Albania, a Balkan gem drawing increasing attention for its sparkling coastlines, dramatic mountains, and remarkable affordability. Once overlooked, it is now emerging as a must-visit destination for European travelers, offering both rich historical heritage and breathtaking natural wonders. Yet with its growing popularity comes the challenge of overtourism, as local communities face rising living costs and the strains of balancing preservation with progress.
Destination/ Albania: A Less-Known Rising Star
ARTICLES
ALBANIA’S TOURISM SURGE AND SHIFTING VISITOR TRENDS IN 2025
Albania's tourism scene in 2025 is definitely shaking things up. June saw a huge jump, a 37.2% climb in visitor numbers compared to last year, thanks to more folks from both abroad and within the country deciding to visit. The National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) points out that coastal spots and hotels are super popular.
Albania is becoming a hot destination for summer vacations in Europe, it seems. But this growth comes with some interesting changes, like fewer visitors from Kosovo but,...
TOP 5 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS IN ALBANIA: A BALKAN JEWEL AWAITS
Albania, a Balkan treasure with its shimmering coasts, majestic mountains, and appealing affordability, is fast becoming a must-see for many travelers. This exciting country offers a unique mix of deep-rooted culture, spectacular natural scenery, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or returning to explore further, these five destinations in Albania perfectly capture its multifaceted charm.
Theth: A Haven for Hikers and Adventure Seekers
Tucked away...
RYANAIR’S TIRANA BASE BOOSTS ALBANIA’S TOURISM GROWTH
Albania is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination, with Ryanair planning a new base at Tirana International Airport, slated for April 2026, expected to hasten things along. The low-cost airline is putting $300 million into the venture, in the form of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft, along with 10 new routes and more frequent flights, positioning Albania as a major regional hub.
With the prospect of creating more than 3,000 jobs and drawing 4 million passengers each year by summer 2026, the f...
THE COST OF OVERTOURISM IN ALBANIA: RISING PRICES AND LOCAL STRUGGLES
Albania's burgeoning tourism sector, evidenced by the 3.4 million foreign visitors between January and May 2025 (around a 4% increase compared to last year) has, of course, spurred economic activity. However, it also presents local populations with very real problems.
Projections estimate that tourist numbers could even reach 12–14 million by the close of the year, which unfortunately pushes living costs sky-high, specifically in popular tourist destinations; think escalating rents and in...