The sunshine spot with world-famous sites, stunning beaches and €1.50 pints – with Ryanair flights from €21.99
TAKE a look at the popular sunshine spot with incredible beaches, world-famous sites and pints from just €1.50.
Albania has been growing in popularity amongst
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Albania has several stunning beaches
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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Berat is known for its Ottoman-style houses built on both sides of its river valley
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The Northern Albanian Alps are a famous feature
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Cheap prices and stunning scenery are causing many jet-setters to flock there.
It's the perfect sunshine destination for those looking for a relaxing but beautiful
The country offers lots to do, making a name for itself among budget-friendly
One of the main things the country is known for is its scenery.
READ MORE IN TRAVEL
The Albanian Riviera boasts stunning scenery with miles of
It has numerous gorgeous beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters, offering the perfect holiday for families, couples, friends or solo travellers.
It's the perfect place for tourists, where you can sit by the beach and enjoy some
Most read in Travel
It consists of four rocky islets and is located in the direct proximity to the Ionian Sea in Southern
And it's easy to get to, as it's just a 12km drive from the resort town of Saranda.
HOT TEMPS
Albania is known for its local cuisine which is sure to go down a treat.
Average prices for a meal in
Albania
will cost around €10 per person, while
August is typically the hottest month with
If history is your thing, the country has numerous historic sites to explore.
You can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Berat and Gjirokastra.
Berat is known for Ottoman-style houses built on both sides of the river valley.
The city received UNESCO world heritage status in 2008 and is known as 'The City of a Thousand Windows'.
HISTORIC SITES
The country has many remnants of the Ottoman Empire, with several buildings scattered along the mountain.
The city's cobblestoned streets are home to Byzantine churches and minarets.
There are several sites that you can spend the day wandering around, including the National History Museum or Lekuresi Castle in Saranda.
Or head to the Bank of Albania, the Clock Tower, Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Palace of Culture to soak in the Albanian culture.
You can even take a trip to the top of Dajti mountain on the famous Dajti Express cable car for a different experience.
You can also board the ferry across Lake Koman, where you can see canyons and limestone gorges set against the backdrop of the Albanian Alps.
Head to Skanderbeg Square in the capital of Tirana, where you can enjoy some local cuisine or some
And the country is close to
To get to Albania, you can either fly to Greece or Italy from €21.99 with
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It is a popular place to relax on the beach
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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Butrint National Park in Sarande
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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The country reaches highs of 32C in August
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I tried the European train that runs from seaside to city – it felt like a first class flight but cost just £40
AFTER tucking into the smoked salmon, pesto and cream cheese brioche handed to me by a smiling attendant, I reclined in my seat while the landscape flashed by. It might sound like the first-class cabin of an airline, but I'm actually on a Polish train. 5 The intercity high-speed trains that run from the pretty port city of Gdansk on the Baltic coast down to the stately southern city of Krakow, pictured Credit: Getty 5 A first-class ticket, complete with food, drink and a rolling vista of wonderful views, costs around £40 Credit: Getty The intercity high-speed trains that run from the pretty port city of Gdansk on the Baltic coast down to the stately southern city of And a first-class ticket, complete with food, drink and a rolling vista of wonderful views, costs around £40 for the 300-mile journey. The British equivalent would be taking a train from London to Glasgow. But you'd need to add a zero to the price at peak times. Gdansk wears its history lightly but respectfully. READ MORE ON TRAVEL This is where World War Two started, when the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein bombed the port of what was then called Danzig. There's a huge museum in a slanting building dedicated to the conflict ( which takes pains to concentrate on witness testimonies from ordinary Polish citizens who lived through the war. The sheer size of the tank that sits on a recreated city street puts paid to any Hollywood notions of war being anything other than an exercise in terror. Gdansk's nightlife is every bit as lively as you would expect from a port city, but the cliché of rough sailors' pubs has long gone. The Mercure Hotel offers knockout cocktails in its chic bar, while I also sampled sublime local vodkas to a DJ soundtrack amid the battered Chesterfield sofas inside Bar Lamus. Most read in News Travel The train south to Krakow takes just over five hours and runs right through the centre of the country. Leaving the Baltic coast, we passed vast fields of racing green, clusters of birch trees, red painted barns and deserted rural stations with flowerbeds outside. Iconic steam train Tornado delights crowds as it powers through Cornwall on rail tour Arrows of sunlight pierced tapering lanes and turned the glossy, depthless rivers and streams the colour of pewter. For a country that has seen so much bloodshed, from a high-speed train, the nation looks ordered, calm and reassuringly familiar — like the landscapes of Lincolnshire or Kent from half a century ago. As I order a glass of white wine, we run through the teeming cluster of Warsaw, with its mowed parks and jumble of new skyscrapers in the background. An afternoon nap was inviting, but I was once again transfixed by the landscapes as we rolled further south. Ice-cream-scoop clouds hung above stout houses with roofs the colour of strong tea. 5 Gdansk wears its history lightly but respectfully Credit: Getty 5 There's a huge museum in a slanting building dedicated to the conflict Credit: Getty 5 Soviet tank in Gdansk museum Credit: Alamy I felt I could sit on this train for ever. But Krakow is the end of the high-speed line, and so I made my way on foot into the Old Town — a pleasing maze of arcades and courtyards that meanders past the majestic royal castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill and down to the Vistula River. Dinner came courtesy of Pod Baranem ( which looks like a Polish granny's living room but serves delicious plates of local classics such as dumplings stuffed with cottage cheese and roast veal with mushrooms. Back at the funky, loft-style Mercure Fabryczna hotel, I fell into bed feeling I needed to rethink my definitions of luxury travel. You don't need five-star cruise liners or infinite air miles to travel in style. A Polish train can make you feel pampered in a way that's unlikely to ever occur on National Rail. GO: GDANSK & KRAKOW GETTING THERE: Book high-speed Inter City train tickets from Gdansk to Krakow in advance at Ryanair flies from Stansted to Gdansk from £18.99 one way. See Easyjet flies from Krakow to Gatwick from £61.88 one way. See STAYING THERE : There are Mercure Hotels in both Gdansk and Krakow where doubles start from £105 B&B. See MORE INFO : See
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Irish Sun's Rosé guide of 10 super sippers from €15, including ‘wonderful hit with fans' wine option perfect for summer
WE are celebrating the second week of the Irish Sun's Rosé fortnight today with ten more super pink sippers to toast the summer. But before we go there, we have had some questions to answer which were submitted by readers since last week's column. 11 Matthew Nugent has shared the best Rosés from only €15 Credit: Getty Images - Getty How are Rosé There are three methods used to make a Rosé wine: Maceration, Saignée or Blending. Maceration: The most common method. Red wine grapes are pressed, and the juice is left in contact with the skins until the required pink hue is reached. READ MORE IN WINE The longer the juice remains on the skins, the darker the colour a wine will be. Saignée: The bleeding method in This generally results in a vibrant Rosé. It can also intensify the remaining red wine's concentration. Blending: Usually used in crafting sparkling Rosés. MOST READ IN FABULOUS A precise quantity of red wine is added to a vat of white wine in order to dye it pink. Only a small amount of red wine, around five per cent, is used. Are Rosés with a paler colour better quality? Five Lidl rosés you need this summer, according to a wine expert - a £6.99 buy is as light & crispy as £22 Whispering Angel Absolutely not. This misconception has grown in recent years because of the popularity of ultra-fashionable dry Provence Rosés. Some of these are almost water-white in colour and have little fruit character. Many developed for appearance rather than That trend towards pale rosés has certainly influenced winemaking techniques. Other factors that will affect the colour include any contact with oak during vinification, and the grape varieties used. Those with thicker skins will possess more colour pigment. Do Rosé wines pair well with all food types? Yes, yes and yes. There is a Rosé style for every food group. Its bracing acidity and freshness even now see a bottle or two appear during These wines are not just for balmy summer days. That freshness and acidity means they can be the perfect wine style to match with many food groups. Light dry Rosés pair perfectly with salads and seafood. Their crispy, slightly sweet character works extremely well. Match fruity Rosés with cheeses, providing the right sweetness and richness. Medium-Bodied Dry Rosés, particularly from And now for our ten premium Rosés – all taste tested and guaranteed to please. Domaine Dailhol & Gautran Roseum 2024 (ABV 13%) 11 Currently €15 @ Whelehan Wines Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache FROM Minervois, in the heart of Allowed to remain for up to six months on the lees (spent yeast cells) after fermentation, the wine developed extra texture and body on the palate. It has a pale pink colour when poured, with a nose of soft red summer fruit - redcurrants, strawberries and raspberries. The palate is nicely rounded and balanced with those red fruit notes and good length on the finish. Enjoy with: Asian cuisine Star rating: **** Mimi Cótes de Provence Grand Reserve Rosé 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 11 Currently €16.46 @ O'Briens Wine Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache & Syrah The vineyard is located in the foothills of the Maures A combination of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes, the wine has a pale pink colour with enticing notes of crushed strawberries, lemon, and watermelon on the nose. The palate is well balanced, with tangy, mouthwatering acidity and filled with summer fruit flavours. Pleasantly long length on the finish. Enjoy with: Your favourite summer salad Star rating *** Born Rosé Barcelona 2023 (ABV 12%) 11 Currently €16.46 @ O'Briens Wine Grapes: Grenache & Tempranillo A WONDERFUL hit with Rosé fans over the past two From Spain's Catalonia region, this is a most refreshing pink, a pale rose petal colour in the glass. It has citrus (grapefruit here) and passion fruit aromas, with hints of white flowers. The palate is balanced and very refreshing, with raspberry and tropical notes and a light acidity on the finish. Enjoy with: Food friendly, but superb with tapas. Star rating **** Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja Rosé 2021 (ABV 12.5%) 11 €17rrp @ good independents Grapes: Viura, Garnacha SUPERB light and dry Rioja Rosé conceived from a classic blend of Rioja grape varieties. A pretty pale salmon colour, it has citrus, stone fruit and white flower notes on the nose. The palate is silky with great balance, with cherry and red berry flavours. Good and very satisfying length on the finish. The sweetness of the Garnacha and the freshness of the Viura combine particularly well. Enjoy with: Food friendly, but superb with Star rating *** E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2024 (ABV 14.5%) 11 €17.99 @ good independents Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah A ROUND and quite rich Rosé from one of the Rhone valley's most respected winemaking A clear, light salmon colour when poured, it has a bouquet of candied red fruits and citrus zest. The palate has easy tannins, nice acidity and flavours of ripe red berries, cherry and plum, with a nice wisp of spice. Enjoy with: Perfect pairing with grilled sardines. Star rating **** Tommasi Le Fornaci Rosé 2023 (ABV 12.5%) 11 €18.99 rrp @ good independents Grapes: Turbiana, Rondinella FROM their vineyards in Lugana, on the shores of A vibrant pale pink hue, it has a rich bouquet of grapefruit, peach and a touch of citrus zest and a hint of minerality. The palate is fresh, with citrussy acidity and tastes of red berry sorbet, peach and orange zest… with a lovely persistent finish. Enjoy with: Perfect pairing is pizza Star rating **** Boschendal The Rose Garden 2022 (ABV 12.5%) 11 €19.99 rrp @ good independents Grapes: Merlot, Pinotage Attractive soft, salmon pink coloured, medium-bodied Rosé from sunny South Africa with an engrossing bouquet of raspberries, strawberries, cherry and just a floral hint. The silky palate has great balance, is soft and juicy, delivering a combination of soft summer berries and moderate acidity, that finishes with a hint of spice. Enjoy with: Perfect pairing is Star rating **** Domaine Tour Campanets Rosé 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 11 Currently €20 @ Whelehan Wines Grapes: Grenache, Syrah FROM Coteaux D'Aix en Provence, a little inland from the more trendy (and over-priced) Provencal coastal Rosés along the White flowers and peaches are the mainstay of a very subtle bouquet. The palate is super fresh, is rounded and has some depth, with notes of strawberries, and redcurrants. Enjoy with: Shellfish. Star rating **** Cotes du Rhone Rosé, La Solitude 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 11 €22.50 rrp @ good independents Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah BACK to the Rhone for this stunning biodynamic, rose-petal coloured wine, crafted from fruit harvested at night and very quickly pressed. Gentle extraction techniques, then four months on the lees, gives it extra oomph while still remaining delicate and extremely smooth. The purity of fruit – citrus, soft red Enjoy with: Smoked chicken salad Star rating **** Domaine Campanets Bois Des Fées Rosé 2024 (ABV 13%) 11 Currently €25 @ Whelehan Wines Grapes: Grenache, Syrah A PALE, golden-pink colour, this spectacular Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé possesses a wonderful bouquet of red berries and pink grape fruit. The crisp palate is powerful, complex and layered, with notes of melon, peach and fresh red berries slowly unfolding to tantalise the taste buds. The finish is exceptionally long and exceptionally satisfying. Enjoy with: Seared scallops Star rating ****
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Houseplants will ‘bloom for years' thanks to common item in your food bin – and peace lilies find it ‘so tasty'
IF you often struggle to keep your houseplants alive (don't worry, we do too), then you've come to the right place. There's nothing worse than someone giving you a Advertisement 3 If every houseplant you own ends up dying within days, you'll need to listen up Credit: Getty 3 Here's a handy hack to keep peace lilies alive 'for years' - and the secret is in your food bin Credit: Getty 3 It turns out that houseplants find banana peels "so tasty" Credit: Getty But now, luckily for you, we've found a handy hack that will ensure your plants bloom for years. And fear not, you won't have to nip out and splash the cash on pricey Peace lilies in particular are said to find this trick 'so tasty', so if you want to ensure repeat blooming, this homemade feed is one you won't want to miss. When it comes to caring for Advertisement Read more Fabulous stories It turns out that overfeeding can be harmful, so it's important to avoid excess fertiliser. And now, gardening enthusiasts have shared a super simple homemade fertiliser - and the key ingredient is banana peels. Taking to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous user explained: 'In the summer, I feed my houseplants with a homemade banana soak. 'My peace lily loves it, just thought I'd share it in case anyone is struggling. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous 'I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years.' The gardening guru then added: 'Once I've eaten a banana or given it to my dog, I'll chop the peel and soak it in some warm water. Gardening hacks to grow fruit from your weekly shop 'After a few days, pour sparingly on your plants, so tasty for them.' The social media post attracted numerous comments from other houseplant enthusiasts, who also praised the effective banana peel trick. Advertisement Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. One user beamed: 'Heard lots about this, so I gave it a go. I only use it now and again and then a proper feed in between, but it's fantastic.' Whilst a second chimed in: 'All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to over water.' I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years Facebook user According to houseplant enthusiasts, soaking banana peels in water releases nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are beneficial for many houseplants, but peace lilies in particular. It is crucial to dilute the banana water with water to make it last longer and ensure it doesn't overwhelm the plant. Advertisement 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. Not only this, but banana peels can also be used to fertilise outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers, roses and hydrangeas. If planting a new plant, you should simply scatter some banana peels beneath the compost, or place them around the top of the soil. Not only will this be beneficial to your plants, but it can also help to deter Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Advertisement
