Journey Along the Albanian Riviera with Private Tour Guide & Car

Vlore Beach - Vlore is a bustling and expansive beachside city, marking the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, which stretches south to Saranda. The city is nestled around a large horseshoe-shaped bay. Along this bay, you’ll find the popular Lungomare promenade, lined with numerous shops, restaurants, clubs, cafes, and bars.

Zvërnec Islands - After enjoying Vlore beach, the tour includes a 30-minute stop at Zvernec Island, a small island in the Narta Lagoon. A long bridge connects the mainland to Zvernec Island, where visitors can explore the quaint Zvernec monastery. The island offers a picturesque setting for photography.

Llogara Pass - Departing from Vlore, the journey continues along the coastal road towards Saranda, with a stop at the Llogara Pass. This mountain pass is the highest point on the coastal road, standing at 1027 meters. It features a stunning viewpoint perfect for photography, offering breathtaking views of Palase beach, Dhermi village, and the Ionian Sea.

After visiting the Llogara Pass, the tour descends the winding road towards the most beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera, featuring Mediterranean villages, historic castles, Orthodox churches, pristine beaches, hidden caves, and abundant olive trees.

Dhermi Beach - Dhermi beach is one of the most renowned beaches on the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi is a charming village with hillside homes and an extensive beach. During summer, it attracts a youthful crowd and boasts a lively atmosphere. The tour includes a stop to relax and swim before continuing.

Jale Beach - Jale Beach is a quaint beach village in the heart of the Albanian Riviera. Known for its crystal-clear waters, Jale Beach is surrounded by hills and is typically one of the quieter spots on the Riviera. Visitors will have free time to explore the beach.

Himare - Himare is a larger village centrally located in the Albanian Riviera. It features a traditional hillside village offering views of the beach and sea. A small walking tour of the old village showcases traditional hillside homes and offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

Porto Palermo Castle - Porto Palermo is a vast blue bay in the Albanian Riviera, home to the Castle of Ali Pasha. This triangular fortress sits on a small island in the bay, offering picturesque views from its rooftop. Although often attributed to Ali Pasha, the castle was actually built by the Venetians, sharing a design with the Venetian castle in Butrint. Historical records may have been altered during the communist era to align with nationalist narratives. During communism, the castle served as a Soviet submarine base.

Borsh Beach - Borsh Beach is a strikingly long beach, offering options to stay near others by the restaurants or find solitude further along the shore. The beach features pristine clear blue waters and a quality restaurant.

Saranda - Saranda is a lively coastal city in southern Albania, near the Greek border, often referred to as “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera.” The city boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and cafes. In the evening, the city lights up, and visitors can stroll along the waterfront promenade, with free time to explore.

Ksamil Beach - Ksamil Beach is a paradise-like destination in southern Albania, often called “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera.” It is considered the most beautiful beach in the country, featuring a small peninsula with perfect white sand and bright green, crystal-clear waters. Four small islands are located near the beach, with the famous twin islands connected by a narrow land strip. Visitors can swim to the nearest island or rent a boat or kayak to explore further islands.

The Blue Eye of Albania & Gjirokaster UNESCO Site with Private Tour Guide & Car

Lekuresi Castle - Lekuresi Castle is a historic hilltop fortress overlooking Saranda in southern Albania. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman era, the castle was strategically positioned to control surrounding land and sea routes, offering views of Corfu and the Ionian Sea. Today, its stone walls and towers provide breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset, making it a popular visitor spot. Despite being partly in ruins, Lekuresi Castle remains a significant symbol of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The Blue Eye - The Blue Eye of Albania is a stunning natural freshwater spring, renowned for its vibrant blue waters. The spring has become a tourist attraction due to its magical blue hue, which is entirely natural. The spring resembles a human eye, with a dark underwater cave resembling a pupil and the bright blue water as the iris. Adventurous visitors can jump into the Blue Eye spring, which is over 50 meters deep, though the water remains ice-cold year-round.

Gjirokaster - Gjirokaster is a historic city on the UNESCO heritage list. Strolling through Gjirokaster offers a glimpse into life during the Turkish Ottoman Empire, with its characteristic stone houses and cobblestone streets, earning it the nickname “stone city.” Known as a “museum city” in Albania, Gjirokaster is filled with beautiful historic buildings, making it a delightful place to explore.

Gjirokaster Castle - Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress atop a hill in the city, offering spectacular views of the historic city and its traditional stone houses. As one of the largest hilltop castles in the Balkans, it dominates the cityscape. Originally built in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government, it was renovated and expanded during the Byzantine, Ottoman, and King Zog’s rule. From 1930, it primarily served as a prison for government dissenters.

Gjirokastra Bazaar - The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the city’s traditional marketplace, dating back to the Middle Ages. It features a variety of craftsmen, souvenir shops, and cafes. Visitors can purchase handmade wooden items, handwoven rugs, and delicate lace products. The Bazaar’s cobblestone street is set on a steep hillside.

• Hotel pick-up & drop-off
• Private transportation
• Private Tour Guide
• Entrance fees

• Meals
• Excluded: Hotels, please book your own hotels

The Albanian Riviera is among Europe’s most picturesque coastal regions. Despite its breathtaking beaches along the Ionian Sea, it remains relatively undiscovered by many tourists, preserving its tranquility and pristine nature.

During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to visit the most stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera. They will explore popular attractions such as the Blue Eye of Albania and Ksamil Beach, as well as discover hidden treasures like Zvernec Island and Jala Beach. Additionally, the tour guide is able to tailor the experience to suit individual preferences.

• Please wear comfortable walking shoes for the hikes in Theth

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.