There are plenty of untouched European destinations, but one country in the east has proven to be one of the hottest of the year: Albania

A country that used to be largely neglected by travelers, but has recently become one of the most promising destinations in Europe:

Demand for travel to Europe increased between 2022 and 2023, especially after all health-related entry requirements were removed and normalcy was fully restored. But while tourism goliaths such as France, Italy and Spain have taken steps to reduce tourist numbers, other lesser-known countries are eager to welcome more visitors.

Albania is a small country in southeastern Europe, bordering Greece to the south, northern Macedonia and Kosovo to the east, and beautiful Montenegro to the north. But unlike many of its contemporaries, it was introduced to the public only 30 years ago.

According to INSTAT, 377,211 foreigners arrived in Albania in January of this year, a rise of 94.2% year on year. These rates are nothing short of amazing, given that Europe is still in its ‘off-season,’ when arrivals often decline considerably.

In addition, all European countries have relaxed border controls and allowed the resumption of tourist traffic. The fact that Albania continues to expand so rapidly in the face of the return to normalcy of its fiercest competitors is further evidence that it has maintained the momentum it gained at the beginning of the pandemic.

While most of Europe was closed because of COVID, Albania remained accessible without restrictions, which probably contributed to its unexpected popularity.

Last year, 7.5 million tourists visited Albania, a 32% increase over 2021. If the current trend continues, the country’s previous high could easily be surpassed by December.

Many tourists are unaware that Albania is a summer paradise.

Albania, like Croatia and Montenegro, is located on the Adriatic Sea, one of the arms of the great Mediterranean, but the cost of living is much lower in comparison. You will find the same turquoise waters, white sandy or pebble beaches, and medieval towns with stone houses, but without expensive hotels and typical tourist traps.

Large parts of the southernmost coast of Albania, known as the Albanian Riviera, have remained undeveloped so that nature is intact, the beaches are undisturbed, and the traditional cobblestone towns, where generations of families have lived for centuries, untainted by outside influences.

The post This Hidden Gem Is Becoming One Of The Trendiest Destinations In Europe In 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Maria Valencia
Title: This Hidden Gem Is Becoming One Of The Trendiest Destinations In Europe In 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/this-hidden-gem-is-becoming-one-of-the-trendiest-destinations-in-europe-in-2023/
Published Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2023 04:47:24 +0000

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