Last updated: June 2026
The Albanian Riviera is one of Albania's most beautiful regions, known for the contrast between mountains and sea, with clear-water beaches along the Ionian Sea.
In this 3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary, the idea is to cover some of the region's main beaches, passing through Dhërmi, Himarë, Livadhi, Jale Beach, Gjipe Beach and the scenic Llogara Pass road.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of a trip through Albania and works best with a rental car, since many beaches are spread out along the coast.
Even with just 3 days, you can have a good first experience of the Albanian Riviera. The trick is not trying to fit too many beaches into the same day, and leaving time to enjoy the viewpoints, the coastal road and the coastline's slower pace.
How this itinerary was planned
This itinerary was built with practical trip planning in mind. The order of the days takes into account arrival via the Llogara Pass road, the location of beaches along the coast and the natural continuation towards Saranda.
For a first visit to the Albanian Riviera, I would prioritise Llogara Pass, Dhërmi, Himarë, Livadhi Beach, Jale Beach and Gjipe Beach. These places deliver a good mix of scenic road, beaches with facilities, coastal villages and more secluded scenery.
The biggest mistake in a 3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary is trying to see every beach in the region in too little time. Distances may look short on the map, but the roads have bends, there are mountain stretches, and in summer traffic can slow journeys down.
That's why this itinerary works with few transfers and a simple order. The first day covers arrival via the scenic road and Dhërmi. The second day is concentrated in Himarë and nearby beaches. The third day brings in Gjipe Beach and the continuation to Saranda.
3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary: what to do day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1: arrival via the scenic Llogara Pass road and beaches in Dhërmi
- Day 2: beaches in Himarë, Livadhi and Jale Beach
- Day 3: Gjipe Beach and transfer towards Saranda
Day 1: Arrival via the scenic road and Dhërmi
The first day marks the arrival on the Albanian Riviera and already reveals one of the country's most beautiful coastal landscapes.
Entering through the Llogara Pass area is one of the best ways to start the itinerary, because the road reveals the contrast between mountains, bends, viewpoints and the Ionian Sea appearing in the background.
After the scenic stretch, Dhërmi works very well as the first beach stop. The area has clear water, tourist facilities and a striking look between beach and mountain.
Morning
Llogara Pass
Mountain road that marks the arrival on the Albanian Riviera,
offering one of the most beautiful views of Albania's southern
coast. The stretch has a direct view of the Ionian Sea and works as
one of the best ways to begin exploring the region. I would treat
Llogara Pass as part of the experience, not just as transit.
Afternoon
Dhërmi Beach
One of the Albanian Riviera's best-known beaches, with clear water,
a good selection of bars and restaurants, and a landscape defined by
the contrast between sea and mountains. It's a good stop to spend a
few hours, have lunch near the beach and start getting a feel for
the rhythm of the Albanian coast.
Drymades Beach
Beach close to Dhërmi, usually with a quieter atmosphere and more
open spaces. A good option for those who want to enjoy the
coastline with less activity, without needing a long journey on the
first day.
Evening
Dhërmi area
Area with beachside restaurants and a calmer atmosphere, works well
for ending the first day on the Riviera. After the road, viewpoints
and beach, the best choice is an unhurried dinner and rest before
continuing the itinerary the next day.
Day 2: Himarë and nearby beaches
The second day of the itinerary is dedicated to Himarë and the nearby beaches.
Himarë is one of the most practical bases on the Albanian Riviera, because it has good facilities, a convenient location and easy access to different beaches in the region.
This day works best at a lighter pace. Instead of trying to visit many beaches, the idea is to choose a few spots and get more out of each stop.
Morning
Himarë Beach
The town's central beach, with easy access, good facilities and a
practical location for those using Himarë as a base on the Albanian
Riviera. Even though it isn't the most secluded beach in the area,
it works very well for starting the day at a relaxed pace, with
restaurants, cafés and services nearby.
Livadhi Beach
Spacious beach, with clear water and less activity compared to
central Himarë, a good option for spending part of the morning more
peacefully. I would place Livadhi among the best choices for
balancing facilities, scenery and easy access.
Afternoon
Jale Beach
One of the most visited beaches in the area, known for its blue sea
and relatively straightforward access. It usually has more
facilities during high season and can get busier in summer, but
it's worth including in the itinerary if you want to see one of the
Albanian Riviera's most famous beaches.
Filikuri Beach
Smaller, more secluded beach, reachable by trail or boat. It can be
an optional stop for those seeking a more private setting and
willing to accept a less straightforward access. If the goal is a
more comfortable day, you can leave Filikuri out and focus on
Himarë, Livadhi and Jale.
Evening
Himarë town centre
Area with restaurants, bars and accommodation close to the sea, one
of the most practical bases for spending the night on the Albanian
Riviera. I would stay overnight in Himarë on this day, because it
avoids unnecessary travel and makes it easier to head out to Gjipe
Beach the next day.
Day 3: Gjipe Beach and transfer to Saranda
The third day combines one of the Albanian Riviera's most striking beaches with the journey towards Saranda.
Gjipe Beach has a wilder look, sitting between cliffs and with less immediate access than the more developed beaches.
After the visit, the itinerary continues south through Albania, following the coast to Saranda, which can serve as a base for the following days in Ksamil and Butrint.
Morning
Gjipe Beach
Beach set between cliffs, one of the most unspoilt landscapes on
the Albanian Riviera. Access can be by a short trail or by boat,
depending on how you choose to visit. It's worth planning this stop
carefully, bringing water, wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding
arriving too late, especially in summer.
Afternoon
Transfer to Saranda
Journey along the coast heading south through Albania, allowing
stops at viewpoints and short scenic stretches before reaching the
Saranda area. The idea here isn't to turn the transfer into a race.
If there's time, it's worth stopping calmly along the way,
photographing the coast and enjoying the last stretches of the
Albanian Riviera.
Evening
Saranda
Coastal city with more accommodation, restaurants and services,
works very well as a base for continuing the itinerary over the
following days. After 3 days on the Albanian Riviera, Saranda comes
in as a more urban, practical, well-connected base for visiting
Ksamil and Butrint.
What I would prioritise in this 3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary
If I had to reduce this itinerary to the essentials, I would keep Llogara Pass, Dhërmi, Himarë, Livadhi Beach, Jale Beach and Gjipe Beach.
Llogara Pass matters because it marks the most scenic arrival on the coast. Dhërmi delivers one of the Riviera's best-known images. Himarë works as a practical base. Livadhi and Jale help you enjoy beaches with easier access. Gjipe Beach closes the itinerary with a more secluded, wilder landscape.
The most important thing is not to try to fit too many beaches into just 3 days. The Albanian Riviera works best when you leave time for the road, viewpoints, lunch, rest and a few real hours at the beach.
What can be optional in this itinerary
Drymades Beach, can be optional if you want to spend more time in Dhërmi on the first day or if you arrive later on the Albanian Riviera.
Filikuri Beach, can be optional if you don't want to hike a trail or take a boat. For a simpler itinerary, Himarë, Livadhi and Jale already work well on the second day.
Staying overnight in Dhërmi, can be optional. Depending on the pace of the trip, you can continue to Himarë the same day and use Himarë as your main base.
Viewpoint stops, can be adjusted according to the weather, the light and the time available. If the itinerary is feeling tiring, it's better to cut a beach than to try to rush between all of them.
Mistakes to avoid on this Albanian Riviera itinerary
The first mistake is underestimating the roads. Distances between beaches may look short, but there are bends, mountain stretches and more traffic in summer.
Another mistake is trying to visit too many beaches in the same day. The experience on the Albanian Riviera improves when you choose fewer places and get more out of each stop.
It's also worth avoiding relying only on public transport if the goal is to see different beaches in 3 days. There are buses between some towns, but they significantly limit the itinerary's flexibility.
At Gjipe Beach, the most common mistake is not preparing for the access. The beach may require a trail or boat, so it's worth bringing water, wearing suitable shoes and checking conditions before you go.
In summer, I would avoid arriving late at the most famous beaches. Places like Dhërmi, Jale and Gjipe can get busier, and setting out early helps a lot.
Practical tips for visiting the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera has some of Albania's most beautiful scenery, but it requires a bit of planning because of the coastal roads, the distances between beaches and the more limited infrastructure in some stretches. With a rental car and a well-organised itinerary, it's possible to explore the region at a comfortable pace and make the most of the journeys.
Getting around
- A rental car is the best option for exploring the Riviera
- Distances between beaches are short, but the roads have bends and mountain stretches
- Buses exist between some towns, but they significantly limit the itinerary
- Taxis and transfers can work for specific legs, but cost more
Beach access
- Most beaches are free to access
- Sunloungers and umbrellas are usually paid for in organised areas
- Some secluded beaches require a walk or a boat
- Gjipe Beach requires a short trail or boat access
Best time of day
- Llogara Pass works best in the morning or late afternoon, with more beautiful light for the view
- Dhërmi is ideal during the day, with good facilities for spending a few hours
- Himarë works well as a base for the afternoon and evening
- Gjipe Beach is best in the morning, before it gets busier and the heat gets stronger
Best views
- Llogara Pass has a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian coast
- Dhërmi combines blue sea with mountains in the background
- Himarë shows a good combination of beach, small town and coastline
- Gjipe Beach has scenery between cliffs and one of the Riviera's most striking landscapes
To make the most of it, choose a good base, organise your journeys logically and avoid trying to see every beach on the Riviera in a single trip.