Albanian Riviera

Region

Albania's southwestern coast, where mountains drop to the Ionian Sea. The road from Vlorë over the Llogara Pass leads to beach villages like Dhërmi, Himarë and Ksamil, and Sarandë is the base for the ruins of Butrint and the Blue Eye spring. July and August are busy and hot; June and September are better.

Albanian Riviera Butrint National ParkSazanPhoeniceZvërnec IslandÇikë (mountain)Ali Pasha CastlePorto Palermo CastleKaninë CastleMali i GjerëTongo IslandVlorëHimarëDhërmiSarandëLlogara PassLlogara National ParkButrintBlue EyeDelvinëSelenicëKsamilKonispolOrikumFiniqLukovëVergoAlikoDhivërXarrëBratajMarkatVllahinë

Albanian Riviera essentials

Country: Albania
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Lek (L)
Emergency: 129

Where to Go in Albanian Riviera

City Sarandë SarandëCoastal city in Albania's Vlorë County City Vlorë VlorëRiviera port near beaches and Butrint City Himarë HimarëCoastal city in Vlorë County, Albania Island Sazan SazanAlbanian Adriatic island, former military base Island Zvërnec Island Zvërnec IslandIsland in Lake Narta with Byzantine-era monastery Island Tongo Island Tongo IslandSmall Adriatic island near Vlorë, uninhabited islet History Butrint ButrintAncient UNESCO archaeological site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine layers History Phoenice PhoeniceAncient Illyrian and Greek city with archaeological ruins History Ali Pasha Castle Ali Pasha CastleSeaside fortress in Vlorë County, Ottoman-era castle Nature Butrint National Park Butrint National ParkCoastal national park protecting archaeological site and wetlands Nature Llogara National Park Llogara National ParkCoastal mountain national park with dramatic cliff roads Nature Çikë (mountain) Çikë (mountain)Highest peak of Albania's Ceraunian Mountains
Regions & Cities
Vlorë Explore Vlorë The coastal city where Albania declared independence, Vlorë sits at the Adriatic-Ionian juncture; it’s a jumping-off point for the Llogara Pass, nearby coves and seafood eaten under pines along the shore. Himarë Explore Himarë A stretch of Ionian coast with scattered beaches, Himarë keeps a low profile with seafood tavernas, a Venetian-era castle and Orthodox churches above the harbour. Dhërmi Explore Dhërmi Cliffs, pebble beaches and a compact promenade draw crowd to Dhërmi; tavernas serve grilled octopus and raki, while day trips reach Llogara pass and Gjipe canyon for hiking and swims. Sarandë Explore Sarandë Harborside cafés and seafood grills line the promenade; ferries to Corfu sail from the port, while the ancient city of Butrint lies a short drive away. Llogara Pass Explore Llogara Pass Llogara Pass crosses the Ceraunian Mountains above the Albanian Riviera; drivers and hikers stop for cliffside views, pine forests and trails that descend toward the coast. Llogara National Park Explore Llogara National Park Along Albania’s coastal ridge, Llogara National Park includes the Llogara Pass and pine forests; drivers stop for panoramic views over the Riviera, hikers take trails and paragliders launch from ridgelines. Butrint Explore Butrint Archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage near southern Albania’s coast, containing Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains including an amphitheatre and baptistery. Blue Eye Explore Blue Eye The ‘Blue Eye’ (Syri i Kaltër) is a deep karst spring in Vlorë County with intensely blue water and surrounding woodland trails.

Albanian Riviera at a Glance

Local Time
12:37 AM
GMT+1
Population
184,955

Best Things to Do in Albanian Riviera