Stuart Butler is a writer, guidebook author, award winning photographer and tourism manager of the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy in Kenya. He's passionate about beaches, mountains and wildlife – three things that Albania is well endowed with. He has traveled widely to all corners of Albania and loves the sense of discovery that Albania still holds. He lives with his wife and two children on the beautiful beaches of southwest France and within sight of the Pyrenees.
Albania has been having a moment for a while now. Young people have been flocking here for beach holidays that donât cost an arm and a leg, and itâs developing a reputation as one of Europeâs most exciting music festival destinations. Expect rugged mountains laced with quiet hiking trails, ancient ruins hiding in the shade of trees, stunning beaches ripe for exploration and fast-developing urban centres. Expect tradition, and an air of an older and wilder Europe. Up for somewhere new? Here are the best places to visit in Albania. RECOMMENDED:đ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks𧳠The most underrated destinations in Europeâïž The best beaches in Europeâïž Your essential travel guide Stuart Butler is a travel writer who has travelled extensively in Albania. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.Â
We all like the idea of summertime in Europe â long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars â but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy. But it doesnât have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatiaâs quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, hereâs where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. Youâre welcome. RECOMMENDED:đïž The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaksđșïž Europeâs most underrated travel destinations
Does anything conjure up an image of beach bliss quite like the Med? Surrounded by 22 countries and bordered by three continents, the Mediterranean Sea boasts miles and miles of coastline â not to mention hundreds of islands. And while there are certain seaside spots where youâll need to fight for space on the sand (weâre looking at you, Barceloneta), there are plenty of other secluded stretches of coastline across the Med. Our selection of alternative beach spots, chosen by Mediterranean-based travel writers, takes you beyond Europe to North Africa and the Middle East. From wild, flamingo-frequented beaches in Spain to a culture-packed port city in France, this is where to find the Mediterraneanâs best alternative (and affordable) beach breaks. Thereâs plenty of room to lay out your towel here. Grace Beard is Time Outâs deputy travel editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. RECOMMENDED:đș Europeâs most underrated destinationsđ The best European city breaksđ« The travel destinations that want tourists to stay away