“We’ve got our own private beach today.”

That’s not something you expect to say in Europe… but that’s exactly what happened on our road trip down the Albanian Riviera.

If you’re wondering whether Albania is worth visiting — or if it really could become the next Croatia — this trip might answer that for you.

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From Isolation to “Next Big Thing”

Albania was one of the most isolated countries in Europe until 1991. Completely closed off.

So naturally the question is… what were they hiding?

Fast forward to now, and it’s opening up fast. People are starting to talk about it as the next big thing — and after driving this coastline, I can see why.

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First Impressions: Chaos, Beauty, and Everything In Between

Driving along the Albanian Riviera is… an experience.

You’ve got:

• Snow on the mountains on one side
• Bright blue ocean on the other
• Goats, dogs, and the occasional cow doing whatever they like
• Locals waving as you drive past

And then right next to all of that — massive roadworks and new hotels going up everywhere.

It’s this really interesting mix of:

• raw, untouched beauty
• and rapid development

It feels like you’ve arrived just before something big happens.

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Himarë: Off-Season Magic

We stopped in Himarë, a coastal town surrounded by mountains and known for its beaches.

In summer? Apparently packed.

But off-season?

We had the place almost entirely to ourselves.

And this is where Albania really shines for van life — especially if you’re self-contained. Quiet beaches, loads of space, and none of the chaos you get in peak tourist spots.

At one point, there was literally just one other guy on the beach… walking around with a metal detector.

We’d met someone earlier who does this for a living — finds jewellery people lose in the water. Calls himself a pirate.

Honestly, I kind of love that.

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The Drive: One of the Best Parts

The drive from Himarë down toward Sarandë is absolutely stunning.

Every few minutes it’s:

• “Oh wow, look at that view”
• “Wait, stop — that’s even better”
• “How is this place not packed?”

You pass:

• tiny villages
• roadside fruit stalls
• people selling oranges
• steep winding roads with insane coastal views

It’s the kind of drive where the journey is just as good as the destination.

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Ksamil: The “Maldives” of Albania

Then we hit Ksamil.

This place is often compared to the Maldives — white sand, turquoise water, little islands just offshore.

And again… off-season?

Basically empty.

We walked onto the beach and had rows of empty umbrellas, clear water, and barely another person around.

It felt like cheating.

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The Real Surprise: The People

One of the best parts of Albania wasn’t the scenery — it was the people.

We stayed at a small campground where the owner:

• brought us coffee
• gave us fruit
• handed me flowers on our last night

Just genuinely kind, welcoming people.

That happened again and again throughout the trip.

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Prices (Yes, It’s Still Cheap)

Compared to most of Europe, Albania is very affordable.

We’re talking:

• cheap camping
• inexpensive meals
• good food and drinks without the usual tourist markup

It’s another reason it feels like you’ve found somewhere early.

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So… Is This the Next Croatia?

Honestly?

It really feels like it could be.

There’s:

• huge investment happening
• infrastructure going in everywhere
• more people starting to discover it

Give it a few years, and I think this coastline will be busy.

But right now?

It’s in that perfect window:

• not overdeveloped
• not overrun
• still authentic

A little rough around the edges — but that’s part of what makes it so good.

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Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely.

If you like:

• van life
• quieter destinations
• places that still feel real
• a bit of chaos mixed with beauty

You should come to Albania.

Just maybe don’t wait too long.