Southwestern Coast

The Albanian Riviera

The Ionian coastline from Vlore to Saranda — turquoise bays, pebble coves and dramatic mountain drops to the sea.

Southwestern Coast 3–7 days Beaches, road trips, sunsets

Why visit Albanian Riviera

The Riviera is the stretch of coast that put Albania on the beach map. The Llogara Pass drops from the mountains straight to the sea, and a string of beaches — Dhermi, Himare, Borsh, Qeparo — follow one another to Saranda.

The Albanian Riviera runs roughly from Vlore, over the Llogara Pass, down to Saranda and Ksamil. It combines mountain scenery with Ionian beaches in a way few coastlines can match. The road is the experience: hairpins, pine forest, then a sudden view of the sea.

Planning your visit

Albanian Riviera is best suited to beaches, road trips, sunsets. Allow 3–7 days to do it justice. For the most current opening hours, ticket prices and transport details, check official sources before you travel — these change seasonally.

Related destinations

Beaches

Albanian Riviera

Ksamil

A small coastal village with three offshore islands and some of the clearest turquoise water in the country.

Ksamil's shallow, warm Ionian water and swim-to islands make it the most photographed beach destination in Albania. It sits just minutes from the Butrint archaeological site, so you can combine ruins and a swim in one day.

1–3 daysExplore

Beaches

Albanian Riviera

Himare

A relaxed Riviera town with a long beach, an old hillside village and easy access to quieter coves.

Himare is a good base for the central Riviera — less intense than Ksamil, with a genuine old town above the sea and beaches like Jale and Gjipe within a short drive.

2–4 daysExplore

Beaches

Albanian Riviera

Saranda

The south's main seaside city and gateway to Ksamil, Butrint and the Corfu ferry.

Saranda is the transport hub of the south, with a long promenade, sunset views over Corfu and easy day trips to Butrint, the Blue Eye and the Riviera beaches.

2–3 daysExplore