On Zvrnec Island just northwest of Vlor is a Cultural Monument of Albania you cannot miss on the Albanian Riviera. At the beginning of the trail, there is an information board with useful maps of the stronghold and a brief history of it in English and Albanian. The kind served at Restorant Ali Kali is more honey than yogurt, so its especially sweet! If you love history like I do, visiting Apollonia and St. Marys Church is one of the best things to do on the Albanian Riviera. I suggest ending your meal with one of my favorite Balkan desserts, fresh yogurt with honey. The wide-open terrace offers a stunning panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and the nearby bay and beach. The village itself is home to many traditional houses and a beach that is especially popular among young locals. The Albanian Riviera, to the north of Saranda, is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Ionian Sea. Can someone please advise whether i should pre book a car in advance (if yes any good online companies) or get down at Tirana. Ive battled a stick shift down curving Amalfi Coast roads, beach-hopped from Crete to Santorini, and leapt from outside Dubrovniks Old Town walls into the Adriatic. It was later burned down twice more during WWII, once by the Italians in 1939 and once by the Germans in 1942. If you want to buy something typical, a bottle of this good olive oil is a great idea. The settlement of Palasa is located on the mountain to the right. Himara was a sleepy village, and Saranda was only a small, low-rise city. This area on the Albanian Riviera is abundant in wildlife (roe deer, foxes, squirrels, wild boar, and wolves are prevalent) and would be an ideal base for a few days of hiking. Prominently featured on the monument is Ismail Qemali, who led the Albanian national movement and founded Independent Albania, a parliamentary state declared and constituted on the same day as the Declaration of Independence. Yacht Hotel View Something more authentic, hard to find on the internet. Gjipe Beach 10. The Albanian Riviera is, without question, one of . If this is the first time you've heard the words 'Albanian Riviera' then you're in for a treat. Creator of unique free travel guides and local travel expert. Hotel Brooklyn Vlore Vlor Set in Vlor, within 600 metres of Vlore Beach and 1 km of Vjetr Beach, Hotel Brooklyn Vlore offers a bar. The seaside town of Himara is one of the riviera's best places to visit, while Porto Palermo Beach, Llamani Beach and Filikuri Beach are some of the area's finest sandy stretches, while Drymades Beach is one of the liveliest spots here. All along the Albanian Riviera are gorgeous towns, cute villas, beautiful beaches, and pristine waters. Warblers, pygmy cormorants, and marsh harriers also live in the reed beds. After arriving in Vlor, its not much of a stretch to suggest that a seafood feast is in order. Its proximity to most of the local attractions makes staying at Bologna Hotel one of the top 15 things to do on the Albanian Riviera! Limitless Albania brings you very close to Albanian life & nature by tailoring it to your interests/preferences with personalized ideas. In the village of Borsh, roughly a one-hour drive north of Sarand, youll find the largest bay on the Albanian Riviera. Old Himara, located above the contemporary town, is commonly referred to as Himara Castle, and it was fortified in the 5th-4th century BC when Himara was part of Chaonia. During my visit to Restorant Ali Kali, I started with some cold and smooth blackberry rakija. If you prefer, the hotel also offers room service, as well as laundry service. If youre lucky, you may come across vendors on the beach selling fresh figs! A tiny road up to the right immediately before the settlement of Borsh, about an hour and a half from Saranda, goes up to Borsh Castle, also known as Sopoti Castle. Following, there's a list of 7 villages that Gesi suggests visiting: Old Qeparo Placed on the heart of the Albanian Riviera, with a typical authentic architecture, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, old Orthdox churches and a wonderful view over Ionian Sea. At Limitless Albania, we believe that tourism should be a collaborative project that benefits local communities and enterprises. Just search for your destination and secure your reservation today. And heres why: We desire to suggest something different and unique, with all the knowledges of a local guides. Tragjasi i Vjetr or Old Tragjas is around 300m above sea level, higher than the current settlement. we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Tucked away in the foothills of the Acroceraunian Mountains, the picture-perfect village of Dhrmi lays claim to one of the most idyllic stretches of coast on the Albanian Riviera. You can also find large jars, numerous beheaded Roman statues from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The Albanian Riviera has already attracted huge interest among travelers tired of the traffic jams of Croatia. There is no public transportation to these Albanian Riviera beaches. Although most hotels state that they take credit cards, the systems are not always reliable, so bring plenty of cash. Created by Albanian sculptors Muntaz Dhrami and Kristaq Rama, the monument celebrates the Declaration of Independence. The food was phenomenal. Theth 9. The vistas are breathtaking. Its a good spot to start your walk just ask the servers to show you the shortcut up to the road. Labov e Kryqit, Gjirokastra. If youre traveling by bus, I recommend you ask to be dropped off at the Plazh (beach in Albanian) and then walk or hitchhike down the hill. Golem Beach, Albania is one of the best places to go in Albania. It serves as a tranquil, spiritual oasis for Albanian Christians who live in the Vlor area. On the way we visit the Ali Pasha Castle in Panormi bay a.k.a Porto Palermo, name given by the Fascist Italian . Visiting Dhrmi is among the best things to do along the Albanian Riviera. The exceptional in-house restaurant, Epidamn, serves a mix of Mediterranean classics and traditional Albanian dishes. This idyllic stretch of sand is a definite contender for best beach in Albania . A tiny marina sits on one side of the bay where the small ferry boats pull in from Corfu, Greece, 30 minutes offshore. #2 Saranda - One of the Best Albanian Riviera Cities for Exploring & Budget Hotels . Budget travel blog Travel more, worry less, Travel Blog Europe Albania Best places to see on the Albanian Riviera on vacation. The monasterys rotunda houses lots of stunning paintings that depict scenes from the Bible. One of the most prominent sites in the park are the circular remains of the monumental fountain. Theres also a large calendar on the floor and several statues initially unearthed in the ancient city. @b012345100. Gjirokaster. Lukove 8. A plus here is the presence of two of the most beautiful beaches of the country, Gjipe Beach and Jale, both located near the village and well-known summer destinations. Theyll give them to you, and probably walk with you to your final destination. Local attractions like the National Museum of Independence, Flag Square, and Marina di Orikum are also within a 30-minute drive. Located on a peninsula at the southern end of the Bay of Vlor is the ancient city of Orik, also known as Oricus or Orikos. Borsh is famous for olive oil production since the ancient times. Camping is allowed, but make sure to bring water, food and other necessities as Grama Bay is isolated and unserviced. You have many choices for Saranda beaches. The village boasts classic southern European architecture and a staggering 35 churches within its boundaries. Its a staple throughout southeastern Europe and is also a sweet, creamy way to end your meal. I was struck by the rivieras sun-drenched beaches and gorgeous sites, and the fact that its still largely unknown to non-Albanians. Here's a link to some Saranda hotels on Tripadvisor. The restaurant is easily the most unique I visited during my time in Albania. The ancient village may be seen from here on its hilltop, although it is separated from the cemetery by a riverbed (dry in summer) that can only be crossed by 44 vehicles. Rruga Butrinti, Lagjia 1, Sarand, 9703. Of all the best places to visit in Albania, Apollonia is one destination that comes to mind right away. These incidents were portrayed in Ismail Kadares 1979 film Face to Face. KSAMIL (KSAMILI) ISLANDS - a picturesque archipelago. Llamani Beach (Himare) 7. Compare 566 hotels in Albanian Riviera using 419 real guest reviews. As the largest city on the Albanian Riviera, theres plenty to do there, which means a hotel stay is in order if you want enough time to explore the city properly. They call it besa. During and maybe after the Italian occupation, the stronghold was utilized as military storage. Gjirokastra is one of the best places to go in Albania if you want to see the country's more traditional side. Hotel in Vlor. Valbona National Park The Valbona National Park is the ultimate mountain destination and therefore very popular amongst hikers. Ancient Orik also served as a base during its time under Roman rule, and played an important role in Romes wars with both the Illyrians and Macedonia. Chef Joni is a master at creating succulent Albanian seafood dishes, so its hard to go wrong with anything on his menu. It is now a rather underrated tourist attraction. For bird-lovers, there are around 350 bird-species to be seen, including white flamingos, Dalmatian Pelicans, wetland eagles and egrets, while lakes and rivers teem with a rich variety of aquatic life. (7 reviews) Spile to Old Himara is a delightful and picturesque 30-45-minute stroll on the Albanian Riviera. In certain parts of this city, these old houses stand beside. Four of the eight submarines were left behind after a weeks-long standoff. There, you can try a number of Mediterranean dishes, including pizza, sea bass, seafood risotto, and antipasti, as well as omelets, soups, salads, beer, coffee, and rakija. With a sustainable tourism, in this way, we are able to help the local economy,as well. 5. This island inside the Narta Lagoon is home to St. Marys Monastery, a medieval Byzantine church that dates back to the 13th century. The conditions are suitable for getting outside, including to the beach, without being overbearingly hot. While the climate of the Mediterranean country varies from the coast to the mountainous areas, you can expect average highs of around 73-83F (23-28C) in September. Where peace and partying coexistEvery year, I kickstart my Albanian summer with the same pilgrimage to Drymades beach. Once thought to have been an amphitheater, it was used as a tank and collected rain water. How to get to and around the Albanian Riviera Car rental in Albania 1. Breakfast and parking are included with your stay. Best Places to Visit in the Albanian Riviera 1. Saranda is the most popular riviera town and is worth exploring, but areas like Ksamil, Dhermi and Vuno are the areas that tend to win over hearts and minds. 1. The Albanian Riviera is home to some of the best beaches in the Balkans and in Europe. . Tragjas On the other side of the Llogara Pass is the abandoned village of Old Tragjas. Old mansions covered with rocky rooftops, old Orthodox churches full of history andthe most special hospitality you will ever have by the local people. Crystal clear water, jagged cliffs to jump from, and a beautiful canyon behind you. Borsh is also home to the largest beach of Albania, the 7-kilometer sandy Borsh Beach, perfect for families and children. Other destinations to discover after the Albanian RivieraVisit Berat Albania: a short travel guideWhy you have to visit Shkoder AlbaniaTirana Albanias colorful and creative capital. Its outstanding! Its estimated to have been erected in the 14th or 15th centuries and was burnt and rebuilt three times throughout the Ottoman Empire. There is a remarkable number of beaches for swimmers and sunbathers, but the region is also popular among history lovers. Saranda Source: flickr Beach in Saranda Located in the south of Albania is Saranda. A short ways further youll hit Buneci, where mountain springs trickle into the ocean. View Gallery. It was first mentioned in writing in 1258, and the hill on which it lies was already fortified by the 4th century BC. And because Albania isnt as widely known to the world as some of its neighbors like Greece and Italy, its very much a gem thats hidden in plain sight. Points of interest that have been unearthed include an odeon or theater, a temple, and a building called a bouleuterion, which is where the city council met. The naked peaks of the ika Mountains, 2,045 meters at their highest point, are on your right, with pines and firs shrouding the hillside below them. I also couldnt get enough of the many paragliders who put on quite a show for me and my fellow visitors! Others say it was built much earlier by the Venetians due to its resemblance to a similar fortress in Butrint. This beach doesn't have direct road access, and you'll need to walk 1.5 km along a gravel track from the car park. Here, instead of huge numbers of sunbathers and swimmers, youll likely see lots of paragliders, who are fun to watch as you roam the beach! However, there are plenty of quieter towns along the Albanian Riviera where you can easily spend a few days relaxing by the beach, such as Himara, Borsh, Palase, and Vuno. Eating at Restorant Joni is easily one of the best things you can do on the Albanian Riviera and will make for a dining experience you wont soon forget! Flexible booking options on most hotels. The hairpin turns ahead of Palasa lead to the Llogara Pass, which rises more than 1,000 meters above sea level. On the side, we had prawns, cheese with pickled peppers, frges, salad with yogurt, toasted white bread, and French fries. Not far from Dhrmi in the Himar municipality is another small village called Palas. Voskopoja, Kora.Quite near Kora, surrounded by hills and forests, it remains one of the most known spots for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. Theth would possibly simply be probably the most peaceable place to go to in Albania. Further on is a wide set of ancient steps leading up a hillside and a ruined gate, as well as houses carved into a rocky hillside. Report inappropriate content. Book a trip to Albania today to experience the sights and wonders of the Albanian Riviera today! 4 5 Places to visit 5.1 5.2 Dhrmi 5.3 Saranda 5.4 Himare 5.5 Palasa 5.6 Ksamil 5.7 Bunec 5.8 Borsh 6 What to eat About the Albanian Riviera The Albanian Riviera is located in southwestern Albania on the Ionian Sea and is separated in the hinterland by the Keraunian Mountains. 6 USA Places to Visit for The Traveler at Heart, 8 Tips To Plan A Vacation In The Smoky Mountains, Got Travel Plans This Summer? Many package trips to Albania are also made from Finland in the summer months. But the heart of the country is the Riviera. Its If you need a place to stay or grab a drink, stop by Dhima Hotel, which offers delicious beer and rakija. It currently contains an astounding number of churches in various states of disrepair, some of which have wonderful frescoes. As you head west towards the coast from Berat in central Albania, you'll discover some of Europe's best beaches. Vlora - Butrint (UNESCO) - Saranda. 5. Albania has a uniquely diverse and multi-faceted cultural heritage which we are keen to promote and preserve. The road to Old Tragjas is not asphalted, but it may be driven in any relatively durable automobile all the way to the cemetery, which is still used by modern locals. The entire castle is abandoned and overgrown, but the views from it are excellent, looking out across the Ionian Sea to Corfu in one direction and towards the mountains that run the length of the Albanian Riviera in the other. Golem Beach, after Borsch, has the country's second longest coastline. To the left lies Palasa Beach, which is roughly 3.5 kilometers from the motorway and is now practically privatized. When you do, I recommend stopping at Restorant Ali Kali, a popular eatery about 90 minutes outside the capital city, Tirana. Classified as one of the most representative examples ofByzantine architecturein Albania, we highly recommend visiting it. The quail meat had a unique sweetness to it, and we even had a couple of delicious and refreshing salads. Oricum started minting its own coins by the third century BC. After he switched tactics and approached from the peninsula, he successfully took the city, which later proved pivotal in the civil war against Pompeii between 49-48 BC. Another highlight is the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, which houses many of the treasures discovered in and around the ancient city. The cave is located near the intersection of the main road and the promenade. Albanian family vacations, hostels full of backpackers, and romantic getaways all have a place in quirky Himara. Nestled between Dhrmi and Himara, Vuno is one of the most beautiful hamlets of the Albanian Riviera. Excavation in the Spile cave discovered traces of Neolithic occupancy. You can camp in the canyon, either with your own gear or in pre-pitched tents in the valley behind the beach. It is one of the favorite summer destinations of locals who love to spend their time in this beautiful hamlet surrounded by nature and gorgeous beaches. It's where white stones dot the beaches between towering canyon walls and vast forests, giving way to the translucent blue Ionian Sea. From the castle and at various locations along the route, you can see a massive tunnel dug into the rocks on the bays northern side. If you were to access Gjipe by car rather than boat, youd be in for a 45-minute walk down a steep dirt path. And of course, you cant enjoy a good Albanian meal without a rakijaor four! Photo: Shutterstock One of the best things to do at Llogara Tourist Village is to grab a bite to eat. Walks in the surrounding countryside will take you past orchards, grazing goats, and makeshift soccer fields. Ksamil 11. It creates a protective arc surrounding the Bay of Vlora on the Albanian Riviera, forming a secure harbor that was initially utilized in the 6th century BC: Oricum. The Sarand area is rich in history, with the 16th-century Lkursi Castle standing just southeast of its city center and the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint just south of town. 2 Best time to travel to Albanian Riviera 3 How to get there? Vuno. Subsequently, during the Roman Civil War, it easily succumbed to Julius Caesar after he arrived with his forces on the other side of the Llogara Pass.