Hotspots · 6 min read
Albania is 2026's breakout summer — here's how to do it for under $1,500
Turquoise water, €20 beach clubs and none of the Croatia crowds. A full week, priced out.
Why everyone is suddenly going
Albania's Riviera has the same Ionian water as Corfu — you can literally see Corfu from Ksamil — at roughly a third of the price. Searches from the US jumped sharply this year, and new seasonal routes into Tirana make it easier than ever.
The $1,500 week
Flight: $450–$550 round-trip from the East Coast via Rome or Istanbul. Stay: boutique guesthouses in Ksamil run $55–$90 a night. Food: a seafood lunch with wine is about $15. Beach club loungers: €10–€20 for two.
Where to base yourself
Split your week: 3 nights in Ksamil for the islands, 2 in Himarë for quieter beaches, and 2 in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO stone town in the mountains. Rent a car — the coastal road is the trip.
Is it safe for women?
Very. Locals are warm and hospitable, and petty crime is low. Usual rules apply: watch your drinks at beach parties and avoid driving mountain roads at night.
Jamie's quick tips
- Go late May or mid-September for warm water and half-price rooms.
- Bring euros AND lek — small spots are cash only.
- Ferry from Corfu to Saranda takes 30 minutes.
