TIKTOK is driving hoards of bargain-hunting holidaymakers to Albania.
The country’s pristine beaches and cheap booze are proving a mega hit with social media users after a budget, yet bougie, getaway.
Experts put it down to videos being shared of Albania‘s stunning white sands and luxurious looking beach bars online.
Ellie Marr, from Regent Holidays, told The Times: “They’re big social media users over there and they have capitalised on that.
“In the past a lot of the interest was from people going to discover Albania as an under-the-radar destination with a communist past.
“Now it’s the case that people have seen it in pictures, they’ve heard about it and realise it’s a stunning country for its coast and its natural beauty.”
One of the most popular areas appears to be a small village in the south called Ksamil.
Videos of the coastal resort – which boasts turquoise waters with what one tour guide group describes as a “Bora Bora feel” – have racked up more than 60 million views on TikTok.
Many suggest it is much like visiting a Greek island – but significantly less pricey.
One clip, shared by a British user who goes by Reena Rai on the platform, said: “It’s basically Greece on a budget.
“The beaches are gorgeous, you can always get a lounger.
“It’s really quiet and non-touristy. The food is absolutely incredible and the wine is super cheap.”
In Ksamil, a glass of wine will set you back £1.70 and pints cost just £1.10.
Eating out can vary, but Marr estimates a three-course meal costs anywhere between £10 and £22.
Other users praised the country’s diverse offerings – everything from “stunning mountains, cute villages, turquoise waters”.
Eli Solidum said in a video: “I was running out of money after a month in Greece so I hopped on a boat to Albania with no expectations.
“Wow, it had it all. Albania blew me away.”
‘ABSOLUTELY STUNNING’
Traveller Celia Silvani scheduled a trip for the end of August after being inspired by what she saw on TikTok.
The 31-year-old, from south London, who is visiting Ksamil and Sarandë with her husband, said: “It looks absolutely stunning and a little bit different to perhaps some of the more popular mass tourism parts of Europe that I don’t tend to like going to.
“I’m very excited and hope that the reality lives up to my very large TikTok-based expectation.”
Bookings to Albania are up 96 per cent compared to 2019, according to Skyscanner, and this is expected to continue to rise.
Flights cost as little as £18, with easyJet, WizzAir, British Airways and Albawings all offering direct routes from the UK to the capital Tirana.
Another option is to fly to Corfu then catch one of five daily ferries across to Sarandë.
Marr said: “It really is one of the last truly budget destinations in Europe.”
