A European ‘hidden gem’ that looks like a Thai island is blowing up on social media as Brits can’t believe it’s just a few hours away – plus, you can get flights for as little as £18
Brits are going mad about the Ko Samui of Europe just a stone’s throw away from the UK.
Millions of holidaymakers flock to Thailand‘s tropical islands every year – renowned for their secluded beaches, cheap food, and crazy half-moon parties. If the scenic tourist hotspot is at the top of your bucket list but you don’t want to endure a 15-hour flight followed by a rough boat ride, don’t worry – there’s a European destination that offers the same jungle mountain views and clear waters.
You’ll also save a tonne of money, as flights to this idyllic spot can be bought for as little as £18 if you hunt around on comparison sites like Skyscanner.
Taking to TikTok, travel lover Aleksandra shared her jaw-dropping trip to Lumi i Shales, with the caption: “A hidden place in Albania that looks like Thailand.” The video, which has amassed thousands of likes, showed holidaymakers cutting through glassy water in canoes, postcard picture beaches, and lush mountain backdrops.
The Shalë or Lumi i Shalës is a river flowing through the Albanian Alps in the north of the country, and has become one of the nation’s biggest natural attractions. Here you can zip line, snorkel, swim, kayak, hike, or just sit back on the beach with a good book. The laid-back vibes are great for people wanting a slice of paradise without breaking the bank or visiting somewhere super commercial.
Viewers flocked to the comments section in awe of the hidden gem. “Beautiful place!” raved 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.”
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You can fly directly to Albania from several UK airports, including Bristol, Birmingham, Luton and Stanstead. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab a major bargain – with flights dropping to as low as £18 in September. Indirect flights will tend to include a transfer at Milan Bergamo airport in Italy – but can still be booked for a low price.
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