11 November 2008 | One of Europe’s least known destinations – Albania, which until now attracted visitors with its historical sites, is set to also become a popular beach destination.

Albania remains one of Europe’s last little-known countries, although it has begun to gain popularity among foreign tourists in the last few years. If at all, the country has so far been attracting visitors who come for guided tours around its archaeological sites – such as Butrint or Byllis or its cities, such as the capital Tirana or the historical city of Gjirokastër.

But Albania is also set to become a new beach destination, providing an alternative to the overcrowded Mediterranean, according to trend analysts. “There aren't many undiscovered countries left in Europe, but Albania is certainly one of them - tourism is still in its absolute infancy,” Derek Moore, chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, told the Guardian newspaper recently, adding that, “It has a stunning coastline with miles of empty beaches, and many cultural sites to discover.”

The publication highlighted some of the Albanian seaside resorts to which tour agencies will be bringing British tourists in 2009, including: the country’s biggest port town, Durres, which offers visitors historical landmarks and a beach just outside of town; Himara, “which boasts miles of unbroken sands”; and combined a visit to Albania and Macedonia, with trip to the countries’ interior and Albania’s beaches.

International hotel chains also seem to be catching on Albania’s rise as a beach destination. As BalkanTravellers.com reported in July, the French resort chain Club Méditerranée finally went ahead with a project to construct a tourist complex on the Adriatic Sea in the southern part of the country, after three years of negotiations and legal problems.

Read more about Albania on BalkanTravellers.com