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
Oxford Witney Hotel exterior at dusk

Hyatt’s First UK JdV Hotel Is Coming to Oxfordshire

Sep 12, 2026 00:22 AM
Transavia aircraft flying under clear sky

Transavia’s Summer 2027 Shake-Up Brings Seven Route Changes

Sep 12, 2026 00:19 AM

Ryanair Boss Challenges ‘Sucked Out’ Window Claim

Sep 12, 2026 00:06 AM

Airbnb Rentals Could Face New Limits in EU Hotspots

Sep 11, 2026 23:53 PM
Ryanair aircraft in flight

Ryanair Names Five Sweden Routes for Winter

Sep 11, 2026 23:07 PM
Child meeting Father Christmas

Missed LaplandUK Tickets? Final 2026 Release Lands Tomorrow

Sep 10, 2026 23:24 PM
Danube River and Budapest Parliament

Riviera Opens 2028 River Cruises — Here’s What’s Included

Sep 10, 2026 23:11 PM
Historic mosques and Cairo skyline

Stockholm Gets More Direct Cairo Flights This Winter

Sep 10, 2026 23:08 PM
Aerial view of Burj Al Arab and Dubai coast

Dubai Flights Return from Seven European Cities This Winter

Sep 10, 2026 22:55 PM

Gatwick Strike Could Disrupt Flights for Nine Days

Sep 10, 2026 22:42 PM

Flying via Shannon This Weekend? Expect Traffic and ID Checks

Sep 9, 2026 21:39 PM
Stormtroopers from Star Wars standing in formation

Star Wars Fans Get a New George Lucas Museum

Sep 9, 2026 21:26 PM
Traditional Bavarian dancers performing inside Munich Airport

Munich Airport Starts Oktoberfest Events Before the Tents Open

Sep 9, 2026 21:13 PM
AEGEAN Airbus A320neo and crew at Rotterdam Airport

Athens Becomes Easier to Reach From Rotterdam

Sep 9, 2026 21:07 PM
Coastal town and church in North Yorkshire

Visitors Could Face £1-a-Night Levy in York and North Yorkshire

Sep 9, 2026 20:54 PM

New York Returns to Düsseldorf With All-Business Flights

Sep 8, 2026 23:01 PM

Samos Gets a New Seafront Hotel With a 13+ Rule

Sep 7, 2026 22:48 PM
Volcanic ash plume rising from a volcano

Krakatau Ash Keeps Seven Indonesian Airports Closed

Sep 7, 2026 22:35 PM
Airport arrivals and departures signs

Spain Extends Border Checks for Italy Arrivals

Sep 7, 2026 22:22 PM
West Highland Line railway beside the coast

Scotland’s West Highland Line Faces Nine-Day Closure

Sep 6, 2026 20:09 PM
Cumbrian hills and village landscape

A New 120-Mile Trail Is About to Open Across Cumbria

Sep 6, 2026 19:56 PM
Passengers queueing at airport check-in desks

Europe Border Checks Could Get Slower After 6 September

Sep 5, 2026 09:53 AM

Ryanair Keeps Košice–Málaga Flying Through Winter

Sep 5, 2026 09:47 AM

Frecciarossa Trains Could Link Italy and Munich in 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:34 AM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft in flight

LOT Launches Warsaw–Turin Flights for Ski Season

Sep 5, 2026 09:21 AM
Geneva waterfront with Swiss flags

easyJet Restarts Hamburg–Geneva Flights After Six-Year Gap

Sep 5, 2026 09:18 AM