Albania

Albania sits on the Balkan coast, and it’s still one of Europe’s cheapest and least crowded destinations. The beaches along the Albanian Riviera rival Greece and Italy, but without the price tag or the queues. Inland, you’ll find mountain villages, Ottoman-era towns like Berat, and a capital, Tirana, that feels like it’s changing by the month. It’s a great pick if you want to see Europe before everyone else catches on.