Planning a trip to Albania? If so, you’ve probably heard a thing or two about the legendary Albanian Riviera and are considering a visit.
And if you’re not, you soon will be. 
The Albanian Riviera is, in my opinion, one of the biggest hidden gems in Europe.
With picture-perfect turquoise waters, isolated enclaves, incredible historical sites, some of the best beaches in Europe, and budget-friendly prices, I’m surprised that this region is still relatively undiscovered!
There are so many amazing things to do along the Albania Riviera, from exploring uninhabited islands to hiking along lush paths, partying it up next to DJ Tiesto, snorkeling, and, of course, relaxing on pristine beaches.
If you’re ready to go, keep reading — this guide will go over some of the best cities and towns along the Albanian coast, plus practical tips on transportation, the best places to stay in the Albania Riviera, interesting facts, and so much more!
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WHAT IS THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA?
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s take a second to go over the basics:
The western border of Albania covers more than 350 kilometers (215 mi) and is almost exclusively bordered by the sea (except for a small chunk up north).
However, there’s a subtle difference that divides the western coast into two regions: the northern borders the Adriatic Sea, while the south is where the coast meets the Ionian Sea — and also where the Albanian Riviera is located!
The Albanian Riviera gets its warm turquoise water exclusively from the Ionian Sea and is locally known as Bregu.
Likewise, the length of the Albanian Riviera is somewhere between 130 to 200 km (depending how you measure it) and is full of small villages, secluded beaches, canyons, fruit groves, scenic mountain passes, and much more. This region is one of the most ecologically diverse parts of Albania!
There’s a popular misconception that the Albanian Riviera is only made up of a few major resorts between Saranda and Ksamil, but that’s very far from the truth. It’s actually home to dozens (if not hundreds!) of charming villages, ‘summer towns,’ boutique resorts with their own private beaches, and much, much more — you definitely won’t be bored during your trip to the Albanian Riviera!
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Where is the Albanian Riviera?
Now that we have a basic overview of the what, let’s move onto the where.
The Albanian Riviera starts around the city of Vlore, and makes its way through numerous villages and beaches before ending around Ksamil.
To make it more visual, here’s a map of the Albanian Riviera, along with most of the stops that will mentioned in this post. :)
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How to get to the Albanian Riviera
There are a few different ways to get to the Albanian Riviera, and I’ll cover each variant below:
OPTION #1 — Fly into Tirana and take a car, bus, or taxi
If you’re planning to travel around Albania and want to add the coast as one of your destinations, it’s best to fly into Tirana Airport (TIA) and go from there.
There are no direct buses from Tirana Airport to the Albanian Riviera, but there are buses from Tirana city to Vlore or Saranda. These typically cost about 10 to 15 EUR per person (depending on the destination) and there are a few companies that offer daily departures.
However, it’s worth noting that most buses are a little outdated and there’s no clear organization at the bus station — I’ve written about it in my Albania for Digital Nomads blog post under the ‘By Bus’ section.
Another option is to take a taxi, which can cost anywhere from 150 to 200 EUR (depending on the size of the car). Since the cost is higher than other options, taking a taxi is only viable if you’re traveling with a group (i.e. 3 or more people) to split the cost.
Last but certainly not least, renting a car is one of the best options. There are tons of options available, and car rentals in Albania start at 20 to 25 EUR per day! If you take the same 200 EUR that would cost for a taxi, you could drive the entire length of Albania in 10 days and come out ahead. :)
If you’re interested in this option, click here to check car rentals.
OPTION #2 — Fly into Corfu and take the ferry
If you’re traveling to Albania just to enjoy a getaway on the riviera (i.e. no plans to visit other parts of the country), I’ll divulge a really neat travel hack: fly into a neighboring country!
As noted above, Albania only has one airport (in Tirana), and sometimes you just don’t want to spend 4 or 5 hours driving. No worries — I got you!
The closest airport to the Albanian Riviera is Corfu International Airport (CFU), which offers much more flexibility and convenience. In fact, there are dozens of daily flights from European cities and plenty of budget airline routes (on Ryanair, Wizz Air, TUI, easyJet, and more).
After landing at Corfu, you’ll need to take a quick 20-minute ride to the Port of Corfu and board your ferry to Saranda. You’ll have two options for the ferry: either the 30-minute speedboat or the 70-minute regular ferry. The prices vary between 20 to 50 EUR, depending on the season and type of boat you’ll take.
At the end, disembark and enjoy your time in Saranda!
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How to get Around the Albanian Riviera
While there are many ways to travel around the Albanian Riviera, the absolute best way is to rent a car.
With a car, you’ll have a much easier time driving along the Albanian Riviera. First, car rentals are very budget friendly (starting at 20 EUR per day) and allow you to travel wherever and whenever you want.
You’ll be way more flexible, since you can literally get in your car and explore all of the little villages and towns around the riviera (versus having to stick to the ‘big cities’ if you’re taking the bus).
Finally, it doesn’t matter if you start in Vlore or Sarande (the ‘start’ and ‘end’ of the Albanian Riviera), as both cities have multiple car rental agencies.
Click here to check car rentals — I personally love this company (RentalCars) and use them all the time when I travel.
The other option is to take the bus. One downside is that you’ll be limited to the ‘big’ cities (i.e. major places like Vlore, Himare, Saranda, etc), but it could be a nice adventure — and who knows, maybe you’ll meet some cool locals along the way. :)
To make it easier, I’ve marked major cities with a star emoji (⭐️) in the section below (Where to go in the Albanian Riviera).
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Best Time to Travel to the Albanian Riviera
Depending on your purpose, there are a few different ‘best times’ to visit the Albanian Riviera.
If you’re trying to avoid hoards of summer tourists on package vacations and the scorching heat, your best bet is to travel during the shoulder season. This is from April to early June, as well as September to the beginning of October. The closer you are to July and August, the warmer the sea will be.
July and August are peak vacation months, as many tourists come to the Albanian Riviera’s most popular cities (especially Saranda) on vacation and even on day trips from Corfu. I would try to avoid these months if possible, and if not, at least visit a few smaller towns to offset the crowds.
Outside of spring and summer, the coast is stormy with frequent rains. If you’re planning to go during winter, I would recommend another place in Albania (such as Tirana, Elbasan, or Korce).
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Other Useful Information
Before we dive into the Albanian Riviera (see what I did there?
🏖️ Keep plenty of cash on hand — Like many other countries in the Balkans (and especially Bosnia and Montenegro), Albania is primarily a cash-only society. If you have enough paper bills, that’s great — and if not, it’s time to stock up. 
On a similar note, be sure to book your rental car and all accommodations ahead of time, or else you’ll face the risk of having to pay in cash (and prices might go up for hotels if it’s a last-minute booking!)
Likewise, make sure to check if your accommodation(s) take credit cards. To avoid this issue, I recommend pre-booking and pre-paying (Booking.com usually has this option).
🏖️Language in Albania — Thanks to its location and history, locals along the riviera typically speak Albanian and Greek and/or Italian. English can be hit or miss depending where you go, although the most popular cities in the Albanian Riviera have many English speakers that work in tourism.
🏖️ The Beaches — If you’re into secluded and quiet places, some hotels and resorts have their own private beaches! Some of the most popular include Stone Beach in Qeparo, Sole Luna in Borsch, and Folie Marine Beach Hotel in Jale.
WHERE TO GO IN THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA
Now we get to the fun part: the best places to visit in the Albanian Riviera!
Instead of trying to come up with a way to categorize these cities based on how good they are, or which ones have the best beaches, or (insert some other criteria here), I’ve done something much simpler: The places listed here are literally in order of appearance.
We’ll start at the very beginning of the Albanian Riviera (Vlore) and make our way down to the end (Ksamil). Along the way, I’ll note some of the best beaches, places to see, and accommodations. Ready? Let’s go!
Vlore |
Sprawled on a bay with clear waters and surrounded by the thunder-split Ceraunian Mountains, Vlore is where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet — and, thanks to this unique geographic feature, it’s officially known as the beginning of the Albanian Riviera!
Also written as Vlora, this bustling seaside port is the third biggest city in Albania and a major destination for those looking to start their Albanian Riviera holiday. This is because the city has well-developed infrastructure, with plenty of hotels and seaside apartments, grocery stores, shops, cafes, and much more.
On a side note, Vlore is also an excellent destination for digital nomads, and was one of my favorite cities when we traveled around Albania!
I recommend at least one or two days in Vlore to chill out, adjust, and get ready for your Albanian Riviera trip (whether that’s renting a car or just figuring out where the bus station is :)).
What to do in Vlore
💃 Walk Along the Promenade — Vlore has a well-kept and tidy promenade that’s perfect for taking a stroll during sunrise or sunset. Near the city, there’s also a mini amusement park and excellent cafes and restaurants!
🕌 Muradie Mosque — One of the oldest mosques in Albania, Muradie mosque was built in the 1500s and is one of the most prominent Cultural Monuments in the country. It’s especially beautiful against the backdrop of the city and has a melodic call to prayer.
⛲️ Explore Vlore’s Old Town — Just a few blocks away from the mosque are the remnants of Vlore’s old town. While only a few buildings survived to this day, they’re very well-taken care of and charm visitors with their pastel colors and cheery facades. :)
Top Accommodations in Vlore
 Situated between the beach and the city, this apartment is just a 15-minute walk to the center of Vlore (and 2 minutes to the beach!). Also, can we talk about that gorgeous view? Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Although they recently opened (in June 2022!), Nobus has already made headlines. Who wouldn’t want to stay at this gorgeous hotel, which features rooms with a private infinity pool, super friendly staff, and a 4th floor restaurant? Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 Planning on enjoying the beach during your trip? Take full advantage of the Albanian Riviera with this hotel, which has access to its own private beach, offers complimentary beach towels, and even a reserved sunbed and umbrella! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 For the ultimate in luxury, Maritim Resort is it. The hotel has a huge variety of rooms, including double, family, and junior suites with views of the sea or pool. It’s an excellent choice if you’re traveling with family or with a group! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 If you’re looking for an all around amazing hotel in Vlore, this is it! Yacht Hotel features super spacious rooms (with floor to ceiling panoramic views!), delicious food at the onsite restaurant, friendly staff, and much more. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 Ames Hotel & Spa Located on the southern end of Vlore, Ames Hotel has sleek and contemporary rooms and a full-service spa. Bonus: there’s also an amazing rooftop pool! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
Sazan Island |
Just a few kilometers off the coast of Albania is this mysterious and uninhabited island with an interesting past.
Sazan Island used to be a former military base during Albania’s communist era and served as a base for submarines and arms. In fact, more than 3,000 soldiers used to live on the island, although nowadays that number has drastically fallen to a grand total of 2 (to patrol the area and catch smugglers).
What’s really cool is that Sazan Island only opened to tourism quite recently (in 2015), and the island is chock-full of unspoiled nature, rugged trails, and even ‘secret’ tunnels and caves! There’s a rumor that communist-era gas masks can be found in the valleys of the island — let me know if you manage to find any.
As one reviewer succinctly put it, “This is an exciting mixture of the untouched nature and the rusty relics of the military past!”
Sazan Island can easily be reached via a 30-minute boat ride from Vlore. There are plenty of tours that offer a trip to the island, typically with a stop at Haxhi Ali Cave and/or Karaburun Marine Park.
Click here to check out the prices and tours that go to Sazan Island
Orikum (Oricum) |
Despite its small size and secluded location, Orikum is a lovely town that’s full of resorts and local guest houses sprinkled around the surrounding bay. Another bonus is that there are plenty of fine pebble beaches and places to swim.
Interestingly, Orikum takes its name from an ancient Greek city that’s just a few kilometers away. If you’d like to explore, head over to the Parku Arkeologjik i Orikumit or Marmiroi Church, which are the only surviving ruins.
Top Accommodations in Orikum
 This hotel has one of the most ideal locations in Orikum: it’s right next to the beach but also just a few minutes away from the center! The rooms are bright, and, conveniently, there’s also an on-site restaurant and private beach. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Bel Ami Suita Hotel As a 4-star hotel, Bel Ami Suita certainly looks and feels like it! The hotel is right between two beaches and offers free private parking, a beautiful and well-maintained garden (where you’ll sit during breakfast!), and super chic decor in the rooms. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Llogara National Park |
Did you know that 3 out of 14 National Parks are located in the Albanian Riviera?
While we’ve talked about one (Karaburun-Sazan) already and will go over another (Butrint) a little later, let’s take a look at Llogara — which is one of the oldest (and most scenic!) national parks in Albania.
Llogara is just a short 30-minute drive from our previous stop, Orikum, or an hour away from Vlore. Although it’s further inland from most other places along the Riviera, Llogara is an excellent place if you want to get some hiking into your trip.
If you have a day or two, I highly recommend walking the trails — thanks to its 1,000-some meter height, the views of the surrounding bays and water are just gorgeous! If not, there are also a few places to park your car and take a few photos. :)
What to do in Llogara National Park
Go Hiking! — As mentioned, Llogara is one of those places that deserves to be on your hiking bucket list. The Cika Hike is the most popular route, and takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours (depending on your speed and number of stops) to reach the top. The length is about 12 km (7.5 mi).
See One of the Most Beautiful Views in Albania — When driving along Llogara Pass, be sure to stop at this spot and take in the breathtaking views — just type in “Panorama Llogara” on Google Maps for directions. If you’re lucky (and it’s a clear day), you might even see the Greek island of Corfu!
Bunkers – Did you know that there are more than 170,000 bunkers in Albania? You can check out the lasting remnants of the country’s communist period in many places around Albania, but perhaps one of the most well-known is the ‘Big Bunker’ near Panorama Llogara (above).
Top Accommodations in Llogara National Park
 Located right inside the national park, Llogara Tourist Village offers a tranquil escape among the forest. The main lodge has plenty of amenities (like billiards, a spa, pool, and a children’s play area), while each cabin offers a cozy atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might even see the deer that often wander around the area. :) Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 Surrounded by the woods and beautiful views, Hotel Alpin is located right next to plenty of hiking trails and just off the main road — perfect if you’re planning to explore the nearby area! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Palasë |
Palase (also written as Palasë or Paljasa) is one of the first towns that you’ll encounter after departing Llogara National Park.
Palase’s biggest claim to fame is that Julius Caesar rested here before continuing to Llogara, although it’s also famous for its charming white houses, 400-year old plane tree, and a stunning 1.5 kilometer beach.
Likewise, this area is famous for the numerous luxury apartments and boutique hotels, and is an excellent place to base yourself if you’re looking for where to stay in the Albanian Riviera!
Top Accommodations in Palase
 Just like the name says, Gogo’s is truly a boutique hotel — it offers about 20 charming rooms with some of the best views of the surrounding sea and bay! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Nestled in a quiet area, this apartment is spacious — 84 square meters (900 sq ft) and 2 bedrooms! — and perfect for groups or families. Besides the super modern design and luxury amenities, Greenhome also has views of the beach and Llogara Pass! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Similar to Greenhome above, Pacific Villa has such a luxurious atmosphere that I’m sure you’ll fall in love with! Think spacious rooms, a private terrace, an open-floor living room, and more. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Dhermi |
In a nutshell, Dhermi is the poster child of the Albanian Riviera. And by that, I mean literally — you’ve most likely seen its beautiful clear waters on a travel brochure, Albania guidebook, blog post, or some other tourism-related piece.
Besides its charming good looks and world-famous beaches, Dhermi is also popular for its parties — if you’re looking for some of the best Albanian Riviera nightlife, this place is definitely for you!
From beach clubs to bars, festivals, and so much more, Dhermi is party central during the summer months. It actually hosts one of the most popular music festivals in Albania, Kala Festival, which describes itself as “an eclectic selection of artists connected by spirit rather than genre.”
Fun fact: DJ Tiesto performed in Dhermi back in 2009 — who knows, maybe he’ll be there during your vacation as well. :)
Top Accommodations in Dhermi
 If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Dhermi, you’ll definitely find it here! Featuring breathtaking views of the sea, sparkling clean rooms, and a huge pool, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ll want to stay here forever. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 While Dhermi typically has new hotels and resorts, Roots is a little different: it’s a very cute and authentic boutique apartment located in a traditional stone house! The apartment has been lovingly restored with modern conveniences (including AC) and well-equipped amenities. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
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Perhaps one of the best-rated hotels in the entire Riviera, Golden View has a solid 9.4 rating and more than 350 reviews. The main start of the show is the huge pool, which overlooks the sea and is the perfect place to see epic sunsets. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Gjipe Beach |
Nestled in a cove between Dhermi and Himara is Gjipe Beach, which is often considered to be one of the best beaches in Albania.
In fact, if you’re planning to enjoy a beach holiday in the Albanian Riviera, Gjipe Beach should definitely be on your itinerary! What makes it special is the fact that it’s slightly out of the way for most people, as you’ll need to climb 30 minutes down a walkway to reach the beach.
You can also take a kayak tour to visit this secluded beach and make it into a fun day tour — just don’t forget the sunscreen!
If you’re planning to spend the whole day here, be sure to pack some drinks, snacks, and cash, as a beach chair and umbrella cost around 1,000 Lek ($10 USD).
Top Accommodations near Gjipe Beach
While there aren’t any hotels in Gjipe Beach (remember, it’s quite secluded
Vuno |
Located some 300 meters above the riviera is this charming village, which looks as if it was plucked straight out of Tuscany.
If you’re in search of raw nature and/or to see how the locals live, Vuno is an excellent choice. The town is famous for its rolling hills (try to find the shepherds and their goats!), idyllic white and stone houses, and lush green groves.
Top Accommodations in Vuno
 When researching accommodations in the Albanian Riviera, I came across this quirky yet charming gem. The hostel is located in a restored building that used to be a school (shkolla means school!), and profits go to a local ecological charity. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 You can probably tell that camping in Vuno is really popular. :) Besides the cute and colorful camping bungalows, there’s also an on-site restaurant (one of the best in Albania!), market, and a game area. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Jale Beach |
Similar to its nearby cousin (Gjipe), Jale Beach is more accessible yet has the same beautiful blue waters. Didn’t I tell you that some of the best beaches in Albania can be found along the Albanian Riviera?
Jale Beach is a cute beach with neatly-lined thatched umbrellas, pristine waters, and pleasant small pebbled sands.
Thanks to the clear waters around the area, Jale Beach is an excellent spot to go kayaking, snorkeling, and diving — or simply relaxing. 😌
Top Accommodations near Jale
 If you’re looking for a stress-free and convenient getaway, you’ll love this hotel. It has three (yes, 3!) restaurants, a huge outdoor pool, spa center, and even a nightclub. It’s also perfect for groups, since there are more than 150 rooms spread across two areas. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Himare (Himara) |
Other than Vlore and Sarande, Himare is one of the three major cities in the Albanian Riviera.
The town is well-equipped for tourism and has everything you need to enjoy a vacation, including restaurants and cafes, grocery stores, local tavernas, and even a post office. In fact, many people choose to use Himare as their base in the Albanian Riviera and explore neighboring towns as day trips.
Other than soaking up the sun, you can also check out the famous Himara Castle (with beautiful views of the sea!), walk along the beach boardwalk, or stroll/hike through the surrounding countryside.
Top Accommodations in Himare
With such excellent beaches and infrastructure, it’s no wonder why Himare has some of the best hotels in the Albanian Riviera. From charming boutique hotels to luxury resorts and everything in between, it’s all here.
 If you could only choose to stay in one hotel in the Albanian Riviera, let it be this one! Seriously, can we talk about how gorgeous this place is? That’s a million dollar view from the bathtub! Honestly, I’m at a loss for words. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Archontiko means mansion or manor in Greek, and the name really matches the vibe of this hotel! Just take a look at those jaw-dropping views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and classy touches of decor. I’m pretty sure this is what it feels like to wake up in paradise. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Continuing the trend of blue and white, we have this lovely hotel, which really reminds me of those white stone houses in Santorini. Touches of Boho decor really make this place stand out, while the bougainvillea plants bring a hint of color and joy. Check Dates & Book: Booking.com | Hotels |
 Rounding out our category of amazing hotels with views is this gem, which features a cool palette and minimalistic design to really bring out the blue tones of the sea outside. Besides, who could resist such a cute and punny name? Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Palermo |
Besides its dreamy beaches and turquoise waters, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Albanian Riviera is the Porto Palermo Castle.
Perched in the middle of an island, the Castle was built hundreds of years ago and witnessed the rise and fall of the Venetian, Ottoman, and Communist eras — and lived to tell the tale.
In fact, Palermo really reminded me of Herceg Novi, another city in the Balkans that’s famous for its castles and forts!
Palermo doesn’t have many accommodations nearby, and it’s best to visit this place as a day trip — it’s only 7 km from Himare, and you can walk to the island where the castle is located via a small strip of land.
Qeparo |
At first glance, Qeparo might look like an abandoned village, but this place has quite an interesting history. Let’s start with the name:
Qeparo was originally called Kiparos, which means garden in Greek — and this perfectly fits the town’s history. Many years ago, Greeks and Albanians used to live in the village and cultivate some of the best olives and olive oil in the country.
In fact, Qeparo is actually divided into two parts — Upper Qeparo (the village) and Lower Qeparo (near the beach).
Eventually, the village was abandoned, but you can still see some of the olive trees (and traditional houses) when exploring the area.
Top Accommodations in Qeparo
 Tucked away in a quiet nook of Qeparo, this small boutique hotel only has 19 rooms and exceptional service. If you can, I highly recommend booking the rooms with a private pool to upgrade your trip! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 This heavenly little abode has breathtaking views from literally every corner, since it’s surrounded by the sea. There’s a spacious terrace (AKA the perfect place for a morning coffee!), a deck with sun chairs, and full access to a private beach. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Located high above the Riviera, this dreamy villa is a renovated traditional stone house with amazing panoramas of the entire bay — and on a clear day, you can even see Corfu! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Borsh |
The first time I heard of Borsh I had a chuckle, since borsch is a famous soup where i’m from … but Borsh is no laughing matter. It’s literally a paradise!
While Gjipe and Jale Beach might impress with their quietness and seclusion, Borsh is famous for having the largest stretch of beach in Albania — an impressive 7 km (4.5 mi) in length!
Borsh Beach is often mentioned in Albanian Riviera guides because it’s an excellent place if you want to relax in your own little bubble. Because everything is so spread out, it never really gets crowded here. Cool, right? Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to eat a nice bowl of borscht… 
Top Accommodations in Borsh
 One of the best midrange hotels in the Albanian Riviera, Sole Luna has its own private beach and an excellent selection of rooms that can sleep between 2 to 4 guests each. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 Based right in the center of Borsh Beach, you’ll have easy and convenient access to the entire 7 km stretch! The guesthouse is run by Luiza and her sisters, who are very warm, gregarious, and love to help guests. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Borsch Castle |
Borsch Castle, so-called because of its location on a hill next to Borsch village, is a fascinating remnant that traces its history back to the 13th century.
If you visit the castle, you might notice that there are different architecture styles — that’s because during the course of its history, the castle was rebuilt over four eras, including Byzantine and Medieval times.
If you’re hiking to the castle from Borsh town, it takes about an hour to make the 3 kilometer trek up.
Lukove (Lukova) |
Nestled between ‘big shot’ cities like Himare and Saranda, Lukove is definitely a hidden gem in the Albanian Riviera. If you’re looking for a quieter getaway without all of the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds, this is just the place!
Lukove takes its name from the word lluke, which means green lands in old Slavic — and the village really lives up to its name, because the entire area is covered in olive groves, orange plantations, and flowers! Doesn’t that just sound lovely? 
About 150 meters beneath the village is Lukova Beach, which is famous for its dreamy blue waters and pleasant sandy beaches (and free parking!). Besides swimming and relaxing, this beach hosts a famous music festival every summer called The Element, which is a Balkan-style Burning Man with psychedelic techno music.
Top Accommodations in Lukove
 As one guest wrote, this apartment is ‘a magical place on the hill’ — and I couldn’t agree more! There are about a dozen beaches within a 30-minute drive, plus the owner and his family are extremely hospitable. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Itaka is sure to charm any guest, as it offers everything and anything you’ll need — a nice selection of rooms, large pool, and even an organic breakfast from the hotel’s garden! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
Nivice |
Similar to its neighbor above, Nivice is a fairly remote spot that’s home to two interesting attractions: St. Mary’s Monastery and Kroreza Beach.
St. Mary’s Monastery is a popular stop on an Albanian Riviera road trip thanks to its well-preserved condition and status as a Cultural Monument of Albania. It’s an interesting look into Albania’s Orthodoxy, especially if you check out the amazing murals inside (which were originally painted in the late 1600s!)
Below the village is Krorëza Beach, which is the true definition of secluded — you can only reach it by taking a boat ride from a nearby city.
P.S. — Don’t confuse Nivicë (this place) with Nivica (a remote village in Gjirokaster that’s next to a canyon)!
Top Accommodations in Nivice
 One of the coolest guesthouses in the Albanian Riviera, Muzhaqi is a traditional house that has been lovingly restored. Each room has beautiful accents, like the exposed wooden beams and traditional kilim rugs. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Saranda (Sarande) |
Ahhh, Saranda —officially known as the capital of the Albanian Riviera, this is the city to use as a base if you want to explore nearby attractions.
Its status as the ‘heart of the Riviera’ means that there are plenty of connections throughout southern Albania, plus excellent infrastructure, accommodations, restaurants, and more. Despite its small size, Sarande packs a punch!
Of course, Saranda is almost famed for its legendary beaches — the city regularly enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year (similar to Herceg Novi, Montenegro’s sunniest city!) and has half a dozen beaches in its vicinity.
Not in the mood to explore? No worries — Saranda has a lovely palm-lined promenade, old ruins right in the center, and even a giant ferris wheel!
Top Accommodations in Saranda
ArtNest Luxury Hotel One of the newest hotels in Saranda, ArtNest takes luxury to the next level. With opulent details, bespoke service, and upgraded comfort, this hotel is already one of the most talked-about accommodations in the Riviera. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Palma City Hotel A popular favorite among travelers, Palma has it all: comfortable rooms, free parking, a relaxing pool, and modern facilities. Best of all, it’s very close to the ferry terminal, which means you can disembark from Corfu and go straight to your room! |
 Is this not one of the most gorgeous breakfast areas you’ve ever seen? Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 While there are plenty of incredible accommodations, I think the winner of the best boutique hotel in Saranda definitely goes to Glow! This fabulous hotel has extremely spacious rooms, a rooftop pool (great for watching the sun set!), and a peaceful atmosphere away from the noisy center. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) |
One of the most interesting natural attractions in Albania is none other than the Blue Eye.
So called for its shape — the deep dark waters of the center make up the pupil, while the blue water is the iris — the Blue Eye is a popular day trip from Saranda and the surrounding areas.
If you can’t make it by car, there are tons of tours that offer a stop at the Blue Eye as well! Check some of the most booked ones here:
🌀 Visit The National Park of Blue Eye
🌀 Buthrotum, Blue Eye Springs, Ksamil and Lekursi Castle from Saranda
🌀 Explore Blue Eye- The Monument of Nature (Top rated!)
Ksamil |
Just like Dhermi, Ksamil has one of the most famous scenes in the entire Albanian Riviera: the legendary boardwalk photo!
Yes, that’s right — if you’ve ever read a guidebook or blog post about the Albanian Riviera, you’re bound to see this dreamy place: crystal clear waters flow underneath an ethereal boardwalk, just beckoning visitors to sit down and enjoy the view… and now you can!
Another bonus of traveling to Ksamil is that it’s closer to Greece (and/or Corfu, if you’re taking a boat), which is perfect for those who plan to stay fairly local.
There are plenty of things to do in Ksamil, but most of them include relaxing on one of the stunning beaches or visiting one of the three nearby islands. ;)
It’s no surprise that Ksamil Beach was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania — and I’d venture out to say in the world as well. Be sure to check it out!
Top Accommodations in Ksamil
 For some of the best views in Ksamil, book Siars! This family-run hotel is located in a quieter part of the city, which is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or have small kids. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
 Hotel Olive is a chic new accommodation that features minimalist and modern rooms, friendly staff, and plush amenities. Its gastronomy really stands out: a delicious breakfast is included, and there is also the option to add dinner at the rooftop restaurant as well for a small fee! Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 With stunning views and an ideal location (just a few minutes away from restaurants, markets, and the beach!), this is one of the best hotels in Ksamil and the surrounding area. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
 Boasting an enviable 9.2 rating and more than 300 reviews, Poda is an excellent choice for those looking for a memorable and relaxing stay. The hotel is especially famous for its delicious seafood dishes and hospitality. Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com |
Butrint National Park |
Butrint National Park was the first-ever place to be listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in Albania, and for good reason!
This place is literally Disneyland for history buffs, as it used to be an ancient Greek city before it lived through Roman, Byzantine, Angevin, and Venetian rule before being abandoned in the middle ages.
Many of the ruins are well-preserved, including a near-complete Greek theater, basilica, fortress walls, and much more.
Some 20 kilometers (12 mi) from the park is Konispol, a town near the Greek border that’s famous for its juicy and succulent mandarins. In fact, the largest mandarin plantation in the country is located here and even offers tours (with the option to pick your own fruits!) to visitors — it’s an excellent day trip or a stop on your way to Greece. :)
Top Accommodations near Butrint
 Located right near the entrance of the national park, Livia is a basic yet peaceful hotel with plenty of amenities (including an on-site restaurant!) Check Dates & Book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels |
Photo Credits: Thatched beach – Albina Shehetila | Albanian Riviera map – Lancer (Wikipedia) | Beach and car – Caleb George | Llogara Pass – Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs (Wikipedia) | Palase – Xhulio Selenica (Unsplash) | Dhermi – Gjoko Strezoski | Gjipe Beach – Renaldo Kodra (Unsplash) | Vuno – Shkolla Hostel | Jale Beach – Albania Beaches | Palermo – Visit Albania | St. Mary’s – Albanian Tourism | Sarande – Laurentiu Morariu (Unsplash) | Blue Eye – Renaldo Kodra (Unsplash) | Ksamil – Cannm01 (Wikipedia) | Butrint NP – Renaldo Kodra (Unsplash) | Hotel photos: Respective hotels