Albanian Riviera , An emerging tourist destination

There's a stretch of coastline along Albania's shores from Vlorë (Vlora) and Palasë (Palasa) in the North to Sarandë (Saranda) and Ksamil (Ksamil) in the South – the Albanian Riviera – where you'll discover some of Europe's most beautiful yet hidden beaches. 

In the Albanian Riviera, you'll find UNESCO sites, such as the archaeological site and Butrint National Park, dating back to the era of the ancient Romans. Also located there are the beautiful beaches of Drymades and Jale.

Another standout feature is the unforgettable nightlife in the cities, which differs from the daytime vibe in the small villages. There are many activities to enjoy in the Albanian Riviera, which locals also call Bregu.

The best time to visit the Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is packed with tourists in July and August when the weather is very hot. (The average temperature is about 28 to 30 °C during the day and 18 to 20 °C at night.) However, because Albania's peak season is less crowded than other European countries, the mass of tourists won't make a big difference.

Spring from April to June and autumn from September to October are the ideal seasons to visit the Albanian Riviera, as the weather is neither too cold nor too hot.

Things to do in the Albanian Riviera

During the winter season, from November to March, tourists are fewer, and night temperatures drop to 2 °C. If you enjoy the cold, however, and don't mind skipping the beach on your trip, winter is also lovely for a visit.

The best attractions in the Albanian Riviera

# Butrint National Park and Archaeological Site

One can easily spend most of the day visiting the archaeological site and Butrint National Park, located 18 km south of Sarande village, making it an absolute must for a family holiday in Albania.

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and hosts a variety of plants and animals, including some rare flora species, such as Capparis spinosa, Agrimonia eupatoria, and Laurus nobilis.

Butrint Park is also the only place in Albania where you can see the Balkan wall lizard, sand boa, Epirote frog, and tortoise. Wolves, dolphins, reptiles, and many birds live here. The ancient city of Butrint, located within the park, represents various stages of history, from Hellenistic temples of the 4th century BC to Ottoman defences of the 19th century.

The settlement of Buthrotum, also known as Butrint, is also mentioned in Virgil's epic 'The Aeneid'. Devotees of Asclepius, the god of medicine, would come here to drink the sacred waters of Butrint and be healed. The Romans captured Butrint in 228 BC, but it doubled in size in 45 BC under Augustus Caesar.

The best-preserved of the ancient ruins is the Roman Theatre of Butrint, situated below the Acropolis and overlooking the Vivari Channel. Built in the 3rd century BC upon the walls of an older theatre, it has undergone several renovations over the years.

You can see the ruins of the aqueducts, the Altar of Dionysus, the Gymnasium, the Agora, the Nymphaeum, the temples of Minerva and Asclepius, and the Lion Gate.

# Ksamil

Ksamil is home to one of Albania's best beaches. It is loved by both locals and tourists. It's also very easy to reach Ksamil from Greece. You can easily take the ferry from Corfu to Saranda, followed by a bus to Ksamil.

The ferry ticket costs about 10 to 15 euros, while the bus ride costs around 100 lek, which is less than a euro.

Ksamil's sandy beaches and turquoise waters rival those of Greece and are not as crowded. If you truly look, you can also find some secluded spots to enjoy quiet moments. The three islands in front of Ksamil are within swimming distance, and you can visit them by boat.

Additionally, you can visit the nearby "Blue Eye" or "Syri i Kaltër", a natural phenomenon where dark blue bubbles amidst turquoise waters create a spectacular sight.

# Saranda

Overlooking the Greek island of Corfu, the coastal city of Saranda is the unofficial main destination in the southern part of the Riviera. It connects the nearby cities of Tirana and the island of Corfu. The beach in Saranda is quite decent and has sun loungers and umbrellas.

If you're interested in history, you can drive or take a minivan to Gjirokastër, which is about 1.5 hours away. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of stone houses that tell the story of Gjirokastër's old castle. The name "Gjirokastër" comes from the Greek words "argyron" and "kastron", meaning "silver castle".

Archaeology suggests that the city was inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The old cobbled paths narrate stories from different periods of the city's history.

If you have another day available, visit the Monastery of 40 Saints for a stunning view of Saranda Bay and the city.

# Himara

Beyond Saranda, Himara is the other major town you'll encounter as you head into Albania. The part of Himara built on and around the old castle is known as Qeparo and is home to the ruins of Himara Castle. The town attracts many tourists who enjoy its Byzantine architecture, views of the Ceraunian Mountains, Orthodox churches, olive groves, and beautiful bay.

To the south of the town lies the village of Qeparo. This Albanian village has been cultivating olives for centuries. Both Greeks and Albanians live in the picturesque village of Qeparo, and you can walk its narrow streets with their old houses.

The beautiful Porto Palermo Castle is located in Qeparo in Porto Palermo Bay. Although many believe that Ali Pasha of Ioannina built the castle, it may actually have been constructed much earlier and merely fortified by him. Only time and further excavations will tell. Porto Palermo Castle, or Panormos, offers impressive views of the Ionian Sea and the Ceraunian Mountains.

# Swim at the longest beach in the Ionian Sea

Perhaps not the most secluded destination in Europe, Borsh Beach is the longest along the Ionian coast. Spanning 7 km, it is one of Albania's most popular and beautiful destinations, surrounded by mountains and olive groves.

In many parts of the beach, you can find restaurants and sun loungers, while in others, you can enjoy absolute tranquillity. Try to visit it as soon as possible, as it is expected to soon become the busiest destination in southern Albania.

# Visit a secluded beach

One of Europe's top private beaches is Gjipe Beach, located near the road to Karaburun, Albania. It is so remote that it requires a 30-minute walk through a forest to reach it.

If you haven't visited this beach before, it might be difficult to find it on your own. It is recommended to go with a local guide. If you don't wish to walk through the forest, you can also rent a kayak from the nearby Jale Beach to get here.

Vendors are rarely found on this beach, and there are no restaurants. It is one of the top beaches in southern Albania and well worth a visit!

# Explore Dhermi village and beach

One of the largest beaches on the Albanian Riviera, Dhermi beach stands out for its white sand embraced by turquoise waters – it's no wonder it fills up during the summer months. Furthermore, Dhermi village, where the beach is located, is a popular nightlife destination for Albanian youth.

Dhermi village in the Vlorë district of Himara essentially consists of three neighbourhoods: Dhermi, Gjilek, and Kondraq, which climbs the slope of the Ceraunian mountains. Here you can rent villas and holiday homes at affordable prices.

# Avoid the crowds at Drymades Beach

A dreamy beach surrounded by olive groves, Drymades Beach is adorned with pebbles at one end and sand at the other. It is located in a small cove outside Dhermi village and is ideal for relaxing on the beach without the crowds you might find at nearby Dhermi beach.

# Drive Caesar's paths

Caesar passed through here! Yes, Julius Caesar! History says that in 48 BC, Caesar and his soldiers disembarked at Palasë and crossed the Llogara Pass to pursue General Pompey. And while Caesar might have walked or ridden a horse over the Llogara Pass, you can drive there.

Llogara Pass is an impressive mountain road from Dhermi to Orikum. It was first built in 1920, and until 2009, it was just a dirt track. Now, however, it is fully developed and offers stunning views of the coastal route and the surrounding mountains.

Llogara National Park covers 1010 hectares of alpine forest, overlooking the Albanian Riviera, and has been protected since 1966. There you can hike or picnic, stay in small resorts, or visit one of the hotels on the Albanian Riviera.

# Tragjas

On the other side of the Llogara Pass lies the abandoned village of Old Tragjas. After being bombed in 1943, the village was deserted and has remained in ruins ever since.

Built on a hilltop near New Tragjas, Old Tragjas offers breathtaking views towards Orikum. The path from the old to the new village crosses a tomb, hence it is called the "Path of Tombs". Within the village lies an ancient tomb of a Jewish physician and an Ottoman tomb with an Arabic inscription.

# Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park

The Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park is located in the Vlorë region and is a monument to biodiversity around Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula. The variety of landforms and ecological systems here host various plant and animal species, including dolphins, seals, golden jackals, red squirrels, and some endangered species.

The park also hosts sunken ships from Ancient Greece, Rome, and World War II. Steep cliffs, inscriptions by ancient mariners, caves, and secluded beaches make the park one of the essential destinations to visit.

What to eat in Albania

As a Mediterranean country with many influences from Greek cuisine, many dishes are common and familiar. 

• Kaçkavall: A cheese from the Southeastern Balkans, used in salads or grilled. The fried version is simply delightful.

• Midia (Mussels): Mussels from the Butrint lagoon supply all of Albania.

• Petulla: A fried dough eaten for breakfast with honey, cinnamon, feta, cheese, cream, or sugar.

• Rakë: A flavoured Balkan liqueur worth trying.

• Speça me gjizë (Peppers with cottage cheese): Peppers stuffed with cottage cheese, spices, and rice before being baked.

• Tavë kosi: Lamb cooked with eggs and a yogurt sauce.

Additionally, try Perime ne zgare, Qofte, and Kernaçka, as well as the fresh fish and seafood that are famous here. Albanian cuisine will amaze you with its variety and refined taste!

The best dining and drinking options on the Albanian Riviera:

• Bianco Lounge Bar: Enjoy a cocktail and music in this cosy bar, where you can admire the view of Ksamil's three islands.
• Guvat Bar Restaurant: Traditional dishes and fresh fish on the beautiful terrace of Guvat restaurant in Ksamil, while gazing at the three beautiful islands.
• Afrimi: A family-run restaurant in Ksamil serving excellent Albanian food.
• Porto Palermo Restaurant: This child-friendly restaurant serves amazing seafood risotto and offers wonderful views of Porto Palermo Castle, which is within walking distance.
• Harmonia: This small restaurant offers you a taste of international and traditional Albanian cuisine. You can choose to sit either indoors or outdoors, and the food is simply amazing.
• Lucianos: With a superb sea view, Lucianos on Dhermi beach is so popular that you might have to wait for a table. Try their grilled fish, their wine, and the sweet trileçe.
• La Petite: This restaurant near the centre of Saranda fills up quickly. It's advisable to book a table if you prefer. Here you will enjoy excellent service and traditional Balkan food.

How to get to the Albanian Riviera:

There are no airports along the Albanian Riviera, and no international trains reach Albania. The nearest airport is in Tirana, the capital of Albania. From there, you can take a bus or minivan (furgon) from the southern intercity bus station at Dogana. Buses take the coastal road and take approximately 5 hours to reach the destination. Also, there are buses from Saranda to Vlorë that pass through the villages along the way.

The Riviera Tourist Bus launched in 2013 and operates three times a week. It is not public transport but a private service offering routes from Tirana to Saranda and vice versa, with complimentary refreshments and WiFi on the bus.

An easy route, as mentioned above, is by ferry from Corfu. 

The Albanian Riviera is emerging as one of the hidden, cosmopolitan, and welcoming corners of the Adriatic. With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique experience to its visitors.

From picturesque fishing communities to historic castles and traditional restaurants, the Albanian Riviera captivates travellers with its charm. With its natural abundance and beautiful coastline, it offers endless opportunities for discovery and exploration.

Highlighting the true beauty of Albania, the Riviera is a destination worth exploring.

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