Last updated: August 2026
The Albanian Riviera is one of the most beautiful regions in Albania, known for its contrast between mountains and sea, with crystal-clear beaches along the Ionian Sea.
In this 3-day itinerary along the Albanian Riviera, the idea is to cover some of the region's main beaches, passing through Dhërmi, Himarë, Livadhi, Jale Beach, Gjipe Beach and the scenic road at Llogara Pass.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of a trip through Albania, and it works best with a rental car, since many beaches are spread out along the coast.
Even with just 3 days, it's possible to have a good first experience of the Albanian Riviera. The trick is not to try to fit too many beaches into the same day, and to leave time to enjoy the viewpoints, the coastal road and the more relaxed pace of the coast.
How this itinerary was planned
This itinerary was created with a focus on practical trip planning. The order of the days takes into account arrival via the Llogara Pass road, the location of the 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 good facilities, coastal villages and more secluded scenery.
The biggest mistake in a 3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary is trying to see all of the region's beaches in a short time. Distances may look short on the map, but the roads have curves, there are mountain stretches, and in summer traffic can slow down travel times.
That's why this itinerary works with few transfers and a simple order. The first day marks the arrival via the scenic road and Dhërmi. The second day focuses on 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 road and Dhërmi
The first day marks the arrival at the Albanian Riviera and already shows one of the most beautiful landscapes on the country's coast.
Entering through the Llogara Pass area is one of the best ways to start the itinerary, because the road reveals the contrast between mountains, curves, 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, good tourist facilities and a striking look between beach and mountain.
Morning
Llogara Pass, the mountain road that marks the arrival at the Albanian Riviera, offers one of the most beautiful views on Albania's southern coast. The stretch has a direct view over the Ionian Sea and works as one of the best ways to start exploring the region. I would treat Llogara Pass as part of the experience, not just as a transfer.
Afternoon
Dhërmi Beach, one of the best-known beaches on the Albanian Riviera, has clear water, a good range of bars and restaurants and scenery marked by the contrast between sea and mountains. It's a good stop to spend a few hours, have lunch near the beach and start to feel the rhythm of the Albanian coast.
Drymades Beach, a beach near Dhërmi, tends to have a calmer atmosphere and more open areas. It's a good option for anyone who wants to enjoy the coast with less crowding, without needing a long trip on the first day.
Evening
Dhërmi area, with restaurants by the sea and a calmer atmosphere, works well to close out the first day on the Riviera. After the road, viewpoints and the beach, the best choice is to have a relaxed dinner and rest to continue 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 better at a lighter pace. Instead of trying to visit many beaches, the idea is to choose a few spots and make better use of each stop.
Morning
Himarë Beach, the town's central beach, has easy access, good facilities and a practical location for anyone using Himarë as a base on the Albanian Riviera. Even though it's not the most secluded beach in the region, it works very well for starting the day calmly and having restaurants, cafés and services nearby.
Livadhi Beach, a wide beach with clear water and less crowding compared to central Himarë, is a good option for spending part of the morning more peacefully. I would put Livadhi as one of the best choices to balance facilities, scenery and easy access.
Afternoon
Jale Beach, one of the most visited beaches in the region, is known for its blue sea and relatively easy access. It tends to have 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 most famous beaches on the Albanian Riviera.
Filikuri Beach, a smaller and more secluded beach, can be reached by trail or boat. It can be included as an optional stop for anyone looking for a more private setting and willing to deal with less straightforward access. If the goal is a more comfortable day, you can leave Filikuri out and focus on Himarë, Livadhi and Jale.
Evening
Central Himarë, an area with restaurants, bars and accommodation close to the sea, is one of the most practical bases for spending the night on the Albanian Riviera. I would sleep 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 the journey to Saranda
The third day combines one of the most striking beaches on the Albanian Riviera with the journey towards Saranda.
Gjipe Beach has a wilder look, located between cliffs and with less immediate access than the more developed beaches.
After the visit, the itinerary continues towards the south of Albania, following the coast to Saranda, which can serve as a base for the following days in Ksamil and Butrint.
Morning
Gjipe Beach, a beach located between cliffs, is one of the most preserved landscapes on the Albanian Riviera. Access can be done via a short trail or by boat, depending on how you choose to visit. Because of that, it's worth planning this stop more carefully, bringing water, wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding arriving too late, especially in summer.
Afternoon
Journey to Saranda, a route along the coast towards the south of Albania, allows stops at viewpoints and small scenic stretches before reaching the Saranda area. The idea here is not to turn the journey 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, a coastal city with more accommodation, restaurants and services, works very well as a base for continuing the itinerary in the following days. After 3 days on the Albanian Riviera, Saranda comes in as a more urban, practical and well-connected base for visiting Ksamil and Butrint.
What I would prioritise in this 3-day Albanian Riviera itinerary
If I had to cut this itinerary down to the essentials, I would keep Llogara Pass, Dhërmi, Himarë, Livadhi Beach, Jale Beach and Gjipe Beach.
Llogara Pass is important because it marks the most scenic arrival on the coast. Dhërmi delivers one of the best-known images of the Riviera. 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 at the Albanian Riviera.
Filikuri Beach, can be optional if you don't want to hike or take a boat. For a simpler itinerary, Himarë, Livadhi and Jale already work well on the second day.
Sleeping in Dhërmi, can be optional. Depending on the pace of the trip, you can continue to Himarë on 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 feels tiring, it's better to cut one 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 curves, mountain stretches and heavier traffic in summer.
Another mistake is trying to visit too many beaches on the same day. The experience on the Albanian Riviera is better when you choose fewer places and make more of each stop.
It's also worth avoiding relying only on public transport if the idea is to see different beaches in 3 days. There are buses between some towns, but they limit the itinerary's flexibility quite a bit.
At Gjipe Beach, the most common mistake is not preparing for the access. The beach may require a trail or a boat, so it's worth bringing water, wearing suitable footwear 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 leaving early helps a lot.
Practical tips for visiting the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Albania, but it requires a bit of planning because of the coastal roads, the distances between beaches and the more limited facilities in some stretches. With a rental car and a well-organised itinerary, it's possible to explore the region calmly and make better use of the travel time.
Getting around
- A rental car is the best option for exploring the Riviera
- Distances between beaches are short, but the roads have curves and mountain stretches
- Buses exist between some towns, but they limit the itinerary quite a bit
- Taxis and transfers can work for specific trips, but they cost more
Beach access
- Most beaches have free access
- Sun loungers and umbrellas are usually paid for in organised areas
- Some secluded beaches require walking 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 afternoon and evening
- Gjipe Beach is best in the morning, before the busiest hours and the strongest heat
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 most striking landscapes on the Riviera
To make the most of it, choose a good base, organise your travel logically and avoid trying to see every beach on the Riviera in a single trip.