News about Enver Hoxha

The 'golden era' of 1p flights (plus tax) when low-cost airlines began in the 1990s is long gone and, sadly, a good proportion of Europe's 800 cities are now painfully pricey. But there are still dozens of destinations prime for exploring on a very tight budget. We've picked the best bargain breaks (with flights and hotels for less than £100pp for two nights this autumn) and included a guide to the cities' affordable attractions, as well as the best restaurants and bars serving 88p pints of beer and £3.50 bottles of wine.

MATT BARLOW: Little is expected of Albania, drawn to face Italy, Spain, and Croatia in what appears the toughest group of Euro 2024, although their rise from footballing obscurity over the last decade deserves respect and commands attention. Firstly, they have a striking new South American influence led by familiar faces from the Premier League. Sylvinho, the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Brazil left back has taken Albanian citizenship such is his commitment to the role of head coach and his assistants are Pablo Zabaleta, stalwart of Manchester City and Argentina, and Doriva, a Brazilian from the samba years at Middlesbrough. More significant though and no less intriguing has been the diaspora of young Albanians drawn back to reconnect with their ancestry through the national team. Players such as Slough-born Armando Broja of Chelsea rejected overtures from illustrious footballing nations in what has been one of the key shifts in eight years since their major tournament debut at Euro 2016.

If you're in the market for hidden gems far from the maddening crowds that'll give your summer bucket list a bit of sparkle - look no further. We present Time Out's list of 'European Underrated Summer Travel Ideas 2024', based on the thoughts and local insights of Time Out's global editorial team. Grace Beard, Time Out Travel Editor, said: 'Our list of the best things to do this summer shows that a great summer holiday in Europe can take on many forms, from hopping around river beaches to road trips and outdoor art trails.'

Albania is 'welcoming the world with open arms' after being isolated for 50 years under a communist dictatorship and only fully independent since 1992, writes Bettany. While the welcome is sweet and authentic, a four-course feast costs little more than a round in a UK pub,' she says.