Albanian Riviera (Vlorë to Sarandë) 🇦🇱
"Europe's last hidden coastal gem with turquoise waters and mountain drives."
Albania offers incredible value for a 10-day road trip. You can start in the bustling capital of Tirana, then drive the Llogara Pass to reach stunning beaches and luxury-style resorts in Ksamil for a fraction of Greek prices.
A breathtaking road trip through the Albanian Riviera, blending pristine turquoise beaches and luxury coastal resorts with ancient UNESCO heritage and dramatic mountain passes.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Gateway to the Riviera
Morning — Arrive in Vlorë, check into your hotel, and head to the beach at Plazhi i Ri to soak up the initial coastal vibes.
Afternoon — Visit the Independence Monument and stroll through the reconstructed Old Town (Lagjia Muradie) with its colorful buildings and cafes.
Evening — Enjoy a seafood dinner along the Lungomare promenade as the sun sets over the Adriatic.
💡 Try 'Tave Kosi' (baked lamb with yogurt) for a traditional Albanian flavor.
Day 2 · Islands and Panoramic Views
Morning — Pick up your rental car and drive up to the Kuzum Baba hill for a panoramic view of the entire Vlorë bay.
Afternoon — Drive to the Zvernec Monastery located on a small island connected by a long wooden bridge, surrounded by pine trees.
Evening — Relax with drinks at a beach bar in Uji i Ftohtë, known for its cold spring waters meeting the sea.
💡 Parking in Vlorë center can be tight; use your hotel's parking if available.
Day 3 · Chasing Clouds and Turquoise Waters
Morning — Drive the spectacular Llogara Pass, stopping at the visitor center for photos at 1,000m above sea level.
Afternoon — Descend into the village of Dhërmi. Visit the Monastery of Saint Mary and then hit the white pebbles of Dhërmi Beach.
Evening — Dine at a clifftop restaurant in Dhërmi, enjoying the high-energy yet chic atmosphere.
💡 Stop for 'Llogara Yogurt' with honey and nuts at the top of the pass.
Day 4 · Hidden Canyons and Sea Caves
Morning — Take a boat trip from Dhërmi to the Pirate's Cave and the hidden sea caves along the coast.
Afternoon — Explore the 'secret' coves of Gjipe Beach, accessible only by boat or a 30-minute hike down a canyon.
Evening — Casual seafood BBQ on the beach at Dhërmi or neighboring Drymades.
💡 Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike down to Gjipe Beach.
Day 5 · Ancient Castles and Coastal Life
Morning — Lazy morning at Drymades Beach, famous for its rock formations dividing the beach into two styles.
Afternoon — Continue to Himarë. Walk through the atmospheric ruins of the Old Himarë Castle (Kastro) overlooking the sea.
Evening — Walk the Himarë waterfront piazale and eat at a local Greek-influenced taverna.
💡 Himarë has a strong Greek influence; try the local Souvlaki and Greek salad.
Day 6 · Ali Pasha and Ghost Villages
Morning — Drive to Porto Palermo to explore the triangular Ali Pasha Castle and the nearby Cold War submarine pen.
Afternoon — Visit the semi-abandoned 'ghost village' of Old Qeparo, perched high on a hill with stunning stone architecture.
Evening — Sunset cocktails at a bar overlooking Porto Palermo bay.
💡 The hike up to Old Qeparo is steep; driving the narrow road is possible but requires caution.
Day 7 · Southern Gateway to Sarandë
Morning — Head south via Borsh, stopping to see the waterfall running through the center of a village cafe.
Afternoon — Arrive in Sarandë, the 'capital' of the south. Walk the palm-lined promenade and browse the local markets.
Evening — Climb up to Lëkurësi Castle for a sunset dinner with views over Sarandë and the island of Corfu.
💡 Sarandë is much busier; book dinner at Lëkurësi Castle in advance.
Day 8 · Antiquity and Turquoise Isles
Morning — Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, an ancient Greek and Roman city in a lush national park.
Afternoon — Continue to the Ksamil Islands. Rent a pedal boat or swim to the nearby uninhabited islets.
Evening — Seafood feast in Ksamil, known for its mussels and fresh fish.
💡 Go to Butrint early (8:00 AM) to beat the heat and the crowds from the cruise ships.
Day 9 · The Blue Eye and Stone City
Morning — Drive inland to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a stunning deep water spring of vibrant blue and green.
Afternoon — Continue to the 'Museum City' of Gjirokastër. Visit the massive fortress and the Skenduli House.
Evening — Dinner in the Ottoman bazaar of Gjirokastër, sampling 'Qifqi' (rice balls with herbs).
💡 The water at the Blue Eye is a constant 10°C—very cold for swimming!
Day 10 · Bazaars and Last Waves
Morning — Visit the Cold War Tunnel in Gjirokastër before driving back toward the coast.
Afternoon — Return to Sarandë for some last-minute gift shopping or one final dip in the Ionian Sea.
Evening — Farewell dinner at a harbor-side restaurant in Sarandë.
💡 If you have time, stop at the Mesopotam Monastery on the way back to Sarandë.