Albanian Riviera: Complete Beach Guide from Vlorë to Sarandë

The Albanian Riviera Overview

The Albanian Riviera (Riviera Shqiptare) stretches along the Ionian coast from Vlorë in the north to Sarandë in the south — approximately 120 km of coastline. This stretch is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Mediterranean, characterized by crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and a fraction of the crowds you'd find on the Greek or Croatian coasts.

The coastal road SH8 winds through the mountains with breathtaking views, passing through the Llogara Pass at 1,027 meters before descending to the coast. The beaches become increasingly beautiful as you head south.

Palasë Beach

Located just below the Llogara Pass, Palasë is one of the first Riviera beaches heading south from Vlorë. It's a long, wide beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, backed by olive groves and the dramatic Ceraunian Mountains. Access is via a winding road from the SH8. Development is minimal — a few beach bars and restaurants. This is the Riviera at its most pristine.

Best for: Solitude, natural beauty, camping nearby.

Dhërmi & Drymades Beach

Dhërmi is the most popular beach town on the Riviera. The main beach is a long stretch of white pebbles with clear turquoise water. Drymades, just north, is slightly wilder with a more bohemian atmosphere — beach bars with DJs, and a younger crowd.

Sun lounger rental: 500–1,500 ALL depending on the beach bar. There are free sections between the organized areas. Several hotels and guesthouses are clustered in the town above.

Best for: Beach parties, social atmosphere, good restaurant selection.

Himarë & Livadhi Beach

Himarë is the largest town on the Riviera, with a charming old town perched on a hill above the harbor. Livadhi Beach, just south of town, is one of the most accessible and family-friendly on the coast — a long sandy beach with gradual entry, perfect for children.

The town has ATMs, pharmacies, supermarkets, and good bus connections. It makes an excellent base for exploring the entire Riviera.

Best for: Families, extended stays, town amenities.

Porto Palermo

This small bay is dominated by a well-preserved Ottoman castle built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early 19th century. The beach is small but the water is exceptionally clear. The area was a former submarine base during the communist era — you can still see the concrete bunkers.

Best for: History lovers, snorkeling, photography.

Borsh Beach

At 7 km, Borsh is the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera. It's predominantly pebble with some sand sections, backed by citrus and olive groves. Despite its length, it remains relatively uncrowded even in August. Several family-run restaurants serve fresh fish at very affordable prices.

Best for: Long walks, budget travelers, peaceful atmosphere.

Lukovë & Bunec Beach

Bunec, near the village of Lukovë, is where a freshwater river meets the sea, creating a unique swimming experience — you can swim in cold river water and warm sea water within meters of each other. The beach is small and somewhat tricky to access (steep path), but rewarding.

Best for: Adventure, unique experience, photography.

Ksamil

The southernmost beaches of the Riviera, Ksamil is famous for Caribbean-like turquoise waters and three small islands reachable by swimming or paddleboard. It's the most developed beach area, with numerous restaurants, bars, and accommodation options. It gets very crowded in July–August.

Best for: Island hopping, water sports, Instagram-worthy views.

Practical Tips

• Best time: June and September offer warm water, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July–August is peak season.
• Getting around: A car is ideal. Alternatively, minibuses run along the SH8 in summer, and you can flag them down from the road.
• Water shoes: Many beaches are pebble, not sand. Bring water shoes for comfort.
• Cash: Many beach bars and small businesses are cash-only. ATMs are available in Himarë and Sarandë.
• Accommodation: Book early for July–August. Check listings on Dyqani.app for affordable vacation rentals.