Whenever the idea of paradise is discussed, the Maldives will most likely be named, or at least unknowingly described by most people.
With its crystal clear, turquoise waters and warm and sunny climate, most people would argue it’s as close to paradise as you can come.
However, the journey to get to the Maldives can be long and expensive, including long 12 hour flights and often a speedboat transfer or a seaplane flight to get there.
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that’s a bit closer to home, one travel enthusiast named Scott claims to have found the European alternative to the tropical destination – and it’s only a £30 flight away.
Taking to Instagram, Scott shared a video with snippets of his recent holiday, which included him soaking in the sunshine and swimming in the clear water.
On the video, he wrote: “POV: You find the European Maldives in the cheapest most unexpected country.”
The video continued to show off the white sandy beach and the blue water, which you can enjoy from the parasols covered tables and chairs on the beach.
Scott also raved about the cheap yet incredible accommodation options with beach views and pool access, which once again looks like they belonged on the Maldives. He then shared clips of the many bars and beach clubs available for your evening activities.
While it all looked like it belonged to another world, Scott revealed the place in question was Ksamil in Albania. It’s located in the riviera of Southern Albania, just 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Saranda and near the Greek island of Corfu.
During the summer months, Ksamil becomes one of Albania’s most popular and crowded beach destinations, attracting both locals and international tourists looking for an affordable Mediterranean paradise.
Despite Scott raving about the location in question, many people took to the comments to share their own experiences.
“It does not look like this… I fell for this con last summer,” one person wrote, while another person agreed, saying it’s a ‘tourist trap’.
In response to these comments, however, many argued it gets better when visiting in the early or late parts of summer, as it means you avoid the most hectic parts of tourist season in July and August.
“That’s our Holiday Season then, but when you go some other time it is this calm and Beautiful Like in the Video. I myself am every year in Albania and can say the Video is right with this Beauty,” one person explained.
Another person wrote: “It looks amazing.”