Why the Albanian Riviera Should Be Your Next Road Trip
Forget overcrowded Croatian beaches and overpriced Greek islands. The Albanian Riviera is Europe's best-kept secret—and you need to experience it before everyone else does.
Picture this: driving along dramatic coastal roads with the Ionian Sea stretching endlessly to your left, stopping at pristine beaches where you're one of maybe ten people, eating fresh seafood for €10, and watching sunsets that rival anything in Santorini.
This guide covers the legendary coastal route from Vlorë to Sarandë—150km of pure Mediterranean magic. We'll show you the famous spots, the hidden gems, and exactly how to plan the perfect road trip along Albania's stunning coastline.
Spoiler: You absolutely need a car to do this properly. The buses are slow, infrequent, and miss all the best spots. Let's dive in.
Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera
Timing matters. Here's the month-by-month breakdown:
🔥 May - June
Weather: 20-28°C, perfect beach weather · Crowds: Low to moderate
BEST TIME — Warm enough to swim, not crowded, prices are reasonable
⚠️ July - August
Weather: 28-35°C, hot and sunny · Crowds: Peak season, beaches packed
Busiest period — Great weather but expensive and crowded, book everything in advance
⭐ September
Weather: 24-30°C, still warm · Crowds: Moderate, dropping
EXCELLENT — Water is warmest, crowds thin out, prices drop
👍 October
Weather: 18-25°C, mild · Crowds: Low
Good for exploring — Still pleasant, some places close, but peaceful
💡 Our pick? Late May or September. Perfect weather, manageable crowds, and you can actually find parking at the beaches.
The Route: Vlorë to Sarandë
This is the legendary coastal drive everyone talks about. Total distance: ~150km. Driving time: 3-4 hours without stops (but you'll want to stop CONSTANTLY).
Vlorë
Starting point
Your journey begins in Vlorë, Albania's third-largest city and the gateway to the Riviera. The city beach is decent, but the real magic starts when you head south.
💡 Pro Tip: Pick up your rental car here. Make sure you have a full tank—gas stations get sparse on the coast.
Llogara Pass
40km from Vlorë
HERE IS WHERE IT GETS EPIC. The road climbs to 1,027m through Llogara National Park. Switchbacks, mountain views, and then—BAM—the coast appears below you like something out of a movie.
💡 Pro Tip: Drive slow, take photos, don't rush this section. The descent is just as stunning as the climb.
Dhërmi
50km from Vlorë
Party central of the Albanian Riviera. White pebble beach, beach clubs, and the best nightlife on the coast.
💡 Pro Tip: Park in the village and walk down. Parking at the beach fills up FAST in summer.
Gjipe Beach
60km from Vlorë
HIDDEN GEM ALERT. This canyon beach is only accessible by hiking 20 minutes down a rocky path or by boat. Worth. Every. Step.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes—pebbles are rough. Go early before boat tours arrive.
Himarë
75km from Vlorë
The main town of the southern Riviera. More developed than Dhërmi but still charming. Great base for exploring nearby beaches.
Ksamil
140km from Vlorë
The grand finale. Ksamil has the most Caribbean-looking water in Albania—turquoise, clear, and dotted with small islands you can swim to.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Blue Eye Spring early morning (8-9am) before tour buses.
Sarandë
150km from Vlorë
Journey's end. Albania's southernmost resort town, facing the Greek island of Corfu.
Top Beaches: From Famous to Hidden
The beaches are why you're here. Here are the absolute best:
Gjipe Beach
Type: Hidden Canyon Beach
Access: 20-min hike or boat
Best for: Seclusion, dramatic scenery
Ksamil Islands
Type: Caribbean-style Turquoise Water
Access: Easy access, swim to islands
Best for: Crystal-clear water, photo ops
Jale Beach
Type: Party Beach
Access: Drive + short walk
Best for: Beach bars, young crowd, music
Drymades
Type: Chill Beach
Access: Easy drive
Best for: Relaxed vibe, good restaurants
Where to Eat: Fresh Seafood & Local Gems
Albanian food is incredible and CHEAP. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, local vegetables, and incredible olive oil.
Fresh Grilled Fish
Where: Any beachfront restaurant
Price: €8-15
Ask for "peshk i freskët i zgarës" (fresh grilled fish). They'll show you the fish before cooking.
Tave Kosi
Where: Traditional restaurants in villages
Price: €5-7
Albanian national dish. Baked lamb with rice and yogurt sauce. Comfort food heaven.
Byrek
Where: Any bakery, everywhere
Price: €1-2
Flaky pastry with cheese, spinach, or meat. Perfect breakfast or snack.
Seafood Risotto
Where: Coastal restaurants
Price: €7-12
Creamy, packed with fresh seafood. Albanian take on Italian classic.
Driving Tips: What You Need to Know
The roads are good, but there are quirks. Here's what you need to know:
Road Conditions
- ✓ Main coastal road (SH8) is well-maintained
- ✓ Some side roads to beaches are unpaved/rocky
- ✓ Llogara Pass has tight switchbacks—take it slow
- ✓ Watch for goats and livestock on rural roads
Parking
- ✓ Popular beaches fill up by 10am in summer
- ✓ Parking costs €2-5 at main beaches
- ✓ Hotels usually have free parking
Fuel
- ✓ Gas stations in main towns (Vlorë, Himarë, Sarandë)
- ✓ Fill up in Vlorë or Himarë—stations are sparse between
- ✓ Prices ~€1.40-1.60/liter
⚠️ Don't drink and drive. Police checkpoints are common, especially in summer. Penalties are severe.
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does This Cost?
Albania is CHEAP compared to Western Europe. Here are realistic daily costs:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation
Per night
|
€20-40/night | €50-80/night | €100-200/night |
|
Food
Per day
|
€15-25/day | €30-50/day | €60-100/day |
|
Fuel
Total trip
|
€30-40 total | €40-50 total | €50-60 total |
| Daily Total (2 people) | €100-150/day | €180-280/day | €320-500/day |
3-Day Road Trip Budget (2 People)
- • Accommodation (2 nights): €120
- • Food (3 days): €150
- • Fuel: €40
- • Parking & misc: €30
- Total: €440 (€220 per person)