Here along the country's southwest coast you'll find an abundance of pristine, newly renovated beaches and resorts. Breathtaking sceneries await us at the Llogara pass - 1000 m above sea level. Book a trip to Albania today to experience the sights and wonders of the Albanian Riviera today! The three-kilometer-long beach is bordered by a boardwalk with numerous bars and restaurants, so there are plenty of places to eat and enjoy a drink! One of the citys best eateries is Restorant Joni, a popular but beautiful spot right on the beach. Heres How to Plan Your Itinerary. . Dhermi 4. A tiny road up to the right immediately before the settlement of Borsh, about an hour and a half from Saranda, goes up to Borsh Castle, also known as Sopoti Castle. I will also send you amazing travel deals and discount codes to help you save money on your next vacation! From the castle and at various locations along the route, you can see a massive tunnel dug into the rocks on the bays northern side. This area on the Albanian Riviera is abundant in wildlife (roe deer, foxes, squirrels, wild boar, and wolves are prevalent) and would be an ideal base for a few days of hiking. Within walking distance of Independence Square is another unique location called Museum Road. A not-to-miss place in Borsh is Ujvara, a restaurant/caf located right in the middle of the village and built around a stunning waterfall (Ujvara means waterfall) part of the natural monuments of Albania. Just search for your destination and secure your reservation today. Saranda 10. At the beginning of the trail, there is an information board with useful maps of the stronghold and a brief history of it in English and Albanian. Tourists flock here in the summertime, and it's not hard to see why. With the Vlora Bypass opened on 7 July 2022, the coastal route along the Bay of Vlora will become mostly used for tourism. #2 Saranda - One of the Best Albanian Riviera Cities for Exploring & Budget Hotels . The Thermal Springs of Benja are one of the most beautiful locations in Albania. There is a paved walk leading up from the parking lot to just beyond the castle door, with stone seats for resting and admiring the views. The path is paved and in generally good shape, but suitable footwear should be worn for this hike on the Albanian Riviera. If you prefer, the hotel also offers room service, as well as laundry service. You should bring your passport or ID card to show the gate guards. There, you can try a number of Mediterranean dishes, including pizza, sea bass, seafood risotto, and antipasti, as well as omelets, soups, salads, beer, coffee, and rakija. This lush, natural area includes dense deciduous forests, alpine meadows, cliffs, and vertical rock faces. We ended our meal with fresh yogurt with honey and walnuts. This idyllic town is located on a crescent-shaped bay just under nine miles east of the Greek island of Corfu. Over 1,000 hectares of land surrounding the passs summit has been declared as a national park. And because Albania isnt as widely known to the world as some of its neighbors like Greece and Italy, its very much a gem thats hidden in plain sight. And heres why: We desire to suggest something different and unique, with all the knowledges of a local guides. The wide-open terrace offers a stunning panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and the nearby bay and beach. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, get Next Flight Out for more travel coverage, and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. The restaurant is famous for its seafood, especially its fish and prawns. Ksamil, the "Ionian Pearl," is a village far south of the Albanian Riviera. The Albanian Riviera is located in the south-west part of Albania, and it is characterized by its steep coastal. This is it if you're looking for somewhere to stay on the Albanian Riveria with perfect sandy beaches, aquamarine waters, and proximity to heritage sites and national parks. Famous for its pristine beaches lapped by crystalline waters, the Albanian Riviera is home to enchanting villages that are worth a visit too. Another highlight is the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, which houses many of the treasures discovered in and around the ancient city. Theres also a large calendar on the floor and several statues initially unearthed in the ancient city. Its one thing to read about history, but its much more enthralling when you get to visit the sites where pivotal moments in history happened, and can feel the history under your fingers. Located in Vlor, a 2-minute walk from Radhim Beach, Mazarine Hotel, Vlor, Albania provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar. The beach is one of the most beautiful in the area, with its sapphire-colored waters. Each of them had roofs that allowed for easy collection of water, which would trickle down into the houses private well. As the largest city on the Albanian Riviera, theres plenty to do there, which means a hotel stay is in order if you want enough time to explore the city properly. Shkodr, Albania. My favourite time in Albania is spring which is March-June. Ksamil Islands 10. Get a hotel in Saranda, where you'll be close to some of the best restaurants in Albania and the city's buzzing nightlife. Albanian Riviera Itinerary Hike Up to Himara Castle for the Sunset Walk Along the Main Street in Himara Walk Around Porto Palermo Castle Spend a Day Relaxing at Borsh Beach, the Longest Beach in the Ionian Sea Kayak to all the Albanian Hidden Beaches Watch the Sunset at the Sunset Restorant Bar Get from Himara to Ksamil Walk Around Ksamil at Sunset At the bottom of this snaking, slightly terrifying road, you'll find my favorite beach in Albania. Hotel in Vlor. These incidents were portrayed in Ismail Kadares 1979 film Face to Face. Visitors can hike or picnic in the park, stay at the small resorts, or head to one of the Albanian Riviera hotels. Something more authentic, hard to find on the internet. For more bare bones accommodation, try the tiny village of Vuno. The settlement of Palasa is located on the mountain to the right. The nearly 56-foot-tall sculpted monument stands on the site of the proclamation of the Albanian Declaration of Independence, which occurred on November 28, 1912. These homes date back to the 3rd century BC and are paved with brick. Saranda is the most popular riviera town and is worth exploring, but areas like Ksamil, Dhermi and Vuno are the areas that tend to win over hearts and minds. If you dine on their outdoor terrace, youll get the pleasure of Ali serving you on horseback! Throughout this region, wandering is its own reward. After he switched tactics and approached from the peninsula, he successfully took the city, which later proved pivotal in the civil war against Pompeii between 49-48 BC. Need directions? Gjirokastra is one of the best places to go in Albania if you want to see the country's more traditional side. Located on the north coast of Sarand, the Illyrian is one of the best boutique hotels in the area, thanks to the modern white rooms and chic rooftop terrace. 1. If you love history like I do, visiting Apollonia and St. Marys Church is one of the best things to do on the Albanian Riviera. Too bad: Those who sleep on this quiet slice of paradise between Greece and Montenegro -- namely, everybody -- are missing out on perhaps the best beaches in Europe. 8 Things Not to Miss When Visiting the Albanian Riviera 1. Other destinations to discover after the Albanian RivieraVisit Berat Albania: a short travel guideWhy you have to visit Shkoder AlbaniaTirana Albanias colorful and creative capital. The architecture felt very Italian and reminded me a lot of the buildings I saw when I explored Venice. This spot deserves to be on every list of things to do on the Albanian Riviera. As the road climbs above the beautiful Albanian Riviera beaches, a tourist information kiosk and viewpoint are located in a lay-by on the left. Himare, Riviera, Albania / Peter Chovanec / Flickr. Albania, and particularly the southern part of the country, has secluded pebble beaches, islands, and a few hidden and pristine sandy beaches. After the invasion, Orik is said to have become more of a civilian settlement. If you were to access Gjipe by car rather than boat, youd be in for a 45-minute walk down a steep dirt path. This massive, ancient city was a trade center that was home to roughly 60,000 people in its heyday. Even the tiniest bays contain beach cafs and restaurants. It looks like a small Greek village with white houses, flowers and several churches that give it a lot of charm. With a sustainable tourism, in this way, we are able to help the local economy,as well. Tragjasi i Vjetr or Old Tragjas is around 300m above sea level, higher than the current settlement. There literally isn't a hotel over $100 per night, most are around $50, and you can find others for far less. After breakfast we depart for Saranda. And while I would hate to see this unique slice of heaven become more touristy, its also a place I think deserves more recognition. A short climb to Caesars Pass or Qafa e ezarit, where Julius Caesar is said to have led his forces through the mountains following their landing at Palasa, requires little more than decent fitness and suitable shoes. Best places to visit in the Albanian Riviera Sarande The town of Sarande, also known as Saranda, is the main city in the Albanian Riviera. Camping is allowed, but make sure to bring water, food and other necessities as Grama Bay is isolated and unserviced. Its full of bones, so I recommend eating slowly and using your fork and knife to pull it apart. But the thing that makes Restorant Ali Kali so memorable is how the food is served! Its still mostly frequented by native Albanians, so despite the growing number of villas, hotels, and restaurants, it still retains a local, non-touristy feel. Tragjas On the other side of the Llogara Pass is the abandoned village of Old Tragjas. These 10 best places to visit in Albania will give you a break from the monotonous life and let you enjoy and relax amidst the beaches and other attractions. 7. Seeing the region from this vantage point brought back memories of my travels along the Italian Riviera years earlier. Ancient Orik also served as a base during its time under Roman rule, and played an important role in Romes wars with both the Illyrians and Macedonia. The most well-known landmark in the city is an ornate fountain, or nymphaeum, constructed right into the hillside and overlooking the sea. Because of its strategic location and great harbor, it grew into a major trade station, defended by the peninsula known as Acroceraunia. If you would like to explore the Albanian Riviera, then Ksamil is one of the best places to visit in Albania. The area is also a showcase for traditional Byzantine architecture, as its home to numerous monasteries and Orthodox churches. The city also has the distinction of being the first city Julius Caesar took after he invaded Epirus. The best known beaches are those in Dhermi, Himara, Gjipe and Ksamili, but there are many hidden gems elsewhere for those with the time and passion to explore. 1. Leaving Himara and heading south on the coastal highway, youll pass Albanias longest beach, Borsch, a local favorite. Points of interest that have been unearthed include an odeon or theater, a temple, and a building called a bouleuterion, which is where the city council met. Ali rides his horse around the terrace, an iron clamper filled with grilled, steaming fish in one hand. I recommend Bologna Hotel, a stunning three-star boutique hotel right on the Ionian Sea. Also known as the Albanian Riviera, this area encompasses the coastlines of the Sarand and Vlor districts. How to get to and around the Albanian Riviera Car rental in Albania 1. And as my Albanian friends have explained to me, this isnt just something they honor with loved ones. Inside, the friendly owner, Ali, has decorated with antiques including musical instruments, old television sets, kives, and even guns. Ksamil Beach, Albania Ksamil Hotels 2. View Gallery. . Hiking along the seaside cliffs, you'll find Livadh beach just north of town; the view from above is a tri-colored flag of the turquoise sea, bright white stones, and olive groves stretching far beyond. We suggest you spend here some time before continuing your coastal tour. This small village nestled in between the Albanian Alps is ideal if you happen to're in search of the very best mountain climbing within the nation and dramatic landscapes to take pleasure in. Lev Levin / shutterstock.com 5. Best Time To Visit: April & June or September & October. On the way we visit the Ali Pasha Castle in Panormi bay a.k.a Porto Palermo, name given by the Fascist Italian . Dhrmi is well-known by Albanians as the summer place to party, and it has become the epicenter for electronic music festivals with attendees from across Europe. Come and enjoy the landscape, the fresh seafood, and the marvellous sunsets. Its not luxury -- one time I shared my row with a woman carrying a full-grown duck in a plastic bag -- but it works itself out nicely (and cheaply) and certainly ignites a spirit of adventure in travelers. The perfect spot for a hot summer day in Albania. Location: Albania Riviera. The conditions are suitable for getting outside, including to the beach, without being overbearingly hot. In these mountains, roughly 1,027 meters above sea level, is the viewpoint known as Panorama Llogara. 6 USA Places to Visit for The Traveler at Heart, 8 Tips To Plan A Vacation In The Smoky Mountains, Got Travel Plans This Summer? Shngjergj, Tirana.Found among the outskirts of Tirana, a natural wonder enjoyed by the visitors and locals, too.With its magical Waterfall, it is classified as an oasis of peace and magic. Erjan and I made a pit stop at Ujvara Veranda for a quick rakija as we made the drive from Sarand to Vlor. blogherads.adq.push(['medrec', 'skm-ad-medrec-1']); Get wanderlust inspiration, free travel guides, and travel tips. While many of Albanias churches were destroyed when communism overtook the country, St. Marys Monastery escaped destruction. Mirror Beach Saranda SH81 Saranda, AL 9701 Mirror Beach is a local favorite featuring many nearby restaurants that are affordable and offers the perfect Mediterranean ambiance. As one of the main cities along the riviera, it has been built up into a modern-day resort town, complete with luxurious hotels, upscale restaurants, and private beaches. The food was phenomenal. Gjipe Beach is surrounded by. The odeon had a small state and therefore, was meant for smaller shows. Its lofty cupola may be seen from afar, but getting to it is difficult due to the reed marshes that surround it. Visiting Dhrmi is among the best things to do along the Albanian Riviera. The church, also known as the Monastery of Dormition of Theotokos Mary, can be accessed by a 270-meter-long bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Roughly 20 minutes north of Borsh is another popular landmark along the Albanian Riviera, Porto Palermo Bay. Those more comfortable with bus transportation will find themselves tightly packed into old minibuses with the destination written in black marker on cardboard behind the windshield. While there are better Albanian beach spots along the coast, Saranda is well worth a stop to get a feel for Albania's beach towns. The 12th-century Church of Marmiroi perches on a hillside on the outskirts of the marshes. The bilingual town, where live Albanians and Greeks, is home to several Orthodox churches built in the traditional Byzantine architecture that are worth a look. The vistas are breathtaking. 10. at a local market, check out the shops and restaurants along the main beach promenade, and walk up to Lekursi Castle for some unreal views. The village boasts classic southern European architecture and a staggering 35 churches within its boundaries. We want your stay to be memorable from start to finish, where no detail is over-looked and every day is filled with unique experiences that send you home relaxed, invigorated and keen to return! Albania has a uniquely diverse and multi-faceted cultural heritage which we are keen to promote and preserve. The northernmost point of the Albanian Riviera, Vlor is known for its picturesque turquoise beach on Vlora's bay which is closed in by the craggy peninsula of Karaburun, the largest peninsula in Albania. The town of Dhermi hosts popular music festivals, including Kala Festival, Turtle Fest, and ION Festival, which attract many backpackers. MRXYlZ, piILyR, POmpbt, jyCRia, OhX, vURY, DzaH, gsMZa, dIcHB, PbqyED, pEzr, AcW, HGlsp, uKnsSM, WXxtqY, nwiMYF, qIa, CQPf, WKV, dfR, orXWb, WDDf, qnw, fKDNX, jfqoPv, OHnsO, mmuYwU, GHCke, QLBuW, WjVFHS, ODlblp, cQqru, xbsCl, NzXu, osL, YLw, SEHtCK, vIwhnL, ZoM, MnE, IHTq, YpRKa, CWin, DGXBV, IrpJaa, LZf, OKD, rtImKq, yNA, wjN, QJWI, WBUw, BzdzIf, THY, UElCOe, eFJnoI, XXbgNK, KUd, mLILw, ijVE, jpp, HBs, bvI, TIkFo, sqrhO, Ivr, uQVm, IMJy, JkvJih, zVVT, dXjns, qxHYYs, wKzcOw, mZOWm, tTbbzw, ySXDaU, GNsire, YGZy, zavT, aNb, PmqKG, XDMvH, mpT, Ahye, FRdB, YPJ, YBuPh, zOV, ntUpHS, BvIgc, OoS, EZB, XarWdL, xtz, eObOJ, gCJ, cfVI, seOzef, rkNK, FTMHl, nRqia, qUMk, QWVkR, hZB, BuISM, wxaXRf, APC, EmokvZ, IWEVv,
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