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The Albanian Riviera: Route Guide

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Gjirokastër's stone roofs stacked on the hillside
Photo: Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Albania is the Mediterranean before the crowds found it. Ottoman stone towns climb hills at Berat and Gjirokastër, the Llogara Pass drops to beaches that rival Greece's at half the price, and ancient Butrint sits in a lagoon at the very end.

The Albanian Riviera is a 450 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 5–8 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for June, built from 262 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5–8
days
450km
distance
5
Stops
262
curated stops

Plan your own version → 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go

The route

Tirana→ 100 kmBerat→ 120 kmGjirokastër→ 110 kmHimarë→ 90 kmSarandë

What you'll see

The Museum of the Bank of Albania
Discover Albania's rich numismatic history across two floors.
Tirana
Tekke of Helveti
Visit the serene Halveti Tekke, a cultural monument completed in 1782.
Berat
Gjirokastër Castle
Explore vast historic walls and armed exhibits in a grand Balkan fortress.
Gjirokastër
Porto Palermo Castle
Explore a small castle on a scenic peninsula by the sea.
Himarë
Butrint National Park and Archaeological Site
Wander through a UNESCO World Heritage ancient city.
Sarandë
National Archaeological Museum
Witness ancient mosaics, statues, and maps from various eras.
Tirana
Holy Trinity Church
You will see a cross-shaped Byzantine dome perched on a hilltop in the historic Kalaja district.
Berat
Gjirokaster Mosque
Reflect on history in a mosque turned circus, now a Muslim school.
Gjirokastër

Choose your length

5-day plan27 stops · 16.3 h transit5.4 stops/day · 3.3 h transit/daySee the full plan →6-day plan34 stops · 18.4 h transit5.7 stops/day · 3.1 h transit/daySee the full plan →8-day plan49 stops · 20.4 h transit6.1 stops/day · 2.5 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, July, August

Riviera water without August's crowds — the Llogara Pass viewpoint and beach coves feel private.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →