The Best Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera
Albania is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. Its easy to see why with it’s incredible beaches, dramatic mountains and quaint villages. The Albanian Riviera has drawn Balkan tourists for years but more and more foreigners are now booking Albania for their summer break. In this post, we help you find the very best places to visit on the Albanian Riviera, including some useful tips and local knowledge.
Where is the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is located in the south west of the country between the towns of Saranda, in the South, and Vlora, in the north. The Ionian Sea runs along the stunning coastline.
When to Visit the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is a beautiful location that can be visited at any time of year. During July and August the temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F) and the beaches can become busy. If you enjoy crowds and beach parties, this is the time to go. Otherwise, we would recommend the shoulder seasons, May and June or September and October.
The Albanian Riviera is still beautiful in the winter. It is very quiet and peaceful as there are almost no tourists at all. However, not everything will be open in the resort towns such as Ksmail and Sarande.
How to get there
There is no airport in the Albanian Riviera. So, there are two options to get there.
Option 1 is to fly to the Greek Island of Corfu. From there, you can take a 30 minute ferry to Saranda.
Option 2 is to fly to Albania’s capital city, Tirana, and travel south from there. This can be done by bus or by hiring a car.
Our favourite way to get to the beautiful Albanian Riviera is taking the ferry from Corfu as it is faster and more pleasant than taking a bus.
The Weather
The weather in the Albanian Riviera is great all year round as it has a Mediterranean climate. Of course it is much colder in the winter. During the summer months you can expect temperatures between 30°C and 40°C (86°F and 104°F). In the winter, it can drop to around 10°C to 15°C (50°F – 59°F ). However, there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy!
The Best Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera – Saranda
The warm weather and party vibe makes Saranda one of the best places to visit on the Albanian Riviera. ( Spelled Sarandë in Albanian). The low costs also make it ideal for budget travellers. However, there is still plenty to offer those looking for a bit of luxury.
The surrounding beaches and mountains means there are tonnes of day trip options. But there is also enough to keep you busy if you want to stay in the city. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink in Saranda. The seafood restaurants alone make Saranda worth visiting!
Ksamil
One of the most popular summer locations in Albania is Ksamil – a beach lover’s paradise! Just a short trip from Saranda lies the small town of Ksamil with its serene islands, clear green waters and bright white, sandy beaches. It is also very close to the ancient City of Butrint and ranks highly amongst the best beaches in Albania.
Ksamil has several smaller beaches, many of which are owned by bars or restaurants, so it’s often necessary to pay for a sun lounger. Recently, prices have really increased so we recommend checking before getting comfy. Prices can range from €8-50 for an umbrella on the beach. But once you find the spot, you can watch the sunset over the islands with a cocktail in your hand.
Avoid visiting in July and August as the crowds get a little crazy. However, there are no big chain hotels here and many businesses are family owned. This makes Ksamil feel like a more relaxed and blissful beach location than others in Europe.
Boat trips are a popular choice amongst visitors to Ksamil. Many boat tours include a meal and drinks so it is a really fun way to see some of the smaller islands and enjoy the sea air.
The Best Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera – Butrint National Park
A journey to Butrint is certainly one of the most interesting places to visit on the Albanian Riviera! Roman baths, a large amphitheatre, an acropolis dating back to the 8th Century BC and, our favourite, the relatively intact basilica from the 6th century, were just a few of the ancient gems of Butrint.
We also learned that prehistoric sites have been identified within the area and the earliest evidence of occupation dates back to 50,000 BC. The civilization was eventually abandoned due to the progression of the marshland.
The Blue Eye
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit to the Albanian Riviera. In the centre of the country lies a mysterious and intriguing body of water shrouded in local legend. The Blue Eye, Albania, or Syri i Kalter, is a natural water spring of unknown depth and chilling temperatures. The centre of the spring is a deep, dark blue whilst the surrounding water is a fresh green fading out to the white of the pebbly shore.
The Blue Eye can be easily reached from Saranda, even by public transport. It can also be combined with a trip to beautiful Gjirokaster.
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster, Albania, is known for its beautiful Ottoman architecture and imposing castle. Those who have experienced the city are captivated forever and people planning to visit are in for an incredible surprise. Gjirokaster is definitely a must when visiting the Albanian Riviera.
There are many amazing things to keep you busy in Gjirokaster. The city is immersed in history and bursting with magnificent Ottoman architecture. The highlight for us was the imposing castle perched above the old town. Make sure you also check out the Old Bazaar, with some great souvenir shops, and stop for a strong coffee in one of the quaint coffee shops at the side of the picturesque, cobbled streets. Check out THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GJIROKASTER
Gjirokaster can also be reached easily from Saranda – find out how by clicking HERE.
The Best Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera – Himare
Possibly one of the most glamorous beaches in Albania, Himara enjoys the sun all year round. Sailing and fishing boats pass in and out of the harbour while the town offers plenty of clubs, cafes and restaurants. Borsh, Porto Palermo and Lukova beaches are also nearby.
Dhermi Beach
Heralded as one of Albania’s best beaches and it’s easy to see why. Dhërmi is a small beach in a bay overlooked by the town atop a craggy cliff. The fine, white pebbles are a beautiful contrast to the sparkling green water, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists. However, if you take a walk along the beach you are bound to find a quiet spot, even in the summer.
There are plenty of restaurants serving delicious, fresh seafood nearby.
Gjipe Beach
Close to Vlora , Gjipe is a beach with a difference. It has barely been touched by development as the surrounding mountains make it less accessible. If you’re up for the 2km hike (1.25 miles), you will be greatly rewarded. The beach is stunning but remains quiet even in the height of summer. This is an amazing spot for those who like to explore and hope to avoid the summer crowds. This is more certainly one of the best places to visit on the Albanian Riviera!
The Best Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera – Drymades Beach
Not far from Dhërmi is Drymades beach. This is like a little piece of heaven. This place is quiet and relaxing and is known for its incredible sunsets across the twinkling water. A great beach if you’re looking for a bit of space and calmness.
Llogara National Park
Llogara National Park is one of the most visited natural parks in Albania. About 40km from Vlora, its definitely worth visiting while you are in the area. The park covers only 10.1 sq km (3.90 square miles) but is home to roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, European wildcat, red fox, otter, and even the mighty wolf. There are also diverse bird species including the majestic golden eagle and the griffon vulture roaming the skies. This is one of the best places to visit to the Albanian Riviera for those of us who love hiking and nature.
The Best Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera – Vlore
The coastal town of Vlore sits in the heart of the Albanian Riviera. As the third largest city in Albania, and sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, it certainly has a lot to offer.
The town of Vlora (Vlorë in Albanian) sits on a bay between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. When visiting this part of Albania you will be spoilt for choice with so many spectacular beaches. There is loads of amazing things to do in Vlora.
The Mediterranean climate here means there are around 300 sunny days per year, perfect for spending loads of time on the beach! The Ceraunian Mountains are close by offering amazing hiking opportunities if you grow tired of the gentle, turquoise waters.
How to get Around the Albanian Riviera
There are limited options for getting around the Albanian Riviera. A furgon is the most common mode of public transport in the are. It is a mini bus that will work loosely to a timetable but will sometimes only depart when full. These buses are small and old but they will always get you from A to B. They are usually a cheap way to travel and a great way to experience how locals get around.
There are no trains services connecting the towns of the Albanian Riviera. However, if you can haggle, a taxi will take you anywhere.
If you want to save a bit of time and to have a bit more flexibility, renting a car might be for you.
Should I Rent a Car to Explore the Albanian Riviera?
This is a tricky one, and definitely down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful but far from wide ranging. It is great for travelling between towns and cities but reaching the secluded beaches will be difficult. Saying that, if you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere!
Hitchhiking in Albania is a popular way to get around and is supposedly perfectly safe. We have not tried this ourselves but have spoken to many successful hitchers.
If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style… On our last visit to Saranda we spent 3 days in the town and witnessed 2 crashes. Make sure you plan your journey in advance as there are many smaller roads that are not more than dirt tracks.
If you take the plunge and decide that driving is best for you, try SIXT. They are really handy if you are starting your journey in Saranda and are located just beside the port.
Renting a car will provide a lot more freedom and independence and make it easier to avoid the crowds. While exploring, look out for signs pointing to “Plazhi…” meaning beach in Albanian. All along the jagged coastline there are serene, and often secret, beaches
What to Pack for your Visit to the Albanian Riviera
You’re excited about your visit to the Albanian Riviera, lounging on the warm sand and listening to the gentle waves brushing the coastline. But you’re in a rush! Here’s a super easy packing list to make sure you don’t arrive in paradise unprepared.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bathing suit
- A good book
- Flip Flops
- Beach Towel
- Parasol
- Hat
- Cell phone and power bank or charger
- Cash
- Frisbee/ball
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Map downloaded on phone (if you’re going exploring)
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not go north and check out Albania’s capital city, Tirana
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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this article is very useful, thank you for making a good article
Albania was on our itinerary when Covid shut us down and we are still working to get it back on our travels. Hopeful for 2024. Thanks for this great info. I like the idea of arriving from Corfu…which I hadn’t thought of so that’s a real possibility for us. Saving all this great info. Thanks!
Wow! The water is so clear and blue. Dreamy it is.