Albanian Riviera: Your Complete Guide to Albania’s Stunning Coast

You’ve probably heard of the French and Italian Rivieras, but did you know Albania has its own? The Albanian Riviera is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea – and unlike its neighbours, it remains one of the Mediterranean’s lesser known gems.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I learned from travelling the Albanian Riviera – how to get there, the best time to visit, where to stay, and what to see along this beautiful coast.

Your Complete Guide to the Albanian Riviera

I’ve travelled in Albania extensively and spent a lot of time on the Riviera. While I can’t exactly say it’s a hidden gem anymore, it’s still not as developed or busy as Greece or Italy. And it’s a lot more budget friendly!

If you want to combine the Riviera with the Albanian Alps, Berat, Gjirokaster, and more, my two-week itinerary shows one possible route.

What Is the Albanian Riviera?

The Albanian Riviera is a 120 km stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea in southern Albania. It starts at Vlore and ends past Ksamil, at the border with Greece. The Riviera is not the entire Albanian coast, only the southern part.

The Riviera is famous for sandy beaches, clear blue water and a dramatic coastline. It’s often dubbed the Maldives of Europe, especially around Ksamil.

It’s an extremely scenic part of Albania with the Ceraunian Mountains on one side, and beautiful beaches on the other.

When to Visit

While the Riviera is beautiful all year round, I think the best time to go is shoulder season (May to mid June and September to mid October). You’ll avoid the worst of the crowds, and the weather will be pleasant.

June and September: Better for fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures.

July and August (summer): This is peak season, so expect more tourists, higher prices and very hot weather. Make hotel reservations well in advance.

May and October (shoulder): These are ideal months for visiting the Riviera. Days are sunny, but still below 30C. The sea is warm enough for swimming, there’s fewer tourists, and prices are lower. The only drawback is that many hotels and beachfront restaurants will be closed.

November to February (winter months): Not the best time to visit the Albanian Riviera. The weather is cold and rainy. Most hotels and restaurant are closed, though more is open in Vlore and Saranda because they’re cities.

March and April (spring): Not swimming weather, but the Riviera is beautiful with blooming almond trees and jasmine. The weather is great for exploring. March is still cool at night and can have some rainy days. April is perfect. The air actually smells like jasmine from all the flowering vines.

How Much Does the Albanian Riviera Cost?

Prices in Albania have risen steeply over the last couple of years, especially in popular tourist destinations like the Riviera. Compared to Greece and Italy though, the Albanian Riviera is still a bargain.

In 2025, I typically paid $30–60 USD per night for simple Airbnb stays – always full apartments or studios. Hotels start around $40 USD in the off-season and can quadruple in summer.

Eating out is affordable. Expect to pay $8–20 USD for a restaurant meal, or just a couple of dollars for a quick bite like gyro or byrek.

Beach chairs and umbrellas range from $10 to $50 USD per day, depending on the location – with Ksamil being the priciest.

Buses are the cheapest way to get around. For example, I recently paid $20 USD for Tirana to Saranda and it’s a 5-hour ride.

Taxis, on the other hand, can be pricey in tourist spots. I was quoted $20 USD for a short trip within Saranda, and a more reasonable $30 USD for the 14 km ride to Ksamil. By law, taxis must display their prices (usually a price sheet inside the cab), and you can ask to see it.

Prices are quite a bit lower during shoulder and off seasons. I noticed about a 30% increase between March 2024 prices and June 2025 prices.

How to Get There

There are two main ways to get to the Albanian Riviera: flying into the capital of Tirana, or taking the ferry from Corfu, Greece to Saranda which is on the Riviera.

Flying into Tirana

Tirana is in the middle of Albania, 154 km from Vlore where the Albanian Riviera starts. You’ll have to get down to the Riviera. You can do this by renting a car and driving, taking an airport taxi, or taking a bus.

If you have time, spend a few days in Tirana. It’s a totally under-rated European city.

Renting a car: This will give you the most flexibility and freedom. The main roads and highways are pretty good in Albania. There are all sorts of car rental kiosks just outside the airport terminal.

I recommend booking your car in advance with DiscoverCars. They often have the best deals.

Take a private transfer/taxi: This is the easiest option, but the most expensive. There are taxis just outside arrivals. The rates to various destinations are posted inside the cab, so you can’t get ripped off.

In 2025 airport taxis were charging 11,000 lek to Vlore ($132 USD) and 20,000 lek ($241 USD) to Saranda, just to give you an idea of costs.

By bus: Albania has an extensive bus network. There are buses to every destination on the Albanian Riviera from the Tirana South North Bus Terminal.

It’s an efficient and budget friendly option. Tirana to Saranda costs 1700 lek ($20 USD) for example, and the bus ride takes 5 hours.

Check the bus schedule on this website, but buy your ticket at the bus station from the driver. Keep in mind bus schedules tend to be flexible in Albania. When the bus is full it leaves.

There are also direct buses from the airport to Vlore – which is where the Riviera starts.

Taking the Ferry from Corfu, Greece to Saranda

This is a great alternative for getting to the Riviera. The fast ferry from Corfu to Saranda, Albania takes 30 minutes. The slow ferry makes the crossing in 1.5 hours.

The Corfu international ferry terminal is very close to the Corfu airport, and once you arrive in Saranda the port is right in the middle of town so you can probably walk to your hotel.

I’ve done this crossing a couple of times and it’s very convenient. Check ferry times on the Direct Ferries website, but buy directly from the ferry company online or in person at the ferry office (1 km from the ferry terminal).

When I did this my tickets were €5 less each way in person as opposed to buying them online.

How to Get Around the Albanian Riviera

There are 3 ways to get around the Albanian Riviera: by rental car, private transfer (taxi) or bus.

By Car – Best if You Want to Explore

If you are planning to explore the Riviera (as opposed to staying in one place), I recommend renting a car and driving.

The Riviera is beautiful with so many hidden beaches, historic ruins, and charming towns – you’ll be able to discover them all at your own pace if you have a car.

The SH8 coastal highway is the main road that goes straight down the Riviera. It is one of the most stunning drives in Albania. Most of it is by the water, but some of it is mountainous, going through the scenic Llogara Pass. This is definitely a bucket list item!

If you’re planning to drive, check out the self-drive routes in the itineraries below.

By Private Transfer (Taxi) – Easiest, but Most Expensive

You can arrange private transfers with taxis as you go. This is the easiest, but most costly option.

Private transfers usually don’t mind stopping for a photo break along the way, and if the ride is long enough the driver will want to stop for coffee and a cigarette.

Taxis are required by law to display their rates, so don’t be afraid to ask for the rate sheet if you don’t see it. Usually it’s inside the taxi, but I’ve seen it on the exterior passenger doors also.

You can ask at the hotel or guest house for taxi recommendations. That’s what I do when I’m in a smaller destination.

I’ve used Taxi Landi for inter-city transfers in Albania, and when I travelled from Vlore to Budva, Montenegro. They are reliable and have clean cars.

By Bus – the Cheapest Way

Did you know during communist times only the political elite were allowed to own cars? Most people relied on buses, and that extensive bus network is still around today.

You can pretty much travel anywhere in Albania by bus, and the Riviera is well serviced. The main hubs are Saranda and Vlore, but buses make unscheduled stops if you ask the driver ahead of time.

If you are travelling to Dhermi from Vlore (for example), there is no Vlore to Dhermi bus per se, but the Vlore to Himare bus goes right past Dhermi and will drop you off.

In smaller towns (like Dhermi, for example), you have to wait by the highway for the bus to come along. Just ask the locals when and where the bus stops.

Check this website for bus schedule and fare information. Keep in mind the schedule may not be exact – and buy your ticket on the bus in cash. Also, the bus may not be a full size bus – it could be a furgon (mini-bus/large passenger van).

Where to Go on the Albanian Riviera

While the northern part of the Riviera around Vlore is more developed, the southern end near Ksamil feels more tropical. In between are lively towns like Saranda, laid back spots such as Himare and long stretches of untouched coastline.

Skip ahead to suggested itineraries & road trip routes

From north to south, here are the main towns and villages along the Albanian Riviera, with what to see, where to stay, and where to eat:

Vlore

Vlore is where the Albanian Riviera begins. It’s a lively coastal city (third largest city in Albania) with a long beach promenade and a historic centre. I spent a month in Vlore and found it to be a nice mix of beach resort atmosphere and authentic local life.

The beach promenade area is at the western side of Vlore, while the centre is more east. To experience both I recommend staying near or on the promenade area (called Lungomare), but not far down – keep closer to Rruga Ismail Qemali.

Vlore is good for families because there’s an amusement area on the beach, a few playgrounds, and lots of restaurant and hotel choices. Unlike many small towns and villages on the Riviera, Vlore is flat – great for walking.

• Where to stay: Beliz Boutique Hotel – Mid priced hotel very well located near the beach promenade and historic centre of Vlore.
• Where to eat: Sofra e Lakrorit – Homestyle Albanian foods. They are one of the few places that serve jufka, a traditional chicken and noodle dish.
• What to do: Explore the historic old town, visit Muradie Mosque built in 1537, stroll the beachfront promenade
• Worthwhile nearby site: Visit Apollonia (UNESCO), an ancient Illyrian city built in the 5th century BC overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It’s one of Albania’s most important attractions.

Dhermi

Dhermi is one of the most picturesque and popular villages on the coast of Albania. While super quiet in the shoulder and off seasons, it’s busy in summer.

The town sprawls down the mountainside, and it’s a bit steep in places so keep that in mind when choosing where to stay. The upper town has spectacular views of white washed homes, terra cotta roofs and cobbled lanes. It honestly looks like a Greek island. The beach area is more commercialized.

Most guest houses and restaurants are closed off season, particularly by the beach.

• Where to stay: Elysium Hotel – Luxury resort 500 metres from the beach and a 15 minute walk uphill to the town centre. Ocean views, swimming pool and private beach area.
• Where to eat: Noah on the Beach – Excellent waterfront restaurant. Don’t bother with the meats or pizza – get seafood! They’re famous for it and it’s super fresh.
• What to do: Walk through the restored upper town, hike the Mills Trail from the village to the sea, visit St. Mary’s Monastery for amazing views – and spend time at the beach!
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Take a boat taxi or drive and hike to Gjipe Beach. Visit the ‘big bunker‘ leftover from the Communist days at the Dhermi end of the Llogara Pass. Explore Vuno and Himare.

Vuno

The beautiful town of Vuno is still an off the beaten path gem. The first time I saw it, I was reminded of the Amalfi coast in Italy (on a much smaller scale).

For now Vuno is quiet and mostly undeveloped. Terrific if you want an authentic village experience in an idyllic setting, but it lacks amenities. No ATM, no money exchange, not many restaurants or hotels.

Vuno is on the mountain side, overlooking the sea. Jala is the closest beach, 5.5 km away. It’s best to have a car or moped if you stay in Vuno.

• Where to stay: Villa Filip – Simple but clean guest house with amazing views of the coastline.
• Where to eat: Mom’s Food – The name says it all. Home cooking in what I assume is the family’s home, now also a small restaurant. Traditional Albanian/Greek dishes and seafood.
• What to do: See the 16th century frescoes in St Nicholas Church, explore the town on foot, have a coffee in the main square.
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Visit Dhermi or Himare, go swimming at Jala Beach.

Himare

Himare is an excellent base for exploring the smaller towns and villages of the Albanian Riviera. I spent a week here and have to say it’s one of my favourite spots along the Ionian coast.

While it has things that visitors like, such as ATMs, restaurants and hotels, it’s not over commercialized. It still has that authentic small town charm. And there’s good bus connectivity with a Tirana-Himare bus.

Himare has a beachfront promenade, two beaches in town (including a public/free beach), and it’s culturally Greek, unique for Albania. While quiet compared to Ksamil or Saranda, there are a couple of beach clubs and bars.

• Where to stay: Guesthouse 1932 – Located right on the promenade in the heart of everything. It has a nice terrace overlooking the beach.
• Where to eat: Himara 28 – My favourite restaurant in Himare. It’s on the beach promenade and has excellent food.
• What to do: Enjoy the beaches, take a boat tour, explore historic Himare Castle and Old Town
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Visit the fortress of Porto Palermo, explore the coastal villages Qeparo Fushe, Lukove and Vuno.

Qeparo

The village of Qeparo is divided into an upper and lower: Qeparo Fshat is the upper, mostly abandoned village on the mountain, and Qeparo Fushe is the beachfront village. They are 2 km apart.

Upper Qeparo is very quiet, even in summer. It’s atmospheric and quaint. Lower Qeparo is more lively and gets some domestic tourism. The taxi driver I use in Himare told me he would never go to Ksamil (too commercialized and busy), but prefers Qeparo Beach.

• Where to stay: Sunrise Qeparo – Beachfront and one of the nicest hotels in Qeparo.
• Where to eat: Taverna Dhrami – The best taverna in Qeparo. Not fancy, but fantastic food and beautiful views of Qeparo and the ocean.
• What to do: Enjoy Qeparo Beach, wander through Qeparo Fshat (upper village).
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Visit Porto Palermo Castle, Borsh Castle, take a tour of Gjikondi Olive Oil Factory.

Borsh

Borsh is known for having the longest beach in Albania. It’s nearly 7 km long with bright blue water, and olive groves and mountains behind. Very beautiful. During high season Borsh Beach is relatively uncrowded.

Borsh looks laid back, but locals told me they have some big beach parties here at night.

• Where to stay: Villa Hadhri Borsh – Beachfront hotel perfect for families with rooms featuring bunk beds and kitchenettes.
• Where to eat: Taverna Kaci – Wonderful taverna in garden setting specializing in seafood and pasta.
• What to do: Relax on Borsh Beach, have coffee and dessert at Ujvara Restaurant, famous for its cascading waterfalls.
• Worthwhile nearby site: Visit Borsh Castle, perched on the hill above the village, for panoramic views over the coastline.

Piqeras

Piqeras is a small village on the main coastal highway overlooking the Ionian Sea. The village is up on the mountain and it’s very pretty, but lacks amenities.

You can buy a few things at Cafe Linda which serves as the local cafe and mini-market!

I don’t think it’s the best place to stay on the Albanian Riviera unless you really want to be off the beaten path and have a car (Lukove is a good option). The nearest beach is Buneci Beach, 4 km away.

• Where to stay: Villa Luiza Piqeras – Simple, but clean and well located holiday apartments in the village.
• Where to eat: Bar Restaurant Pizza Panorama – Wonderful sunset views off the terrace. I haven’t eaten here, but I’ve been told they have good pizza.
• What to do: Explore the town (it won’t take long), have a coffee with the locals at Cafe Linda.
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Relax on Buneci Beach, visit historic Borsh Castle.

Lukove

If you’re looking for something quiet and off the beaten path, Lukove is a good choice. It’s bigger than Piqeras, but still well away from the tourist crowds.

Lukove village is on the mountain looking over the Ionian Sea. It’s a beautiful spot and you can be at several beaches in less than 10 minutes drive.

Lukova Beach is the closest. Compared to many along the Riviera, Lukova Beach is tranquil. There are a few restaurants and you can rent a sun bed and umbrella if you want. It’s all olive and orange trees, just beautiful.

• Where to stay: Selami Sea View Apartments – Family run guest house in the village overlooking the mountain and sea. Very clean and close to shops and cafes.
• Where to eat: Taverna Dashi – Excellent taverna that uses produce they grow on site. Lots of grilled seafood, meats and salads.
• What to do: Enjoy Lukova Beach – it doesn’t get many tourists, but is popular with locals.
• Worthwhile nearby site: Spend the day exploring Saranda, a lovely small city by the sea.

Saranda 

Known as the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. Saranda is a small city around a horseshoe bay on the Ionian Sea. After Vlore, this is the biggest city on the Riviera.

It’s well set up for visitors with lots of shops, ATMs, restaurants and hotels. It’s an attractive city, hugely popular with expats and nomads off season.

I usually spend months in Saranda each year myself, but not summer! In summer Saranda is crowded and hot.

• Where to stay: Titania Hotel: Excellent mid-priced hotel on the beach front promenade, but there’s lots of accommodation in Saranda.
• Where to eat: Taste of Tradition: Excellent cafeteria style eatery specializing in traditional Albanian dishes. An expat favourite. You’ll have no problem finding places to eat in Saranda.
• What to do: Stroll the promenade, watch the sunset from Lekursi Castle, take a half day boat tour, hike to the Monastery of Fourty Saints, enjoy Saranda’s beaches.
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO), one of Albania’s most important ancient sites, or take a day trip to Corfu, Greece – it’s only 30 minutes by high speed ferry!

Ksamil

Ksamil is a beach resort town in the south of Albania. This is the reason why the Albanian Riviera is often dubbed the Maldives of Europe. Famous for white sand beaches and clear aquamarine water, Ksamil used to be an unknown gem, but that is not the case anymore.

The beaches are still gorgeous, but during summer they are crowded and expensive. There are no public or free beaches in Ksamil.

Ksamil is very safe and great for someone who wants a lively spot to beach hop and drink cocktails in a beach club. If that’s not you, stay in Saranda and visit Ksamil.

I’ve been to Ksamil in March (not recommended – it’s like a ghost town) and June (hot and getting busy). I prefer Himare to Ksamil. To me, Ksamil is too commercialized and lacks a sense of culture.

• Where to stay:  Poda Boutique Hotel – The best hotel on the beach (with their own beach and really nice beach bar), but there’s tons of places to stay in Ksamil.
• Where to eat: Basilico Restaurant – One of my favourite spots to eat in Ksamil, they serve fish, meats, traditional foods, and pasta.
• What to do: Beach hop, do watersports, enjoy a beach club.
• Worthwhile nearby sites: Explore Butrint National Park (UNESCO) well preserved ruins in parklands, visit Saranda for the day, take a day trip to Gjirokaster (historic mountain town) and Syri i Kalter (natural springs).

Suggested Itineraries & Road Trip Routes

The coastal highway SH8 runs north-south through the Albanian Riviera, so it’s easy to plan a trip and get to the towns and villages.

Even if you don’t have your own car, there are buses that run this route every day.

Here are 7 and 10 day road trip itineraries:

7 Day Albanian Riviera Highlights

I’m starting this itinerary in Vlore at the beginning of the Riviera. If you are arriving in Albania from Corfu, Greece, do this in the opposite order.

This itinerary is best done by car, but it is possible to do it by bus and/or private transfer.

Day 1 and 2: Vlore

• Arrive in Tirana and make your way to Vlore
• Explore the Old Town, Muradie Mosque, Independence Monument
• Sunset drink or coffee at the cafe by the shrine of Kuzum Baba overlooking Vlore
• Stroll the beachfront promenade in the evening when it’s the most lively

Day 3 and 4: Himare (via Dhermi)

• Stop in Dhermi on the way to Himare and explore the historic upper town; have a swim at the beach
• Stay in Himare and visit Himare Castle and Old Town, stopping at Livadhi Beach on the way back
• Take a boat tour to explore secluded beaches and coves, walk the Himare beach promenade in the evening

Day 5: Saranda

• Enjoy the coastal drive to Saranda, stopping at Porto Palermo Fortress, and the village of Qeparo Fshat, and Borsh Beach for a swim
• Watch the sunset from Lekursi Castle in Saranda and stroll the promenade

Day 6: Ksamil & Butrint (overnight in Saranda)

• Drive down to Butrint National Park (UNESCO)
• Stop at Ksamil on the way back to Saranda for a swim at one of the beaches, or to explore

Day 7: Return to Tirana via Syri i Kalter & Gjirokaster

• Leave Saranda early and stop at Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye) and Gjirokaster (UNESCO) on your way back to Tirana

10 Day Albanian Riviera In-Depth Coastal Road Trip

This itinerary is best done with a car, but it is possible to use the buses. I use DiscoverCars in Albania to find the best deals.

If not renting a car, I’d spread this itinerary out a little, and do a combination of buses and private transfers.

Day 1: Vlore

• Arrive in Tirana and make your way to Vlore
• Explore the Old Town, Muradie Mosque, Independence Monument
• Stroll the beachfront promenade in the evening when it’s the most lively

Day 2 and 3: Dhermi

• Drive to Dhermi via the Llogara Pass
• Explore the historic upper town of Dhermi, hike the Mills Trail
• Have a beach day at Dhermi Beach or drive and hike to Gjipe Beach

Day 4 and 5: Himare

• Drive to Himare
• Visit Himare Castle and Old Town, stopping at Livadhi Beach on the way back
• Explore the beachfront promenade, take a mountain or coastal hike, visit Prinos Beach or nearby Llamani Beach

Day 6: Porto Palmermo, Qeparo Fshat & Borsh Beach (overnight in Himare)

• Explore the coast south of Himare, stopping at the Fortress of Porto Palermo, Qeparo Fshat (upper Qeparo) and Borsh Beach

Day 7 & 8: Saranda

• Stay in Saranda
• On the way to Saranda explore the villages of Piqeras and Lukove and swim at Lukova Beach
• In Saranda watch the sunset from Lekursi Castle, stroll the promenade and have coffee or dessert by the water at Limani
• Hike to the Monastery of Fourty Saints and spend the afternoon at Eros or Mucobega Beach

Day 9: Ksamil & Butrint National Park (UNESCO) (overnight in Saranda)

• Visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO)
• Stop at Ksamil on the way back to Saranda for a swim at one of the beaches or just to explore

Day 10: Return to Tirana via Syri i Kalter & Gjirokaster

• Leave Saranda early and stop at Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye) and Gjirokaster (UNESCO) on your way back to Tirana

Practical Travel Tips

Is the Albanian Riviera Safe?

Albania in general is very safe. In fact, I think it’s one of the safest countries I’ve ever travelled solo around. Locals are respectful and friendly. While they don’t all speak English, they are very welcoming.

As long as you exercise the usual precautions (don’t walk alone late at night, don’t flash money), it’s very safe.

Now for the driving… The main roads (numbered roads) are good. Albanian drivers do have a reputation for being aggressive, but I’ve never had a problem driving in Albania.

Last Words on Albanian Riviera: Your Complete Guide to Albania’s Stunning Coast

Albania and the Riviera are just starting to embrace tourism in a big way – so while some places (like Ksamil) or very commercialized, other spots like Himare and the coastal villages of Lukove and Vuno are still off the beaten path.

It’s a beautiful country, Albanians are welcoming, and it’s safe and relatively inexpensive. What are you waiting for?

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