What is the Albanian Riviera?
The Albanian Riviera is the Ionian coastline running roughly from Vlore, over the Llogara Pass, down to Saranda and Ksamil. It combines mountain scenery with beaches in a way few coastlines can match — the road is the experience, with hairpins, pine forest and sudden views of the sea.
The Riviera is the heart of most beach-focused trips to Albania. It's at its best in late spring and early autumn, when the sea is warm and the crowds thinner. In peak July and August, book accommodation ahead and expect busy beaches at the famous coves.
The stops along the way
Vlore
Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian; the Riviera's starting point.
Llogara
The mountain pass that drops you from pine forest to the sea.
Dhermi
White-pebble beaches and the liveliest beach clubs.
Himare
A relaxed base with an old hillside village above the sea.
Borsh
Albania's longest beach, backed by olive groves.
Qeparo
A stone village perched above a quiet bay.
Saranda
The south's main city and gateway to Corfu.
Ksamil
Turquoise water and three swim-to islands.
Driving the Riviera
The coastal road is scenic but slow — allow a full day to drive Vlore to Saranda with stops. A car gives the most freedom; minibuses connect the main towns in summer. Fill up in Vlore or Saranda, as fuel stations are sparse between.