Albanian Riviera Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

The Albanian Riviera (Albanian: Bregu) lies along the southwestern coast of Albania, from the village of Palasë and ending in Lukovë.

Map of Albanian Riviera

40.11666719.7333331 Himara is the only city, but there are a lot of small, picturesque villages mostly located on the overlooking mountain passes:

• Palasë
• 40.1513919.638892 Dhërmi
• Ilias
• 40.13972219.6936113 Vuno
• Gjipe
• Potam
• Llaman
• Jalë
• Bunec
• 40.062519.8566674 Borsh
• Qeparo
• Pilur
• Sasaj
• Piqeras
• Nivicë
• Shën Vasil

Each of the towns have several excellent beach areas.

• 39.74611120.0202781 Butrint — archaeological site and national park
• Gjipe Canyon — at the start of Karaburun Peninsula near Palase is a coastal canyon ending into the sea.
• 39.77519.9952 Ksamil Islands — south of Sarandë
• 40.21638919.5702783 Llogara National Park — located amid rich fauna in the area of Llogara Pass can be used for hiking and as an alpine retreat. Some small resorts are located here. The 1020 hectare area is covered by lush plant life and considered a classic place where a natural equilibrium exists between the world of animals and plants. Don't forget to visit the Flag Pines resembling the Albanian Eagle. Mineral dolomite can be found in a place called "Gerxhina Mountain".
• Llogara Pass — is a picturesque mountain pass overlooking the Albanian Riviera. It serves as a panoramic venue to exploring the Riviera from above and touching the clouds at the same time. Pine trees cover the land, but there are many box-wood trees as well. Don't forget to visit Caesar's Pass, a place named after Julius Caesar who passed in this area while in pursuit of Pompey. The area of Llogara has a height of 1027 meters. Here one can almost fly into the sky and walk over the sea!
• 39.87520.014 Sarandë — at the Corfu Strait
• 40.4519.4833335 Vlorë — region including Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park along the waters of adjacent Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island. In 2014, the Regina Blu ferry was established by a Radhimë-based hotel owner making trips to the national marine park and stopping along the secluded beaches.[1]

Most of the villagers of this region are bilingual (Himara) and speak both Albanian and Greek. You might find also people that speak italian and english. However, since the beaches are full of educated people from Tirana and other cities or part of Albania. just ask help from them (search for young people) and they are very willing to help you understand the steward or someone else, that doesn't speak your language.

The most efficient way to explore the Albanian Riviera is by car.

From Tirana, take the SH2 highway toward Durrës, then either turn onto the SH85 Durrës Bypass at Shkozet or enter Durrës via Rruga Pavarësia/SH4. Continue south along SH4, passing towns such as Kavajë, Rrogozhinë, and Lushnjë. Note that certain sections of SH4 were being upgraded to a dual carriageway standard as of 2011. Travelers should be cautious of slow-moving vehicles, pedestrians, and erratic driving behavior.

At Fier, exit the highway to enter the city center, as the Fier Bypass was under construction as of 2014. From there, take the A2 Highway at Levan, which connects Fier to Vlorë. Upon exiting Vlorë, continue along SH8, passing through Orikum and ascending the Llogara Pass. The road through Llogara Pass can be challenging, with narrow sections, steep inclines requiring frequent braking and gear shifts, tight curves, and areas lacking barriers.

The scenic coastal road that follows provides a picturesque drive. However, travelers may encounter local life along the route, such as elderly women carrying firewood, people riding donkeys, shepherds with flocks of sheep, and cows leisurely grazing by the roadside.

No international train connections exist in Albania. The railway's southern most and closest train station to the riviera is at Vlorë.

From Tirana there are buses that take you in almost all sourthern cities. Also from Elbasan is a 41.10887820.0821591 dedicated terminal for sourthern cities, including buses to Greece.

From Corfu with the daily ferry to Saranda, or from the big port of Vlora.

Yachts can be anchored at Albania's only marina in Orikum, south of Vlorë. Contact Orikum Marina^{[dead link]}.

• Location: Approximately 17 km northwest of Tirana, the capital city2. Corfu International Airport (CFU), Greece

• Location: On the island of Corfu, Greece, approximately 30 km from the Albanian borde

• Status: As of May 2025, Vlora International Airport has completed its first certification flight, marking a significant step towards becoming operational.

Many prefer to tour around with camper vans, rented cars or simply by foot. Most of the roads going down to the beaches have been paved. Others cycle through the winding coastal road. Most religious sites are located in strategic locations uphill from villages or beaches.

Castle of Porto-Palermo (Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle): Located south of Himara in Porto Palermo, this castle was designed by a French engineer and constructed in the shape of a pentagon, with stone walls up to 1.6 meters thick. It is historically associated with the Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha Tepelena.

Castle of Sopoti/Borshi: This site includes the Borshi Mosque and the ruins of the Old Qeparo, which reflect the area's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Churches of Shën Stefani and Shën Dhimitri: These medieval churches, located in the village of Dhërmi, date back to the 12th–14th centuries and are important examples of Byzantine and Albanian Orthodox architecture.

Islands of Ereikoussa and Othonoi: These islands, along with a portion of northern Corfu, are visible from the Albanian coast and add to the region's scenic beauty.

Kakome Fortified Monastery: Situated on a hill overlooking Kakome Bay, this monastery offers a stunning view of the surrounding area and represents a significant religious site in the region.

Krorezë Monastery: Located in Nivicë, this monastery features a bell that was dedicated by the King of Naples to the Lukovë natives who perished fighting for the Queen of Naples.

Ruins of Himara Castle: Rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to defend against barbarian invasions, Himara Castle was fortified by the Kaon tribe and is mentioned in Byzantine historical records. The ruins remain an important archaeological site.

Shën e Premte Church: Situated in Lukovë, this church is another significant religious landmark in southern Albania.

Shën Gjergji Monastery and Nivicë Basilica: These two important religious sites in Nivicë contribute to the area's rich ecclesiastical heritage.

Shën Thanasi Church and Shën Maria Kërnesovës Church: The Shën Thanasi Church is located in downtown Piqeras, while the Shen Maria Kërnesovës Church in uptown Piqeras features a 1744 bell dedicated to the 30 villagers who left to build a new community in Italy.

Shën Vasili Monastery: Located on a hill above Shën Vasili village, this monastery offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The remnants of Kronjëzës Virgin Church are also found nearby, adding to the historical and religious significance of the area.

Generally, one should immerse in the turquoise waters, visit the numerous churches and fortresses, venture in the flower decorated footpaths of the uphill villages by meeting the hospitable elderly inhabitants, try local organic specialties, and ultimately enjoy the surrounding mountains and overall natural beauty of this coastal stretch.

• Hike and take part in paragliding activities in Llogara National Park and visit the cave located in the area.
• Camp alongside the beach or among the olive trees in the dozen campsites of Dhërmi, Jalë, Drymades and others throughout the coast.
• Dive or take a sailing tour on the waters of the Riviera and of Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park along the adjacent Karaburun Peninsula just north of Palase. Discover the rich sea life and ruins of ancient and recent sunk ships. Explore the marble walls and cold war artifacts of the peninsula and hike the rugged terrain of Karaburun Peninsula and visit the numerous caves of the region. Be aware that the park is located nearby military zones.
• Take part in the growing lineup of music festivals such as Soundwave Albania featuring electronic music and Turtle Fest. You can party up your stay by visiting some of the many trendy beach bars.
• Immerse in the many turquoise beaches named after the villages overlooking the coast from the picturesque mountains. The region is a perfect combination of mountain and coastal climate. Following are villages and beaches in order from north to south:
• Palasë is located at the beginning of the Riviera, just below Llogara Pass. In this 1 km long unspoiled beach Julius Caesar in a moment of rage is said to have thrown his wine cup into the sea. It is said that he set foot and rested his legion at Palase while in pursuit of Pompey. You could try finding it!
• Dhërmi Beach is considered a nightlife destination for the Albanian youth where a number of small wooden villa complexes and trendy beach clubs are located.
• Jalë village incorporates four beach areas equipped with few local B&B and government owned enmities. Visit the two secluded beaches in the south, one of which is named Akuariumi (the Aquarium). Kampingu Jal, the oldest camp site in Albania is located in Jal Beach. Folie Marine is one of the trendiest beach clubs in the Riviera located near Soleil Village Resort.[2]^{[dead link]}
• Filikuri Beach is a 100 meter long beach easily reachable by boat with a rich underwater fauna.
• Llamani Beach is located between two rocky coastal sides and is 200 meters long. It contains cold water areas stemming from the many underground water sources.
• Porto Palermo Beach is the most panoramic beach of the Riviera. It contains a castle bearing the same name in the midst of vegetation in a quasi- island. Nearby are found some secluded beaches, eco-friendly beach cabins, and a submarine base.
• Qeparo. Many B&B here and some secluded beaches. Don't forget to visit the old town uphill.
• Borsh. The longest stretch of coastline in the Riviera, this beach is surrounded by a 150 ha field with orange, lemon and olive plantations. Shkama Beach is a secluded beach worth a dip, together with 4.5 km long Kamorezes Beach rich with underwater sources. A visit at the ancient settlement near Sopoti (Borshi) Castle where the only mosque of the area is found is recommended. Take a peak at the annual crafts and delicacies fair. Go for a walk along the vividly decorated footpaths and take in the uniquely flavored air. You can also stop for a break at a restaurant located on small waterfalls along the main SH8 road.
• Lukovë Beach. Shpella Beach is worth a visit while some secluded areas are located passed the rocky part. Rich underwater fauna and soft sands are found here. Explore the town uphill with traditional Mediterranean houses and decorated footpaths.
• Piqeras village is located at the peak of a hill where northern Corfu can be easily seen. Walk on the footpaths and visit local churches. Dip into Buneci Beach located on the sides of the flowing Lapardha stream. Take a peak at the bunkers nearby. Some secluded beaches can be found in the Northern part.
• Nivicë village is located on a mountain pass where a 300 years old olive tree can be found at the village square.
• Shën Vasil village is located near spectacular Kakome Bay. Visit the 200 years old olive tree at the village center and light a candle at the special designated post nearby. In this exact area there used to be a church but it was destroyed in 1967. Visit the Krorezës Beach and take a walk along the village footpaths. You could meet black dressed ladies who can invite you in and offer you a meal! This is the essence of the Albanian tradition!

• Try traditional Harapash, and delicious roasted lamb at Hotel Alpin in Llogara National Park.
• Freshly caught brass and wrasse fish in Porto Palermo, and Birjan dish in Borsh
• Local honey, sage, prickly pears and dairy products from inland villages like Kuc and Gjorme.
• Variety of fresh sea food and locally picked lemons, oranges and olives (including the delicious olive oil).

• Sheep yogurt

• Corfu, Greece