Discover the European Maldives: Cheap Flights, £2 Pints, and Crystal-Clear Seas Await

• Visitors have said this popular spot is akin to a budget 'European Maldives.'
• EXPLORE FURTHER: UK Foreign Office Issues Advisory for Popular Summer Destination

One of the planet’s most idyllic vacation spots, The Maldives is also a favored option for newlywed couples.

However, these island getaways often come with quite a high cost, especially since most lodging choices are luxurious resorts.

Still, if the island destinations appear slightly out of your price range, there’s a spot in Europe where you can experience something quite similar without breaking the bank.

TikTokers @theresortcouple posted a video where they say tourists will 'find the European Maldives in the cheapest country'.

They suggest Ksamil, a charming coastal hamlet in Albania, as a cost-effective substitute for the Maldives.

The TikTokers mention their affection for Ksamil’s ‘pristine waters and sandy shores’ and refer to it as the ‘most stunning location’.

Lonely Planet has previously characterized Ksamil as boasting some of Albania's finest shores.

The travel guide states: "Located south of Saranda, which unofficially serves as the heart of Albania’s Riviera, and close to the Greek border, Ksamil boasts a prime position."

The trio of tiny islands within its azure bay can be reached with a simple swim or short boat trip, and you'll often find them less crowded compared to the more popular town beach.

Ksamil's best-rated beach on Tripadvisor is Ohana Beach Bar, which has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating. A tourist describes it as a 'clean and nice beach'.

Tourists can also explore an incredible historic landmark while they're in Ksamil. Butrint National Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just 11 miles from the seaside village.

The ancient ruins are more than 2,500 years old and include a Hellenistic-era theatre and early Christian monuments.

Moreover, a vacation in Ksamil will be significantly cheaper compared to going to the Maldives.

According to Wise The typical price for a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant in Albania is only 1,000 lek/£8.50.

In the meantime, a local draft beer will cost you only 249 lek/€2.13, while a cappuccino sets you back just 164 lek/£1.40.

For British travellers aiming to get to Ksamil from the UK, they must fly into either Tirana in Albania or Corfu in Greece.

The journey to the village takes roughly four hours by car from Tirana, whereas visitors can also arrive via ferry from Corfu.

The ferry ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and lets visitors off at Sarande, a well-known coastal getaway in Albania, which is less than 30 minutes from Ksamil.

However, Ksamil is not the sole European vacation spot touted as a more affordable substitute for the Maldives.

A stunning island along the Antalya coastline. In Turkey has often been referred to as the 'Turkish Maldives'.

The island is renowned for its 'finely powdered white sands' and 'pristine turquoise waters'.

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