2024 is almost over, and if you’re looking forward to the new year, you might be wondering where you should book for your spring or summer holiday. 

Luckily, here in the UK, we don’t have to go very far afield for a dose of much-needed sea, sand and warm weather. 

There are plenty of European destinations just a couple of hours away on a plane that offer a tranquil and sunny escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

And if you’re getting tired of your typical Spain holidays, there’s one spot that has been named as one of the very best – and cheapest – places to visit in 2025. 

Dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’, you’ll truly feel like you’re a million miles away when relaxing on one of the picturesque beaches surrounded by sparkling crystal-clear waters. 

The consumer experts at Which? have named Albania amongst their best holiday destinations to visit in 2025. 

The travel pros hand-picked these spots based on factors like emerging flight routes and value for money and, giving people some valuable advice and inspiration for their next holiday. 

And Albania, located in southeast Europe in the Balkan Peninsula, is definitely worth considering for a summery getaway. 

Last year, the country saw a huge boom in tourism, with more than 3.3 million people visiting from abroad. And next year, that figure is expected to climb even higher as more and more people discover its beauty. 

Much of Albania’s appeal is on the coastline and beautiful beaches that are dotted along the Albanian Riviera.

Saranda is the main town, with an ancient port and plenty of spots to sunbathe and swim, as well as a boulevard that ‘comes alive’ at night. 

However, as stunning as the coast is, the experts at Which? have named the inland areas as the main standout of Albania. 

Here, you’ll find mountains scraping the sky, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can access a full-day Valbona trail pass to the mountain villae of Theth. 

It’s a very popular hiking trail, but it does take around six to nine hours to complete – so make sure you’re definitely up to the challenge. 

And after a long day of hiking or sightseeing, you’ll probably want to relax with a glass of wine or two – and Albania has a long and rich history with wine-making. 

It’s actually one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, dating all the way back to the Bronze Age. 

Wine tourism is a huge part of the appeal, and the Cobo vineyard is a must-visit if you’re in Berat.

The family-run business has been producing quality wines for over one hundred years, using the local grape variety Sheshi i Zi as well as Merlot and Cabernet.