A Guide To The Albanian Riviera - Living With The Wolf

If you are planning a trip to Albania, you MUST add the Albanian Riviera to your iteranary! A beautiful stretch of coastline, with mountains on one side, and gorgeous, turquoise water on the other side.

The Albanian Riviera starts in the city of Vlorë, and travels 81 miles (130 km) south, all the way to the town of Ksmail. The city of
Sarandë marks the capital, and the town of Dhermi is known as the ‘Santorini of Albania’.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Albanian Riviera is May/June or September. The weather is warm, but the beaches aren’t too busy. If you visit in July and August, you will probably find everywhere too overcrowded.

The only downside of visiting in May, you will find that some beach bars are not open. However, do not let that put you off! There are plenty that are open to enjoy!

Best Way To Get Around

The best way to explore the Albanian Riverira is by car. The road from Vlorë to Ksmail is a beautiful drive! The road leads you over the mountains, through Llogara National Park, and along many pretty places, you sure want to stop off at!

If driving isn’t an option, there are buses you can catch, private transfers, or taxis.

How Many Days You Need

How many days you need, depends on how much time you have! You can spend just a few days here, or you could spend a few weeks here!

We spent just three days along the Albanian Riviera. Personally, I would have liked an extra day. However, as we were road-tripping around the whole of Albania, we didn’t have an extra day spare.

Three days gives you a nice taste of what the Albanian Riviera has to offer. Two weeks would give you a chance to fully explore all the cute little towns, villages, and hidden beaches along the way.

The Different Places To Visit

Here are some of the best places to visit along the Albanian Riviera:

I have written them in order, as if you are driving from the north, down to the south. Hopefully, this will make it a little easier when you come to planning your trip.

Also please note:

A lot of the beaches are privately owned! That means, to sit on the beach, you will be charged! However, you are allowed to walk along the beach and go for a swim, just don’t put that beach towel down!

But don’t worry, there are some free public beaches! Sarandë Public Beach and Gjipe Beach are examples of free public beaches.

Vlorë

The city of Vlorë marks the start of the Albanian Riviera. A city that has an Old and New town. A city that has a beautiful stretch of coastline, even in stormy weather.

The one downside I found when visiting Vlorë, the beach and the Old Town were miles apart! It took us about an hour to walk from one to the other!

Llogara National Park

Llogara National Park is a beautiful National Park, located just south of Vlorë, along the Albanian Riviera. You can easily spend a couple of days here, hiking some of the trails the park has to offer.

However, if you do have the time, don’t worry! You still get a lovely, little taster of what the park has to offer, as you drive south, along the main road of the Riviera. The road leads you over Llogara Pass, at 1,027 m (3,369 ft), providing you with some incredible views. There is a little parking area, just after the summit point, where you can pull over, get out of your car, and enjoy the view.

The viewpoint is marked on Google Maps: Llogara viewpoint

SatNav: 6H27+FX, Dukat Fshat

Dhermi

Dhermi is one of my favourite places along the Albanian Riviera! Known as the ‘Santorini of Albania’, it’s a place not to be missed!

Dhermi is separated into two parts. You’ve got the town up on the hillside, and you’ve got the beach down on the coast. You can walk between the two, but it is quite the trek! Personally, I would recommend driving from one to the other!

One thing I recommend doing when visiting the charming town of Dhermi, is to take the walk up to the
Monastery Of Saint Mary (Manastiri i Shen Merise). It’s only a short walk up. However, at the top will be rewarded with some breathtaking views!

Gjipe Beach

Gjipe Beach is meant to be one of the most beautiful beaches along the Albanian Riveria! Unfortunately, we didn’t get chance to visit.

However, here is what you need to know, incase you decide to add it to your itinerary:

To get to Gjipe Beach, you have to be prepared to walk down to it. It’s only a short 30 minute walk. The beach is not privately owned, like many are along the Riverie. However, car parking does cost! At the time of writing this blog, they were charging 2 Euros to park.

Himarë

Himarë is another place I would have liked to have visited, yet didn’t get chance to! It’s meant to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the whole of the Albanian Riviera!

If you have the time, the coastal walk from Himarë, heading north to Gjiri I Akuariumit Beach and Jale Beach is meant to be lovely.

Palermo Beach

Palermo Beach is a cute little beach, with a harbor, and a castle. You pass it as you drive south along the Albanian Riviera. It makes a nice little stop to get out and stretch your legs.

Sarandë

Sarandë is the capital of the Albanian Riviera, and one of the most likely places too! Not only is it a great place to book a scenic boat trip, it has a large free public beach to relax on!

Ksamil

Ksamil, known as the ‘Maldives of Albania’ is a place you have to see! The beaches here are dreamy! However, let me tell you a secret……they are manmade! This is why beaches in Ksamil look nothing like any of the other beaches along the whole stretch of the Albanian Riviera!

As much as the beaches here look so dreamy, there are a few things you need to know. They are all privately owned! This means, that if you want to enjoy one of these white-sanded beaches, you need to pay a price. But not only that, if you are visiting in peak season, you are likely going to have to book your sunbed, well in advance! Also, do not expect much personal space! They cram as many sunbeds onto these beaches as they can, making them feel very overcrowded!

All that being said, I do recommend a stop at Ksamil on your travels along the Riveria. But only a quick stop, if you don’t want to pay the prices, and be packed like sardines on the beach. They are beautiful to visit, especially first thing in the morning, or for sunset!

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