How to get to Albanian Riviera: Tourist Guide 2024

How to get to Albanian Riviera? You can get there by bus, taxi, or car from Tirana airport. The bus ride takes 3 to 5 hours and costs 4 to 11 euros. A taxi will cost between 86 and 165 euros. Another option is flying to Corfu airport and then taking a ferry to the Albanian Riviera, which takes 30 to 70 minutes.

The best way to travel to the Albanian Riviera depends on your budget. Taking the bus is the most affordable option. However, a taxi offers more comfort and speed, but it’s much more expensive.

Also, the best travel method depends on which beach you want to visit. The Albanian Riviera stretches for 120 kilometers along the coast between Vlore and Saranda. There are many beaches along this coastal route. Are you aiming for Vlore in the northern part of the Albanian Riviera or Saranda in the southernmost part of Albania?

Read also: Best Beaches to Visit in Vlorë (2024 Guide)

How to Get to The Albanian Riviera by Flight?

To reach the Albanian Riviera, you have two airport choices:

Tirana International Airport

Tirana International Airport is the main airport in Albania. It’s near the capital city, Tirana, which is in the middle of the country. This means it’s not very close to the Albanian Riviera, located in the south. To get from Tirana airport to the Albanian Riviera, you can drive, take a taxi, or use a bus.

Corfu Airport

Corfu Airport is on the Greek island of Corfu. Even though Corfu is part of Greece, it’s actually closer to the Albanian coastline. From Corfu, you can catch a ferry to Saranda in Albania. Saranda is like the main city of the Albanian Riviera. So if your plan is to visit the southern Albanian Riviera, Corfu Airport is the better choice.

How to Get to The Albanian Riviera by Bus?

There are no direct buses from Tirana airport to the Albanian Riviera.

To get to the Albanian Riviera by bus, follow these steps:

1. Fly to Tirana airport.
2. Take a taxi from Tirana airport to the Regional bus terminal at the Dogana roundabout.
3. From there, catch a bus to Vlore or Sarande.

Buses to the Albanian Riviera leave from the “Regional Bus Terminal – South Albania” near the Dogana Roundabout, about 5 kilometers from Tirana city center. A taxi from the airport to the roundabout costs around 15 – 20 euros. The bus station is large and next to the roundabout. At the Dogana roundabout, you can take a bus to Vlore or Sarande. The Albanian Riviera stretches between Vlore (north) and Saranda (south). The trip to Vlore takes about 3 hours, and to Sarande about 5 hours.

Read also: Best Things to Do in Vlore (Guide 2024)

Buses to Vlore run approximately every 30 minutes from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm. The journey to Vlore costs 500 LEK (around 4 euros) and is operated by companies like Elalba Trans, Olgeno, and Interbus Vlora. The bus to Sarande leaves about 10 times each day from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm. However, there are more buses in the early morning, so it’s good to go to the bus terminal early. A ticket from the Dogana roundabout to Sarande costs 1300 LEK (around 11 euros) for one-way. Two bus companies, Tisa Travel and Olgeno, run buses daily.

If you’re planning to travel by bus to the Albanian Riviera, keep in mind it’s not a fancy trip. At the bus terminal, drivers will call out their destinations. Then you wait on the bus for it to leave, which might not be right away. Usually, they’ll play local music and stop to chat with friends along the way. The benefit of the bus is it’s affordable. It’s much cheaper than a taxi or renting a car.

Read also: How to Get From Gjirokaster to Tirana (2024 Guide)

How to Get to The Albanian Riviera by Taxi?

The easiest way to get to the Albanian Riviera is by taking a taxi from the airport. For safety, it’s best to use the official “Tirana International Airport Taxi” (TIA taxi) because these taxis are licensed.

You can spot the official taxis by:

1. Their yellow color
2. The Auto Holiday Albania logo and the airport logo on both sides of the car
3. They’re parked right outside the airport terminal building

The official TIA taxis have set prices, which you can find on their website. It costs 11,200 LEK (about 86 euros) to go from Tirana airport to Vlore, and 21,000 LEK (about 165 euros) to Sarande.

As you might have noticed, the price difference between taking a taxi and a bus is significant. By bus, it’s around 20 euros to get to the Dogana roundabout and then an additional 4 euros to Vlore, making it a total of 24 euros. In contrast, a taxi to Vlore costs 86 euros, which is 62 euros more. So, taking a taxi is only worth it if you’re traveling with 3 to 4 people and can split the costs.

How to Get to The Albanian Riviera by Car?

The easiest way to reach the Albanian Riviera is by driving your own car or renting one. Having a car is great because you can visit many different beaches along the coastline. Basically, the Albanian Riviera stretches from Vlore in the north to Saranda in the south. There’s a coastal road between these two cities that passes by all the small beaches.

What makes the Albanian Riviera special are its small, hidden, untouched beaches, many of which you can only reach by car. If you fly into Tirana International Airport, you can rent a car right there. Rental companies like iRent Albania, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz have offices at the airport.

Read also: How to Get From Vlore to Ksamil (2024 Guide)

Renting a car at Tirana airport costs between €20.00 and €50.00 per day. Prices vary based on the car brand, age, rental duration, and insurance coverage. You can compare prices online before your trip. You don’t need a four-wheel drive for the Albanian Riviera. The roads are recently renovated and in good condition, although they are winding, so some driving experience is helpful. A regular rental car is fine for this trip.

From Tirana airport, follow signs toward the coastal city Durres. Once you reach the coast, head south. Drive from Durres towards Kavaje, Lushnje, Fier, and Vlore. Vlore is where the Albanian Riviera begins. From Vlore, follow the coastal road towards Saranda. You’ll pass by many famous beaches along the way, so plan time to stop and take pictures.

It takes about 3 hours to drive from Tirana to Vlore, and 5-6 hours to reach Saranda. By bus, it only takes 5 hours to get from Tirana to Saranda, but many buses take an inland route which is faster but less scenic. The coastal road, however, is a real highlight. Along the way, you’ll cross the Llogara pass, offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea and beaches below. Plan a full day for the coastal drive so you can stop and explore the small beaches.

How to Get to The Albanian Riviera from Corfu?

The airport on Corfu island is closer to the Albanian Riviera than Tirana airport. Corfu is a Greek island near the Albanian coast. You can take a ferry from Corfu to Albania. To reach the Albanian Riviera from Corfu, first fly from any European city to Corfu Airport. Then, go from Corfu airport to the Port of Corfu to catch the ferry.

You can travel from Corfu airport to the Port of Corfu by bus or taxi. Bus line No 15 goes directly to the port in 20 minutes for €1.20. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes 12 minutes and costs between €15 and €20. The ferry departs from the Port of Corfu and arrives in the Port of Saranda, a large coastal city known as “the capital of the Albanian Riviera”.

The ferry ride takes 30 to 70 minutes, depending on the type of boat. A speed boat like the flying dolphin takes 30 minutes, while a regular car ferry takes 70 minutes. Ferry prices range from €18.00 to €23.80 for a one-way ticket per adult, with higher rates during peak season.

The ferry operates between 2 and 13 times a day, depending on the season. There are more trips in the spring and autumn months and fewer in winter. Four companies run ferries between Corfu and Saranda: Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines, Sarris Lines & Cruises, and Joy Lines. Prices are similar, so choose based on the best schedule for you.

Where is The Albanian Riviera?

The Albanian Riviera is a 120-kilometre stretch of coastline in Southern Albania. It begins in the city of Vlore and ends just south of Saranda. This area is famous for its stunning beaches, including secluded coves that remain untouched and quiet even during busy times. That’s what makes the Albanian Riviera so special in Europe.

To explore the Albanian Riviera, you can drive along a winding coastal road that offers breathtaking views of the mountains and beaches below. The road can be steep and narrow in places, with the Llogara Pass being a standout spot. Here, you can park and enjoy a meal at a restaurant while taking in a magnificent view of the Riviera.

The main cities along the Albanian Riviera are Vlore and Sarande. Vlore, at the beginning of the Riviera, features a large bay where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Saranda is considered the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera and boasts a lively scene with plenty of hotels, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment options. The standout attraction of the Albanian Riviera is Ksamil beach, located in the far south of Albania. It offers pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, with the option to visit one of the four nearby islands by boat.

Albanian Riviera Map

The Albanian Riviera is a 120-kilometer stretch of coastline between Vlora and Saranda. Vlora, a large coastal city, marks the beginning of this beautiful area. It sits by a big bay. A scenic coastal road runs from Vlora along the stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera. First, you’ll come across the Karaburun Peninsula, a rocky piece of land jutting into the sea with hidden beaches accessible only by boat.

Heading south from Vlora, you’ll pass over the Llogara Pass, the highest point (1,027m above sea level) on this coastal road. From here, you get breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the Riviera’s beaches. Continuing south, you’ll find Palase and Dhermi beaches. Dhermi, especially, is popular among young people during the summer.

For a quieter experience, walk from Dhermi to Drymades beach, one of the prettiest hidden spots recommended by Lonely Planet. Further south is Jale beach, known for its pristine green-blue waters and unspoiled surroundings. Nearby is Gjipe beach, enclosed by cliffs and accessible only by boat or a 35-minute walk, making it feel like a secluded island.

Himare, a charming village with several lovely beaches, is a good alternative to bigger towns like Vlore or Saranda. Driving south from Himare, you’ll reach Porto Palermo Bay with its dark blue waters and Ali Pasha’s castle on a small island in the middle. Continuing south, you’ll find Borsh Beach, the longest along the Riviera at 7 kilometers.

Finally, Saranda, often called the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, offers a lively coastal atmosphere with many amenities, including easy access to nearby attractions like Ksamil beach, the Blue Eye, and Butrint. For quieter spots near Saranda, consider Mirror and Monastery beaches, tucked away in coves surrounded by cliffs.

At the southernmost point of the Albanian coast lies Ksamil beach, known as the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera.” It’s a picturesque spot with perfect white sand, crystal-clear waters, and four little islands just offshore, perfect for a boat trip. Ksamil truly is the gem of the Riviera!

How to Get to Ksamil Beach in The Albanian Riviera?

Ksamil beach is 12 kilometers south of Saranda, a city by the sea. You can reach Ksamil beach by bus, taxi, or car. The most affordable way to go from Saranda to Ksamil beach is by bus. A one-way bus ticket costs only 100 LEK (less than €1.00). Buses leave from Nene Theresa Square in the center of Saranda.

But during busy months like July and August, the bus can get crowded. It’s better to catch the bus at the start of its route. You can do this by going to where Rruga Jonianet and Rruga Mitat Hoxha meet near the port, marked by a big tree. The bus ride to Ksamil takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. If you prefer not to wait for the bus, taking a taxi is easier. It costs only 10 euros and takes just 10 minutes from Saranda to Ksamil. If you’re driving a rental car, follow signs from Saranda to Ksamil. It’s a popular beach, so it’s easy to locate.

Tip: The fascinating UNESCO site Butrint is very close to Ksamil. Butrint is further down the same road that goes through Ksamil. For a great day trip, start early to visit Butrint in the morning and then relax at the beautiful Ksamil beach later.

How to Get to Gjipe Beach in the Albanian Riviera?

Gjipe is one of the hardest-to-reach beaches along the Albanian Riviera because it’s surrounded by cliffs. But it’s definitely worth the effort because it’s beautiful, secluded, and hidden. It feels like stepping onto a deserted island when you visit! You can reach Gjipe beach either by sea using a boat or by hiking. The easiest way is to take a boat from nearby Jale beach. Rent a boat or kayak to paddle along the coast to Gjipe. The coastal journey itself is stunning, which makes it even better!

Another option is to drive to Gjipe village and park your car. However, the last part of the route isn’t reachable by car, so you’ll have to walk. It takes about 35 minutes to hike to the beach along the trail. July and August are great times to visit Gjipe beach. Although Albania sees fewer tourists compared to other European countries, July and August are still peak months. So, Gjipe beach offers a peaceful escape from crowded summer beaches.

Gjipe is completely natural and untouched by commercial development. If you prefer beaches without restaurants, bars, or loud music, then Gjipe is perfect. There are caves around the beach that you can swim into. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, food, and water for your trip because there are no facilities at this beach. That’s part of its charm!

How to Get to The Karaburun Peninsula in The Albanian Riviera?

The Karaburun Peninsula is a mountain that juts out into the sea. Along this peninsula, there are secluded beaches that are a bit hidden away. You can only reach these “secret” beaches by boat or by taking a long hike. Geographically, the Karaburun Peninsula is located in the northern part of the Albanian Riviera, between Vlore and Dhermi beach. So, you can reach the beaches of this peninsula by taking a boat from either Vlore or Dhermi.

If you go by boat from Vlore, you can explore the north side of the peninsula. The boat ticket costs 2500 LEK (around 20 euros) per person. During this boat trip, you’ll pass by the impressive Haxhi Ali Cave which is large enough to fit an entire ship inside. Afterward, the boat will take you to some of the hidden beaches along the peninsula. If you choose to take a boat from Dhermi beach, you can explore the south side of the peninsula. The cost for this boat trip is 150 euros for a group of 6-7 people. This trip includes visits to the Blue Cave and Gramata Bay.

One of the highlights on the south side of the peninsula is Gramata Bay, also known as “the bay of scriptures.” This bay was often used as a safe harbor by ships and pirates seeking refuge from rough seas. Over the centuries, many sailors have carved writings and symbols into the cliffs surrounding the bay. Some of these inscriptions are very old and can be traced back to ancient Greek times.

If you enjoy hiking, you can also reach the Karaburun Peninsula on foot. However, it’s about a 6-hour hike to reach the beaches, so you might need to stay overnight and hike back the next day.

Can You Get to The Smaller Beaches by Public Transport?

There are official bus routes to Vlore, Dhermi, Himare, Saranda, and Ksamil. Most of the smaller beaches don’t have a set bus route, but you can request the bus driver to stop there if needed. Asking for extra stops is common in Albania.

If you’re relying on public transport to reach the Albanian Riviera, it’s best to start with Vlore or Saranda since they are major coastal cities easily reachable by bus.

Here are the travel times from Vlore:

• Vlore to Dhermi takes 56 minutes by bus.
• Vlore to Himare takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Vlore to Sarande takes 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Buses from Vlore heading south pass by smaller beaches like Jale, Gjipe, Porto Palermo, and Borsh. You can ask the driver to stop at these places. Don’t worry about figuring out the right bus; Albanians are helpful and will guide you. Just be patient because public transport can be slow due to frequent stops and breaks.

Where Should i Stay in Albanian Riviera?

If you want an exciting destination, consider Sarande, Vlore, or Dhermi on the Albanian Riviera. Sarande is famous for its nightlife. Vlore’s bay area is full of restaurants, hotels, bars, and clubs that light up beautifully at night, reflecting in the sea. The city buzzes with activity until late. Dhermi, though small, is a hip spot popular with young people in summer. There’s beach music, coastal bars, and even festivals. If you rely on public transport or are on a budget, Himare beach is ideal in the Albanian Riviera.

To get there:

• 4 hours and 18 minutes from Tirana
• 1 hour and 20 minutes from Vlore
• 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sarande

Himare is a charming seaside village in the heart of the Albanian Riviera, easily reached by bus from Tirana, Vlore, or Sarande. From Himare, you can take a short taxi to nearby beaches like Jale, Gjipe, and Porto Palermo Bay. For quieter times, consider visiting Ksamil beach in May, June, or September. Known as the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera,” it’s stunning but gets crowded in peak season.

Is Saranda Worth Visiting?

Saranda is a large city by the coast, much like other coastal cities in Europe. If you enjoy having restaurants, bars, and clubs near your hotel, then Saranda is a good choice. In addition, Saranda is surrounded by many interesting places to visit. Near Saranda, you can explore:

• Ksamil beach
• Butrint, an important archaeological site recognized by UNESCO
• Gjirokaster, a historic city also on the UNESCO heritage list
• Blue Eye Albania, a beautiful natural attraction

If you stay in Saranda for 2-3 nights, you can easily see all these nearby places. Butrint and Ksamil are on the same route, and so are Blue Eye and Gjirokaster. You can spend half a day at each spot.

Furthermore, there are some lovely secluded beaches to the south of Saranda, such as Mirror Beach, Monastery Beach, and Pulembarda Beach. If you drive towards Ksamil from Saranda, you’ll see signs for these small beaches along the road. So if you want to escape the crowds in Saranda, these hidden beaches are a great option to explore.

Read also: Best Things to do in Saranda (2024 Guide)

Are There Nice Beaches in Northern Albania?

Albania has some wonderful beaches, not just in the popular Albanian Riviera but also up north. Here are three standout beaches in Northern Albania:

1. Rana e Hedhun: Near Shkodra city and Shengjin beach, this spot features a unique sand dune that stretches from the mountains to the sea. It’s a picturesque, somewhat hidden beach with perfect sandy shores.
2. The Cape of Rodon: Close to Tirana, this area boasts a striking mountain cliff that juts into the sea. You’ll also find the old castle of Skanderbeg, a national hero. While not ideal for swimming, it’s a natural wonder worth seeing if you’re traveling to Durres or Tirana.
3. The Bay of Lalzit: This beautiful sandy beach is near Tirana and is less known compared to the popular Durres. Lalzit Bay is more untouched and peaceful, just a 45-minute drive from the capital city.

Read also: The Best Beaches in Albania near Tirana

Albanian Riviera holidays – 3/4 days itinerary

If you have limited time to visit the Albanian Riviera, start your trip in Saranda. This area is the heart of the best sights along the coast.

In 3-4 days, you can explore:

• Ksamil Beach
• Butrint UNESCO site
• The Blue Eye natural spring
• Gjirokaster UNESCO site
• Enjoy a day at a hidden beach like Mirror Beach or Monastery Beach

Day 1: Ksamil Beach and Butrint Ksamil Beach is considered the most beautiful spot along the coast and a must-visit. It’s near Butrint, the country’s most impressive UNESCO heritage site.

Day 2: Blue Eye Spring and Gjirokaster On the next day, see the amazing Blue Eye Spring, where water comes up from an underwater cave with a stunning blue color. Then head to Gjirokaster, a historic city known for its old stone houses, castle, and bustling market.

Day 3: Relax on a Hidden Beach Spend a day at one of the smaller beaches near Saranda, like Monastery Beach, Mirror Beach, or Pulembardha Beach.

Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024