Albanian Riviera

Dhërmi is the first major settlement on the Albanian Riviera after passing through the Llogara Pass. It has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque scenery and relaxed atmosphere. While the original village is high above the coast, a tourist resort emerged down by the kilometre-long beach.

Lost Paradise on the Albanian Riviera. The fantastic beach of Gjipe is one of the most stunning places in all of Albania. A pebble beach, the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea and an impressive canyon with an olive grove. Gjipe has simply everything.

Jalë is perhaps the only coastal resort on the Albanian Riviera that has always had an exclusive feel. In the 1970s, dictator Enver Hoxha built a hotel here for communist nomenclature who vacationed here with families.

It is the combination of stunning beaches with crystal-clear water, cultural attractions and convenient location that makes Himarë so appealing to visitors travelling on the Albanian Riviera. While it has seen increased tourism, it still maintains a relatively unspoiled and authentic atmosphere.

The Castle of Porto Palermo is one of the fortresses built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena in southern Albania, located on a small peninsula in the bay of Porto Palermo. A gem of military architecture and a must-visit on the Albanian Riviera. The bay, which is home to an unused submarine depot, is known for its clear turquoise waters, making it a great spot snorkelling.

Qeparo je nejkrásnější tradiční vesnicí na Albánské riviéře. Procházka mezi typickými kamennými domy a cypřiši je spolu s výhledem na moře nezapomenutelným zážitkem. Stejně jako sousední Borsh je i Qeparo vystavěno na kopci vysoko nad pobřežím, na terasovitých svazích a dole v nížině se pěstují olivy.

The area near the village of Borsh is the only flat stretch of the Albanian Riviera, and it is best known for its olive orchards and olive oil production. The main tourist attraction here, apart from the six-kilometres-long beach, is the Sopot Castle.

Lukovë a charming village on the Albanian Riviera, known for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes. It offers a more tranquil and less crowded atmosphere compared to some other tourist destinations on Albania’s Ionian coast. 

Krorëza is one of the most stunning beaches on Albania’s Ionian coast and an excellent destination for a day trip from Sarandë or Lukovë. There are two fascinating monasteries nearby that are worth visiting on their own. 

Sarandë is the largest city on the Albanian Riviera. Once a hamlet of a few houses, it is now a bustling resort resembling a concrete jungle. There are virtually no sights to be found in Sarandë itself, but some interesting locations in the immediate vicinity. Sarandë is a transport hub and an ideal destination for exploring the coast, the Greek island of Corfu, as well as the UNESCO sites of Gjirokastër and Butrint.

Ksamil is a popular, fast-growing and bustling resort on the Albanian Riviera. Often referred to as the “Maldives of Europe”, it captivates visitors with its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage. A short drive from Ksamil leads to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an archaeological gem located in Albania’s very south. It features remnants from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations. With well-preserved structures like a Hellenistic theatre or paleo-Christian baptistery, Butrint offers a fascinating journey through time.

The charming village of Dhërmi overlooks several beaches on the shores of the Ionian Sea, which have been the scene of rapid development in recent years. Several of the beaches in the area could well hold the title of “the most beautiful on the Albanian Riviera”.

Himarë is one of the best destinations for beach lovers in Albania. Situated in the centre of the Albanian Riviera near some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, the town is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation by the sea.

Sarandë is the major resort on the Albanian Riviera, with several bustling beaches and a newly renovated promenade. The surrounding coastline is more peaceful. Don’t miss a boat trip to Krorëz.

The Albanian Riviera has plenty of stunning beaches, but the ones in Ksamil are really something special. With crystal-clear turquoise water, they are among the most beautiful not only in Albania but also in the Ionian Sea. The downside to all this is the crowds: Ksamil has become a bustling resort recently, packed with tourists in high season. Come here in June or September to avoid battling for a spot beneath an umbrella.

The picturesque Shushica Valley is separated from the Albanian Riviera by the Ceraunian Mountains. In contrast to the busy coastline, this region is an oasis of calm and a perfect place for hiking and spending time in nature. The Brataj Bridge is one of the most beautiful in Albania.

Llogara is unique among Albania’s national parks. Not because of its size, but rather due to its unusual blend of rugged mountainous terrain and the picturesque Ionian shore of the Albanian Riviera. The mountains do not rise more than two kilometres from the coast anywhere else in the country. The Llogara Pass is one of Europe’s top paragliding sites.

The Blue Eye is a mighty freshwater spring that forms a mesmerising deep blue pool surrounded by lush greenery. This unique natural phenomenon has become one of the most visited attractions in Albania and is a popular destination for day trips from the Albanian Riviera or Gjirokastër. 

The Church of St. Nicholas in Mesopotam dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most beautiful places of worship in Albania. It is the only building that has survived from the former Mesopotam Monastery, now it’s surrounded only by cypress trees and remnants of defensive walls.

Phoenice was an ancient Greek city and the capital of the Chaonian tribe. It was one of the wealthiest cities in Epirus, a historical region now shared between Albania and Greece. The city is an archaeological park and is located on a hill above the village of Finiq, about ten kilometres from Sarandë. A perfect destination for a cultural trip from the Albanian Riviera.

The monks could not have chosen a more beautiful place for the monastery of St. George near Sarandë. It is situated on a hill at the narrowest point of the Ksamil peninsula, with beautiful views of the Ionian Sea, Lake Butrint, and the Greek island of Corfu.

The small town of Delvinë, located 20 kilometres east of Sarandë, isn’t really a tourist magnet. But a beautiful landscape and a few nice historical sights in the town and its surroundings are well worth a day or half-day trip. If you are looking for a getaway from the crowded beaches of the Albanian Riviera, you have just found it.

The breathtaking Rasal waterfall (Ujëvara e Rasalit) is a newly discovered gem on Albania’s tourist map, having only recently gained attention from the public. It makes for a perfect day trip from Vlorë, and can also be visited on your way to the sea via the Shushica valley.