Looking for Mediterranean beaches without the crowds or the price tag? Try the Albanian Riviera.
This slice of Ionian coastline has turquoise water, pebbly coves, and mountains that drop straight into the sea.
It still feels local in places. Family-run guesthouses. Hairpin roads over Llogara. Grilled fish lunches that don’t break the bank.
Things are changing fast, so go if you like a slightly wilder edge.
In this guide I’ll cover when to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the beaches and villages I rate. Practical tips first, then the fun stuff.
Table of Contents
Toggle- Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera
- When to Go
- Off-Season vs. Peak Season
- How to Get to the Albanian Riviera
- Flying to Albania
- Getting Around the Riviera
- Top Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera
- 1. Ksamil
- 2. Saranda
- 3. Himarë
- 4. Dhermi
- 5. Gjipe Beach
- 6. Llogara National Park
- 7. Butrint National Park
- 8. Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
- Best Activities on the Albanian Riviera
- Beach Hopping
- Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
- Snorkelling and Diving
- Exploring Historical Sites
- Water Sports
- Where to Stay on the Albanian Riviera
- Luxury Options
- Mid-Range stays
- Budget-Friendly options
- Where to Eat on the Albanian Riviera
- Traditional Albanian Cuisine
- Best Restaurants
- Food Tours
- Tips for Visiting the Albanian Riviera
- Currency and Payment
- Transportation Tips
- Language and Communication
- Avoiding Crowds
- FAQs
- Is the Albanian Riviera safe for tourists?
- How many days do you need to explore the Albanian Riviera?
- What is the best way to get around the Albanian Riviera?
- Can you visit the Albanian Riviera on a budget?
- Final Thoughts
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Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera
When to Go
The best months for the Albanian Riviera are May to September. You’ll get long, sunny days, clear water, and cafés open for the season.
July and August are peak summer. Beaches buzz, prices rise, and parking can test your patience. If you like atmosphere and late nights, you’ll enjoy it.
For a calmer trip, go in May, June or September. The weather’s still warm enough to swim, but you’ll share the beaches with far fewer people.
In late September I had some coves entirely to myself.
If hiking or sightseeing’s your thing, aim for late spring or early autumn. The heat’s manageable, and the light’s perfect for photos.
Off-Season vs. Peak Season
Outside the main summer months, life slows down. Some beach bars and guesthouses close from October to April, but locals stay friendly and prices drop fast.
In July and August, everything’s open. Expect music on the beach, fresh seafood every night, and plenty going on. Just don’t expect peace and quiet.
How to Get to the Albanian Riviera
Flying to Albania
The easiest way to reach the Riviera is by flying into Tirana. From there, it’s a scenic drive of about four to five hours to the coast.
The road winds through mountains and small towns, so take your time. It’s part of the adventure.
Another good option is to fly into Corfu in Greece. From there, you can take a ferry across to Saranda, the main gateway to the Riviera.
Getting Around the Riviera
You’ll want your own wheels once you’re here. A hire car gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, explore small villages, and reach beaches you’d never find otherwise.
Public buses connect the main towns, but timetables can be unpredictable. Taxis are fine for short hops but quickly add up on longer trips.
Driving in Albania can be slow but rewarding. Expect steep bends, goats on the road, and ridiculous views.
Top Places to Visit on the Albanian Riviera
1. Ksamil
Ksamil’s beaches are what first put the Albanian Riviera on the map. The water looks almost unreal. Bright turquoise, shallow, and clear enough to see fish darting around your feet.
You can paddle out to the tiny islands just offshore by kayak or pedalo, or grab a mask and snorkel and explore the rocks.
In July and August, it’s busy, but go early and you’ll still find quiet corners.
Ksamil’s full of small family-run guesthouses and mid-range hotels, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to stay near the beach.
Evenings are relaxed. Grilled seafood, cold beer, and that soft Ionian light.
Butrint National Park is also just down the road. It’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Balkans and well worth a half-day trip.
2. Saranda
Saranda is the biggest town on the Riviera and the easiest entry point if you’re coming by ferry from Corfu. It’s grown fast, but the bay’s still beautiful, especially from Lëkursi Castle at sunset.
The seafront promenade is perfect for a walk after dinner. Stop at one of the waterfront restaurants. Haxhi is my favourite for seafood.
If you’re using Saranda as a base, you can reach Ksamil, Butrint, and the Blue Eye easily from here.
3. Himarë
Himarë feels slower than Saranda or Ksamil, and that’s exactly why I love it. The beaches are wide and clean, the water glass-clear, and the town still has a proper local rhythm.
Spend the morning at Llamani or Potam Beach, then wander uphill to the old stone village for views across the coast.
It’s quiet up there, with olive groves and half-crumbling houses that haven’t changed much in years.
Himarë’s great if you want a few days of downtime. Grab a beer by the sea, chat with locals, and watch the light fade over the Ionian.
4. Dhermi
Dhermi is livelier. In summer it fills with Albanians and backpackers chasing sun and music.
The main beach and neighbouring Drymades both have that mix of bars, turquoise water, and soft pebbles that make it easy to stay all day.
If you prefer something calmer, walk or drive up to the old village above the beach. It’s all narrow lanes, blue-shuttered houses, and views stretching for miles.
5. Gjipe Beach
If you want a beach that still feels wild, head to Gjipe. It sits between steep cliffs at the mouth of a canyon, and you can only reach it on foot or by boat.
The walk down takes about 40 minutes from the car park, and it’s hot work in summer, so bring water.
When you reach the bottom, you’re rewarded with calm, clear water and a beach that feels miles from anywhere.
There’s a small shack selling drinks, but that’s about it. The lack of development is part of the appeal.
I’d like to come back and camp here one night, it’s a fantastic spot.
6. Llogara National Park
Llogara is where the mountains meet the sea. The road climbs high above the coast, twisting through pine forest before dropping back down to the beaches below.
Stop at the pass for one of the best views in Albania – the whole Riviera spreads out beneath you.
There are hiking trails, mountain lodges, and even paragliding if you’re up for it.
It’s cooler up here too, which makes it a great break from the beach heat.
7. Butrint National Park
Butrint is one of those places that quietly blows you away. Set on a peninsula surrounded by water and forest, it’s packed with ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian times.
You can wander through the old theatre, climb to the acropolis, and spot turtles in the lake below.
It’s about 20 minutes from Ksamil by car, and easy to reach by bus or taxi. Go early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds.
8. Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
The Blue Eye is one of Albania’s most photographed natural sights. This deep, turquoise spring looks like it’s lit from below.
The water’s icy cold, even in summer, but perfect if you’ve been sweating your way around the coast.
There’s a short forest walk from the car park, and plenty of shaded spots to sit. It’s touristy, but still beautiful. Definitely worth the quick detour from Saranda.
Best Activities on the Albanian Riviera
Beach Hopping
The beaches along this coast are ridiculously good. I’d spend mornings at Jalë or Livadhi, swimming in glassy water before the crowds rolled in.
Porto Palermo’s quieter, with a small crescent of sand below Ali Pasha’s old castle. You can swim, sunbathe, then climb up for views across the bay.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
If you’re up for adventure, the Riviera offers fantastic hiking. The Llogara Pass has stunning views of the Ionian Sea, perfect for a scenic trek.
For something more secluded, take the trail down to Gjipe Beach. Llogara National Park also has trails that let you enjoy diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Snorkelling and Diving
The water’s so clear you can often see the seabed from shore. Bring a mask for easy snorkelling at Dhermi or Jale.
For deeper dives and wrecks, local operators run trips into the Karaburun–Sazan Marine Park near Vlore.
Exploring Historical Sites
History’s everywhere along this coast. Butrint’s the big one, but it’s far from the only story here.
At Porto Palermo, you can wander through Ali Pasha’s old stone fortress right on the water.
The view from the ramparts is incredible, and you can still see the Cold War submarine tunnel carved into the bay nearby.
Further north, old villages like Dhermi and Himarë Fshat have Byzantine churches hidden among olive trees, their faded frescoes still clinging to the walls. It’s worth taking a detour inland to find them.
Water Sports
If you’re happiest on the water, you’ll have plenty of options.
Kayaks and paddleboards are easy to rent almost anywhere. Exploring from the sea gives you a completely different perspective.
Boat trips are another highlight, taking you to caves, secret coves, and beaches you can’t reach by road.
Where to Stay on the Albanian Riviera
Luxury Options
If you want a bit of comfort, Saranda and Ksamil have the best high-end stays. Places like Bougainville Bay Resort come with rooftop pools, sea views, and all the modern extras.
Hotel Mucobega in Saranda has its own private beach and big balconies – ideal if you like space and quiet. In Ksamil, Poda Boutique Hotel is small and stylish, with a pool overlooking the islands.
You’ll still pay far less here than you would for a similar hotel in Greece or Italy.
Mid-Range stays
This is where the Riviera really shines. Small hotels and family-run guesthouses are everywhere, especially in Himarë and Dhermi.
You get friendly hosts, homemade breakfasts, and easy beach access without paying a fortune.
Stone Beach House in Himarë and Hotel Summer Dream in Dhermi are two solid picks. Vila Kalcuni in Saranda has bright rooms and a local feel.
Budget-Friendly options
If you’re travelling light, there are plenty of affordable stays too. Saranda Backpackers SR Hostel is relaxed and social, and Himara Hostel has hammocks under the olive trees.
For something different, try Camping Kranea on Livadhi Beach and wake up metres from the sea.
Where to Eat on the Albanian Riviera
Traditional Albanian Cuisine
Food here’s simple and full of flavour. If you see tavë kosi on the menu, order it – baked lamb with yoghurt and egg that’s rich but not heavy.
Fresh fish is everywhere. Most places grill it whole and serve it with lemon, olive oil, and a view of the sea.
You’ll also find byrek, a flaky pastry filled with spinach, cheese, or meat, which makes the perfect cheap snack.
Meals are unhurried, and the portions are generous. Expect plenty of olive oil, fresh bread, and a carafe of local wine that costs less than bottled water.
Best Restaurants
In Ksamil, Guvat sits right over the water and does excellent grilled octopus. In Saranda, Haxhi is a favourite for good reason – friendly service, proper seafood, and sunset views.
For a more local feel, try Taverna Lefteri in Himarë. It’s low-key, inexpensive, and one of those places you end up coming back to more than once.
Food Tours
If you’re curious about Albanian produce, join a food or wine tour. Many include olive oil tastings and vineyard visits in the hills above the coast.
It’s a relaxed way to meet locals and sample things you’d never find on a restaurant menu.
Tips for Visiting the Albanian Riviera
Currency and Payment
Albania uses the lek, though you’ll often see prices in euros in tourist areas. You’ll usually get a better rate paying in lek.
Cash is king in smaller towns, so keep some on you for cafés, petrol, and beach bars.
Transportation Tips
The coastal road between Vlore and Saranda is stunning but slow. Expect bends, goats, and plenty of photo stops.
Fill up with fuel whenever you can. Petrol stations thin out between towns.
Driving can feel chaotic at times, but locals are used to sharing narrow roads. Just take it steady and enjoy the views.
Language and Communication
English is widely spoken in Saranda, Ksamil, and Himarë. Once you head inland, a few Albanian words go a long way. Even just “faleminderit” (thank you) gets big smiles.
Avoiding Crowds
For popular beaches like Ksamil and Dhermi, arrive early or go late in the day. By 10 am in summer, parking’s already scarce.
Early morning swims are blissfully quiet and the light’s unbeatable for photos.
FAQs
Is the Albanian Riviera safe for tourists?
Yes. It’s one of the safest parts of the Balkans, and locals are welcoming. Just use common sense as you would anywhere.
How many days do you need to explore the Albanian Riviera?
Five to seven days is a good amount. That gives you time for a couple of beach bases, Butrint, and a few day trips.
What is the best way to get around the Albanian Riviera?
Hire a car if you can. It makes exploring small coves and villages much easier. Buses exist, but they’re slow and not always reliable.
Can you visit the Albanian Riviera on a budget?
Definitely. Guesthouses, hostels, and camping keep costs low, and meals are great value compared with elsewhere in Europe.
Final Thoughts
The Albanian Riviera surprised me. It still feels authentic, but you can see change coming fast. There aren’t many places left on the Med that look this good without the crowds or price tag.
Whether you want lazy beach days, road-trip views, or a dose of history at Butrint, this stretch of coast delivers. Go soon – before everyone else realises what they’re missing.
Check out some of my other posts on Albania to help you plan the perfect trip.
