The European hotspot just like the Maldives – and flights are just £27

BRITISH holidaymakers can travel to a European hotspot that is just like the Maldives for less than £30.

Because of its sandy beaches, pristine waters and picturesque wooden huts, the Maldives is a dream destination – but it comes with a hefty price tag.

2

For holidaymakers who want to sample a slice of paradise, but can’t fork out £800 on return flights, they’ll be pleased to know there’s an alternative much closer to home.

Albania is situated between Montenegro and Greece, and the destination has seen an influx of visitors in the last few years.

The country’s rise in popularity is largely thanks to the army of TikTok and social media influencers who’ve holidayed in the Albania Riviera.

One of the most popular areas is a small village in the south called Ksamil.

Videos of the coastal resort – which boasts turquoise waters with what one tour guide group describes as a “Bora Bora feel” – have racked up more than 60 million views on TikTok.

Many suggest it is much like visiting the Maldives – but significantly less pricey.

A Ukrainian influencer recently praised Ksmail in a video on Instagram.

According to the Mirror, Yuliia Berkuta wrote: “Ksamil is one of the most surprising places I have visited in the Balkans.

“This village is home to delicious seafood, a colourful sea and beautiful islands located a stone’s throw away from the village.”

Yuliia isn’t the only social media maven who’s praised the European paradise.

Travel content creator Caitlyn, who is known as the.wanderlust.times, posted a video about her recent trip.

She said: “You find the European Maldives and it’s one of the cheapest places you’ve travelled to.”

Flights cost as little as £28, with WizzAir, EasyJet and British Airways all offering direct routes to Tirana, the country’s capital.

From Tirana, it’s a four-hour drive to Ksamil on the southern coast.

Another option is to fly to Corfu then catch one of five daily ferries across to Sarandë.

Return flights to Corfu with EasyJet can be snapped up for less than £60 per person.

Travel expert Lisa Minot revealed the cheapest places to go on holiday this summer.

2