White sandy beaches and clear water: tickets to the "European Maldives" cost only 70 pounds

By TravelWiseFeb 4, 2024 08:05 AMNews
Share:
White sandy beaches and clear water: tickets to the "European Maldives" cost only 70 pounds
The village of Xamil, located on the coast of Albania, impresses with its beautiful white sandy beaches, clear waters and amazingly warm weather. Source: Artur Malinowski, wikipedia.org

The January blues force us to browse vacation sites and look for cheap airline tickets, dreaming of being on a sunny beach somewhere. However, you can easily make this dream come true, as several airlines offer great deals to must-see destinations in and around Europe.

Ryanair's January sale may be coming to an end, but the budget airline still has a number of great prices to some of Europe's hottest destinations. If you consider yourself a spontaneous person, this could be your chance to take advantage of this incredible offer," writes Ladbible.

Flights to the pearl of continental Europe, which is called the "European Maldives," now cost only 20 pounds sterling. In peak season, Ryanair tickets start at £70.

Located just three hours away from the UK, the village of Xamil on the coast of Albania has beautiful white sandy beaches, clear waters and amazing warm weather.

And all this for a small fraction of the price that a flight to the Maldives would cost - it doesn't seem that difficult. The only drawback of Xamil is that it's a four-hour car ride from the capital, but considering the three-hour flight, it's still much shorter than a trip to the real Maldives.

Away from the crowds and noise, the private beaches in Xamil offer a tranquil setting where you can take a nap while enjoying the stunning views.

If traveling by car scares you off, have no fear, because there is a faster alternative. You can fly to the Greek city of Corfu, which is visible from the Albanian village, from where you can take a ferry to Saranda in Albania, which is just 25 minutes from your final destination. Although airfare to Corfu is more expensive, you may find the hours saved are worth it.

But if you really don't care how you get there, the original route is very cheap, because it will lead you to one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Hibernia Line ferry sailing at sea

Ireland Gets a UK-Free Route to France

Jun 13, 2026 07:51 AM
Shipwreck Beach in Zante with turquoise water and boats

Zante Flights Face a Turtle Curfew

Jun 13, 2026 07:48 AM

Luton Airport Express Gets Better Trains

Jun 13, 2026 07:35 AM

Souvenir Passport Stamps Can Backfire

Jun 13, 2026 07:22 AM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft

Ryanair Family Seat Fees Face UK Probe

Jun 13, 2026 07:19 AM
Turquoise cove with swimmers on Mallorca coast

Balearics Could Ban Full-Face Veils

Jun 13, 2026 07:06 AM
GWR train at a railway station in the rain

Gatwick Gets Night Trains for Early Flights

Jun 13, 2026 06:53 AM
Four Seasons luxury yacht sailing along a coastal cliffside

Four Seasons Plans a Second Yacht

Jun 13, 2026 06:47 AM
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia under a blue sky

Berlin Gets Direct Sofia Flights

Jun 13, 2026 06:34 AM

Jet2 Opens Early Winter Sun Sales

Jun 13, 2026 06:21 AM

Nantes Gets a Direct Canada Link

Jun 13, 2026 06:18 AM
Small traveller figures standing on passport pages with visa stamps

Passport Doodle Forces Last-Minute Flight Change

Jun 13, 2026 06:05 AM
Guest room at Nobu Hotel Madrid with large windows and city views

Madrid Gets Its First Nobu Hotel

Jun 12, 2026 22:02 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft flying in a clear sky

Etihad Adds Eight Summer Routes

Jun 12, 2026 21:59 PM
KLM aircraft taking off from a runway at sunset

KLM Adds Flexibility for Long-Haul Trips

Jun 12, 2026 21:46 PM

Stockholm Is Getting an Underground Hotel

Jun 12, 2026 21:33 PM

Passengers Caught in Baggage Mix-Up Scheme at Toronto Pearson

Jun 12, 2026 21:27 PM
Traveller using an EES Entry/Exit System screen at a European border

Europe Border Queues Could Hit Trips

Jun 11, 2026 22:44 PM
Zannier Île de Bendor hotel exterior with pool overlooking the sea

A French Island Retreat Reopens Near Bandol

Jun 11, 2026 22:31 PM
Portable power bank with multiple charging cables on a white background

Power Banks Face Tougher Flight Rules

Jun 11, 2026 22:28 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing on a runway

Finnair Puts Turku and Tampere Back on the Map

Jun 11, 2026 22:15 PM
Aerial view of a small Sardinian beach with cliffs, turquoise water and boats

Sardinia Beach Trips Now Need a Plan

Jun 11, 2026 22:02 PM

Munich Airport Gets a New Sleepover Option

Jun 11, 2026 21:59 PM

easyJet Picks Cheap Sun Breaks for Rainy Summer

Jun 11, 2026 21:46 PM
Aerial view of Zadar’s coastline with clear Adriatic water and seaside homes

Wizz Air Brings Zadar Closer to Central Europe

Jun 11, 2026 21:33 PM
Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square seen from the harbour

Helsinki Makes Summer Easy to Plan

Jun 11, 2026 21:27 PM