Transportation
Renting a Car in Albania: Complete Guide
Renting a car is the easiest way to see Albania. It is also where first-time visitors most often get caught out. Here is what to know before you book.
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Albanian Riviera
Albanian Riviera Travel Guide
The Ionian coast from the Llogara Pass to Ksamil. Clear water, mountain villages above the sea and one of Europe's best coastal drives.
- Road trips
- Beach hopping
- Couples
- Scenery
Updated 1 September 2026
- Length
- ~120 km, Vlorë to Sarandë
- Time needed
- 4 to 7 days
- Best months
- June, September
- Transport
- Car strongly recommended
The Albanian Riviera is the stretch of Ionian coast south of the Llogara Pass: Dhërmi, Vuno, Jale, Himarë, Qeparo, Borsh, Lukovë, then Sarandë and Ksamil. Mountains drop straight into clear blue water, old villages sit on the slopes, and the road between them is spectacular.
It is where Albania earns its reputation. Give it at least four days and do it by car.
The road trip
Drive south from Vlorë over Llogara (stop at the top for the view), drop down to Dhërmi, beach-hop through Jale and Himarë, stay a couple of nights, then continue past Borsh to Sarandë and Ksamil. Reverse it if you arrive by ferry from Corfu.
Getting there & around
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Costs, safety & planning
Travel Planning
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Travel Planning
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Albanian Riviera guides & comparisons
Albanian Riviera: common questions
Can I see the Riviera without a car?
Partly. Buses run between Vlorë, Himarë and Sarandë a few times a day, and you can base yourself in Himarë or Sarandë. But the best beaches and villages are spread out, and a car turns a good trip into a great one.
Where should I stay on the Riviera?
Himarë for a central base with beaches on both sides, Dhërmi for the scene and the beach clubs, Qeparo or Borsh for quiet, Ksamil for the famous water.
Keep exploring
More in Albanian Riviera
Albanian Riviera
Sarandë
The busy hub of the southern coast. Ferries from Corfu, a long seafront promenade and the best base for Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye.
Albanian Riviera
Ksamil
Albania's most famous beaches. Caribbean-coloured water, tiny islands you can swim to, and crowds to match in high season.
Albanian Riviera
Himarë
The Riviera's most relaxed town. Clear water, pebble beaches, a hilltop old village and boat trips to coves you cannot reach by road.
Albanian Riviera
Vlorë
Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian. A big seaside city, ferries from Italy and the start of the spectacular Llogara Pass road.