WHITE sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are just a couple of hours away in the 'Maldives of Europe' - and there are more direct flights from the UK.

Wizz Air is launching direct flights from London Gatwick to Tirana, the capital of Albania for just £19.99.

The flights will operate five times a week, with the first taking off on October 26.

The route marks Wizz Air's second route to the Albanian city, with the airline also flying to Tirana from London Luton Airport.

While Tirana is an city break destination of its own, most will use it as a base to travel to the Albanian Riviera.

Away from the city, you can explore other parts of the country which have led to the European destination being dubbed the 'Maldives of Europe'.

Along the country's coastline there are crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and natural beauty.

There are many beach clubs to explore too, often serving up typical Mediterranean cuisine.

For example, in the town of Sarandë, which is sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and rolling hills, there is the Lost Seaside beach club.

Here, guests can enjoy a pool, beach, restaurant and lounge - including sunbeds that hang over the sea and pool.

You can grab a pint for just 250 LEK (£2.22) or a glass of wine for between 200 and 400 LEK (£1.78 to £3.55).

Food is also cheap, with a mid-range, three course meal for two costing around 4,500 LEK (£39.94).

The average price of a double room in Albania is £83 per night, according to Kayak.

Yvonne Moynihan, managing director at Wizz Air UK, said: "With Albania increasingly recognised as the ‘Maldives of Europe’, this route allows more of our customers to discover untapped destinations across southeastern Europe."

Wizz Air also recently announced five new routes to Spain, as well as a direct route to Medina from London Gatwick - which is a first for the airline.

In the same country, you can also spend the day in Maldives-style overwater huts.

Plus, the incredible plans for unique 120-bed ‘floating’ hotel in idyllic UK beauty spot have been revealed.

(Source: The Sun)