Coastal
Albanian Riviera
A stretch of Ionian coastline running from Vlorë to Sarandë, with beach towns like Dhërmi and Himarë offering clear water and dramatic mountain backdrops without Croatia's crowds.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
The Albanian Riviera stretches along the Ionian coast from the Llogara Pass south toward Saranda: a string of pebble beaches, white cliffs and turquoise coves backed by steep mountains. It's one of the last largely undeveloped stretches of Mediterranean coastline, though that is changing fast.
Villages like Dhërmi, Jale and Himarë anchor the coast, each with its own beaches and seafood tavernas. Sea kayak tours explore coves and caves reachable only by water, boat trips head to beaches like Gjipe, a secluded bay at the mouth of a small canyon, and coastal trails link the villages on foot. The water is among the clearest in the Mediterranean, ideal for snorkelling.
Himarë and Dhërmi make the best bases, around three and a half to four hours from Tirana, or about an hour and a half from Saranda, which has ferries to Corfu. July and August are hot and busy, so June and September are the sweet spot. Pair the coast with a paragliding flight from the Llogara Pass above.
When to go
June through September for swimming, with June and September offering warm water and fewer crowds than peak August.
Getting there
Roughly 2-3 hours from Tirana by car.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Beaches free; sunbeds and boats charged
3 to 7 days
Himarë or Dhërmi
Tirana, 3.5-4 hrs
Trips you can book here
Guided tours run by local operators. Open a trip to see the price, what’s included and how the day runs.
Where to stay on the Albanian Riviera: Himarë or Livadhi
Base yourself in Himarë. The Spille seafront is a short walk from several pebble beaches, and boat trips to Gjipe and the coves leave from town. Rea Boutique Hotel sits right on the beach for a splurge, while Himara Hostel keeps costs down with a shared kitchen. For quieter nights, Livadhi Beach about 4 km from the centre has family-run stays, and Dhërmi makes a second base near the Llogara Pass.
Rea Boutique Hotel
Hotel
Price Range:
Upscale
Seven-room boutique hotel right on Spille Beach, with a seafood restaurant terrace and outdoor whirlpools on some balconies.
On Spille Beach, Himarë
Ionian View B&B
Guesthouse
Price Range:
Mid-range
Family-run B&B across the road from Livadhi Beach, quieter than the town seafront, with free parking out back. Cash only.
30 m from Livadhi Beach, 4 km from Himarë centre
Himara Hostel
Hostel
Price Range:
Budget
Garden hostel with a shared kitchen, breakfast and movie nights, plus bike tours and snorkelling for days off the beach.
450 m from Spille Beach
Who it's for
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking in some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, with mountains rising straight behind the beaches and prices well below Croatia.
Skip it if: You want polished resorts and reliable infrastructure. Development is uneven and building work is widespread, so expect construction alongside the beaches.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Albanian Riviera questions
Is the Albanian Riviera as good as Croatia's coast?
Many visitors think so, with clearer water and dramatic mountain backdrops, and significantly fewer crowds and lower prices.
How much time should I plan for the Albanian Riviera?
3 to 7 days. It is 3.5 to 4 hours from Tirana, so it rewards a longer stay.
Is the coast well developed for tourism?
Less developed than Croatia's coast, which is part of the appeal, though infrastructure is growing quickly.
How much does the Albanian Riviera cost?
Beaches are free, though many charge for sunbeds and umbrellas. Guesthouses, food and boat trips are all cheaper than the Croatian coast, which is a large part of the appeal.
Which beach is the best?
Gjipe, a secluded bay at the mouth of a small canyon reachable by boat or a walk, is the standout. The coves around Himarë and Dhërmi are easier to reach and nearly as clear.
Is the Albanian Riviera worth visiting?
Yes, and it is changing fast, so sooner is better. One of the last largely undeveloped stretches of Mediterranean coast, with water as clear as anywhere in Europe.
Where should I base myself?
Himarë for a proper town with restaurants and transport links, or Dhërmi for beaches and a younger scene. Both put you within reach of the best coves.
Can I combine it with Corfu?
Yes. Saranda at the southern end has regular ferries to Corfu, around 30 to 90 minutes depending on the service, which makes a Greece and Albania trip straightforward.
Ready for the Riviera?
Book a 3-hour boat tour from Himarë along the Albanian Riviera, with swimming stops in clear coves.
