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Travel expert Simon Calder knows a thing or two about holidays, and one destination has captured his heart since the 1980s. Now firmly on the rise as a tourist hotspot, prices there remain firmly rooted in the mid-1990s.

Albania is fast emerging as a must-visit destination, but as Calder revealed on ITV’s This Morning back in 2024, he’s been in the know long before it caught the world’s attention. Calder spoke to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley live from his hotel in Durres, Albania, confirming he had touched down the previous evening. “The sun has come out, it’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s one of the most historic and beautiful cities in Albania,” he told the pair.

Beyond its stunning scenery, Simon said that Albania offers extraordinary value for money. A pizza and a pint costs roughly £6, while his bus from the airport to his hotel — a 30-mile journey — would have set him back just a couple of pounds, had he not missed the last one.

Fortunately, the Albanian people are amongst the warmest and most welcoming you’ll encounter anywhere.

Calder revealed that the moment it became apparent he’d missed his bus, locals immediately rallied around him, helping him secure a taxi and ensuring he knew exactly what to pay to avoid being overcharged.

He noted that Albania remains largely absent from the package holiday market, though he anticipates operators will cotton on within the next few years.

Flights to Albania depart daily from major UK airports — with paradise just a three-hour flight away, isn’t it time you added it to your travel list?

Should you, like Calder, wish to base yourself in Durres, there is certainly no lack of attractions to keep you occupied. Durres is renowned for its vast Roman amphitheatre, complete with well-preserved mosaics that visitors can stroll through and appreciate.

TripAdvisor rates this attraction highly with one person describing it as a must see.

One traveller explained: “This place is absolutely wonderful. I noticed that a lot of people take pictures from the outside and do not wish to spend 200 lek which is little less then £2 to go and see it inside. I think it’s their loss and they choose not to support further recovery of this beautiful place.”

For those who prefer a traditional beach getaway, Durres delivers on that front too – the area is packed with stunning stretches of white sand lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters.

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll undoubtedly have worked up quite an appetite, so why not sample some of Durres’s freshly caught seafood?

Calamari, fish and octopus are all on offer and utterly delicious, owing to how swiftly they are hauled in and prepared.

Another mouth-watering local delicacy is Japrak – minced meat and rice wrapped in vine leaves and slow-cooked to develop a wonderfully rich and savoury taste.