Emerging Albania

A Mediterranean destination growing fast after decades of isolation under Enver Hoxha's regime (1944-1985) and limited access into the 2010s. The Albanian Riviera (Saranda, Himara, Dhërmi) offers turquoise beaches comparable to southern Corsica at one third the price. Premium reference properties include Caja Albania (boutique in Dhërmi), Green Coast Resort in Palase and Rilindja Albania Hotel. The country targets 10 million annual visitors by 2030, up from 7.5 million in 2023. Risks worth knowing about before going: road infrastructure is still patchy, overtourism is already concentrating on a 50 km stretch of coast, and environmental degradation is happening visibly fast.