Long a hidden corner of Europe, Albania has emerged as a captivating destination for those seeking rugged beauty without the crowds. The country is a tapestry of wild mountain ranges and turquoise coastlines known as the Albanian Riviera, where the beaches of Ksamil and Dhërmi rival the Mediterranean’s best. History buffs gravitate to the "Stone City" of Gjirokastër and the "City of a Thousand Windows," Berat, both UNESCO sites that preserve Ottoman-era architecture and hilltop castles. The capital, Tirana, is a vibrant, neon-colored hub where former communist bunkers have been repurposed into avant-garde museums like Bunk’Art. From the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) to the ancient Roman ruins of Butrint, Albania offers a warm, unpretentious, and affordable Mediterranean escape steeped in ancient folklore.