One Day in South Albania Riviera!
A day trip along the South Albania Riviera offers a breathtaking journey through one of Europe’s hidden coastal gems. Starting in Vlorë, you’ll wind along the scenic SH8 road, passing rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. Highlights include a swim at Palasë Beach, a visit to the historic Porto Palermo Castle, and relaxation on the pristine shores of Dhërmi and Himarë. The adventure continues with Sarandë’s lively promenade and ends in Ksamil, where white sands and island-dotted waters create a stunning finale. Perfect for beach lovers and history buffs alike, this trip blends natural beauty, cultural stops, and fresh seafood into an unforgettable Riviera experience.
Morning: Start at the Northern Edge of the Riviera
Begin in Vlorë: Kick off your day in Vlorë, where the Albanian Riviera officially starts. Head to the Lungomare promenade for a quick coffee with a sea view, soaking in the fresh Adriatic breeze. If time allows, visit the Independence Museum near the port to catch a glimpse of Albania’s 1912 independence history (entry 200 ALL/$2 USD).
Drive to Palasë Beach: From Vlorë, take a scenic 30-minute drive south along the SH8 coastal road through Llogara National Park. Stop at Palasë Beach, a quiet stretch of white pebbles framed by cliffs. Spend an hour swimming in the clear Ionian waters or simply admiring the rugged beauty—perfect for an early dip before the day heats up.
Midday: Coastal Gems and History
Visit Dhërmi: Continue south (20 minutes from Palasë) to Dhërmi, often called the “Santorini of Albania” for its whitewashed hillside village. Explore the old town’s narrow streets or head to Drymades Beach, a short drive down, for its serene coves. Grab a light lunch at a beachside spot like Luciano, known for fresh seafood (try the grilled octopus, 800 ALL/$8 USD).
Porto Palermo Castle: Drive another 30 minutes south to this small, triangular fortress on a peninsula. Built by Ali Pasha in the 19th century, it’s a quick stop (entry 200 ALL/$2 USD) with breathtaking views of the turquoise bay. Wander the grounds or snap photos of the castle against the sea.
Afternoon: Relaxation and Riviera Vibes
Lunch and Beach Time in Himarë: A 15-minute drive from Porto Palermo brings you to Himarë, a laid-back coastal town. Stop at Taverna e Peshkatareve for a hearty lunch of local fish or shrimp saganaki (1000 ALL/$10 USD). Then, head to Spile Beach or nearby Potam Beach for a relaxing swim. Rent a sunbed (500 ALL/$5 USD) or kayak to explore hidden coves if you’re feeling active.
Scenic Drive via Llogara Pass: If you didn’t stop earlier, loop back briefly to experience the Llogara Pass (1,027m/3,369ft). The winding road offers jaw-dropping views of the Riviera coastline and mountains—pull over at the viewpoint for a quick break.
Late Afternoon: Southern Highlights
Arrive in Sarandë: Drive 1.5 hours south to Sarandë, the bustling “capital” of the South Albania Riviera. Stroll the lively promenade lined with palm trees and cafés. If you’re up for it, visit the nearby Lekuresi Castle (a 10-minute taxi ride uphill) for panoramic views of the bay and Corfu in the distance (entry 300 ALL/$3 USD).
Quick Stop at Mirror Beach: Just north of Sarandë (15 minutes), this small, pebbly beach is a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters reflecting the cliffs. Spend 30 minutes here for a refreshing dip or to unwind.
Evening: End in Ksamil
Explore Ksamil’s “Maldives”: Finish your day with a 20-minute drive south to Ksamil, dubbed the “Maldives of Albania” for its white sands and turquoise waters. Visit one of the small islands via a short swim or rented pedal boat (1000 ALL/$10 USD). Enjoy a sunset dinner at Beach Bar Restaurant Korali, savoring fried calamari or mussels (1200 ALL/$12 USD), with the Ionian Sea as your backdrop.
Wind Down: After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the shore, letting the day’s adventures sink in as the stars emerge over the Riviera.
The Trip Cost Includes
Accomodation
Transport
Guide
Activities
The Trip Cost Excludes
Meals
Entrance Fees
Insurance
Drinks
Anything else that is not mentioned in the "Included Section".
1. Do I need to be based in Tirana to take these tours, or can I start from other cities?
Answer: You don’t have to start in Tirana! While Tirana is a convenient base for tours like Kruja and Berat, others work from nearby hubs: Saranda for Butrint, Fier or Vlora for Apollonia, Bajram Curri or Shkodër for Valbona, and Gjirokastër or Saranda for its own tour. Pick a base that fits your plans—most tours are flexible and can be arranged from where you’re staying. Just check travel times (30 minutes to 3 hours one-way).
2. What’s the time commitment, and will I be rushed?
Answer: Each tour runs 8–10 hours, starting around 8:00–9:00 AM and ending by 4:00–7:00 PM, depending on distance. You’ll spend 3–5 hours exploring (e.g., museums, ruins, bazaars), with breaks for lunch and short drives or walks. The pace is relaxed—not a race—so you can soak in the history without feeling hurried. Valbona from Shkodër is the longest travel day, but still manageable.
3. Are these tours suitable for all ages, and what’s included in the cost?
Answer: Yes, they’re great for all ages! Walking is light (1–3 miles max), mostly on flat or gentle terrain, with no intense activity—perfect for kids, seniors, or anyone who loves history. For Costs we recommend to look at the cost section for more details. Skanderbeg Museum), and lunch. Extras like dinner, hotel stays, tips or souvenirs aren’t covered otherwise expressed with us. Family-friendly and easygoing!
4. What makes these daily tours different from each other?
Answer: Each spotlights a unique angle of Albania’s heritage: Tirana mixes urban history with communist quirks, Kruja celebrates medieval resistance, Berat blends faiths in a UNESCO gem, and Gjirokastër showcases Ottoman charm. Saranda/Butrint offers ancient coastal ruins, Valbona dives into alpine traditions, and Apollonia unearths a classical past. You’ll get variety—cities, mountains, coast—without overlap, all in a day’s adventure.
