Albania has become so trendy that it’s safe to say it can no longer claim ‘hidden gem’ status.
The capital city of Tirana has sky-rocketed in popularity, especially amongst digital nomads, while the magical coastline is up for grabs for anyone.
This gorgeous country is a great alternative to many destinations, as multiple scenic spots can still be enjoyed without huge crowds.
Besides solo travel and digital nomads, dupe destinations have become one of the hottest trends in travel, and Albania may be leading the way.
The stunning beach town of Ksamil has commonly been referred to as the’ Maldives of Europe‘, but now it’s another bright blue-watered beauty’s turn, taking on the moniker of the ‘Thailand of Europe’.
This Stunning Hideaway Is All The Rage On Social Media
Bucket list destinations have become more common popping in our algorithm whether we think we asked for it or not.
Whether TikTok will meet its demise soon is a whole other conversation. As for now, people still scroll and scroll and scroll in search of dreamy getaways.
While my own personal algorithm seems to be a mix of car wrecks and questionable Indian street food, what always captures my attention the most is eye-popping travel videos.
The same goes for thousands upon thousands of aimless scrollers who have set their eyes on Lumi i Shales, also referred to as simply “The Shalë”
This remote bay along the Shalë is about as close as it gets to Thailand vibes without stepping foot in Asia.
No, we don’t mean Bangkok necessarily. You won’t find bustling markets or jaw-dropping temples here.
What you will find is lush vegetation, scenic mountains and some of the most blue water imaginable comparable to Thailand’s stunning beaches and islands.
Oddly enough, the Shalë is a river far away from the coast, but you won’t be daydreaming of Greece, Cyprus or Albania’s premiere beaches here.
The Journey Is Worth The Reward
Sometimes the road less traveled is the most rewarding. There are no flights or trains here, so prepare for a trek!
Many travelers raving about this awesome getaway made a day trip out of it, presumably from Tirana.
As this is the most accessible entry point into Albania, there are ample busses to get you where you need to go.
While I have not personally been to Lumi i Shales, I can say my minibus ride from Tirana across the border to Ohrid, North Macedonia, was comfortable, affordable, and right on schedule.
This same mode of transportation is how you can best reach Lumi i Shales from nearby Shkoder or book an excursion from Tirana through Viator for under $100.
The bus from Shkoder will take you to Komani Lake, then you can hop on a ferry for another hour to the most beautiful region of the river.
Fun Activities And Budget-Friendly Stays
Jetting off to an unknown paradise seems good in theory, but a lot of questions remain.
It’s not just a place to sit back, relax, and stare off into the abyss. It’s loaded with fun things to do!
Like Thailand, a traditional boat ride is a must passing through postcard-perfect scenery, but visitors also love a variety of activities, such as:
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Zip-lining
- Kayaking
Tourists can also rent beach chairs and parasols from nearby guesthouses to lounge in the sun.
Although many visitors are only here for the day, finding a cheap comfortable stay is easy peasy.
Many guesthouses, such as Livadhi Guesthouse, are as low as $40 in summer months.
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