there are just umbrellas belonging to restaurants.”

Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed 4.5 million foreign visitors went to Albania in the first six months of 2024, a 34% increase on the same period in 2023.

While places such as Ksamil are more touristy, quieter beach towns further up the coast haven’t yet been overtaken by tourists, like Porto Palermo with stunning swimming bays.

But if you’re thinking of going, try to get ahead of the curve before prices rise further in line with its popularity.