Albanian Riviera Road Trip — 7-Day Self-Drive Itinerary 2026

The Albanian Riviera is made for a road trip. In a single arcing drive down the Ionian coast you cross a mountain pass, drop through white villages to turquoise coves, and finish among Greek and Roman ruins near the border. A week gives you time to swim, wander and eat without rushing. Pick up a car in Vlorë (or drive down from Tirana) and point it south.

Day 1–2: Vlorë and the Llogara Pass

Start in Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, for a first swim and a seafront dinner. Then climb the Llogara Pass, a switchbacking road that tops out around 1,000 m among pines before plunging toward the coast — one of the great drives in the Balkans. Stop at the viewpoint; the whole Riviera unrolls below.

Day 3–4: Dhërmi, Gjipe and Himarë

Descend to Dhërmi, all white houses and beach clubs, and its quieter neighbour beaches. Hike or boat to Gjipe, a cove where a canyon meets the sea. Base a night or two in Himarë — laid-back, with tavernas and easy access to hidden coves like Llamani and Jale.

Day 5: Porto Palermo to Borsh

South of Himarë, stop at Porto Palermo, where Ali Pasha's castle sits on a near-island in a perfect bay. Continue past Borsh, the Riviera's longest beach, backed by olive groves, for a slower, less-built stretch of coast.

Day 6–7: Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint

Finish in Sarandë, the coast's liveliest town, with Corfu shimmering offshore. Day-trip to Ksamil for its famous islet-dotted turquoise, and give a half-day to Butrint, the UNESCO-listed ancient city layered with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins in a lagoon setting. The nearby Blue Eye spring makes a cool detour.

Practical tips: book coastal stays ahead for July–August; fuel up before mountain stretches; drive the coast road in daylight — it is beautiful but winding. May–June and September are the sweet spots for warm water and open roads.