European country with 'golden sandy beaches' soars in popularity as Britons swap classic holidays for cheap alternatives (0.5314009661835749)

<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52880704%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3DLJC7wpyYzWc" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p>Spending a week or two at the beach is a great way to relax and recharge, and there is plenty of choice when looking for where to book in the UK and beyond. </p><p>How Britons decide where to go on holiday is changing, however, as new trends show that affordability is taking priority over popularity. </p><h3></h3><br/><p>This is according to the new Recharge Report, by <a href="https://www.loveholidays.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">loveholidays</a>, which looked at how holidaymakers are likely to spend their summer.</p><p>It found many people are looking to lesser-known spots that offer sun, sea and sand at a lower price than some of the more popular holiday destinations. </p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Durr\u00ebs Albania beach and city" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c002ad0304bcff577da6da923bd20c69" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="12dd8" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/durr-u00ebs-albania-beach-and-city.jpg?id=61113465&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><h3></h3><br/><p>The report stated: "There’s an emerging preference among beach holiday lovers to swap bustling resorts for quieter, more affordable destinations."</p><p><span></span>In particular, holidaymakers are turning to Durrës, Albania, which has seen bookings up 224 per cent in the last year. </p><p>Loveholidays continued: "A budget-friendly port city on Albania’s Adriatic coastline, Durrës is rich in historical sites such as its Roman amphitheatre, alongside golden sandy beaches and secluded bays. </p><p>"Albania boasts a diverse landscape, from the turquoise waters of its coastline to the majestic peaks and hiking trails of the Albanian Alps."</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><h3></h3><br/><p>Many Britons will turn to destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy or Portugal when looking for a European beach holiday, but Durrës could be a more affordable alternative.</p><p>The research stated: "Durrës offers a modest price tag with a last-minute seven-night package for two averaging £138pppn this summer.</p><p>"Connectivity between the UK and Tirana in Albania has improved in recent years, with Ryanair introducing its first ever summer schedule to the destination last year, leading to Durrës becoming an emerging resort town for summer 2025."</p><p>If looking further afield, Puerto Morelos in Mexico could be a great option, with bookings increasing by 100 per cent on last year, the research revealed. </p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p><strong>TRAVEL NEWS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/jet2-new-routes-la-palma-canary-islands-spain" target="_self">Jet2 expands year-round sunshine offerings with more routes going to Spanish holiday hotspot</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/cruise-holidays-over-50s-cruising-tips-research" target="_self">'I can't stress enough!' Over 50s told crucial tips to get the most out of a cruise holiday</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/packing-tips-travel-advice-stress-free" target="_self">Holiday expert shares 'game-changing' packing tips to make it 'easier than ever to feel prepared'</a></li></ul><span></span><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Puerto Morelos Mexico dock" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e038021e94bac7b5109e576c14116f6f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="68748" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/puerto-morelos-mexico-dock.jpg?id=61113463&width=980"/><p>This can be a cheaper - but still beautiful - alternative to popular Mexico holiday destinations such as Cancún and Tulum.</p><p>Loveholidays said: "A quieter Mexican port town on the Yucatán Peninsula, Puerto Morelos is nestled between energetic Riviera Maya resorts, Cancún and Playa del Carmen.</p><p>"Providing more affordability than its neighbours, a last-minute seven-night package for two this summer averages £217pppn. </p><p>"Puerto Morelos retains its authentic character as a fishing village, home to bohemian beach bars and local markets such as Mercado de Artesanías."</p>