Why the Albanian Riviera Should Be Your Next Road Trip
Forget overcrowded Croatian beaches and overpriced Greek islands. The Albanian Riviera is Europe's best-kept secret—and you need to experience it before everyone else does.
Picture this: driving along dramatic coastal roads with the Ionian Sea stretching endlessly to your left, stopping at pristine beaches where you're one of maybe ten people, eating fresh seafood for €10, and watching sunsets that rival anything in Santorini.
This guide covers the legendary coastal route from Vlorë to Sarandë—150km of pure Mediterranean magic. We'll show you the famous spots, the hidden gems, and exactly how to plan the perfect road trip along Albania's stunning coastline.
Spoiler: You absolutely need a car to do this properly. The buses are slow, infrequent, and miss all the best spots. Let's dive in.
Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera
Timing matters. Here is the month-by-month breakdown:
May - June
🔥 BEST TIME - Warm enough to swim, not crowded, prices are reasonable
July - August
⚠️ Busiest period - Great weather but expensive and crowded, book everything in advance
September
⭐ EXCELLENT - Water is warmest, crowds thin out, prices drop
October
👍 Good for exploring - Still pleasant, some places close, but peaceful
💡 Our pick? Late May or September. Perfect weather, manageable crowds, and you can actually find parking at the beaches.
The Route: Vlorë to Sarandë
This is the legendary coastal drive everyone talks about. Total distance: ~150km. Driving time: 3-4 hours without stops (but you will want to stop CONSTANTLY).
Vlorë
Starting point
Your journey begins in Vlorë, Albania's third-largest city and the gateway to the Riviera. The city beach is decent, but the real magic starts when you head south.
Highlights:
- Independence Monument
- Kuzum Baba hill for sunset views
- Fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants
- Stock up on supplies before heading south
💡 Pro Tip: Pick up your rental car here. Make sure you have a full tank—gas stations get sparse on the coast.
Orikum & Karaburun Peninsula
15km from Vlorë
First stop: Orikum Bay. This is where the coastline starts getting dramatic. The Karaburun Peninsula offers boat trips to hidden beaches.
Highlights:
- Boat trips to secluded beaches
- Ancient ruins of Oricum
- Starting point for Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
💡 Pro Tip: If you have time, take a boat tour—some beaches are only accessible by water.
Llogara Pass
40km from Vlorë
HERE IS WHERE IT GETS EPIC. The road climbs to 1,027m through Llogara National Park. Switchbacks, mountain views, and then—BAM—the coast appears below you like something out of a movie.
Highlights:
- Caesar's Pass viewpoint (mandatory stop)
- Paragliding launch site
- Mountain restaurants with incredible views
- The moment you see the coast below = goosebumps
💡 Pro Tip: Drive slow, take photos, don't rush this section. The descent is just as stunning as the climb.
Palasa Beach
45km from Vlorë
First beach after Llogara. Long pebble beach with crystal-clear water and mountain backdrop.
Highlights:
- 2km of relatively quiet beach
- Beach bars and restaurants
- Great for swimming and relaxing
💡 Pro Tip: Less crowded than Dhërmi, especially in the mornings.
Dhërmi
50km from Vlorë
Party central of the Albanian Riviera. White pebble beach, beach clubs, and the best nightlife on the coast.
Highlights:
- Dhërmi Beach with beach clubs
- Drymades Beach (quieter alternative)
- Old village up the hill (traditional Albanian architecture)
- Nightlife and beach parties in summer
💡 Pro Tip: Park in the village and walk down. Parking at the beach fills up FAST in summer.
Gjipe Beach
60km from Vlorë
HIDDEN GEM ALERT. This canyon beach is only accessible by hiking 20 minutes down a rocky path or by boat. Worth. Every. Step.
Highlights:
- Secluded beach in a canyon
- Dramatic cliffs on both sides
- Cave exploration
- Camping allowed (basic facilities)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes—pebbles are rough. Go early before boat tours arrive. The hike down is easy, hike up is a workout.
Himarë
75km from Vlorë
The main town of the southern Riviera. More developed than Dhërmi but still charming. Great base for exploring nearby beaches.
Highlights:
- Old castle ruins overlooking the town
- Multiple beaches (Livadhi, Potami, Spille)
- Proper town amenities (ATM, pharmacy, supermarkets)
- Excellent seafood restaurants
💡 Pro Tip: Stay here if you want a real town with services. Use it as a base to explore beaches north and south.
Borsh
100km from Vlorë
The longest beach on the Albanian Riviera—7km of pebbles and calm water. Seriously underrated.
Highlights:
- 7km beach (never feels crowded)
- Borsh Castle ruins
- Cheaper accommodation than Dhërmi/Himarë
- More local, less touristy vibe
💡 Pro Tip: Great for families. Shallow water and long beach mean kids can play safely.
Ksamil & Blue Eye Spring
140km from Vlorë
The grand finale. Ksamil has the most Caribbean-looking water in Albania—turquoise, clear, and dotted with small islands you can swim to.
Highlights:
- Four small islands offshore (swim or kayak)
- Crystal-clear turquoise water
- Blue Eye Spring nearby (crazy natural phenomenon)
- View of Corfu across the strait
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Blue Eye Spring early morning (8-9am) before tour buses. Ksamil beaches get PACKED in summer—arrive before 10am.
Sarandë
150km from Vlorë
Journey's end. Albania's southernmost resort town, facing the Greek island of Corfu. More developed and touristy, but still beautiful.
Highlights:
- Waterfront promenade
- Day trips to Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage ancient city)
- Ferry to Corfu
- Lively nightlife and restaurants
💡 Pro Tip: End your trip here or continue to Butrint. Return your rental car in Sarandë if you're flying out of Corfu.
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Top Beaches: From Famous to Hidden
The beaches are why you are here. Here are the absolute best:
Gjipe Beach
Ksamil Islands
Jale Beach
Drymades
Borsh
Where to Eat: Fresh Seafood & Local Gems
Albanian food is incredible and CHEAP. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, local vegetables, and incredible olive oil.
Fresh Grilled Fish
Ask for "peshk i freskët i zgarës" (fresh grilled fish). They will show you the fish before cooking.
Tave Kosi
Albanian national dish. Baked lamb with rice and yogurt sauce. Comfort food heaven.
Byrek
Flaky pastry with cheese, spinach, or meat. Perfect breakfast or snack.
Seafood Risotto
Creamy, packed with fresh seafood. Albanian take on Italian classic.
Restaurant Tips:
- Lunch is served 12-3pm, dinner 7-11pm
- Service can be slow—relax, you are on beach time
- Tipping 10% is standard for good service
- Try raki (local brandy) but pace yourself—it is strong
Driving Tips: What You Need to Know
The roads are good, but there are quirks. Here is what you need to know:
Road Conditions
- Main coastal road (SH8) is well-maintained
- Some side roads to beaches are unpaved/rocky
- Llogara Pass has tight switchbacks—take it slow
- Watch for goats and livestock on rural roads
Parking
- Popular beaches fill up by 10am in summer
- Parking costs €2-5 at main beaches
- Some hidden beaches require hiking—leave valuables in car
- Hotels usually have free parking
Fuel
- Gas stations in main towns (Vlorë, Himarë, Sarandë)
- Fill up in Vlorë or Himarë—stations are sparse between
- Prices ~€1.40-1.60/liter
- Most stations accept cash and cards
Driving Culture
- Speed limits: 80km/h on coastal roads, 40km/h in towns
- Locals drive fast—don't feel pressured to keep up
- Use your horn on blind curves (locals do)
- Right-hand drive, like most of Europe
⚠️ Don't drink and drive. Police checkpoints are common, especially in summer. Penalties are severe.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does This Cost?
Albania is CHEAP compared to Western Europe. Here are realistic daily costs:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Rental Small car vs SUV/automatic | €25-35/day | €35-50/day | €50-80/day |
| Accommodation Guesthouse vs hotel vs beachfront resort | €20-40/night | €50-80/night | €100-200/night |
| Food Local spots vs nice restaurants vs splurging | €15-25/day | €30-50/day | €60-100/day |
| Fuel For the entire Vlorë-Sarandë route and exploring | €30-40 total | €40-50 total | €50-60 total |
| Beach Parking If visiting multiple beaches | €2-5/day | €5-10/day | €10-15/day |
| Activities Boat trips, Blue Eye entry, paragliding, etc. | €10-20/day | €20-40/day | €50+/day |
| Daily Total (2 people) | €100-150/day | €180-280/day | €320-500/day |
3-Day Road Trip Budget (2 People)
- Car rental (3 days): €100
- Accommodation (2 nights): €120
- Food (3 days): €150
- Fuel: €40
- Parking & misc: €30
- Total: €440 (€220 per person)
Why You NEED a Car for This Trip
Can you do the Albanian Riviera by bus? Technically yes. Should you? HELL NO.
Buses Are Slow & Infrequent
The coastal bus runs 2-3 times per day. Miss it? You are stuck for hours. Want to visit multiple beaches in one day? Forget it.
You Will Miss the Best Spots
Gjipe, Bunec, Aquarium Beach, hidden viewpoints—none are accessible by bus. You need a car to reach the magic.
Freedom & Flexibility
Found a perfect beach? Stay all day. Weather bad? Drive to the next town. Want to watch sunrise at Llogara Pass? Easy with a car.
Cost-Effective for 2+ People
Splitting a rental car between 2-4 people is cheaper than multiple bus tickets + taxis to beaches.
The Drive IS the Experience
Llogara Pass, coastal views, stopping whenever you want—the journey is half the adventure. You cannot do that on a bus.
Ready to Explore?
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