Greece, Croatia, Albania: top Mediterranean destination for 2026

Greece and Croatia continue to attract large crowds of visitors, while tourism in Albania is growing so rapidly that the change is noticeable from one summer to the next, writes Vincent Mabire in the French travel magazine Ulysse News.

The same sun, the same sea, but the experience you have on the ground will feel completely different, CE Report quotes ATA.

If you have traveled recently in the Mediterranean, you have likely noticed that the same coves and old towns are crowded for months. Greece and Croatia have lived with this reality for years.

Albania is the newest European destination—quickly gaining international recognition.

For a trip in 2026, the goal is not to avoid tourist crowds, but to plan an affordable vacation where the days flow stress-free and the beaches are not overcrowded.

Albania: the new destination changing rapidly

The rise in Albania’s popularity is hard to miss. In 2025, the country welcomed over 12 million visitors, many drawn to the coast, while others explored the mountain regions.

The key difference compared to Greece and Croatia is the speed of development, which can quickly change prices and the atmosphere of some coastal towns.

Albania has expressed intentions to attract higher-spending tourism, including more luxury hotels around Saranda and expanded air access, with a new airport planned in the Vlora area to improve connections to the south.

For tourists, better access means easier travel, but Albania’s rapid development may also mean construction zones in places that suddenly become highly sought after.

What does Albania’s “momentum” mean?

If your main motivation is low prices, act quickly, as popular coastal spots may continue to get more expensive.

If you seek a unique experience, combine the coast with a few days in the mountains for more balance and a calmer pace.

Greece, Croatia, or Albania: which is best to visit in 2026?

All three countries offer excellent trips. If you want maximum variety and well-developed logistics, Greece is hard to beat.

If you want a coastline with strong infrastructure, Croatia can be an excellent choice.

If you are looking for a destination that still feels like it is “opening up to the world,” Albania can be a very good choice—while change in this new tourist destination is happening at a rapid pace.