Nature was generous with Albania, a country in the western Balkans that has it all. Moreover, generosity increases when we talk about the southern Riviera of Albania. The Albanian Riviera is a part in the south of the country that consists of the most beautiful beaches but is well constructed with history and unexplored places. While getting to know southern Albania we have chosen to show you the best of the Albanian Riviera what you can see and do there.
What do we mean by the best of the Albanian Riviera
As you decide to visit Albania, you should always check the latest writings and what you can see here. In this article, I am writing about the best of the Albanian Riviera. The main topic in this article is describing the Albanian Riviera from the cultural view but also including some of the best beaches. This journey starts in Vlora, the city of the Albanian Independence. In 1912 Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire and that can be seen in the museum of Independence.
Exploring more of the Albanian Riviera
The thing about south Albania is that it has everlasting beauty all year round, the color of the sea never fails to amaze the human eye. So make sure to not miss the important places of south Albania. We suggest you stop at the Llogara National park from where you can see the highest peak of Mount Cika, and also the panorama that overlooks the sea. The view from Panorama in Llogara is so amazing it will leave you breathless. You can paraglide at the cost of 80 euros there. It is a 40-minute trip, flying over the beauty of the hills, pine trees, and great sea views. On the way, down to Llogara, you should visit Vuno and Drymades.
The city of the Albanian Flag has more than the museum to offer. In Vlora you can see the ethnographic museum where it is portrayed the Albanian lifestyle, also you can see the independence monument located in the city center and the Kuzum Baba which is on top of the hill in the middle of the city. Kuzum Baba is a religious site for Bektashi followers. Also In Vlora, you can see the best of one of the south Albanian beaches, Zverrneci Beach, located just close to the Zverrneci Monastery which is located in Narta Lagoon and it’s a small island in the sea reachable by a bridge. However, in Vlora do not forget to please your taste buds with the delicious Albanian food.
More of the southern Albania.
Two small villages, located on the hillside of the sea, overlooking the beauty of the Ionian Sea. These two villages offer a great vibe that reminds you of an afternoon at the village, with your loved ones, drinking wine, and having meaningless conversations. In Drymades I would recommend you my favorite place to go and chill while drinking something of your choice. My suggestion takes you to Sarajet e Komitetit. The idea behind that place dates to the communist times and the man who is behind this is a true visionary that doesn’t let history flop. So no matter how bad the past might have been, it’s something we cannot run from, so why not make something out of it. So the idea behind it is: don’t let history keep you in misery.
Moreover, after your stop at Vuno and Drymades, you should absolutely stop and have a look at the Porto Palermo Castle. A castle built by the man, the myth, and the legend Ali Pashe Tepelena. A ruler who lived around the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle is made of chambers and small prisons. You can enjoy a walk along the cobblestone pavement and feel the history through your feet. But also you can enjoy the view that the roof of the castle offers. Also, do not forget to have a swim at the Porto Palermo beach.
The endless beauty of South Albania, is it really endless?
As the sun rises, so should you and head towards one of the best beaches of Albania, that of Borsh. Borsh is another small village that has the ruins of a beautiful ancient castle that is totally forgotten by the nowadays civilization. The ruins in my opinion deserve a visit because they are prints of history.
And the beach of Borsh is amazing to have a swim, a white stone beach is something you cannot skip on your visit to the Albanian Riviera. After visiting Borsh, make your way towards one of my favorite beaches, Lukova! Lukova’s Cave is the place where the beach is located and I absolutely love it. Lukova’s beach is made out of some rocky areas, some beautiful beach bars, and restaurants that offer great homemade food. And of course white stone sand, that will make you feel like a mermaid. Beach rate 10/10.
Saranda in the southern Albanian Riviera, is it Nivice?
Of course, Saranda is Nice, but Nivica is a bit extra. Jokes aside, Nivica is a small village before arriving in Saranda that has some amazing natural canyons that shouldn’t be missed. Did I mention how amazing the food is there too? Well, go for yourself and see. Saranda on the other hand, one of my favorite Albanian cities, built by the sea with a great atmosphere that will always remind you yourself after your 5th glass of wine. Such a beautiful city, and views so great that you would of course want to take pictures and brag to your friends about where you were.
In Saranda, you will find the Lekursi Castle from where you can see the whole city. We recommend you go in the afternoon with a loved one so you can enjoy the sunset and talk for hours. If you are like me, and have no loved ones, take your bottle of wine and go cry on top of the hill while watching the sunset. After you are done crying, grab your best clothes and go find yourself someone to share the sunset with because I cannot see you like this. Saranda offers you that great vibe that you feel like you found yourself on the streets of this amazing city.
Is there more to see of the southern Albania?
Of course, there is! Ksamil Islands aren’t there for you to know they exist, they are there to be seen. So, make yourself some time and go see the Islands. I know you are expecting something bigger, but these islands are small and full of life. The view is great, the white sand and the noise of 50 children fighting over a boat, is it die for. That was pun intended, the islands are of rare beauty, whoever created this planet, was generous when he gave Saranda these islands. From the islands, you can see the magnificent island of Corfu that is just 30 minutes away by boat. We suggest you go legally, and not steal a boat and make your way out there. We will probably find you soon.
However, Butrint has a historical and cultural side, so can anything beat that? Probably yes, but I would say No. Butrint is the biggest archaeological park in Albania. Under UNESCO protection, Butrint is the home of Greek Colonization, a Roman City abandoned in the middle ages. Butrint is located around 20km away from Saranda and has a special atmosphere made out of Archaeology, Culture, and Nature all combined together. Each fortification belongs to a different time in history, which makes you want to visit it more.
Butrint is really big, so you will probably lose track of time so put your alarm on, three hours after entering it, so you won’t be lost. In Butrint you can go on a boat ride to the other Ali Pasha Castle. To show that this man was more than a great ruler, we have to show that he was a gentleman, so this castle was a gift for his wife. Put the napkins away, nobody is going to build a castle for you.
Where to NEXT?
On your way back to Tirana, make sure you go from Gjirokastra, so you can see one of my favorite Albanian Castles, that of Argjiro. The history of the castle is really touching. Gjirokastra or the stone city has a lot of places that you should visit and see. I recommend you spent some days visiting the Home of Zekate, Enver Hoxha’s House, Kadare’s House. Do not forget the old city, its precious cobblestones are a must.
