The Albanian Riviera is where rugged mountains meet the Ionian Sea in a dramatic clash of beauty — cliffside villages, secret coves, clear turquoise water, and the unmistakable feeling that you’ve stumbled upon somewhere special. Stretching roughly from Palasa in the north to Lukovë in the south, this coastline rivals the best of Italy or Greece — but with fewer crowds and more authenticity.
In just 48 hours, you can swim in hidden bays, eat fresh seafood by the sea, dance barefoot at a beach bar, and wake up to mountain-meets-sea views you’ll never forget.
Day 1 – Dhermi, Drymades & Sunset Above the Sea
Morning: Drive the Llogara Pass & Arrive in Dhërmi
Start your Riviera journey from Vlora, heading south on SH8, one of the most scenic drives in Europe. As you climb the Llogara Pass, the views open up to pine forests and distant glimpses of the sea far below.
Stop at:
- Llogara National Park for a coffee in the clouds
- Panoramic overlooks to snap photos of the winding road descending into the Riviera
Soon you’ll arrive in Dhërmi, a stone-built hillside village spilling down toward the sea.
Midday: Chill at Drymades Beach
Check in to your hotel or guesthouse, then head to Drymades Beach, one of the Riviera’s most loved.
What makes it special:
- White pebbles and turquoise water
- Natural division into a “wild side” and “organized side” with beach bars
- Great for swimming, reading, or just doing nothing
Lunch by the sea at Drymades Inn or Aloha Beach Bar, and order grilled octopus, seafood risotto, or a summer salad with local feta.
💡 Drymades is walkable from most accommodations in Dhërmi, or a short drive away.
Afternoon: Explore Dhërmi Village
In the late afternoon, wander uphill to Dhërmi’s old town, a beautiful mix of narrow alleys, stone houses, and churches with blue domes.
Don’t miss:
- Church of Saint Mary with incredible views
- Tiny cafes with cold lemonade or raki
- Golden light bathing the village during sunset
This is the perfect place to experience Albanian Riviera charm without the beach crowds.
Evening: Dinner & Drinks by the Shore
Head back down to the coast for dinner:
- Luciano Restaurant for seafood with a sunset view
- Royal Blue or Drymades Village for a more romantic vibe
After dinner, enjoy a drink or dance under the stars at Havana Beach Club or Sailor’s Club, both known for their laid-back music and barefoot energy.
Day 2 – Jale, Himara & Hidden Coves
Morning: Head to Jale Beach or Gjipe Canyon
Today, explore more of the southern Riviera. Start with a visit to Jale Beach, one of the Riviera’s most popular — especially among younger crowds.
- Calm bay, smooth stones, and relaxed beach bars
- Kayak or boat rentals available
- Famous for its sunset parties and music festivals in summer
Or go more adventurous: hike or boat into Gjipe Beach, a hidden cove tucked between cliffs, only accessible by a 30-minute trail or boat.
💡 Bring water, snacks, and shoes if hiking — but the seclusion is worth it.
Lunch: Eat in Himara Town
Drive 30 minutes south to Himara, a coastal town with a mix of Albanian and Greek culture, stunning views, and a more local vibe.
Top lunch spots:
- Taverna Lefteri (authentic, casual, beloved by all)
- Merluc Fish Tavern (seafront, local specialties)
Try:
- Stuffed squid
- Grilled sea bream
- Fresh tzatziki & olives
Walk along Spile Boulevard, shop for handmade crafts, and dip your feet into the harbor.
Afternoon: More Beaches or Castle Views
Depending on your energy and interests:
- Livadhi Beach (north of Himara) – calm, family-friendly, scenic
- Porto Palermo – a small horseshoe-shaped bay with a castle built by Ali Pasha Tepelena
- Himara Castle – a hilltop ruin with panoramic views and perfect photo ops
These locations give a more historic and natural side to the otherwise sun-and-sea Riviera.
Evening: Sunset & Seafood in Qeparo or Borsh
On your way back (or if staying longer), continue down the coast to Qeparo or Borsh — two less-visited gems.
- Qeparo: quiet, peaceful, charming; old village and wide beaches
- Borsh: wide, dramatic beach with mountain backdrops; amazing for sunset photos
Dinner at Sole Luna (Qeparo) or Ujvara Restaurant (Borsh, next to a waterfall!) is the perfect close to your coastal escape.
Where to Stay
In Dhërmi:
- Hildon Eco Hotel – modern, sustainable, beachfront
- Greccia Hotel – cozy with old-town charm
- Altea Beach Lodges – beach bungalows
In Himara or Qeparo:
- Miamar Hotel (Himara) – upscale and beachfront
- Hotel Riviera Qeparo – peaceful and picturesque
- Stone Villas Qeparo – rustic-chic in the old village
Travel Tips
- Roads are winding — drive carefully, especially at night
- Rent a car for flexibility — buses exist but are limited in summer
- Cash is preferred at smaller beach bars
- Summer months (July–August) are peak season — visit June or September for fewer crowds
The Albanian Riviera is sun-drenched and soul-filling — a coastline where you can jump between centuries-old villages and silent coves in the same afternoon. Whether you spend your 48 hours chasing sunsets, tasting the sea, or just laying in the sun, this corner of Albania delivers something real, wild, and wonderfully unexpected.