Albania’s coastline stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, offering various landscapes along the route south, ending in Ksamil. This travel guide takes you through Albania’s must-visit coastal towns and cities. We will start from Vlorë and then head south for a fun road trip and guide for where to stay along the coast.
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North of Vlorë is also excellent, but it’s not as nice. Like anywhere in the world, cities and towns closer to bigger cities will be packed with people, making them less fun. Tirana is forty-five minutes from Dürres. It’s a lovely town, but it’s filled with people, meaning nowhere to put a towel down on the beach in the summer. The sea and beaches are not as nice as the south. Skip it and head south of Vlorë for crystal clear waters, cleaner beaches, and more scenic beauty. It is also busy in the summer, but it’s more worth it if you must travel in the summer.
Vlorë
Vlorë is where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. This city was a crucial spot for Albanian independence and is perfect for history enthusiasts. The Independence Monument and the Muradie Mosque are notable landmarks. Make sure to stop by Zvërnec, with its monastery surrounded by nature. There’s a wooden walkway to get to the island. The area also has fantastic sand dunes, beaches, and great hikes.
Vlorë is a city with a lot to see, including long streets lined with shops, a walkway along the sea, and wide beaches. Vlorë has a newly renovated small old town with some cute shops, including Alma, a natural skin care shop where I purchase donkey milk and snail cream. The Lungomare is fabulous for long walks. Find your perfect stay in Vlorë.
Drive south along SH8 up the mountain to the Llogara Pass for amazing views. Then, drive downhill to Dhërmi, a small town in the hills above the seaside. Zoe Hora is a famous restaurant and hotel in the old town.
Himarë
As you continue along the Ionian coast, stop in Himarë, a town with a rich blend of Greek and Albanian cultures. The beaches here are stunning, with Potam, Llaman, and Filikuri being top choices for sunbathing and water sports. Explore the old town and enjoy the local cuisine, characterized by a fusion of Mediterranean flavors. Down the street is the Old Submarine Bunker.
Drive onward to the Castle of Porto Palermo, which is a bit wild and right on the water. It’s a super busy area, so come early to get a parking spot. Find your perfect stay in Himare.
We were impressed by Borsh, a quiet, small town with a long beach—the mountains tower above it. After a swim, head up into the mountain for additional charming villages and towns all the way down to Sarandë. Taverna Victoria was a fantastic restaurant in the village of Piqeras. The views from their terrace are beautiful. Buneci Beach is below, a beautiful place. Lukova is another lovely coastal town that’s partially on the coast and partially on the hill.
Sarandë
Sarandë is a bustling city with a small old town, a walkable center with a port, and a pedestrian walkway along the coast. The old town has many steep steps, but staying on the lower levels near the sea is possible. The city is divided into three sections: the port, the center, and the area where the beaches are in the south. It’s about a forty-five-minute walk from one side to the other. If you want the beach, stay in the south; if you wish to go to the town, restaurants, and bars, stay in the center. Avoid staying in the port area. Know Before You Go Sarandë.
Sarande means 40 saints from the old Christian monastery here. The city has about 40k residents and can accommodate about 4500 tourists at any time. Be careful where you are booking your stay. The port side is super steep. Swimming areas are a distance away. The center hotels are excellent, and restaurants are everywhere. But there are only a few beaches, and they can be crowded. Most of the beaches are in the south part of the city, but they are steep downhill unless you stay at a hotel with beaches or close to them. Walking to the center from the southern area is about 45 minutes to an hour. The center has the clubs and most of the restaurants, but during summer months, the south has beach bars with fantastic offerings for the day, and a taxi ride is pretty quick. There are taxis everywhere. Avoid driving around much, the traffic is city traffic and parking is hard to find.
Find where to stay in Sarandë.
Final Stop: Ksamil
End your journey in Ksamil, famous for its pristine beaches and the nearby islands you can easily reach by boat rental. The water here is crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The sunset view from Ksamil Beach is something you will want to take advantage of. Ksamil Beach offers turquoise waters and is just a short trip from the city. Don’t miss out on visiting the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which provides a fascinating look at various historical periods through its ruins.
Ksamil is a small beach town built on the side of the hills, so it’s uphill.
Construction has been the name of the season for who knows how long. Hotels, roads, and beaches are being constructed throughout the small town. The beaches are covered in imported sand and stone for a lovely aesthetic.
Paradise Beach has parking, a beach bar, and a hotel.
Black Pearl has some parking, and then to the far end are some beach bars with limited parking.
The only nice place to stay is by the sea. If you don’t stay near the sea, it’s a far walk down to the sea, and construction is everywhere. Find where to stay in Ksamil.
Look at each city to determine which ones are best for you. I recommend renting a car and taking a road trip because there is so much to see along the way. If you want to relax and not do much, stay in Ksamil or Borsh. Ksamil is for more comfort, but it’s busy, and Borsh is for peace and quiet. Sarandë is a party town, with loads of restaurants too. Vlorë for an actual city and nature. Himarë for nature and beaches. Ksamil has a lake and two castles near it. It looks like a beautiful natural area, but it’s just a drive-through, as there is nothing to do there.
I recommend taking ten days and doing as much as you can. That way, you have time to relax.
The best times to come are May 15th- June 30th and anytime in September. Don’t come between October 1st and May 15th because everything is closed in smaller cities and towns. We were in Vlorë in November, and it was fine, but a lot of places were closed. The other towns and cities were closed during that time, and there was not much to do. If you come in July and August, it’s hot, crowded, and packed with no parking.
The Albanian Riviera is beautiful, with pristine beaches, charming towns and villages, and unique sites along the way. Albania is newer to tourism, and it has a lot to do to get its infrastructure in order. It’s at or over capacity and filled with tourists, so be patient while they sort it all out. Subscribe for more travel posts, and follow me on social media for tips and recommendations. I’m also on Google Maps, where I share lists of recommendations. Have a lovely day.
