New budget airline route from the UK to connect Brits to the ‘Maldives of Europe' for £19.99

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

Plus, a Sun reporter head to the destination to see if it the ultimate budget beach break
TAKE OFF New budget airline route from the UK to connect Brits to the 'Maldives of Europe' for £19.99
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WHITE sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are just a couple of hours away in the 'Maldives of Europe' - and there are more direct flights from the UK.
Wizz Air is launching direct flights from London Gatwick to Tirana, the capital of Albania for just £19.99.
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Tirana is the capital of Albania and is home to many bunkers
Credit: Alamy
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Wizz Air has now added a second route from the UK to the European city
Credit: AP
The flights will operate five times a week, with the first taking off on October 26.
The route marks Wizz Air's second route to the Albanian city, with the airline also flying to Tirana from London Luton Airport.
While Tirana is an city break destination of its own, most will use it as a base to travel to the Albanian Riviera.
Away from the city, you can explore other parts of the country which have led to the European destination being dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe'.
Along the country's coastline there are crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and natural beauty.
There are many beach clubs to explore too, often serving up typical Mediterranean cuisine.
For example, in the town of Sarandë, which is sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and rolling hills, there is the Lost Seaside beach club.
Here, guests can enjoy a pool, beach, restaurant and lounge - including sunbeds that hang over the sea and pool.
Prices in Albania are typically really cheap.
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Elsewhere in Albania, many people have remarked the crystal clear waters and sandy beaches
Credit: Getty
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This has led to it being dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe'
Credit: Alamy
You can grab a pint for just 250 LEK (£2.22) or a glass of wine for between 200 and 400 LEK (£1.78 to £3.55).
Food is also cheap, with a mid-range, three course meal for two costing around 4,500 LEK (£39.94).
The average price of a double room in Albania is £83 per night, according to Kayak.
Yvonne Moynihan, managing director at Wizz Air UK, said: "With Albania increasingly recognised as the 'Maldives of Europe', this route allows more of our customers to discover untapped destinations across southeastern Europe."
Wizz Air also recently announced five new routes to Spain, as well as a direct route to Medina from London Gatwick - which is a first for the airline.
Is Albania the ultimate budget beach break?
A SUN reporter headed to Albania, here's what they thought.
When I first told my friends I was going to Albania, they reacted with a raised eyebrow and a simple question: 'Why?'
The country isn't a typical beach destination, but it has become a word-of-mouth hit for those seeking sunny, affordable getaways.
Flying from Gatwick, I hoped for a cheap and cheerful holiday, and that's exactly what we got.
The low prices were a pleasant surprise. In the town of Vlore, cocktails were just £3.70.
A bowl of seafood linguine cost only £5.20, and a full lunch on Ksamil beach was just £11.30.
I stayed mainly in Airbnbs, which ranged from £14 to £21 per person per night.
The water along the Albanian coastline was consistently a stunning turquoise blue, much like the seas found in Corfu or Sardinia.
The beaches were also blissfully quiet, thanks to the area still being somewhat of an undiscovered gem.
Peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for those on a budget, Albania is an ideal holiday spot.
It's a hidden gem that offers incredible value without compromising on beauty.
In the same country, you can also spend the day in Maldives-style overwater huts.
Plus, the incredible plans for unique 120-bed 'floating' hotel in idyllic UK beauty spot have been revealed.