2009's hot new beach destination: Albania

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2009's hot new beach destination: Albania

* guardian.co.uk, Sunday November 9 2008 00.01 GMT
* The Observer, Sunday November 9 2008
* Article history

It sounds unlikely, but the 'Albanian Riviera' is set to become the new 'undiscovered gem' of the overcrowded Med.

Until now, holidays to Europe's most secretive corner have tended to be guided tours, taking in historical sites such as Butrint and the surprisingly elegant city of Tirana, but more and more operators are beginning to offer holidays to the country's long, sandy beaches. 'There aren't many undiscovered countries left in Europe, but Albania is certainly one of them - tourism is still in its absolute infancy,' said Derek Moore, chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. 'It has a stunning coastline with miles of empty beaches, and many cultural sites to discover.'

Inghams (020 8780 4433; inghams.co.uk) has a new programme to Albania for 2009, including the resort of Durres, pictured, which offers historical sites - Roman baths, an impressive amphitheatre and atmospheric Old Town - with stunning sandy beaches just 4km out of town. Inghams has four hotels in Durres, including the beachfront Iliria. A week costs from £419 including flights and transfers.

Inghams' 'Albanian highlights' tour offers two nights in Durres and also includes time in Tirana and the beautifully tranquil Lake Ohrid.

Other resorts along the coast are also opening up to tourism; as well as its guided tours, Sunvil (020 8568 4499, sunvil.co.uk) now offers stays at the Rapo Hotel in Himara, which boasts miles of unbroken sands stretching out either side of the village. A week in Himara costs from £808 B&B, including flights to Corfu and ferry crossing. Other companies are starting to offer programmes to Albania: Cox and Kings (020 7873 5000; coxandkings.co.uk) has a new tour for 2009 combining Albania with Macedonia, taking in the mountainous interior and the beaches. It costs from £1,395, including flights, transfers and 11 nights' B&B accommodation.

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