Dreaming of a tropical getaway but with limited time? Then look no further.
While many of us might flock to Thailand for a slice of paradise, not all of us have the time or money for the 15-hour flight. However, for those of us wanting a similar experience, a European destination offers similar idyllic views – and is just three hours away.
Taking to TikTok, travel lover Aleksandra revealed the ‘hidden gem’ of Lumi i Shales may have everything you need for the dream escape. She captioned the clip: “A hidden place in Albania that looks like Thailand.” According to Aleksandra, the dreamy beach spot has the same crystal waters and sandy beaches you might expect to find in Koh Samui, but is much closer to home.
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The Shalë or Lumi i Shalës is a river in the Albanian Alps in the north of the country. Previously kept firmly under wraps, it is quickly going from Europe’s best-kept secrets to a Brit bucket list item. Here, tourists zip line, snorkel, swim, kayak, hike, or for those of us who want to relax, sit back on the beach with a book and some suncream.
Viewers flocked to the comments section in awe of the hidden gem. “Beautiful place!” said one user. Another agreed, commenting: “I’ve been to Albania multiple times. [It’s] my favourite country of all times and I’ve travelled quite a lot. 10/10 would recommend to everyone.” While a third added: “I THOUGHT IT WAS THAILAND.”
From Edinburgh, a direct flight to Tirana Airport can cost as little as £30 if booked in the off season. If you’re flying from elsewhere you may need to make a stop, or you can head to an airport such as Luton or Gatwick and fly direct from there.
However, getting from Tirana Airport in Albania to the magical Lumi i Shales is not the easiest feat. The best route is to either hire a car or book a coach from the airport to Lake Komani. This is a four-and-a-half-hour journey that costs around €10 on a bus that sets off at 5 am or €100 euros for a taxi. Then you’ll need to cough up €6 each way for a ferry ticket over to Lumi i Shale, which only takes an hour and is really part of the experience.
Accommodation in Lumi i Shale is scarce and comes at a premium compared to other parts of Albania. For example, a basic hotel that can sleep up to three costs around £100 per night, but staying in Komani would only set you back about £60 a night.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Let us know in the comments section below