Albanian Riviera Road Trip — the full coastal drive
Travel Guides

Roadtrip · 8 min read

Albanian Riviera Road Trip — the full coastal drive

Vlorë to Sarandë along the Ionian coast — Europe's most underrated coastal road, done properly.

Start in Vlorë

Pick up the car and spend one night in Vlorë — boat to Karaburun in the afternoon, sunset at the bay. Fill up the tank here.

The Llogara pass

The highlight of the drive: pine-forested switchbacks climbing to 1,025m and the Riviera unfurling below. Stop at the main viewpoint, linger over a coffee at the summit chalet.

Dhërmi & Drymades

Descend to the sea, check in, spend the afternoon at Drymades beach or on the walk to Gjipe canyon.

Himarë & its beaches

Move south to Himarë — quieter, more authentic. Day-trip to Filikuri and Livadhi, dinner in the old hilltop village.

Sarandë & the finish

The final stretch passes Borsh, Qeparo and Lukova — lesser-known but beautiful. End in Sarandë with the ferry to Corfu an option if your trip continues.

From the road

Sweeping aerial view from Kanina above Vlorë showing the long curve of the bay, the white city stretching along the shore and the Karaburun peninsula across deep blue Adriatic water, Albania
Vlorë bay — sweeping aerial of the city curve and Karaburun peninsula

Practical tips

  • → Allow 3–4 days minimum. The road itself is only 150km but every 5km demands a stop.
  • → Drive from north to south — afternoon sun hits the sea perfectly.
  • → Fuel up in Vlorë and Himarë — stations are sparse on the mountain sections.

Bookable experiences

Prefer a guided experience?

Skip the planning — book small-group tours, day trips, boat tours and experiences across Albania with our trusted partner.

Boat trips Day tours Hiking Food & wine
Book Albania experiences

Tours are booked on GetYourGuide. Albania DreamScape may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.

Editor-picked stays

Theth's historic stone church with twin conical shingle-roofed towers framed by dramatic limestone cliffs of the Albanian Alps rising to sharp peaks above the valley, Albania
Guesthouse

Theth

Bujtina Polia

A family guesthouse at Logu i Kishës, run by the Polia brothers since 2002, open April to November. It describes home-cooked meals for guests and offers help with transport and gear for the valley. Rooms are booked by phone or through the form on its own site; it publishes no nightly rate.

Check current price

View Details
Aerial view of the Vjosa River flowing through a rocky limestone gorge near Përmet, vivid turquoise water against grey-white rocks and hillsides covered in autumn-yellow foliage, Albania
Hotel

Përmet

Hotel Alvero

In the centre of Përmet since 2005, beside the Vjosa and below the City's Stone. Its terrace serves coffee and ice cream and is open to the town, not only to guests. Rooms are quoted on request — the hotel's own Rooms & Rates page says to call.

Check current price

View Details
Ksamil Albania — turquoise Ionian water with Ksamil islets
Hotel

Ksamil

Blue Eye Hotel

Peaceful family-run hotel in the centre of Ksamil. Pool, fresh breakfast each morning, and a short walk to the beach and restaurants.

Check current price

View Details
Build My Trip