Travel expert endorses Albania for autumn 2026
Travel expert Simon Calder has recommended Albania as an affordable and "wonderful" destination for an autumn holiday, praising its low prices and welcoming locals. Calder, who has been visiting the country since the 1980s, spoke live from Durres on ITV's This Morning, telling hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: "The sun has come out, it's absolutely gorgeous and it's one of the most historic and beautiful cities in Albania." He had arrived the previous evening.
According to the Daily Express and Liverpool Echo, Calder highlighted the country's remarkable value for money, noting that a pizza and a pint costs roughly £6. His bus from the airport to his hotel — a 30-mile journey — would have cost just a couple of pounds, but he missed the last one.
Local hospitality and emerging popularity
Calder described the Albanian people as among "the warmest and most welcoming" he has encountered. When he missed his bus, locals helped him secure a taxi and advised him on a fair fare to avoid overcharging.
Albania is rapidly emerging as a must-visit destination, yet prices remain low, according to Calder. He noted that the country is still largely absent from the package holiday market, though he anticipates operators will catch on within the next few years.
What Durres offers visitors
Durres, where Calder was based, is known for its Roman amphitheatre, which boasts beautifully preserved mosaics. A TripAdvisor reviewer described the amphitheatre as "absolutely wonderful" and noted that entry costs 200 lek, a little less than £2.
The city also offers beaches with white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, as well as freshly caught seafood, including calamari, fish and octopus. Japrak, a local speciality of minced meat and rice wrapped in vine leaves and slow-cooked, is another highlight mentioned in the reports.