'Maldives of Europe' has pints for just 80p and £17 three-course meals

Sun-soaked beaches, crystalline water, and plates of food that don’t require a small loan have become the holy trinity of holiday planning, and one particular location is now in the spotlight, as it seems to tick all three boxes.

As popular destinations continue to jack up prices and test patience with crowds, travellers are quietly shifting their attention elsewhere, looking for somewhere that still feels indulgent without being extortionate. The dream of a proper holiday is as true as ever: turquoise seas, lazy afternoons, cold beers in the sun, and dinners that don’t sting when the bill lands.

That dream is increasingly being realised in lesser-hyped corners of the continent, where postcard scenery meets refreshingly low prices. Think palm trees, pale sands, and water so clear it looks filtered, paired with meals that cost less than a London cocktail and pints that barely scrape a pound.

Ksamil’s rising popularity comes from tropical scenery paired with surprisingly low everyday costs (Abstract Aerial Art/Getty Images)

The hot destination quietly earning the nickname ‘Maldives of Europe’ is Ksamil, a small seaside village on the Albanian Riviera.

Tucked into southern Albania and edging the Ionian Sea, Ksamil has become a word-of-mouth favourite for travellers chasing beauty on a budget.

Here, three-course meals can cost around £17, while beers have been spotted for as little as 77p to 80p. Apartments can dip to roughly £20 a night, making it one of Europe’s most affordable sun destinations right now.

When it comes to enjoying what this place has to offer, in terms of what to enjoy whilst you’re eating and drinking on the cheap, the scenery does most of the heavy lifting. Ksamil’s beaches are regularly compared to far-flung tropical spots, with The Telegraph praising its 'palm trees, dazzling beach, azure sea and thatched parasols'.

(nisthor/Getty Images)

White sand stretches along shallow, calm waters, while small islands sit just offshore, close enough to swim to. Summer temperatures hover around 30°C, cementing its reputation as a sunbather’s paradise.

There are a few practical quirks worth knowing. Many beaches are privately run and linked to nearby restaurants and cafés, which means sun loungers and umbrellas usually come at a small daily fee.

Affordable dining is a major draw, with multi-course meals costing far less than expected (Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images)

According to the travel guide 48 Hours in Europe: “The majority of them are privately owned and back onto restaurants and cafes that supply beach lounges and umbrellas that cost a couple of euros for the day (if you come after 3pm, it’s cheaper).”

Timing matters too, with the guide adding: “Make sure you get there early in summer, as the spots go quickly (and the best ones appear to be cheekily reserved for the locals).”

Once settled, the pace slows naturally.

“Once you’re settled in, you can swim in the calm azure water or lie around reading and eating the doughnuts, fresh fruit, and other sweet treats that locals wander around selling,” 48 Hours in Europe says.

Beyond the beach, Ksamil sits near Butrint National Park and within reach of historic sites like Gjirokastër and ancient ruins at Apollonia, offering culture alongside the coast.