The back story
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The back story
The Albanian Riviera: the back story
From Vlorë’s lagoon to Ksamil’s islets, the Ionian coast in one long, beautiful descent.
Area guide · Albania
The Albanian Riviera: Our Favourites
The Ionian coast from Vlorë past Himarë to Sarandë, Ksamil and ancient Butrint. For Tirana itself, see our Tirana guide.
Show 7 places on a map
What to see and do
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3 photosFortress on a peninsula
Porto Palermo Castle
A triangular fortress on a little peninsula in a calm bay just south of Himarë.
Porto PalermoExplore View on map
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3 photosAcross a wooden footbridge
Zvërnec Monastery
A 13th-century church on a pine-shaded island in the Narta Lagoon, north-west of Vlorë.
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3 photosUNESCO since 1992
Butrint National Park
An ancient city between lake and channel, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian layers meet.
ButrintExplore View on map
Nature, lakes and beaches
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3 photosOver the Ceraunian Mountains
Llogara Pass
A pine-clad pass at 1,027 metres where the road from Vlorë tips down towards the Riviera.
Qafa e LlogarasëExplore View on map
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3 photosPebbles and a canyon cove
Dhërmi & Gjipe
Long pebble beaches below a hill village, and a cove at the mouth of a limestone canyon.
DhërmiExplore View on map
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3 photosIslets and turquoise sea
Ksamil
Turquoise water and four rocky islets just south of Sarandë, inside Butrint National Park.
KsamilExplore View on map
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3 photosSource of the Bistricë
The Blue Eye spring
A karst spring of startling blue in the woods between Sarandë and Gjirokastër.
MuzinëExplore View on map
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3 photosAlbania’s only marine park
Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
Sea caves, cliffs and clear water around the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan island.
Eat and drink
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By the harbour
Limani Sarandë
A harbourside seafood restaurant in Sarandë, serving grilled octopus, sea bass and prawns.
Rruga Jonianet 3, Sarandë 9701Explore View on map
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2 photosSunset above Sarandë
Lëkurësi Castle
A 16th-century Ottoman castle above Sarandë, now a restaurant with views to Corfu.
Where to stay
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3 photos37 rooms and suites
Zoe Hora
A Dhërmi retreat with 37 rooms and suites, an infinity pool, spa and two restaurants.
Rruga Vlladas, Dhërmi 9422Explore View on map
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3 photosSeafront villas
Drymades Inn Resort
Seafront rooms and villas on Drymades beach, with a spa, pool and beach bar.
Rruga Perivolo, Dhërmi 9422Explore View on map
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3 photosOn Livadhi bay
Miamar Luxury Hotel
A modern hotel on Livadhi beach, just north of Himarë, with a wellness area and sea-view dining.
Rruga Shen Varvara, Livadh, HimarëExplore View on map
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2 photosPool by the sea
Rapo’s Resort Hotel
A resort hotel at Potam in Himarë with an outdoor pool, terrace restaurant and private beach.
Potam, 9425 HimarëExplore View on map
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Near Maestral Beach
Buzë Boutique Hotel
A four-star boutique hotel 200 metres from Maestral Beach, with a pool and Mediterranean restaurant.
Rruga Butrinti, Lagja nr 1, SarandëExplore View on map
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Eight rooms and suites
Poda Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel in the centre of Ksamil, with sea-view suites and a pool.
Where to go next
Questions and answers
When should I visit Ksamil?
In June or September, when the sunbeds are easier to find.
Is the Llogara Pass easy to drive?
Drive it in daylight.
Share your The Albanian Riviera tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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