Olympic Holidays adds spectacular Albania to its handpicked portfolio

Greece’s undiscovered neighbour is this year’s hottest destination with its dreamy blend of pristine beaches, ancient history and rich culture

April 2025/…Award winning tour operator Olympic Holidays may be best known for its unrivalled expertise in the Greek Islands, but its carefully curated collection includes a diverse range of destinations, from Goa to The Gambia. 2025 sees an exciting new addition as Albania joins its portfolio. Quietly gaining in popularity with savvy travellers in recent years, Albania remains remarkably free from mass tourism despite its stunning scenery. The formerly communist country is becoming this year’s most desirable destination and after a trickle of tourists in the 1980s, last year saw 11.7 million foreign visitors, a number that is steadily growing along with the number of airlines now flying there. Now is the time to visit, while the country’s sublime beaches and magnificent cities remain blissfully crowd-free, particularly off season.

Appealingly affordable for UK visitors, Albania’s landscape is hugely varied, with a coastline strung with turquoise bays while inland lie rugged mountains and evocative UNESCO-listed ancient ruins. Much like Greece, Albania boasts flavour-filled Mediterranean dishes including lots of fresh seafood washed down with excellent (and great value) local wines. Meanwhile, for music lovers Albania’s renowned festivals are a major draw, with this summer’s highlights including Kala, a boutique beachside dance music festival.

A handful of resorts are already on sale including Golem, Durres (if you’re staying in either, it’s definitely worth a day visit to the capital Tirane which is filled with quirky cafes and plenty to see and do) and Vlore. A second round of product will be launched soon to include the Southern resorts of Sarande, with its clear blue waters, lively atmosphere, historical sites and buzzy nightlife and Ksamil, known as the Maldives of Europe with nearby Butrint National Park and Islands of Ksamil – a group of small islands accessible by boat with stunning views and great snorkelling. There will also be an appealing twin centre Corfu & Albania Island Hop which will open up greater access to Albania from the UK with guests being able to fly direct to Corfu and head over on a short 30-60min ferry to Sarande – two holidays in one!  

With over 60 years of arranging memorable trips to the Greek Islands and other handpicked destinations, Olympic Holidays has unrivalled insider knowledge and an in-house team of experts. Here are their top picks for an unforgettable visit to Albania…

Vlore

On the southwest coast, Vlore boasts a stunning position between the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea on one side (this is also where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet) and the pine-scented peaks of the Ceraunian Mountains on the other. The city’s lively café-lined promenade and beautiful beaches are an undeniable draw, with easy excursions by boat to the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. The area is also rich in history with some unmissable heritage sites – once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere of the Old Town, head south to the nearby archaeological site of Oricum, once a stronghold of Julius Caesar, or venture north to hilltop Apollonia, with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Slightly further afield lie the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Berat and Gjirokaster. Another nearby highlight is 13^th-century Zvernec Monastery, reached by a charming footbridge over Narta Lagoon and offering mesmerising views. Nature-lovers mustn’t miss Llogara Park, known for its soul-stirring scenery and knockout views over the Albanian Riviera. 

Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights at the Hotel Regina Blu from £972pp staying in a Double Room Inland View on an Ultra All-Inclusive basis. Price includes flights from London Heathrow, based on September 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com

Durres

Famous for its sweeping sandy beaches that stretch for miles, the bustling coastal city of Durres is just a short drive from the capital Tirana. With a buzzy atmosphere and vibrant array of restaurants, cafes and shops, it’s a wonderful place to kick back and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine before delving deeper into the city’s fascinating past. Dating back nearly 3,000 years, Durres is a cultural and historical hub, with highlights such as the impressive Roman amphitheatre of Emperor Trajan, medieval fortress of Durres Castle, Venetian Tower and Grand Mosque. Summer sees the city come alive with myriad cultural events and festivals, celebrating Albanian arts and heritage. Meanwhile, there are endless opportunities to explore the breathtaking natural scenery with nearby beauty spots such as Shtam Pass National Park, or the Via Egnatia hiking trail – an ancient Roman road which begins in Durres and stretches across several countries.

Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights at the Royal G Deluxe Hotel from £1,046pp staying in a Double Room Inland View on All-Inclusive basis. Price includes flights from London Heathrow, based on September 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com

Golem

Its butter-coloured beaches and sparkling clear seas make this thriving seaside resort a popular pick for families, couples and solo travellers looking to unwind. There is a superb range of accommodation for all budgets, from boutique boltholes to luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Golem’s bustling promenade is the heart of the resort, lined with welcoming restaurants serving the freshest seafood along with traditional Albanian cuisine (don’t miss byrek, a delicious filo-pastry pie). Beyond the beach, the historic attractions of Durres are within easy reach, while the surrounding hills and forests are perfect for a day spent hiking and soaking up the magnificent scenery. Prefer to be on the water? Try a boat trip to some of the coastline’s secluded coves and small uninhabited islands, where you can swim, snorkel and wonder at the dramatic cliffs and rock formations.    

Olympic Holidays offer 7 nights at the Epidamn White Sensation from £800pp staying in a Double Room Inland View on a B&B basis. Price includes flight, transfers and baggage, based on October 2025 departure. www.olympicholidays.com

For more details, please visit https://www.olympicholidays.com/destinations/albania

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Notes to Editors: 

Olympic Holidays: Olympic Holidays is an award-winning tour operator with over 60 years’ experience. They are leading island specialists delivering holidays, Island Hopping experiences, Cruise itineraries and Weddings & Honeymoons to destinations including Greece, the Greek Islands, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Mainland Spain & Majorca, Malta & Gozo, Portugal, Madeira, Croatia, Albania, Turkey, Egypt, Gambia and Goa. Olympic Holidays offers holidays to more European Island destinations than any other holiday company - 50 destinations and islands from over 25 UK airports. 

For media enquiries or images: Kathryn Peel, Peel+Williams: kathryn@peelwilliams.com; 07904 734 594