Overview
Why should you go on an Albanian Riviera tour? The Albanian Riviera tour gives you the chance to explore the Albanian Riviera. The Albanian Riviera is known for its stunning secluded and isolated beaches. You will drive along the coastal road, to visit little beaches, islands, castles, historical sights and natural wonders, like the Blue Eye of Albania. The tour includes a visit to Ksamil beach.
Whereas many of the European coastlines are very well known, the Albanian Riviera is still a hidden gem and off-the-beaten-path for many travellers. During a the 3-day tour, you will see some of the most stunning and isolated beaches in Europe. Are you ready to experience the Albanian Riviera?
Albanian Riviera Tour Itinerary
Durres
After departing Tirana, we stop for a short coffee break in Durres. Durres is one of the most famous seaside cities in Albania, because it is only 45 minutes from the capital city Tirana. We will have a coffee in a cafe with seaside view towards the Adriatic Sea. And we will pass by the Roman Amphitheathre of Durres and the Venetian Tower for about 30 minutes.
Roman Amphitheatre of Durres
The Roman Amphitheatre of Durres was built in the 2nd century AD. At the time, Durres was called “Dyrrachium” and it was a part of the Roman empire. The Roman Emperor Trajan was leading the empire and Rome was flourishing.
The Venetian Tower of Durres
The Venetian Tower of Durres is a large round tower which remains of the former Durres Castle. The castle was initially build in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. The Venetians extended the castle in the first half of the fiftheenth century, when Durres was ruled by the Republic of Venice. Today, few structures of the castle remain, only the tower and one ancient wall can be seen.
Vlore Beach
After visiting Durres, we drive south towards the large coastal city Vlore. Vlore is a very popular and large beachside city. It is also the starting point of the Albanian Riviera, which leads from Vlore southwards to Saranda.
Sightseeing at Zvernec Island
After spending some time at Vlore beach, we will make a 30 minute stop at Zvernec Island. Zvernec Island is a little island in the Narta Lagoon. A long bridge leads you from the mainland to Zvernec Island. On the island, you can visit the little Zvernec monastery. The island is a beautiful location to make pictures.
Llogara Pass
From Vlore, we will start our drive along the coastal road in the direction of Saranda and make a stop at the Llogara Pass. The Llogara Pass is a mountain pass on the coastal road.
It is the highest point on the coastal road, at a height of 1027 meters. It has a beautiful viewpoint, where you can make a stop to take pictures. From the pass, you will have a spectacular view of Palase beach, the Dhermi village and the Ionian Sea.
After visting the Llogara Pass, we will drive down the winding road towards the most beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The riviera has Mediterraenean villages, historical castles, Orthodox churches, white beaches, hidden caves and hundreds of olive threes.
Dhermi beach
Dhermi beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi is a lovely little village with hillside houses and a long stretch of beach. During the summer months, it attracts young people and it has a vibrant atmosphere. We will stop to relax and swim in the sea, before continuing our journey.
Himare beach
In the late afternoon, we transfer to the village of Himare. Himare is a larger village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. There is a traditional village on the hillside, from where you can look down onto the beach and sea. There is a small walking tour of the old village, which is on the hill. You can see some of the traditional houses, which are on the hillside. Moreover, since the village is on the hill it offers a beautiful view towards the Ionian Sea.
Overnights stay in a 3-star hotel in Himare
Breakfast at the hotel in Himare
Porto Palermo and the Castle of Ali Pasha
Porto Palermo is a large blue bay in the Albanian Riviera. In the middle of the Bay of Porto Palermo, you can visit the Castle of Ali Pasha.
The castle of Ali Pasha is a triangular-shaped fortress on a little island in the Bay of Porto Palermo. The castle is very picturesque and from the rooftop, you have a stunning view of the sea.
Although, many guidebooks state that the castle was build by Ali Pasha, the Albanian governor during the Ottoman empire. It is actually not true, and the castle was build by the Venetians. Because it gave the Venetians easy acccess by sea and it has the same triangular design as the Venetian castle in Butrint.
Borsh Beach
The beach of Borsh is an impressive sight, because the beach is extremely long. You can choose to stay amongst other people, close to the restaurants. Or you can walk along the beach to be by yourself. The beach has perfect clear blue water and there is a good restaurant at the beach as well.
Ksamil
Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach in the South of Albania. Therefore, the Albanian people describe Ksamil beach as “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera”. Without a doubt, Ksamil beach is the prettiest beach in the country. The beach is set on a little peninsula with perfect white sand. And the water in the bay is a bright green colour and the clearest water you have ever seen.
At Ksamil beach, there are four little islands in the sea close to the beach. The most famous are the twin islands, which are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land. If you have always wanted to visit an uninhibited island, this is your chance. From the beach, you can swim to the nearest island. Or you can rent a boat or kayak to visit the islands, which are further away.
Saranda
Saranda is a vibrant coastal city in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city is often called “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera”. The large coastal city has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. In the evening, the entire city lights up and you can walk along the promenade by the water. You will have some free time in the evening to explore Saranda.
Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Saranda
Breakfast at the Hotel in Saranda
Blue Eye of Albania
The Blue Eye of Albania is one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. The Blue Eye is a natural fresh water spring. The natural spring pumps bright blue water to the surface of the river. The Blue Eye has become a touristic attraction, since the water of the spring is a magical blue colour. The water is so bright, that you won’t believe it is all natural.
Gjirokaster city
Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobble stone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also knows as the “stone city”.
The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a “museum city”, because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.
Gjirokaster Castle
The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it therefore dominates the city.
The castle was originally build in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Byzantine rule, the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From the 1930 onwards, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant against the government.
Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster
The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the traditional market place in Gjirokaster. The bazaar was originally build in the Middle Ages. There are a variety of craftsmen, souvenir shops and coffee houses along the Bazaar. You can buy handmade wooden pieces, handwoven rugs and delicate lace items. The street of the Bazaar is made of cobblestones and it set on a steep hillside.
After the Albanian Riviera tour, you will be dropped off in Tirana city.
