Albanian Riviera – The Top 8 Most Beautiful Places and Beaches

Albania › Albanian Riviera – The Top 8 Most Beautiful Places and Beaches

The Albanian Riviera, with its picturesque bays and small beaches, is now one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.

The Albanian Riviera is one of the most impressive stretches of coastline in the country. Below its steep slopes, you will find picturesque bays, beaches and beautiful places.

The steep coastal section on the Ionian Sea in Albania is often referred to as the Albanian Riviera or simply as ‘the coast’ (Bregu) by the Albanians themselves. It begins north of Saranda and extends north to the impressive Llogara Pass, which, at 1000m above sea level, leads to Vlora.

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Albania has more than 400 kilometres of coastline. Many sections are still in their original state. For many years, the small towns along the Riviera were still a real insider tip for travellers. In the meantime, however, word has spread about the beauty of this region, which has led to fuller beaches, but also to a more developed tourist infrastructure. However, a trip along the SH8 road is still worthwhile – already for the incredible views. And you should definitely plan a stopover at one or other of these places. So, be sure not to miss the following places on your trip to Albania.

Places & Beaches on the Albanian Riviera

Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass connects the Adriatic Sea in the north with the Ionian Sea in the south of Albania by land. The winding pass is part of the national road SH 8 and crosses part of the Ceraunian Mountains. At a maximum altitude of, 1027m above sea level, it forms the entrance to the Albanian Riviera. At the top, you have an exceptional view of the sea and the steep coast.

Once you reach the top of the Llogara Pass, the road winds downhill again along the steep Albanian Riviera. It is not without reason that the Llogara Pass is part of the Llogara National Park. After crossing the green forests coming from Vlora, you can already see the full beauty of the Albanian Riviera ahead of you.

On a clear day, you can see almost the entire Riviera and the island of Corfu from its highest point. This road has been fully asphalted is even passable for motorhomes. Incidentally, a tunnel under the Llogara Pass has been is now open. This can significantly shorten your travel time, but you will then miss out on the fantastic views.

Dhërmi

One of the most northerly coastal resorts on the Albanian Riviera is the small village of Dhërmi. The older part of the village is away from the beach, while a real tourist village has developed along the sandy beach. In addition to the extensive Plazhi i Palasës and Drimadhë beaches, there are also many rocky coves worth seeing, such as Shpella e pirateve.

• Location: Dhërmi

Even away from the beach tourism, Dhërmi offers some highlights worth seeing in its old town. There are around 31 churches and monasteries, some of which are decorated with elaborate frescoes. Unfortunately, not all of them can be visited and some are in poor condition.

Vuno

Vuno, located at the upper end of Himarë province, stands out from other southern villages. Located halfway up the hill and intersected by the main road, it is characterised by its unique location on steep slopes.

• Location: Vuno

Everywhere you look, there is a magnificent backdrop that resembles a natural amphitheatre. The narrow, uphill streets of the village are reminiscent of classic Greek or Italian coastal settlements. Vuno has beautiful regional architecture from the 18th century, which is reflected in the houses and churches, and was the residence of many well-known scholars.

Himarë

The most important, but also the busiest, stretch of beach in Himarë (or Himara) is Himare Beach. This is located in the centre of town and is actually easily accessible on foot from each of the beach hotels. With a little walking, however, you can also reach smaller beaches from here that are a little more secluded, but no less beautiful.

• Location: Himarë

The old part of Himarë, with its historic buildings, small shops and cafes, is also worth seeing. The best view of the town and its bay with turquoise waters is undoubtedly from the castle of Himarë.

Highlights:

• Church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus: This church is located in the upper part of the village, near the castle walls. It consists of a main room and a special area, the altar. The church was repaired several times, and an old record from 1577 states that it was once burnt down and rebuilt.
• The Cave of Spile: This cave is located in the newer part of Himarë, right by the sea. It was first excavated in the 1920s and 1930s by Italian researchers who found that people had lived there long ago, perhaps as early as the Neolithic Age (3000-2100 BC). It is also famous for a story from Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, in which the hero Odysseus stops at this cave and experiences an adventure with a giant named Cyclops.

Porto Palermo

Ali Pasha’s fortress in Porto Palermo once had an important function, not only visually but also militarily. Porto Palermo, or Porto Palermo Bay, is a place steeped in history. Archaeological finds dating back to ancient times prove its once significant function as a trading port.

• Location: Porto Palermo

The highlight is the castle of Porto Palermo, which is located on a small peninsula. Numerous beach sections around the green hill at the foot of the historic building entice you to swim and snorkel. In addition, to the north there is a former submarine base of the Albanian Navy with a clearly visible submarine bunker from the communist era. Unfortunately, this historical testimony can only be observed from a distance. The area is still a military exclusion zone today.

Qeparo

Until a few years ago, the cultivation and production of olive oil was one of the most important economic activities in this small town on the Albanian Riviera. However, tourism has since taken over this important role. It is therefore not surprising that more and more hotels and restaurants are springing up along the coast.

• Location: Qeparo

Above the tourist village is the old village of Qeparo Fshat, which can be reached after a short hike and a good 700-metre climb. Here you will find picturesque old houses in narrow streets. However, the place seems somewhat abandoned. Those looking for peace and quiet and the original Albania can still find it here.

Highlights:

• Castle Karos: Castle Karos is an ancient, prehistoric site in Qeparo, on a high rocky hill called Gradishta. It’s really high up, about 450 metres!
• St. Demetrius Church: The St. Demetrius Church is part of a small neighbourhood (Upper Qeprao) with a school and accommodation for the church personnel. The church has a cross shape with a dome and is quite small inside.

Borsh

Borsh is located on one of the few flat plains along the Albanian Riviera. It takes its name from the Borsh River, which carries water at times. One of the most important economic sectors is tourism. The approximately 4-kilometre-long sandy beach is extremely popular with holidaymakers, especially in summer.

• Location: Borsh

Borsh is the only village on the Riviera with an ethnic peculiarity: the majority of the population are Muslim inhabitants who settled here in the 1990s. The medieval Kalaja e Borshit castle towers over the village and is a must-see. There is also a historic mosque from the Ottoman period nearby.

Highlights:

• Sopot Castle: Sopot Castle was built and rebuilt long before history was written. The oldest parts date from the late Bronze Age.
• Ancient fortified villas: In Borsh you can find some very interesting ruins of large houses that once belonged to rich people. Villa Muzge is built on a slope and has the shape of a trapezoid with strong walls. It was built in the third century BC and was in use for a long time.

Lukovë

Lukova is still quite new among the tourist highlights on the Albanian Riviera. Lukova has short but very pretty beach sections. So far, however, there are only a few hotel buildings for tourists, but there are plenty of small guest rooms and holiday apartments.

• Location: Lukovë

The village is located quite high above the sea due to the rapidly rising coast on this section of the Albanian Riviera. However, the historically captivating centre of Lukova has been largely preserved due to the limited tourism.

• Location: Lukova Beach

Lukova is one of the last places at the southern end of the Albanian Riviera and, like all the other places on this stretch of coast, has been developing rapidly in recent years into a real holidaymaker’s paradise.

FAQ

What is the most beautiful place on the Albanian Riviera?

Unfortunately, there is no clear and easy answer to that. All the places have their own charm and at the same time the consistent beauty of the Albanian Riviera. You can now find accommodation, beaches, restaurants and everything a tourist needs in all the places presented. My personal favourites are Himare, Dhermi and Vuno if you are looking for a beach holiday away from the hustle and bustle.

Of course, it now gets a bit busier here in the summer as well, but many holidaymakers still appreciate the peace and quiet when you compare these villages with the hotspots like Saranda, Ksamil or Vlora. It’s best to rent a car so you can easily drive to the various beaches and maybe even discover one or two secret beaches or hidden caves.

During a holiday on the Albanian Riviera, you can also explore popular holiday destinations in Greece on an excursion. So far, Albania is still significantly cheaper for tourists than Greece – but the country is increasingly working to combat low-cost tourism.