Ryanair has announced six new flight routes to Tirana, Albania, offering access to the so-called 'Maldives of Europe' for as little as £20. The budget airline, led by CEO Michael O'Leary, is expanding its services to the Albanian capital, with new flights from Birmingham and Bristol for UK travellers, adding to existing routes from Manchester, Edinburgh, and London Stansted.
The 'Maldives of Europe' refers to the coastal village of Ksamil, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. While Ksamil is a four-hour drive south of Tirana, the total travel time from the UK is still significantly less than flying to the real Maldives, which can take 13 hours and cost around £1,100. Even in peak summer, Ryanair flights to Tirana are priced at £70 in July.
Visitors to Ksamil can enjoy three main beaches and nearby islands, including the famous 'Ksamil Islands'. One recent visitor shared that she booked a central two-bedroom apartment for six nights at just £190, and spent only £5 at the supermarket to feed five people.
An alternative route to Ksamil is via Corfu, Greece, which is visible from the village. From Corfu, travellers can take a ferry to the Albanian city of Sarande, just 25 minutes from Ksamil. Flights from the UK to Corfu start at around £50, though prices rise in summer.
Announcing the new routes, Michael O'Leary said: 'I'm here in Tirana International Airport. This morning we announce six new routes for summer 2024 connecting Tirana with Bari, Birmingham, Bristol, Budapest, Marseille and Vienna. We're seeing a lot of growth here in the Albanian marketplace and we expect to carry three million passengers in our first 12 months here.'
