Your holiday in Albanian Riviera
Charter holiday with flight, accommodation, transfer and free concierge.
Turquoise water at Ksamil, the beaches of the Albanian Riviera and UNESCO-listed old towns on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
Albania's coast runs from the wide sandy beaches around Durrës, on the Adriatic, to the turquoise coves of the Albanian Riviera on the Ionian Sea. In the south, between Vlora and Saranda, the mountains drop straight into the sea and the coastal villages still keep an unhurried pace.
It is a beach holiday with ancient sites and old towns a day trip away: Butrint, Gjirokastër, Berat.
Top attractions in Albanian Riviera
Ksamil
A village in the far south, near Saranda, with small beaches, lagoon-like turquoise water and a few islets you can reach by boat or kayak. In the evening, waterfront restaurants serve fresh fish and mussels from Lake Butrint.
Butrint National Park
An ancient city lived in by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians in turn, hidden in woodland on the shore of a lagoon. The theatre, the baptistery and the old walls make UNESCO-listed Butrint one of Albania's most important archaeological sites.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
A karst spring where water wells up from an unknown depth, coloured an intense blue and green, in the middle of a forest. It lies near Saranda, on the road to Gjirokastër, and pairs easily with a visit to the stone town.
Gjirokastër
A town of Ottoman stone houses with grey slate roofs, climbing a mountainside beneath a large castle. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the writer Ismail Kadare.
Everything you need to know about Albanian Riviera
When to go to the Albanian coast
June to September is beach season, with highs of 28–32°C and a warm sea. July and August are the busiest months, especially in Ksamil. June and September are quieter, and the sea is still good for swimming in early October.
Where to stay
Durrës for wide sandy beaches close to Tirana, Vlora for its seafront and town life, Dhërmi and Himara for clear-water coves backed by mountains, and Saranda and Ksamil in the south for turquoise water and trips to Butrint.
Getting around
The airport–hotel transfer is included; to the southern resorts, the drive can take a few hours. The coast road over the Llogara Pass has superb views but plenty of hairpin bends. Some of the loveliest beaches, such as Gjipe, can only be reached by boat or on foot.
Local food
Try tavë kosi (lamb baked with yoghurt and eggs), byrek (filo pie with cheese or spinach), fërgesë (peppers, tomatoes and cheese) and grilled fish on the Ionian coast. Finish with a Turkish coffee or a glass of raki, the house spirit.
Frequently asked questions about Albanian Riviera
- How long is the flight from Romania to Albania?
- The flight from Romania to Albania takes around an hour and a half. The airline, schedule and any stopover are shown in the offer when you pick your dates; bear in mind that the transfer from the airport to the southern resorts can take a few hours.
- When is the best time for a holiday on the Albanian coast?
- June to September is the ideal season: sunshine, a warm sea and daytime highs of 28–32°C. For fewer crowds and quieter beaches, choose June or September, when it is still very much summer.
- What documents do I need for Albania?
- Albania is not in the European Union, but Romanian citizens can enter without a visa using either a passport or a valid identity card. Check the current requirements before you travel.
- What currency is used in Albania?
- The local currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). On the coast, many hotels and restaurants also accept euros, but change is usually given in local currency. Cards are not accepted everywhere, especially on the beach and in small places, so carry some cash.
- What does the Albanian coast holiday package include?
- The package includes the return flight from Romania, your chosen hotel with the board shown in the offer, airport–hotel–airport transfers and TravelTheme assistance throughout your trip.