Southwestern Coast
Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian — a port city and the start of the Riviera drive.
Vlore marks the turn from the flat Adriatic coast to the mountainous Ionian Riviera. It's a practical base, with Independence Square and a long beachfront, before the climb to Llogara.
Vlore is best suited to riviera starting point. Allow 1 day to do it justice. For the most current opening hours, ticket prices and transport details, check official sources before you travel — these change seasonally.
BeachesA 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.
BeachesThe Ionian coastline from Vlore to Saranda — turquoise bays, pebble coves and dramatic mountain drops to the sea.
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.
BeachesA 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.