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Travel Alert: Balkan Airport Alternatives Surge in Popularity as Summer Demand Soars – Travelers are increasingly seeking alternatives to overcrowded Mediterranean hotspots, turning their attention to the Balkan peninsula’s accessible and affordable coastal destinations. New routes and increased flight availability are making previously overlooked airports gateways to hidden gems.
Most arrivals at Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania’s primary air hub, traditionally proceed to the capital city, a 20-minute drive southeast. However, a growing number are opting for a 30-minute journey southwest to Durrës, a historic Adriatic port city. durrës offers a blend of beach relaxation,ancient Roman history,and a unique glimpse into Albania’s communist past. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre, capable of seating 15,000 spectators, and delve into the surveillance history at the Peeping Tourist museum, wich showcases the methods used by the Sigurimi, Albania’s secret police, to monitor foreign visitors during the communist regime (1944-1991).
Further south, Ohrid, North Macedonia, presents another compelling option. located just a 10-minute drive from Ohrid “St. Paul the Apostle” airport (OHD), the town is nestled amidst mountainous terrain and borders the ancient Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes (maximum depth: 288 meters). Ohrid’s historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site,boasting over 365 Orthodox churches,including the iconic church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. The town offers a range of accommodations, from budget-kind guesthouses to boutique hotels, and dining options featuring traditional Macedonian cuisine like Tavče Gravče (baked beans) and Ohrid trout. Travelers can explore the Galicica National Park, offering hiking trails and panoramic views, or take boat trips across the lake, with potential excursions into Albanian territory – requiring passport verification at border crossings like the Stenje border crossing.
