A European holiday hotspot has been compared to Thailand thanks to its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters – and it takes just three hours to get there.
Thailand has quickly become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its stunning beaches, legendary food, and famed half-moon parties that draw in party-hungry Brits every year. However, many of us are put off by the long and expensive flight.
If you’re after a similar slice of paradise on a budget or with limited time, however, fear not, because there’s a ‘hidden’ gem in Europe offering very similar vibes, with flights from as little as £18 if you shop around.
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Taking to TikTok, travel lover Aleksandra showed off the stunning views she had seen in Lumi i Shales, captioning the post: “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 that cuts through the Albanian Alps. Previously rather unknown, it has become one of the country’s top 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.”
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.