The Albanian Riviera is one of Albania's most impressive regions, known for the contrast between mountains and sea, with clear-water beaches along the Ionian Sea.
In this 3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary, you will cover some of the region's main beaches, passing through Dhërmi, Himarë, Gjipe Beach and the scenic Llogara Pass road. It is one of the most beautiful parts of any Albania trip and works best with a rental car, as many beaches are spread along the coast.
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
Morning
Llogara Pass
Mountain road that marks the entry into the Albanian Riviera, with a direct view of the Ionian Sea. It is one of the most scenic stretches of the whole itinerary and one of the best ways to begin exploring Albania's southern coast.
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.
Drymades Beach
Beach close to Dhërmi, with a quieter atmosphere and more open spaces. A good option for those who want to enjoy the coastline with less activity.
Evening
Dhërmi area
Area with beachside restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere to end the first day on the Riviera.
Day 2 — Himarë and nearby beaches
Morning
Himarë Beach
The town's central beach, with easy access, good facilities and a convenient location for those using Himarë as a base on the Albanian Riviera.
Livadhi Beach
Spacious beach with clear water and less activity compared to the centre of Himarë. A good option for a quieter morning.
Afternoon
Jale Beach
One of the most visited beaches in the area, known for its blue sea and relatively straightforward access. Usually has more facilities during the high season.
Filikuri Beach
Smaller, more secluded beach, reachable by trail or boat. Can be included as an optional stop for those seeking a more remote setting.
Evening
Himarë town centre
Area with restaurants, bars and accommodation close to the sea. One of the most practical bases for an overnight stop on the Albanian Riviera.
Day 3 — Gjipe Beach and transfer to Saranda
Morning
Gjipe Beach
Beach set between cliffs, reachable by a short trail or by boat. One of the Albanian Riviera's most unspoilt landscapes, with clear water and wilder scenery.
Afternoon
Transfer to Saranda
Journey along the coast heading south. The route allows for stops at viewpoints and short scenic stretches before reaching the Saranda area.
Evening
Saranda
Coastal city with more accommodation options, restaurants and services. A good base for continuing the itinerary over the following days and visiting Ksamil.
Practical tips for visiting the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera has some of Albania's most beautiful scenery, but requires a bit of planning because of the coastal roads, distances between beaches and limited infrastructure in some stretches. With a rental car and a well-organised route, it is possible to explore the region at a comfortable pace.
Getting around
- A rental car is the best option for exploring the Riviera
- Distances between beaches are short, but roads have bends and mountain stretches
- Buses exist between some towns but significantly limit the itinerary
- Taxis and transfers can work for specific legs, but are more expensive
Beach access
- Most beaches are free to access
- Sunloungers and umbrellas are usually paid 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 — morning or late afternoon, best light for the view
- Dhërmi — ideal during the day, with good facilities for a few hours
- Himarë — good base for the afternoon and evening
- Gjipe Beach — best in the morning, before it gets busier
Best views
- Llogara Pass — panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and Albanian coast
- Dhërmi — blue sea with mountains in the background
- Himarë — good combination of beach, small town and coastline
- Gjipe Beach — scenery between cliffs, one of the Riviera's most striking landscapes