The Best of the Albanian Riviera: A Complete Travel Guide

Are you dreaming of turquoise beaches and dramatic coastal scenery without the Italy-level price tag? Then it’s time to put Albania on your radar - specifically, the Albanian Riviera.

This dreamy stretch of coastline runs along the Ionian Sea in southern Albania, offering stunning scenery paired with a slower, more authentic Mediterranean pace. Less crowded and more affordable than neighbouring coastlines, it’s quickly becoming a must-visit for travellers who want natural beauty without mass tourism.

Beaches on the Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is best known for its beaches - and it’s easy to see why. With a mix of long pebble shores, hidden coves, and calm, swimmable bays, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of our favourites;

Ksamil

One of the most photographed beaches in Albania, Ksamil is known for its bright turquoise water, white sand, and postcard-worthy views. The calm, shallow sea makes it easy to swim and ideal for families, while the lively beachfront gives the area a fun, summery feel. There are plenty of activities to do here, but we especially recommend renting a kayak to explore the nearby islands just offshore.

Dhërmi

Backed by rugged mountains, Dhërmi offers clear water, long stretches of beach, and a vibrant summer atmosphere. During the day, it’s perfect for swimming and relaxing by the sea, while evenings bring beach bars, restaurants, and music. With its mix of natural beauty and nightlife, it’s a popular choice for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends.

Jale Beach

Jale Beach has a relaxed but social vibe, with beach clubs in the centre and plenty of space for swimming and snorkelling along the shoreline. The water is usually calm, making it great for long, lazy days by the sea. Himarë is just a short drive away, offering even more dining options, cafés, and places to stay.

Gjipe Beach

Tucked between dramatic cliffs at the end of Gjipe Canyon, this beach feels wonderfully remote and untouched. Getting there is part of the adventure, whether you join a 4x4 tour or hike through the valley on foot. Once you arrive, you’re rewarded with crystal-clear water, minimal development, and one of the most scenic settings on the Albanian Riviera.

Where to Stay along the Albanian Riviera

Accommodation along the Riviera ranges from simple guesthouses to boutique hotels, with most places offering excellent value. We suggest basing yourselves in one of these areas and then exploring the surrounding beaches with day trips.

Himarë

Himarë offers a relaxed town vibe with a wide mix of family-run guesthouses, small hotels, and affordable apartments. It’s a great option for travellers who want comfort, local dining, and easy access to multiple beaches without the crowds. From here, you can easily reach Jale Beach, Llamani Beach, and Livadhi Beach, making it a convenient base for beach hopping.

Ksamil

Ksamil is best known for modern apartments, beachfront hotels, and budget-friendly stays within walking distance of the beach. Its compact layout and calm water make it especially popular with families and first-time visitors. Staying here gives you direct access to Ksamil Beach and the nearby islands, as well as easy trips to quieter coves along the southern coast.

Dhërmi

Dhërmi has a mix of boutique hotels, beach resorts, and hillside guesthouses, many with sweeping sea views. It’s ideal for travellers looking to combine stylish accommodation with beach clubs and a lively summer atmosphere. It’s perfectly placed for exploring Dhërmi Beach, Drymades, Palasa, and the access point to Gjipe Beach, while still offering a lively summer scene.

Dining & Drinking on the Albanian Riviera

Meals along the Albanian Riviera are fresh, affordable, and strongly influenced by Mediterranean and Greek flavours. Menus focus on grilled seafood, seasonal vegetables, local olive oil, and house-made wine or raki.

Dining is typically relaxed and outdoors, often right by the water, with generous portions and unhurried service. Waterfront seafood restaurants in particular offer some of the best value meals you’ll find anywhere along the European coast.

For a full breakdown of dining costs and everyday expenses in Albania, check out our Complete Guide to Money in Albania.

Activities & Things to Do Along the Albanian Riviera

Beach Clubs

The Albanian Riviera has a growing beach club scene, especially in places like Dhërmi, Himarë, and Ksamil. Soak in the sunbeds, umbrellas, music, and beachfront dining for a perfect, laid-back day at the beach. Some clubs are relaxed and family-friendly, while others lean more social in peak summer, making it easy to choose your own pace.

Boat trips

Boat trips are one of the best ways to experience the Riviera’s coastline and find secret coves that you couldn’t otherwise access. From small speedboats to half-day cruises, trips typically visit secluded coves, sea caves, and beaches that are difficult to reach by road. Departures run from towns like Himarë and Sarandë, offering swimming stops in crystal-clear water and a completely different perspective of the coast. Most beaches will have stalls and signs directing you to the closest tour company, so it’s easy to plan a day on the water.

Water activities

The calm Ionian Sea is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding, especially in the mornings when the water is at its clearest. Kayaking along the coastline lets you explore caves and rock formations up close, while jet skiing and parasailing are available in busier resort areas during summer. Equipment rentals are widely available in main beach towns, and activities are suitable for both beginners and experienced travellers.

Day Trips from the Albanian Riviera

Blue Eye

A visit to the famous Blue Eye is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from the Albanian Riviera. This striking natural spring featured a deep blue centre and crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush forest. The walk to the viewpoint is short and easy, making it an ideal stop to combine with nearby coastal towns. It’s an absolute MUST whilst you’re in the area and is one of our top 5 things to do. From Sarandë, it’s an easy 30-40 minute drive by car and one of the closest inland highlights to check out.

Gjirokaster

If you want to mix up your days, the UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër offers a complete contrast to beach life. Known for its stone-roofed houses and hilltop castle, the old town is perfect for wandering cobbled streets, visiting museums, and enjoying panoramic views over the valley. It’s a cultural highlight and a rewarding inland escape from the coast. Plus, it’s one of the best places in Albania to stock up on souvenirs and little goodies. It’s 1.2 hours from Sarandë by car so it makes for a great full-day trip to really take your time exploring.

Butrint Archaeological Park

Butrint Archaeological Park is one of Albania’s most important historical sites and an easy day trip from the southern Riviera. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines ancient ruins, wetlands, and lakeside scenery, with layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history. It’s an ideal half-day visit that blends culture and nature in a single stop. It’s only 30 minutes away from Sarandë, so if you’re feeling energetic, you could combine this site with beach hopping in nearby Ksamil.

Getting Around the Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is best explored by car, giving you the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints, hidden beaches, and small coastal villages along the way. The coastal roads are incredibly scenic but narrow and winding in places, so journeys often take longer than expected - it’s best to plan shorter driving days and allow time for spontaneous stops.

Rental cars are widely available in Tirana and Sarandë and are generally affordable, especially outside peak summer months.

Buses and minibuses (furgons) connect major towns such as Sarandë, Himarë, and Dhërmi, but services can be infrequent, and schedules aren’t always clearly posted, particularly in shoulder season. Taxis and private transfers work well for shorter distances, but costs can add up if you’re moving around often.

If you’d rather skip the logistics altogether, our Corfu & Albania Explorer includes all transport, making it an easy and stress-free way to experience the Riviera while still seeing the region’s highlights.

Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera

Summer is peak season along the Albanian Riviera, and popular towns like Ksamil, Himarë, Dhërmi, and Sarandë can get busy. If you’re travelling between June and August, booking accommodation in advance is essential. The payoff is long, hot days perfect for beach hopping, kayaking through hidden bays, and soaking up the Riviera’s lively summer atmosphere.

Spring and autumn are often overlooked but are a true sweet spot. You’ll still enjoy warm days and crystal-clear water, just with fewer crowds, a pleasant coastal breeze, and more affordable prices across accommodation and tours.

For a deeper breakdown by region and season, check out our Best Time to Visit Albania guide.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Albanian Riviera

Phone signal & staying connected

Mobile coverage along the Albanian Riviera is generally reliable, especially in tourist towns and beach hubs. A local SIM or eSIM is affordable and makes navigation, bookings, and everyday coordination easy. Signal can drop at more remote beaches or along coastal trails, so if you’re heading off on an adventure, downloading offline maps is a smart backup.

Language along the Riviera

Albanian is the main language in Albania, but English is widely spoken in Riviera towns during the summer season. You can expect signs, menus and tours to all be in English, but a few basic Albanian phrases will go a long way and are always appreciated by locals.

Riviera beach safety & practical tips

The Ionian Sea is usually calm, but conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared. Check the water before swimming, especially on open beaches with little protection, and don’t swim too far away from the shore.

Money & payments on the Albanian Riviera

The local currency is the Albanian lek. Cards are increasingly accepted in popular Riviera towns, but many beach bars, sunbed rentals, and small restaurants still operate on a cash basis. ATMs are available in main towns, but not near remote beaches, so carry enough cash for the day.

Packing for the Albanian Riviera

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and light layers for evenings by the sea. Water shoes are useful for pebbly beaches, and a dry bag comes in handy for boat trips. If you plan on beach-hopping or visiting secluded coves, a reusable water bottle and portable charger are also worth bringing.

Are you picturing yourself stretched out on one of these beaches yet? With crystal-clear water, dramatic coastal views, and a slower pace of life, the Albanian Riviera is waiting to be discovered.

To make it all even easier, our Corfu & Albania Explorer takes care of the logistics for you - combining the best Riviera beaches, coastal activities, and key inland highlights into one seamless, guided journey so you can simply enjoy Albania at its best.