Where to Stay in the Albanian Riviera (2024): The Ultimate Guide

Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions when visiting the Albanian Riviera, whether you’re road tripping along the coast or staying in one place while taking day trips to other parts of the country.

The Albanian Riviera is slowly but surely being discovered as one of Europe’s best hidden gems, and as an emerging destination it can be confusing to figure out the best areas to stay in during your trip.

To help you, I created this quick guide of the pros and cons of staying in each area, and hotel recommendations for all budgets.

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Things to consider when deciding where to stay in the Albanian Riviera

In the next sections, I will dive into each part of the Albanian Riviera where you should consider staying.

However, depending on your traveling style and the goal of your trip, there are a few things to consider which may affect the area you choose to stay in:

What you want to see and do: This may seem obvious, but different traveling styles beg for different traveling arrangements. If you love to party, you’ll likely enjoy your trip to the Albanian Riviera a lot more if you stay in Dhërmi or in Ksamil. If you want to add on visits to cultural and natural sites like Gjirokastra, Butrint National Archaeological Park, and The Blue Eye, you may be better located if you stay in Ksamil or in Sarandë. However, Vlorë will keep you closer to Berat and Tirana if you want to visit these cities. Finally, if you love hiking and exploring secluded beaches and coves, then Himarë will be the ideal base for you.

The season when you travel: Visiting the Albanian Riviera in the low season is a completely different experience from visiting in peak summer. When I visited Albania in mid-June, many parts of the Riviera down to Himarë were not yet fully set up to welcome tourists, and we were nearly the only people at several beaches. In July and August, you can expect the beaches to be crowded, and prices increase significantly the further south you go in the Riviera.

Distance from the airport: Albania only has one airport, which is in Tirana. If you arrive and depart from Tirana Airport, the closest you can be in the Riviera is by staying in Vlorë, which is still about 2 hours away by car. The other option to fly in or out of the country is via Corfu, from which you can get a ferry to Sarandë. Since the airport in Corfu is closer to the south of the Riviera, you may choose to fly in/out of this airport, but you must consider how close you’ll be from Sarandë at the beginning and end of your trip to keep it convenient.

How you plan to get around: I’d always recommend driving when visiting the Albanian Riviera unless you’re planning to stay in the same area for the entirety or most of your trip. Public transport is not always reliable, plus buses and ferries are less frequent in low and shoulder seasons. If you are relying on these, you may want to stay in better connected towns or cities. However, if you’re driving, parking will be difficult to come by in the summer, and you should look for hotels that offer private parking for guests.

I rented a car in Albania through Sunny Cars, and recommend it for free cancellation and insurance included in the price. Book your rental car here!

These are the best towns to stay in the Albanian Riviera:

Sarandë (Saranda)

Sarandë is one of the most popular choices for staying in the south of Albania for a few reasons.

The biggest advantages of using Sarandë as a base during your holiday in the Albanian Riviera include its lively atmosphere, its proximity to historical towns and natural sites, as well as the most popular beaches in Ksamil and the Greek island of Corfu.

Pros:

• Sarandë is home to the Port of Sarandë, which connects the city with the Greek island of Corfu. This is particularly attractive if you decide to fly into Corfu in order to reach the Albanian Riviera, seeing as the only airport in Albania is in Tirana (a 3.5-hour drive from Sarandë). The ferry from Corfu to Sarandë takes as little as 30 minutes with Finikas Lines.

• As a lively harbour city, Sarandë has plenty of accommodations available for all budgets, as well as entertainment for all ages.

• The city of Sarandë is often the only destination, other than Tirana, where car rental companies allow you to drop off the vehicle. If you are planning a road trip from Tirana to the south of the country (or vice versa), you may want to consider starting or ending your stay in Sarandë. I rented a car in Albania via Sunny Cars, with insurance already included in the price.

• There are plenty of transportation links and good roads connecting Sarandë with other popular beaches in the Riviera (Ksamil is only 20 minutes away by car), as well as UNESCO sites like the town of Gjirokastra or Butrint National Archaeological Park. You can also easily reach The Blue Eye from here.

Cons:

• As a popular holiday destination with both tourists and locals, accommodation in Sarandë is pricier than in other parts of the Riviera like Vlorë, or even Himarë. The cost of food and other items may also be higher.

• Being a popular city with plenty of residential buildings as well as hotels, the streets are busy and parking is hard to find. If you stay here, look for hotels that offer private parking for guests to avoid unnecessary stress.

Where to Stay in Sarandë:

These are my recommendations for hotels in Sarandë:

Himarë (Himara)

Himarë is part of the county of Vlorë, and it’s one of the favorite destinations for beach-goers. Here is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful, natural, and secluded beaches in the Albanian Riviera.

Choosing to stay in Himarë means you’ll get quick access to all of its gems.

Pros:

• Himarë benefits of a unique location surrounded by some of the best beaches and hiking trails in the Albanian Riviera. Close by, you have access to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled gems like Aquarium Beach (Gjiri i Akuariumit), Gjipe Beach (Plazhi i Gjipesë), and Livadi Beach. Within a 30-minute driving radius, you can reach other popular beach destinations such as Dhërmi to one side, as well as Qeparo and Borsh to the other.

• A large portion of the local population in Himarë is ethnically Greek, which means one thing: amazing food! All the food I had here was relatively affordable, and incredibly tasty!

• Being relatively in the centre of the Albanian Riviera, geographically, this means that using Himarë as a base places you at equal distance from both the northern and southern ends. This is good if you’re looking to explore other parts of the coast.

Cons:

• Some of the most unique beaches and hidden coves in Himarë cannot be easily accessed by car (and if they can, the paths that lead to them would certainly void your car rental insurance, should anything happen – which is not worth the risk!). Instead, access often requires hiking anywhere from 30 minutes up to a couple of hours.

• Equally, being in the middle of the Riviera, Himarë is farther away from the cultural sites of interest. For example, due to the main roads’ infrastructure, it takes 1.5 hours to reach The Blue Eye, and Gjirokastra is a 2-hour drive away. If you wish to visit these places, you may consider staying closer to the southern end of the coast, in Sarandë or in Ksamil.

• As I stayed right in front of Spile Beach, it would be very tricky to find parking had our hotel not provided us with a private parking area. In order to avoid unnecessary stress, if you’re driving, check with your accommodation beforehand if they provide a parking area for guests.

• Depending on your type of holiday, if you’re looking for party vibes, Himarë may be a little too quiet for you. If this is the case, you may choose to stay in nearby Dhërmi, or in Ksamil in the south.

Where to Stay in Himarë:

This is where I stayed in Himarë – Geo & Art Boutique Hotel Himara

The hotel is perfectly located, right on the road by Spile Beach, and it has private parking that guests can use in case you’re driving. This boutique hotel is a family-owned business, and the building was restored by the owners. The white-washed walls and simple decor is reminiscent of traditional Greek houses, making staying here a very peaceful experience.

Breakfast is varied, including traditional Albanian foods, as well as continental options.

Other hotels I recommend in Himarë:

Dhërmi

Like Himarë, Dhërmi is part of the county of Vlorë. Dhërmi is a lively area, popular with the young crowds for its vibrant nightlife and modern resorts.

But the area is not only good for party-goers, as nearby Drymades Beach was one of the best beaches I visited in the Albanian Riviera, with ultra-clear waters and fish swimming – great for snorkelling!

Pros:

• If you’re looking for a party holiday, Dhërmi is the best option for you! With a buzzing atmosphere in the summer months, this is where one of the most popular music festivals in Albania – Kala Festival – is hosted.

• From Dhërmi you can also reach some of the Albanian coast’s best secluded beaches and hidden coves. If you’re a fan of hiking and going off the beaten path, spots like Gjipe Beach (Plazhi i Gjipesë) and Aquarium Beach (Gjiri i Akuariumit) are within a 30-minute drive (plus hiking time) away.

• Nearby Dhërmi, you can drive along the Llogara Pass, which is considered one of the most scenic drives in southern Albania – with plenty of breathtaking views and viewpoints along the way. You can also hike and even try paragliding in Llogara National Park!

Cons:

• Due to being a popular summer and party destination, accommodation as well as food and drinks in Dhërmi can be more expensive than in other parts of the Albanian Riviera.

• You can still enjoy staying in Dhërmi even if you don’t like to party, however, if you’re looking for a calmer location for a base, you may consider staying in Vlorë, Himarë, or Sarandë.

• Similarly to Himarë, Dhërmi is farther away from the cultural sites of interest in southern Albania. Due to the main roads’ infrastructure, it takes 2 hours to reach The Blue Eye from Dhërmi, and Gjirokastra is 2.5 hours away by car. If you wish to visit these places, you may consider staying closer to the southern end of the coast, in Sarandë or in Ksamil.

Where to Stay in Dhërmi:

These are my recommendations for hotels in Dhërmi:

Vlorë (Vlora)

Vlorë is the capital of Vlorë county and it is the northernmost part of the Albanian Riviera on the coast. It is the part of the Riviera that is closer to Tirana, the capital city, as well as to the north of Albania. It’s also considered to be the oldest city in Albania, providing opportunities for both culture and relaxation.

The beaches this far north in the Albanian Riviera may be less appealing than those further south, but choosing Vlorë as a base gives you a gateway to the Riviera experience, while providing access to other parts of Albania that you may also be interested in visiting.

Pros:

• As the northernmost point of the Albanian Riviera, staying in Vlorë allows you to enjoy the beach, as well as being closer to the historical town of Berat (a 1.5-hour drive away) than other parts of the coast. Basing yourself here will also ensure you’re located on the part of the Riviera that’s closest to Tirana, in case you’re flying out of Tirana Airport.

• Vlorë is Albania’s third largest city, and considered to be the oldest city in Albania. There are plenty of shopping and dining options, as it is a popular vacation spot – and you can even get a ferry to Italy from the Port of Vlorë. Vlorë Old Town is also great to visit if you’re interested in learning about Albanian history and culture.

• The bay of Vlorë, along the Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast, is one of the most beautiful views I saw during my visit to Albania. When you are facing the sea from the coast, the view over to the peninsula of Karaburun is absolutely magical.

• In general, I found Vlorë to be cheaper to stay in than the other towns in the Albanian Riviera, for all budget ranges. Vlorë is especially ideal for budget travellers, as there are far more budget accommodation options concentrated here than in any of the towns on the Albanian Riviera.

Cons:

• Being the northernmost point of the Albania Riviera, staying in Vlorë places you at the farthest point from the port of Sarandë and the popular beaches further in the south. You will also be at the farthest point from the cultural sites in southern Albania, like Gjirokastra, the Blue Eye, and Butrint National Archaeological Park.

• In my opinion, the beaches in Vlorë are not as good as the ones you’ll find further south in the Riviera – like those in the nearest towns of Dhërmi and Himarë.

• Vlorë is very much a holiday resort destination, and its modern feel may lack some of the charm that other towns have along the Riviera. If you prefer to explore less curated places, maybe Vlorë isn’t the ideal base for your Albania vacation.

Where to Stay in Vlorë:

This is where I stayed near Vlorë – Hotel Picasso

I remember when I was browsing for hotels ahead of our stay and being completely blown away by this hotel. The decor reminds me of a Wes Anderson film and needless to stay I booked it immediately!

The hotel is not centrally located in Vlorë, but because we were road-tripping along the Riviera, we spent the day exploring Vlorë and then stayed here for the night before continuing our journey the next day towards Dhërmi. I wish our road trip had been longer, because this hotel really looked like a nice place to relax for a couple of days – there’s also a private beach area in front that is for use of guests of the hotel only, with sun beds and umbrellas.

Other hotels I recommend in Vlorë:

Ksamil

Unofficially recognised as the capital of the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil is by far the most popular and touristic part of the coast.

If you want to enjoy a summer holiday with a buzzing atmosphere, plenty of music, partying, and trying out the trendy beach bars and restaurants, then this is the right place to stay in.

Pros:

• Ksamil is one of the most lively areas on the coast. If you love a buzzing atmosphere, music, and partying, then Ksamil is the right place for you. When I visited in mid-June, the energy in Ksamil was bustling, while other parts of the Riviera were still getting ready for the season.

• The town of Ksamil is only a 20-minute drive from Sarandë, from where you can get a ferry to reach the Greek island of Corfu. You may decide to fly in and out of Corfu to reach the south of the Albanian Riviera.

• Some of southern Albania’s cultural and natural sites like the Blue Eye (50 minutes away by car), the historic town of Gjirokastra (little over an hour away), and Butrint National Archaeological Park (a mere 9-minute drive) are well within reach of Ksamil for a day trip away from the beach.

Cons:

• As the most popular and touristic destination, Ksamil is definitely the most expensive town to stay in the Albanian Riviera. Along with higher hotel prices, the costs of food and dining, sunbed and beach umbrella rentals, as well as other everyday goods and services are higher than anywhere else on the coast.

• Most of the beaches in Ksamil are privately managed by the resorts and beach bars. Therefore, you need to rent a sunbed and umbrella to enjoy sunbathing at the beaches in Ksamil. You also won’t find much authenticity and secludedness here, as every stretch of sand is occupied.

• Being so popular, Ksamil is the busiest town in the Riviera. Parking can be difficult to come by and, if you arrive at the beach later in the morning, you may struggle to get a sunbed and umbrella. Some people report that the hotels reserve sunbeds for guests, so if you’re staying in Ksamil make sure to check with your hotel to reserve a spot in the sand, especially if you visit in the peak of summer.

Where to Stay in Ksamil:

My experience staying in the Albanian Riviera

I did a road trip across Albania, south of Tirana, over 8 days. The Riviera portion of the trip was over 5 days, plus an extra day for a day trip to Gjirokastra and The Blue Eye.

The itinerary of the Riviera portion of the trip was: Vlorë (1 day), Drymades Beach and Dhërmi (1 day), Himarë (1 day), Qeparo and Borsh Beach (1 day), Gjirokastra and The Blue Eye from Sarandë (1 day), and Ksamil (1 day).

Over the 5 nights, I stayed near Vlorë (1 night), in Himarë (2 nights), and in Sarandë (2 nights).

If I planned my trip again, I would personally add 2-3 extra days to enjoy the Riviera and relax on the beach in between moving places.

For my road trip, I landed at Tirana Airport. I rented the car via Sunny Cars in Tirana, and requested to drop it off at the office in Sarandë (there’s an extra fee charged for this, but it does allow you to save time by doing a one-way trip without having to drive back across the country).

At the end of the trip, I took the ferry from Port of Sarandë to Corfu island and spent a few days there before flying back home from Corfu Airport.

Where to stay in the Albanian Riviera FAQ

What is the closest airport to the Albanian Riviera? The closest airport is Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” in the Greek island of Corfu. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to Corfu Port (a 10-15 minute journey) and then catch a ferry from Corfu Port to Sarandë, on the Albanian coast. The ferry journey from Corfu to Sarandë can take as little as 30 minutes with Finikas Lines.

Is the Albanian Riviera cheap? Compared to other European summer destinations, the Albanian Riviera can provide great value for a nice beach or sightseeing holiday. Depending on the time of the year and the towns you visit, you can have a great and affordable trip. As a general rule, the further north you visit (towards Vlorë), the less expensive visiting tends to be. Inversely, the further south you go (towards Ksamil), the higher the prices.

Where to stay in the Albanian Riviera without a car? Whether you’re arriving/departing from Tirana Airport or Corfu Airport, Sarandë is the best base for enjoying the coast and traveling to other towns by public transport. Buses operate between Sarandë and Tirana, Berat, Vlorë, Himarë, Gjirokastra, Ksamil, and Butrint. The ferry to and from Corfu also departs/docks at Port of Sarandë.

Where to stay in the Albanian Riviera on a budget? In general, I found that prices in the Riviera tend to get higher the further south you stay on the coast. For this reason, the most affordable town to stay in is Vlorë, where there is a larger concentration of budget accommodations. However, you may get good deals if you look for accommodation along the coast outside of the town centres. You will also make big savings if you visit outside of the summer months of July and August.

Where to stay in the Albanian Riviera for a family with kids? Although Ksamil is a very popular resort area with shallow, calm, warm waters, it can get quite loud with music playing at the beach bars and parties nearby. It is also a much more expensive area, which can add up the expenses when travelling as a family. I would instead advise staying in Sarandë, which is a very lively area with plenty of family activities, playgrounds, and dining options for kids – from here, you can also drive to other beaches and visit other cultural sites in the south of Albania as day trips.

Where to stay in the Albanian Riviera for a luxury vacation? The Albanian Riviera is the part of Albania with the largest number of luxury hotels, together with the capital city, Tirana. Surprisingly, there are not yet any 5-star hotels in Ksamil, but you can check out my hotel recommendations above with 5-star luxury hotels in Dhërmi and Himarë. However, many 4-star hotels along the Riviera definitely offer amenities and service that you could expect from high-end luxury hotels (find them in my recommendations above for each location).

Is it better to stay in Ksamil or Sarandë? Depending on what you like, either one can be a good option for you. Ksamil is a trendy and very lively area, with tiny pebble beaches (not sandy!) and calm, clear blue waters. This can be good for children, but keep in mind that there is also a party vibe here with loud music from some of the bars. It is generally the most expensive area to stay in, and it gets very crowded during the day, especially in the summer months due to day-trippers coming and going. Sarandë, on the other hand, has plenty of activities for all ages and various dining options, while keeping an energetic nightlife and buzzing atmosphere throughout. It is also a very well-connected area with public transport to other parts of Albania and the ferries departing to Corfu island.

How many days do you need for the Albanian Riviera? During my trip, I spent 5 days road-tripping along the Albanian Riviera, with an extra day spent visiting Gjirokastra and the Blue Eye. Although I stayed and experienced many of the gems along the Albanian coast, it was a very energetic trip with changing hotels nearly daily. If I planned this trip again, I would allow a few extra days in between to just relax on the beach. You can certainly enjoy the Albanian Riviera in 1 week (especially if you’re staying in one place) but if you can spend 2 weeks here, it will be a much more relaxed holiday.

Last thoughts

I hope this post helps you plan your next trip to the Albanian Riviera and deciding where to stay. There are plenty of options, but no matter what you pick I’m sure you’re going to love it!

Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any questions regarding any part of this post – I’ll do my best to help.

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