The Albanian Riviera in 2 Days

Itinerary

Times are approximate. The day adapts to you: more time where you like it, less where you don't.

1. Day 1Tirana → Vlorë → Llogara → Dhërmi → Himarë

   1. 08:00

      Pickup in Tirana

      Pickup from your hotel and drive south on the motorway via Fier.

   2. ~2 h drive

      10:00

      Vlorë

      The city where Albania's independence was declared in 1912. See the Independence Monument on Flag Square and the 16th-century Muradie Mosque, then have a coffee on the Lungomare seafront.

   3. ~50 min drive

      12:00

      Llogara Pass & lunch

      Instead of the new tunnel, we take the old mountain road through Llogara National Park for the famous views: from the top of the pass, at over 1,000 m, the Riviera opens up below you. Lunch at a mountain restaurant, where grilled lamb is a local favourite.

   4. ~30 min drive

      14:00

      Dhërmi beach

      Clear turquoise water and white pebble beaches — time to swim and relax. Above the coast, the old village of Dhërmi keeps its stone houses and churches.

   5. ~25 min drive

      17:30

      Himarë — overnight

      Check in at your accommodation, then an evening walk along the seafront or up to the old castle quarter for sunset.

2. Day 2Himarë → Porto Palermo → Sarandë → Ksamil → Tirana

   1. 08:30

      Departure from Himarë

      After breakfast we continue south along the coast road.

   2. ~20 min drive

      08:50

      Porto Palermo Castle

      A triangular fortress on a small peninsula in a sheltered bay, built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the early 19th century. A visit takes 30–45 minutes.

   3. ~1 h 30 min drive

      11:00

      Lëkurësi Castle, Sarandë

      The coast road passes Borsh and the olive terraces of Lukovë. Coffee with a view at the 16th-century Ottoman castle above Sarandë, looking over the bay, Lake Butrint and the island of Corfu.

   4. ~30 min drive

      12:15

      Ksamil — swim & lunch

      Swim in Ksamil's turquoise coves facing the small islands, then a seafood lunch — mussels from Lake Butrint are a local speciality.

   5. ~10 min drive

      14:30

      Butrint (optional)

      Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city in its lagoon-side forest: the Greek theatre, Roman baths, the 6th-century baptistery, the Great Basilica and the Venetian tower. Allow about 2 hours.

   6. ~5 h drive

      21:30

      Back in Tirana

      We leave at around 16:30 and drive back to Tirana via Gjirokastër and Tepelenë, with a break on the way. If you're staying on in the south, we can drop you in Sarandë or Ksamil instead.