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
Lumo high-speed train travelling on UK railway tracks

Budget Lumo Trains Enter West Coast Main Line

Mar 14, 2026 04:06 AM
Airplane landing over city skyline at sunset

Will Rising Oil Prices Push Airfares Higher?

Mar 14, 2026 03:57 AM

Android Now Helps Airlines Track Lost Bags

Mar 14, 2026 03:42 AM

Crete Flights Multiply at Bremen Airport

Mar 14, 2026 03:34 AM
Barcelona coastline and W Hotel along the Mediterranean waterfront

Varna Adds Five Wizz Air Routes for Summer 2026

Mar 14, 2026 03:28 AM
Alicante skyline with Santa Bárbara Castle above the city at sunset

Linz Airport Sets Out Summer 2026 Routes

Mar 14, 2026 03:11 AM
Colourful cliffside houses along the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy

Italian Autumn Breaks Added to Paderborn Airport Travel Programme

Mar 13, 2026 23:05 PM
Traveller standing in Monument Valley desert landscape

Manchester Flights Spark ‘Mumcation’ Travel Trend This Mother’s Day

Mar 13, 2026 22:59 PM
Palermo coastline with Monte Pellegrino cliffs above the city

KM Malta Airlines Adds Direct Palermo Flights to Summer Schedule

Mar 13, 2026 22:43 PM

American Airlines Adds Gift Cards As New AAdvantage Redemption Option

Mar 13, 2026 22:36 PM

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations Take Over UK Cities This Week

Mar 13, 2026 22:27 PM
Red sale sign displayed on the window

airBaltic Launches Short Express Sale With Flights Starting At €33

Mar 13, 2026 04:22 AM
Doha skyline with Pearl Qatar towers along the waterfront

Airlines Reroute Flights As Middle East Airspace Closures Spread

Mar 13, 2026 04:14 AM
Small dog resting on a sofa indoors

Iberia Adds Pets to Online Flight Bookings

Mar 13, 2026 04:08 AM
Mallorca coastline with boats in turquoise bay

Mallorca Tops New Ranking of Europe’s Best Family Holiday Spots

Mar 13, 2026 03:51 AM

Delta Delays Tel Aviv Flight Restarts Until Spring and Summer

Mar 13, 2026 03:45 AM

Wizz Air Adds Aircraft and Five New Routes in Venice

Mar 13, 2026 03:39 AM
Yellow and blue passenger train standing at a railway platform in Europe

Paris–Berlin Night Train Returns This Month

Mar 13, 2026 03:23 AM
airBaltic Airbus A220 aircraft climbing after departure

airBaltic Pauses Dubai Flights Until Late March

Mar 12, 2026 22:36 PM
Rail maintenance work on the West Coast Main Line

Easter Rail Works to Close Key West Coast Routes for Six Days

Mar 12, 2026 22:27 PM
Lufthansa passenger aircraft climbing after take-off

Lufthansa Keeps Majority of Flights During Pilot Strike

Mar 12, 2026 00:42 AM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft flying in clear sky

Ryanair Expands Regional Germany Network for Summer 2026

Mar 12, 2026 00:34 AM

Hilton Tests AI Trip Planner on Its Booking Website

Mar 11, 2026 23:18 PM

Montréal Rental Limits Could Leave Visitors Short of Beds in 2026

Mar 11, 2026 23:01 PM
Cologne Cathedral Gothic façade with twin spires viewed from below

Cologne Cathedral to Introduce Tourist Entry Fee

Mar 11, 2026 22:55 PM
Santa Claus portrait with surprised expression on red background

LaplandUK Christmas Experience Tickets Go on Sale This March

Mar 11, 2026 22:49 PM