For decades, when it came to summer holidays in the Mediterranean, the answers were almost always the same: Greece, Croatia, Italy, or Spain. These destinations are beautiful, well-known, and present on every travel platform.
But something is changing. In the first half of 2024 alone, Albania welcomed over 4.5 million tourists, a 34% increase compared to the previous year. This interest has continued into 2026, and the tourists arriving are not only backpackers looking for the cheapest accommodation.
They are couples, families, and groups of friends who would previously have booked Santorini or Corfu, but are now discovering that Albania offers a similar Mediterranean experience with lower costs and far fewer crowds.
The Price Difference Is Visible And Important
| Expenses | Albania | Greece, Islands |
| Average hotel, double room per night | €40–70 | €120–200 |
| Dinner for two people at a restaurant | €15–25 | €40–70 |
| Coffee, cappuccino | €1–2 | €4–6 |
| Rental car per day | €20–35 | €45–80 |
| Sunbed + umbrella per day | €5–10 | €15–30 |
| Museum or historical site entrance | €3–10 | €10–20 |
The same difference can be seen in almost every category: Albania costs around 40 to 60% less than the Greek islands for a similar level of comfort. The difference is felt most in accommodation and restaurants, especially when compared to places like Mykonos and Santorini, where prices have increased significantly in recent years.
What does this mean? A couple spending one week in Albania, including a rental car, mid-range hotels, dinners out every evening, and visits to the main attractions, can spend around €700 to €1,100 in total.
The same week on a popular Greek island can cost between €1,500 and €2,500.
Beaches: Closer Than You Think
Greece has been known for years for its beautiful beaches, and this is true. However, many tourists who visit the Albanian Riviera are surprised by the beauty of the coastline, the clear water, and the quieter atmosphere they find there.
The coastline from Vlora to Saranda stretches for around 120 km along the Ionian Sea, the same sea that touches the shores of Corfu and Lefkada. The water has the same turquoise color. The landscape is also similar: white limestone cliffs descending toward pebble bays and clear, deep water.
Ksamil vs Corfu: Ksamil is located opposite Corfu, on the other side of the strait. The small islands, which can even be reached by swimming, have sand and water quality that seriously rivals the beaches on the Greek side.
Dhërmi vs Lefkada: The main beach of Dhërmi is a long stretch of white pebbles, with olive groves and the Ceraunian Mountains in the background. The water is exceptionally clear.
Gjipe vs Navagio, Zakynthos: Gjipe is a hidden bay at the end of a canyon, accessible only on foot or by boat. With tall cliffs around it and clear water, it reminds you of the famous Navagio beach in Greece, but without tourist boats arriving every 15 minutes.
Crowds: The Difference Is Felt Immediately
On many Greek islands, summer is now associated with large tourist crowds. Santorini has started limiting cruise ship arrivals, while Mykonos often faces problems from noise and overcrowding. Even less famous islands, such as Milos and Naxos, are increasingly feeling the pressure of high visitor numbers.
Albania does not yet have this problem in the same way. Even at the peak of the season, in August, the Albanian Riviera feels more open and freer. Just move 10 minutes away from a popular beach and you can find bays with very few people.
This is also where the advantage of having a rental car in Albania becomes clear. The coastline is long, there are many access points to the beaches, and the crowds spread out quickly once you move away from the main centers.
Exploring By Car: Why Albania Is More Practical
In Greece, moving from one island to another is part of the beauty of the trip, but it is also expensive, time-consuming, and dependent on ferry schedules. Moving between islands means packing your bags, going to the port, waiting, taking the ferry, finding transport on the other side, and settling in again. Every move takes at least half a day.
In Albania, you rent a car at Tirana Airport, drive toward the coast, and explore freely for as long as you want. There are no ferries, no waiting at ports, and no need to keep moving around with luggage.
The Albanian Riviera, two UNESCO World Heritage cities, mountain passes, archaeological sites, and hidden beaches are all connected by road. One car, one trip, with no unnecessary interruptions.
With a rental car from Tirana Airport, you can be swimming in the Ionian Sea within four hours of landing. RentPoint offers car pickup at Tirana International Airport, with no hidden fees and unlimited mileage, which means you can travel from Tirana to Saranda and back without worrying about extra kilometer costs.
Food And Drinks: Local Flavors With Better Prices
Albanian cuisine may be less curated in presentation, but it is often more generous in substance. Portions are large and ingredients are local, as many restaurants source their meat, vegetables, and dairy products from nearby farms.
Grilled lamb, seafood, stuffed peppers, tavë kosi, and homemade byrek are some of the most popular dishes.
A full dinner for two people at a good restaurant on the Albanian Riviera, with appetizers, main courses, wine, and coffee, usually costs around €20–30. At a village tavern inland, it can cost even less.
Coffee culture is strong in both countries, but Albania may have an advantage because of the large number of cafés. Albanians drink a lot of coffee, and a macchiato or espresso usually costs around €0.80–1.50.
Albania Or Greece: Which Destination Suits You Better?
Choose Greece if: Island hopping is an essential part of the holiday you have dreamed of; you want more infrastructure for restaurants and nightlife; or you want to visit iconic archaeological sites such as the Acropolis or Delphi.
Choose Albania if: Budget matters to you and you are looking for excellent value without giving up quality; you prefer exploring by car and having complete freedom of movement; you like discovering places before they become too famous; or you want Mediterranean beaches, UNESCO history, and mountain landscapes in one single trip.
Choose both if: You want to combine the best of both destinations. You can fly to Tirana, spend a week exploring Albania’s coast and cities by car, then take the 25-minute ferry from Saranda to Corfu. This is a combination that is attracting more and more tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albania Safe For Tourists?
Albania is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft can happen in busy areas, as in any European country, but violent crimes against visitors are very rare. Albanians are widely known for their hospitality toward foreigners.
Can I Use Euros In Albania?
Albania’s official currency is the lek. Euros are accepted in many tourist areas, but you usually get a better exchange rate if you pay in lek. ATMs are easy to find in cities and coastal areas.
Is The Albanian Riviera Really As Beautiful As People Say?
Yes. The water quality, mountain backdrop, and relative lack of massive construction make the Albanian Riviera one of the most rewarding parts of the Mediterranean coastline.