TIRANA, Aug 12 /ATA/ Albania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for French travellers.
Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday shared on social media an article published by French channel BFM Business, highlighting the growing interest in visiting Albania.
“With a 288.2% increase in bookings over one year, the number of French travellers choosing Albania for their holidays has surged,” Rama said.
A report published by BFM Business highlighted Albania’s landscapes, as well as its competitive prices compared with other destinations in the region, as factors attracting French tourists.
“Compared with destinations such as Greece, Italy and Croatia, Albania remains relatively affordable, both in terms of accommodation and food,” the article said.
Below is the full article by Marie-Flamine Lavergne:
What if you decided to visit Albania for your next holiday?
In fact, many French travellers made that choice this summer. Bookings from France to Albania rose by 288.2% compared with last year. This tourism boom is a major boost for the Albanian economy. In 2025, the country welcomed more than 12 million international visitors.
But how did this small Balkan country become so popular?
The first factor is price.
Compared with destinations such as Greece, Italy and Croatia, Albania remains relatively affordable, both for accommodation and food. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €8 in Albania, compared with €12 in Croatia, €15 in Greece and €17 in Italy. On booking websites, meanwhile, the price of a two-night stay for two people barely reaches €100.
Above all, Albania has also become much more accessible. Air connections to Tirana have increased significantly, particularly through low-cost airlines.
On the ground, the gradual improvement of infrastructure is also making it easier to get around. Once a destination off the beaten tourist track, Albania is now emerging as an easy and accessible holiday alternative in Europe.
The second factor is the scenery.
With turquoise waters, mountains and stone villages set on hillsides, Albania offers a diverse range of landscapes. On social media, it is the Albanian Riviera that has truly captured the most attention and imagination.
Starting with Ksamil, famed for its beaches and small islands.
But Albania offers more than just beaches; the country also captivates visitors with its mountain landscapes and cultural heritage. To manage this growth, Albania has been implementing its “National Tourism Strategy 2030” since 2024.
It aims to increase tourism revenue, improve tourism infrastructure and protect the natural environment from the risks of overtourism.
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