Due to instability in the Middle East and rising prices on the Mediterranean, European tourists are changing their habits and seeking out cheaper and less crowded destinations. Albania and Montenegro have emerged as the summer hits of 2026, with visitors describing them as offering experiences similar to Croatia but at much lower prices.

Significant Price Differences in Accommodation

While finding accommodation in Croatia during July for less than 70 euros per night is almost impossible, the situation in Albania is quite different. Popular destinations like the Albanian Riviera, Durrës, Sarandë, and Ksamil are attracting tourists with prices that can be up to 50% lower than their regional competitors.

In Lushnjë, a three-star hotel right by the beach offers nightly rates of just 35 euros, totaling 245 euros per week for two people. Similar deals can be found in the popular city of Sarandë, where beachfront hotels with high guest ratings start at 43 euros per night.

Luxury Dinners for as Little as 80 Euros

Besides affordable accommodation, tourists are drawn to the significantly lower prices for food and drinks compared to the rest of the Mediterranean. While a dish of grilled fish or a pizza in Croatia can cost around 15 euros, in Albanian restaurants, a meal can be had for as little as 4 to 5 euros, with drinks costing just 1.5 euros.

Travelers’ experiences on social media confirm these trends:

  • In Korçë, a pizza costs 4.5 euros, a salad 2.5 euros, and a beer 1.5 to 2 euros.
  • A tourist from the Netherlands reported paying just 19 euros for a large dinner with meat, cheese, and beer, which would have cost around 150 euros in his home country.
  • In Vlorë, a luxurious three-course seafood dinner for five people, including wine, can be had for around 88 euros.

Affordable Living Attracts New Residents

The low cost of living in Albania not only attracts tourists but also an increasing number of foreigners choosing to permanently relocate. The trend includes citizens from Italy, England, and even Ukraine and Russia.

As an illustrative example, families from Venice who could barely cover their electricity bills in Italy have managed to buy apartments and open their own businesses in Albanian coastal cities thanks to the favorable economic environment. While cocktails in exclusive beach bars can be expensive, reaching tens of euros, local restaurants, especially those serving seafood, remain highly accessible to the average tourist.