Albanian Riviera

Summary and common questions about Albanian beaches, south of Albania coastline, historical, cultural sites on the Albanian Riviera and more..

The best-hidden beaches in Europe!

The Albanian Riviera stretches from the city of Albania’s Independence, Vlora, to the south of the country.

Beautiful beaches, rocky passages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Old Castles, Antique Cities, Islands, Stone Villages,  Nightlife, quiet villages, this and more is what you can experience during a Tour of the Albanian Riviera.

The Albanian coast is a perfect destination with such attractions that it makes a good choice for those interested in summer holidays, beaches, nightlife, adventure, and historical and cultural tourism.

With more than 300 sunny days and temperatures that stay warm even in the winter months,  Albanian Riviera can be visited any time of the year.

You could expect to enjoy the beach life and gorgeous shoreline while you drink your favorite cocktail during the hot summer but you will get much more than this. Along the way from Vlora towards Saranda and Ksamil we will see old towns made of stone roads and houses, beautiful castles with panoramic views, archaeological sites like Butrint, Blue Eye of Saranda(Delvina), hidden beaches in Saranda, islands of Ksamil, castles and much more.

One of the most suggested trips you can experience while visiting Vlora city is the boat tour from Vlore to the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan. This is an adventure to remember as you get to see caves and listen to legends and myths.

The most beautiful road with a majestic panorama is the Llogara path.

As soon as we take the road of Llogara the view changes, being 1000 m of altitude in the mountain and with the sea in front of us makes a scenery that is hard to resist. This panorama will stay in your mind forever. As soon as you arrive in Llogara you will get to taste the traditional ‘Kos me mjalt dhe arra’,  which is Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts, a very famous dish served there.

Almost the full trip to the south of Riviera from Llogara pass continues along the beach. Interesting is the fact that Caesar and his legion passed here on horseback. The nearest tourist attraction is Dhermi village, in recent years it has become a tourist attraction, it is quiet during the day but afternoon and especially on weekends it changes. The next place you can expect to visit is Borshi for a coffee stop, it’s a quiet village preferred mostly by families for summer vacations, and Porto Palermo Castle is nearby. It’s a must-see attraction! As soon as you enter you get to know more about culture and history, especially during the time of Ali Pasha Tepelena, one of the powerful leaders of the time, with the castle bearing its name. At the top of the castle, you get to see some amazing scenery and there is also a telescope which for a minimal payment of half $ can be used to have a sight at greater distances in the sea. Another important city nearby is Himara, this port town is visited frequently by tourists. Along the road from Vlore to Saranda there are undiscovered beaches and places perfect for camping.

In recent years the Area has developed in infrastructure and now it offers different kinds of adventure sports from diving, kayaking, paragliding, boat tours, and more.

As soon as you arrive in Saranda you can expect to see a lot more tourists, beautiful Saranda is called the ‘Jewel of Albania’. On top of the city is located ‘Lekursi Castle’, a perfect place to enjoy a meal or take some photos of the city and the sea with Corfu island in the nearby distance. As per the information, there are ferries that operate daily from Saranda to Corfu and in some small ferries, it takes less than 1 hour. A lot of tourists come and visit Saranda, Ksamil, and the archaeological site of Butrint from Corfu. The proximity makes it a good choice even for daily tours. Saranda offers city life and nightlife, in the evening it is impossible to resist taking a walk on the main street along the beach and enjoying traditional food or drink. From Saranda, it takes very little to arrive at the gorgeous beaches and islands of nearby Ksamil or as it is called by tourists who visit it: the ‘Ionian Pearl’. Clearwater beaches are waiting for you, and even in the peak months of summer, you can expect fewer visitors than in other popular destinations of Europe. Apart from beaches, it is highly recommended to visit the national park of Butrint. This antique city is listed in Unesco as a World Heritage Site, being probably the most attractive archaeological and historical site in Albania. Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and later Ottoman period offer a lot for you to discover. The tour in Butrint is rich in archaeological, historical, natural, and cultural material. As you visit the attractions in the old city, you will be surrounded by amazing nature and scenery.

Another attraction 30 minutes from the city of Saranda is Blue Eye. Its spring water is so clear that you can even notice the bottom of it, although it is around 50 meters deep. You can enjoy watching and also taking some pictures, nature is beautiful here. If you want to stay longer in Blue Eye you can stay and enjoy traditional foods at one of the restaurants here. Enjoying a meal with the beautiful waters passing below your feet makes the experience more fulfilling.

 

Daily or multi-day tours in Albanian Riviera?

It is recommended to spend more than 1 day on the Albanian Riviera.

Of course, you can make a road trip all along the riviera in just one day but there are so many attractions along and for that, it is better to extend your tour to 2 or 3 days at least.

 

How to get to Albanian Riviera?

The Albanian Riviera is accessible by bus, and vans or you can drive yourself.

There are everyday buses and vans traveling from the capital, Tirana towards Vlora, Himara, and Saranda. Considering the trip takes more than 4 hours and the fact that there are a lot of beautiful and important sites to stop and visit it is best recommended to travel by car or by inquiring about a guided tour.

 

Recommended places for accommodation in Albanian Riviera?

The first stop in the tour we mentioned was Vlora city. It is a busy city during the summer months and you can enjoy a walk in lungo mare. Also, the optional boat tours to Karaburun and Sazan make it a perfect choice for accommodation.

The other places we suggest after leaving Vlora towards the south are Saranda and Ksamil. Both are located near each other and it’s in your preference to decide which to choose. Saranda gives you more of a city life with nightlife and also busy streets, Ksamil is quieter and preferred more by familiars.

Another place to consider for accommodation is Himara.

 

What are the accommodation options for this tour?

Based on your preference you can decide to stay in Hotels or in Rent apartments. In case you need help with accommodation in the aforementioned places you can contact us at ‘albaniatourism.al’ and we will help you with any question you might have about accommodation.

What about the beaches?

The beaches of the Albanian Riviera are definitely second to none in beauty.

Virgin beaches and undiscovered shores are waiting for you.

The largest beach in the Ionian sea is located along the way, at the quiet Borsh village. It has a length of 7 km and is surrounded by olive trees and also mountains. Ksamil beaches and its islands are a hot spot for tourists, and even in the busy summer, you can expect fewer tourists and more affordable prices than in other parts of Europe.

 

Adventure sports and activities?

There are a lot of options available for adventurers and those who like to explore nature and sports. For those seeking adrenaline sports, they can try paragliding with some of the best instructors, paragliding is possible every month, and the popular places for takeoff are Shashica in Vlora and Llogara. Hiking, diving, kayaking, and a lot more. Another good choice for those who want to explore beaches and nature around is to rent a bike or an ATV and drive on their own.

 

Food and cuisine

The area is noted for its extra virgin olive oil. You can expect to enjoy some traditional cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine, with some of the best views in front of you. Do not forget to try the mussels of Butrint, the seafood and also traditional meat, soups, and other dishes.

 

Nightlife

For those who like the nightlife don’t worry as the cities of Vlora and Saranda are busy and full of tourists during the summer. There are clubs open until the morning and places with live music. Also, Ksamil gets a lot of parties during summer.

 

Tours in the Albanian Riviera?

We at albaniatourism.al offer guided tours all over the country, with the Albanian Riviera being one of our special tours. We organize tours at any time of the year, and with our experience, you can count on us and our service.

Our tours include comfortable transportation, English and Italian Speaking Tour Leader, accommodation in cases of multi-day tours, meals, and visits to the best attractions. We are open to clients’ requirements and build a flexible package accordingly.

Prices in Albanian Riviera?

You can expect low and affordable prices in Albania unlike in other popular tourist countries in Europe. In case you need help and suggestions for places to visit or restaurants at a low price you can contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions