Albanian Riviera Road Trip: 7 Days from Vlora to Saranda

The coast between Vlora and Saranda is one of the most beautiful drives in the Mediterranean. Turquoise bays, mountain villages and castles line a road that climbs over the Llogara Pass and then winds along the Ionian Sea. This 7-day Albanian Riviera road trip gives you time to swim, eat well and enjoy the views without rushing.

Before your Albanian Riviera road trip

• Best time: May, June and September have warm sea, fewer crowds and easier parking. July and August are lively but busy.
• Which car: a compact car is perfect for the coastal road. You don't need a 4x4.
• Where to start: pick up your car at Tirana Airport or at our Vlora Port meeting point, and return it in Saranda to avoid driving back. The one-way fee is shown when you search.

Day 1: Tirana to Vlora

The drive from Tirana to Vlora takes about 2 hours on good roads. Spend the afternoon on the Lungomare seafront promenade and visit the Zvërnec Monastery on a small island in the Narta Lagoon, reached by a wooden footbridge. Vlora is also where Albania declared independence in 1912; the Independence Monument stands in the centre.

Day 2: Over the Llogara Pass to Dhërmi

South of Vlora the road climbs through the pine forests of Llogara National Park to the pass at about 1,000 metres. Stop at the viewpoint: on a clear day you can see the whole Riviera below. The descent to the coast is steep with hairpin bends, so take it slowly and use a low gear. The drive from Vlora to Dhërmi takes around 1 hour 15 minutes without stops.

Day 3: Beaches around Dhërmi and Jalë

Stay a second night and explore the beaches. Dhërmi and Drymades have long pebble beaches, while Gjipe beach sits at the mouth of a canyon and is reached on foot from a car park above. Jalë is a small bay with clear water and beach bars. Wear good shoes for the walks.

Day 4: Himarë and Porto Palermo

Drive south to Himarë, a relaxed town with an old castle quarter on the hill above the bay. Continue to Porto Palermo, where a small fortress associated with Ali Pasha of Tepelena stands on a peninsula. The water here is calm and excellent for swimming.

Day 5: Borsh, Lukovë and on to Saranda

Borsh has one of the longest beaches on the Riviera, backed by olive groves and a ruined castle. Stop in Lukovë for lunch with a view, then continue to Saranda, about 1 hour away. In the evening walk the seafront and climb to Lëkurësi Castle for sunset over Corfu.

Day 6: Ksamil and Butrint

Ksamil, about 20 minutes south of Saranda, is famous for its small islands and bright blue water. Arrive early in summer to find parking. In the afternoon visit Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian remains in a lagoon-side national park. Read more in our guide to renting a car in Saranda.

Day 7: The Blue Eye and Gjirokastër

Drive inland to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a deep natural spring of incredible colour, about 40 minutes from Saranda. Continue to Gjirokastër, the UNESCO-listed "stone city" with its castle and Ottoman houses, about 1 hour from Saranda. From here you can return your car in Saranda or drive back north via Tepelenë towards Tirana.

Practical tips for the coastal road

• The SH8 coastal road is narrow in places with many bends. Allow more time than your map app suggests.
• Fill up the tank in Vlora or Himarë; fuel stations are fewer between villages.
• Beach parking is often paid in summer; keep some lek coins and notes.
• Many beach bars rent sunbeds; bring cash for small villages.
• Check our tips for driving in Albania before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive the Albanian Riviera?

Driving straight from Vlora to Saranda takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, but the coast deserves at least 4 to 7 days to enjoy the beaches and villages.

Is the Llogara Pass difficult?

It is a good paved road but steep and winding. Drive in daylight, keep your speed low and use engine braking on the way down.

Can I pick up in Vlora and return in Saranda?

Yes. You can collect the car at our Vlora Port meeting point and return it at Saranda Port. See all locations on the Find Us map.

Ready for the Riviera? Choose your car and start planning.