When planning a city break, destinations like New York, Paris, or Rome often come to mind—but Albania’s capital, Tirana, is increasingly capturing the attention of travellers.
Once a grey, Communist-era city, Tirana has undergone a major revitalisation, adding colourful buildings, lively pedestrianised streets, and a buzzing atmosphere that has earned it the nickname “the most underrated city ever.”
From summer 2026, passengers will be able to fly directly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to Tirana, Marrakesh in Morocco, and Warsaw in Poland.
Ryanair’s expansion is linked to the basing of a sixth aircraft at Liverpool, part of a US$600 million (£449 million) investment in the Northwest.
The new aircraft will not only introduce the three destinations but also allow additional flights to 11 existing popular routes, including Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Malta, Porto, Sofia, Malaga, Faro, Kaunas, Reus, and Kraków.
Currently, one-way fares are advertised from £65 to Tirana, £41 to Marrakesh, and £31 to Warsaw. To celebrate the announcement, Ryanair has launched a limited-time seat sale, with fares starting from £29.99 across its network.
Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Ryanair’s supercharged investment and growth at Liverpool (US$600m) will deliver more than two million low-fare seats to 34 European destinations, offering customers in the Northwest more choice at the lowest fares in Europe, while simultaneously driving inbound tourism.”
John Irvin, CEO of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, added: “This news highlights Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s strategic importance for the City Region, the wider Northwest, and North Wales. It will bring more jobs, more investment, and more choice for the region’s travellers, as well as for international visitors.”
The new routes are expected to increase Liverpool Airport’s annual passenger traffic to over 2.4 million, reinforcing its position as a key hub for both domestic and international travellers.
Exploring Tirana
Tirana is a city of contrasts, blending a modern, colourful aesthetic with remnants of its Communist past. The city is home to vibrant pedestrianized streets, public squares, and buildings painted in primary colours, making it highly photogenic and enjoyable to explore on foot.
Popular attractions include Tirana Lake Park, located on the southern edge of the city, providing a tranquil space for walking, jogging, and boating. Just an hour northeast, Lake Bovilla is nestled between two mountains and offers hiking opportunities and stunning panoramic views.
History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The National History Museum offers insight into Albania’s past, while Bunk’Art, a former Cold War bunker transformed into a museum and contemporary art space, provides a unique perspective on the country’s history.
Skanderbeg Square, the city’s main plaza, is a focal point for visitors. The square is surrounded by important landmarks such as the National History Museum, the Palace of Culture, the National Opera, the National Library, and the National Bank.
Visitors will also find key government buildings nearby, including the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Energy. The area reflects Tirana’s mix of history, culture, and governance.
For panoramic views of the city, the Sky Bar is highly recommended. Other notable landmarks include the Pyramid of Tirana, a former museum that has become a city landmark, as well as Rinia Park, The Cloud sculpture, and Tirana Castle.
Religious and cultural sites, including historic churches and mosques, provide additional insight into the city’s diverse heritage. Many are conveniently located within walking distance of central Tirana.
Food and Drink in Tirana
Tirana is also a food lover’s paradise. Traditional Albanian dishes include Tavë kosi, a baked lamb or chicken casserole with yogurt; Fërgesë, a dip made from cheese, peppers, and tomatoes; and Bereki, a selection of flaky pastries. These local delicacies are widely available at affordable prices across the city.
Street cafes and local restaurants offer the chance to experience authentic cuisine while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Tirana’s squares and pedestrian areas.
The city’s coffee culture is strong, with numerous cafes offering both traditional and modern beverages, perfect for a break during a day of sightseeing.
For those exploring beyond the city center, Tirana offers a variety of markets selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and local crafts, making it easy to immerse yourself in local life.
Tirana’s combination of history, culture, and modern urban revitalisation has helped it earn the reputation as one of Europe’s most underrated cities, offering an affordable and engaging city break option.
Other Destinations and Ryanair’s Expansion
In addition to Tirana, Ryanair’s new flights from Liverpool will connect passengers to Marrakesh in Morocco and Warsaw in Poland. These routes expand Ryanair’s network from Liverpool and provide more options for budget-conscious travellers.
The airline’s investment in the sixth aircraft at Liverpool will allow for greater capacity on existing routes, adding flexibility and convenience for passengers on popular destinations such as Alicante, Barcelona, and Ibiza.
Ryanair’s investment is part of its strategy to enhance connectivity from the Northwest, offering travellers more choice at low fares while supporting regional tourism and economic growth.
As 2025 draws to a close, the additional 250,000 seats enabled by the new aircraft are expected to help Liverpool John Lennon Airport break previous passenger records, reinforcing its importance as a hub in the region.
With flights starting next summer, Tirana, Marrakesh, and Warsaw are poised to become attractive and affordable city break options for travellers from Liverpool and the wider Northwest.