Albanian Riviera by Car: Complete Beach Route Guide 2026 | Best Rent A Car Albania

The Albanian Riviera is one of the last undiscovered coastlines in the Mediterranean — crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, olive groves above the sea, and genuinely Albanian towns. The only way to experience it properly is by car.

The Route: Vlore to Ksamil (approx. 127km via SH8)

Drive north to south (Vlore to Saranda to Ksamil) so the sea is on your right for easier pull-offs to beaches and viewpoints. Allow 3 to 4 hours of pure driving. A full day minimum; two relaxed days is ideal.

Llogara Pass vs. The New Tunnel

At the northern gateway to the Riviera you face a choice: the Llogara Pass road (1,043m above sea level, free, extraordinary sea views, approx. 45-minute crossing) or the new Llogara Tunnel (6km, ALL 250 when toll collection is active in 2026, approx. 7-minute crossing). Our recommendation: take the Pass road going south for the full experience and use the tunnel on the way back north.

Every Key Stop, North to South

Stop 1 — Vlore (0 km): Start Here

Fill up with fuel in Vlore before heading south — petrol stations on the coastal road are sparse between towns. Visit the Lungomare waterfront promenade. The scenery becomes dramatic almost immediately after leaving the city.

Stop 2 — Llogara Pass (1,043m): approx. 30 km from Vlore

The road climbs steeply through Llogara National Park. At the summit — the most dramatic moment of the entire drive — the Ionian Sea appears below you. Stop at Restaurant Apollonia at the very top for byrek and coffee. On a clear day you can see the outline of Corfu.

Stop 3 — Dhermi: approx. 50 km from Vlore

White pebbles, turquoise shallow water, beach clubs and clifftop restaurants. First major beach town after the pass descent.

Stop 4 — Himare: approx. 66 km from Vlore

The most authentic town on the Albanian Riviera. A beautiful old castle quarter, a long beach promenade, and the best fresh seafood restaurants in Albania. Must-stop for lunch.

💡 In Himare in peak summer, park near the castle and walk down to the beach. The beachfront road gets completely gridlocked — 15 minutes on foot saves 45 minutes in traffic.

Stop 5 — Borsh: approx. 83 km from Vlore

Borsh has the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera — approximately 7km of pebble beach, typically far less crowded than Dhermi or Himare. An Ottoman castle sits on the hilltop above.

Stop 6 — Porto Palermo: approx. 72 km from Vlore

An 18th-century Ali Pasha castle on a tiny peninsula completely surrounded by sea. Walk across the stone causeway for free. The bay is perfect for swimming.

Stop 7 — Saranda: approx. 120 km (via coastal road)

Albania's southern coastal capital. Modern promenade, excellent seafood restaurants, lively evenings, and the Greek island of Corfu visible 30km offshore. Great 2-night base. Butrint National Park (UNESCO Roman ruins) is 18km south.

Stop 8 — Ksamil: 15km south of Saranda — Final Stop

Ksamil is south of Saranda — NOT before it when driving from Vlore. Four small islands in a turquoise lagoon — the most photographed spot in Albania. Park outside the village in summer and walk in.

Route Summary

Drive the Riviera Your Way

Pick up in Tirana or Vlore, drop off in Saranda. Economy cars from EUR 19.80/day for 1-3 day rentals; longer off-season rentals from EUR 15.68/day. EUR 50 refundable deposit at pickup, no card block.

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