Albania is so much more than that place where Dua Lipa’s family are from. The Balkan country’s Middle Earth-esque mountains, endearing medieval towns and crystal-blue beaches have made it the most up-and-coming European travel destination of recent years.

Flights to Albania go directly into its capital Tirana. The country’s least touristic and most industrial city, it’s still worth spending a first day there. Tirana’s cityscape is unique, abundant with newly built office buildings that create a stark contrast to its colourful apartment blocks. Food works out insanely cheap: you can grab a byrek (traditional pastry) for 50 lek (around 40p). I recommend the spinach one, which you’ll find everywhere. Main attractions in Tirana include the Cold War bunkers that were built under former dictator Enver Hoxha’s rule. It’s an idea to self-educate on the country’s harrowing history with communism before treating it like a playground. 

Public transport feels very ramshackle. One chaotic bus journey involved my friends and I being escorted off the vehicle and into a random car, for reasons that remain unclear. Despite the element of confusion and uncertainty, we always got to our next destination easily enough. Berat is a perfect second stop if you’re travelling down the country from Tirana. This beautiful village is nestled in the mountains and feels like a different universe from the capital. Discover the enchanting rock faces and pastel-blue currents of Osumi Canyon, which (of course) comes with its own mythical folklore. Visit the spot where, legend has it, the rock swallowed a runaway bride who prayed for a way to escape her husband. Swimming in the nearby Bogove Waterfall (it was colder than Finnich Glen, and this was in May) and cliff-jumping in the canyon are other activities for outdoorsy types.

A whistle-stop tour of medieval Gjirokaster is pleasant, but not vital, though its ancient castle and winding streets make it worth spending at least half a day. Just an hour south lies Sarandë, the star of Albanian holiday brochures. Its sapphire blue waters and icing-sugar sand make this seaside town the ideal beach getaway (for an insanely good price). Just an hour on the ferry from Corfu, it can even serve as a day trip from Greece. 

It’s not just Albania’s incredible scenery and captivating history that enhance its potential as a European tourism hotspot. The people are overwhelmingly welcoming, proven by our elderly Airbnb hosts, who came up from their apartment downstairs to gift us freshly baked cakes for breakfast. If you haven’t been to Albania yet, it’s worth getting there before tourism blows up even further.

See more at albania.al.