As the January blues loom over us, you might be dreaming of a sun-soaked holiday abroad. Planning a trip away can be tricky; in 2024 protests against mass-tourism erupted in popular holiday destinations like the Balearic and Canary Islands, while numerous hotspots such as Venice have introduced ‘tourist taxes’ on visitors.
Cost is a huge factor for travellers, too, with air fares and hotel rooms only getting higher and higher. But travel expert Simon Calder has tipped one hidden gem country for being the hottest destination for 2025, where you won’t find crowded beaches and the prices are “incredibly good value.”
The travel journalist and broadcaster recommends booking a holiday to Albania, a “beautiful country” with prices “from the 20th century”. But there’s a catch. You’ll need to get there soon before the destination becomes “mainstream”, when you may find it tricky to bag a spot on the beach.
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Although the European country has gained some interest in recent years, with TikTokers comparing its beaches to those “in the Maldives”, Albania has remained largely off the radar for British holidaymakers. Yet its affordable prices and “uncrowded beaches” make it the place to go in 2025.
Ksamil in Albania has drawn comparisons with the Maldives -Credit:Getty Images
Simon urges travellers to get their holiday booked this year, as he predicts that Albania will become a popular destination in 2026. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Simon said: “My top tip for 2025 is Albania. It’s a beautiful country and you can fly there from Manchester Airport.
“Fares are pretty low and when you get there – my goodness – it’s like going back to the 20th century in terms of prices. It’s incredibly good value.
“It’s a beautiful country, with lovely, uncrowded beaches, and if you don’t get there next year I reckon by 2026 there will be an awful lot of people on those beaches. I think it’s going to become mainstream.”
Simon Calder reckons Albania will become mainstream in 2026 -Credit:Artur Malinowski / flickr.com
If breathtaking beaches are what you’re after then the Albanian Riviera is where you need to go, a gorgeous stretch of coastline that’s been compared to the Maldives. Luckily it doesn’t have Maldives prices. According to cost of living website Numbeo, a pint of beer in Albania will set you back £2.10, while a three course meal for two comes in at £42.
You can fly direct from Manchester Airport to Albania’s capital Tirana, there are flights all year round but May is when temperatures start warming up to the low 20s, perfect for relaxing on the beach. Skyscanner shows tickets from £34 one way in May (although you may need to pay extra for seat allocation and baggage).
If you’re looking for scenery that could rival the Maldives, then Ksamil is the place to go. It’s found on a gorgeous stretch of coastline known as the Albanian Riviera. The downside is it’s a four-hour drive from Tirana, but you can fly to Corfu instead where you catch a 30-minute ferry to Albania, reaching Saranda, a 20-minute drive to Ksamil. Although flights are a little more expensive starting from £57 one-way in May.
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