Budget airline Ryanair has announced 20 new routes to Tirana, Albania, increasing its total number of routes to the city to 43. From spring, passengers can fly from Liverpool, Birmingham, and Dublin, with flights taking just over three hours. These new routes supplement existing services from London-Stansted and Manchester, as well as seasonal flights from Edinburgh.
Flights from Liverpool and Dublin are available from March 30, while those from Birmingham start on March 29. One-way fares are as low as £23 in May, when temperatures reach 26°C, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious sunseekers.
Ksamil, in southern Albania, is a popular beach destination accessible by a direct bus from Tirana airport in under four hours. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise seas, and small islands, it has drawn comparisons to the Maldives. Visitors can book a day at Pema E Thatë, a private beach club with cabanas and overwater nets, where a beer costs around £2.25.
Durrës, about half an hour from Tirana, offers sandy beaches along the Adriatic Sea, including Durrës Beach with its palm-lined promenade and clear waters. The city also boasts a 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre and the 5th-century Venetian Tower, providing coastal views. The Muzeu Arkeologjik displays artefacts dating back thousands of years.
Tirana itself blends Ottoman and Soviet architecture, with landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the National History Museum. The Bunk'Art 2 museum, set in a Communist-era nuclear bunker, offers insights into Albania's history. Tirana Castle, though mostly ruins, now hosts food stalls and handicraft shops.
