Forget Paris and Rome for a moment. A vibrant European capital, hailed by travellers as the 'most underrated city ever', is about to become much more accessible for UK holidaymakers. Budget airline Ryanair has announced a major expansion from Liverpool, including brand new routes to the colourful and historic city of Tirana in Albania.
New Routes and a Major Investment
From summer 2026, passengers flying from Liverpool John Lennon Airport will have three exciting new destinations to choose from. Alongside Tirana, the airline will launch services to Marrakesh in Morocco and Warsaw in Poland. This expansion is powered by a US$600m (approximately £449m) investment from Ryanair in the Northwest, which includes basing a sixth aircraft at the Liverpool hub.
This new aircraft won't just facilitate the new routes; it will also allow Ryanair to add extra flights to 11 existing popular services. These include Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Malta, Porto, Sofia, Malaga, Faro, Kaunas, Reus and Kraków.
Incredible Value Fares
The new flights promise the budget-friendly fares Ryanair is known for. At the time of writing, the cheapest one-way tickets are starting from just £31 to Warsaw, £41 to Marrakesh, and £65 to Tirana. To celebrate the launch, the airline has kicked off a limited-time seat sale with fares from £29.99 available on its website.
Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, stated: ‘Ryanair’s supercharged investment and growth at Liverpool will deliver more than 2 million low-fare seats to 34 European destinations, offering customers in the Northwest more choice at the lowest fares in Europe.’
Echoing the significance, Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s CEO, John Irving, added that the move highlights the airport's strategic importance and will bring ‘more jobs, more investment and more choice’ for the region, potentially helping the airport break all previous passenger records in 2026.
Why Tirana is a Must-Visit
Once a grey relic of its Communist past, Tirana has undergone a remarkable revitalisation. Today, it's a city bursting with colour, from its painted buildings to its lively public squares and pedestrianised streets. It's renowned for its affordable food and drink, fascinating blend of history, and vibrant atmosphere.
Key attractions for visitors include:
- Skanderbeg Square: The vast main plaza surrounded by major institutions, museums, and the historic Ethem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower.
- Bunk'Art: A fascinating former Cold War bunker transformed into a history and contemporary art museum.
- Mt Dajti National Park: Just 25km east, offering hiking and a scenic cable car ride for breathtaking views.
- The Pyramid of Tirana: A unique former museum turned city landmark.
- Tirana's Green Spaces: Such as the sprawling Rinia Park and the peaceful Lake Park.
Foodies must try traditional dishes like Tavë kosi (baked lamb or chicken in yogurt), Fërgesë (a cheesy pepper dip), and flaky Burek pastries.
Proof of a £100 Holiday
The claim of affordability is no exaggeration. Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson recently documented a successful two-day trip to Tirana for under £100. After securing cheap flights, she stayed in a boutique hostel for £12.67 per night and enjoyed meals for under £6. By taking a free walking tour (tipping the guide £1.71) and enjoying affordable local snacks and coffee, her total expenditure came to just £99.59.
With its compelling mix of culture, cuisine, and colour, all now reachable on a budget from the UK's Northwest, Tirana is poised to shake off its 'underrated' tag and become a firm favourite for savvy British travellers seeking a unique city break.
