An Albanian Riviera Itinerary Starting from Vlora
The Albanian Riviera runs from Vlora in the north down to Saranda in the south, and Vlora is the natural place to begin. You start with the wild, protected coast of the Karaburun Peninsula, then follow the coastal road over the mountains to the beaches and stone villages of the south. Here is a flexible three-to-five-day plan.
Day 1 — Vlora and the first swim
Settle into Vlora, walk the Lungomare seafront, and get your bearings. In the afternoon, take a half-day Haxhi Ali Cave and Karaburun tour for your first look at the sea caves and coves just south of the city. It starts from 25 EUR and is back in time for dinner by the harbour.
Day 2 — A full day on the water
Give the coast a proper day. Either visit Sazan Island and the cave on the Sazan and Haxhi Ali Cave tour, or go remote with the full-day Grama Bay and Blue Cave tour, which reaches the glowing Blue Cave and the ancient inscriptions of Grama Bay. Both include swimming stops, snorkeling gear and water.
Day 3 — Over the Llogara Pass
Pick up a car and drive south. The road climbs the Llogara Pass, where the mountains drop straight to the sea, then descends to the coast. Stop in Dhermi and Drymades for their long pebble beaches and clear water, and consider a detour to the Gjipe canyon beach between Dhermi and Himara.
Day 4 — Himara, Porto Palermo and the south
Continue to Himara, a relaxed coastal town with good beaches and tavernas, then visit the castle on the peninsula at Porto Palermo. Keep going toward Saranda if you want a livelier base for the far south.
Day 5 — Ksamil and Butrint
From Saranda, spend a day at the small islands and turquoise shallows of Ksamil, and the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site set in a national park. This is the southern end of the Riviera and a fitting place to finish.
Shorter on time?
With only three days, do Day 1 and Day 2 in Vlora, then drive as far as Dhermi or Himara for a night before heading back. The boat trips are the part of the Riviera you cannot replicate elsewhere, so keep at least one full day on the water.
Practical notes
The season runs from late spring to early autumn. Base yourself in Vlora for the northern Riviera and the marine park; a car is useful for the coastal drive south. Boat trips leave from the deck in front of Hotel Bologna on the Vlora Lungomare, you pay on arrival, and children 0–10 get a 30% discount.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Albanian Riviera start?
Most people count it from Vlora in the north down to Saranda in the south, with the Karaburun Peninsula and the coastal villages in between.
How many days do you need for the Albanian Riviera?
Three days covers the highlights around Vlora and one coastal town; five lets you reach Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint at a relaxed pace.
Do you need a car for the Riviera?
A car helps for the coastal drive south of Vlora. Around Vlora itself the best sights are reached by boat, not road.
Start your Riviera trip on the water. Compare the boat tours from Vlora, check the prices, and message us to lock in a date.
