When you’re on the lookout for a European street journey that also appears like a little bit of a secret, Albania’s Riviera ought to be prime of your record.
Wedged between the Ionian Sea and the towering Ceraunian Mountains, this stretch of coast is wild, heat and splendidly underhyped.
This Albanian coastal street journey runs from the vigorous port metropolis of Vlorë all the way down to the turquoise bays close to Ksamil, brushing up towards historic ruins and extensive open views at virtually each flip.
Route Overview
Vlorë → Llogara Go → Dhërmi → Himarë → Qeparo → Porto Palermo (elective) → Sarandë (elective) → Ksamil
Supreme journey size: 4–6 days
Greatest time to go: Late Could to early October – June and September are notably beautiful, with heat seas and fewer crowds
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Begin: Vlorë – beginning with sea breeze and sundown Aperitivo
Start in Vlorë, the place the Adriatic meets the Ionian and the vitality of Albania’s second-largest coastal metropolis units the tone.
It’s not as polished as extra well-known seaside cities, nevertheless it has a improbable waterfront for strolling, people-watching and grabbing an aperitivo because the solar dips behind Sazan Island.
Take into account taking a velocity boat tour for an exhilarating view of the shoreline.
Earlier than hitting the street, wander the Lungomare promenade, cease by the Independence Monument, or seize a beachside lunch.
Town seaside isn’t the very best you’ll see on this journey, nevertheless it’s a fantastic place to ease into the rhythm of the coast.
When you’re able to roll, head south – and put together for the street to earn its bragging rights.
Cease 1: Llogara Go – the street with a view
The drive as much as the Llogara Go is without doubt one of the most scenic stretches of street wherever in Europe.
It climbs from sea degree into the guts of Llogara Nationwide Park, all hairpin bends and forested switchbacks, earlier than opening out right into a viewpoint that’ll cease you mid-sentence.
On the prime, you’re over 1,000 metres above the ocean, with views that absorb each the shoreline behind and the wild peaks forward.
There are just a few roadside cafés right here if you’d like a Turkish espresso or a mountain tea together with your panorama.
The descent in the direction of the Ionian is simply as dramatic. The street snakes its method down with glimpses of turquoise sea and white pebble seashores showing between the timber.
Take it gradual – not only for security, however as a result of it is a drive to savour.
Keep: For a comfy household‑run keep nestled within the pine‑clad slopes close to the go, take into account Guesthouse Alberti Llogara.
Cease 2: Dhërmi – seaside days and barefoot evenings
When you hit the coast once more, your first correct seaside cease is Dhërmi, probably the most fashionable villages on the Riviera.
However don’t let that put you off – it’s nonetheless blissfully quiet in comparison with most European hotspots.
The seaside is lengthy, stony and extremely clear – excellent for swimming or simply doing nothing in any respect.
There’s a cluster of chilled seaside bars and eating places alongside the shore, providing all the things from grilled octopus to sundown cocktails.
Up the hill is the previous stone village of Dhërmi itself. It’s a maze of cobbled lanes, crumbling church buildings and blue‑shuttered homes.
Keep in a single day and take a sundown stroll up right here. The view over the ocean is without doubt one of the greatest you’ll get, and for a peaceable, properly‑situated retreat strive Resort Afrodite.
Cease 3: Himarë – laid-back coastal vibes
Only a brief drive south is Himarë, a relaxed seaside city that by some means manages to really feel each buzzy and utterly unbothered.
The city seaside is extensive and welcoming, however should you’re after one thing quieter, head to close by Livadi Seaside or Jale Seaside, each a brief drive away and backed by olive groves.
The city has a barely Greek really feel – and for good motive, as there’s a big Greek-speaking inhabitants – which interprets into nice meals and a heat, easygoing ambiance.
It’s price staying an evening or two, particularly if you wish to break up the drive and luxuriate in a gradual morning by the water.
Wander as much as Himarë Fortress within the night. The stroll is steep however brief, and the ruins provide a 360‑diploma view throughout the Ionian and the encompassing hills.
For an enthralling keep, strive Backyard Rooms.
Cease 4: Qeparo – quiet stone village with sea views
Subsequent up is Qeparo, which splits neatly into two halves: the newer beachfront beneath and the hilltop Previous Qeparo above.
When you’ve obtained a factor for pale shutters, tangled vines and donkey-cart lanes, the previous village is a dream.
It’s virtually eerily quiet up right here; just some locals, the sound of cicadas, and the occasional scent of woodsmoke.
You’ll discover guesthouses with ridiculous views, fig timber overhanging the lanes, and a way that not a lot has modified in a long time.
Again at sea degree, Qeparo Seaside is without doubt one of the extra peaceable alongside the coast.
You’ll discover clear water, a easy promenade, and a few household‑run tavernas the place you’ll be able to eat grilled fish together with your toes within the sand
For a serene keep close by, strive Resort Qeparo.
Non-obligatory cease: Porto Palermo Fortress
Simply south of Qeparo lies Porto Palermo, a lovely horseshoe-shaped bay with a Nineteenth-century citadel perched on a tiny peninsula.
Constructed by Ali Pasha, this small fort isn’t essentially the most elaborate, however the setting is spectacular.
You’ll be able to discover inside, climb to the highest for views, or just park up and take a dip within the calm bay, or strive kayaking.
There’s a barely deserted attraction to all of it – excellent for a quiet picnic or a lazy swim earlier than the street continues.
Non-obligatory cease: Sarandë
You’ll seemingly go by means of Sarandë in your strategy to Ksamil. Whereas it’s a bit extra built-up, it’s price a fast cease should you fancy successful of metropolis vitality.
There’s a large seaside promenade, loads of eating places, and a vigorous buzz in excessive season.
When you’ve obtained time, detour as much as Lëkurësi Fortress for views throughout the bay.
Or go to the traditional ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage website about 20 minutes south. Right here, layers of Greek, Roman and Venetian historical past are scattered amongst lakes and timber.
Closing cease: Ksamil – turquoise waters and island views
Finish your street journey in Ksamil, the place the water seems like one thing you’d discover within the Maldives and the vibe is extra seaside shack than seaside membership.
The seashores are small and sandy, the ocean is heat and insanely clear, and you may kayak or swim out to the tiny offshore islands.
Sure, it’s change into extra fashionable in recent times – particularly with day-trippers from Corfu – however come exterior of peak August weekends and it nonetheless retains a relaxing, small-town really feel.
Assume recent seafood, plastic chairs within the sand, and evenings that mix into evening with out anybody checking the time.
Keep an evening or two, gradual proper down, and swim till you’re salty and solar‑drained.
For a relaxed seaside keep, strive Summer time Level Resort.
Necessities
Driving time (with out stops): Approx. 5–6 hours complete
What to pack: Swimwear, respectable strolling footwear, reef-safe sunscreen, money for distant villages, and an offline map.
Driving tip: Roads are scenic however slim – drive slowly, particularly round bends, and look ahead to wandering livestock and potholes.
Closing ideas
This coastal street journey is a reminder that not all nice journeys include a crowd. The roads are winding, the views are wild, and the sense of discovery is actual.
You’ll discover locations that don’t present up on most maps, meals that style higher since you earned them after a dusty hike, and seashores the place the one sound is the ocean slapping the shore.
It’s a street journey for individuals who like a little bit of thriller with their Mediterranean. Who don’t thoughts slowing down for goats within the street. Preferring their sunsets with a facet of grilled calamari and never a filter in sight.
Include an open thoughts and a good playlist. Depart with sea salt in your hair and extra pictures of olive timber than you ever thought potential.
