Where to stay in the Albanian Riviera

Albania’s long coast is a holidaymakers’ dream, spanning the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The beach resorts start around Durres in the north, the closest getaway from the country’s capital Tirana and an incredibly popular beach. As you travel south, there are two protected wetlands and bird-watching areas – the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park and Vjosë-Nartë Delta – before you reach Vlore county and the official start of the Albanian Riviera.

The Albanian Riviera is a mixture of pebbly and sandy beaches, some set up as lidos with plenty of facilities, getting busy in high season and others still very much off-the-beaten tracks and accessible only by hiking the rugged trails in the Llogara National Park. The most popular resort towns on the Riviera are Dhërmi, Himarë, Borsh and finally Sarandë in the south. Ksamil, further south still, is an honorary member of the Riviera and incredibly popular with tourists, thanks to its dreamy beaches.

In bustling Vlorë, life revolves around the long, sweeping beach and its palm-shaded promenade. Abi’s Hotel & Spa has a dream location, just behind the prom, with a view of the beach, the shallow sea and the lively pier. Modern decor meets luxury finishes in the spacious rooms, some of which have sea-view terraces and balconies. There’s an on-site spa with a wellness pool, sauna, solarium and Turkish bath, and an elegant restaurant with indoor and terrace seating.

For true luxury, head just south of the main strip in Vlore to Maritim Marina Bay Resort & Casino with its private lido and sea access. The glistening sea beckons, just steps away, but guests can also enjoy a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool with its poolside bar or sunbathing in the gardens or on their balcony. In the evening, there are three restaurants to choose from: the sea-view fish restaurant, the fun garden restaurant serving Mediterranean specialities, and the Lime by Marina Bay gastro lounge with an exciting cocktail menu and fusion cuisine.

The popular port town of Sarandë is one of Albania’s most-visited seaside resorts as it’s easily accessible from Corfu by ferry. Its bustling seafront is lined with lively eateries and bars and, come evening, the whole shoreline is alive with street vendors. It’s also a great location for sightseeing trips to some of Albania’s bucket-list spots like the Blue Eye and Butrint Archeological Park. You’ll find accommodation in every budget here.

The Art Hotel is a budget-friendly option that’s surprisingly chic for its pricing. The hotel has cool modern decor and perfectly proportioned rooms, some with great sea-view balconies. There’s a secluded outdoor pool, with sunny and shady spots to lounge around the edge and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a great view.

Just south of town, below the castle and above popular Mango Beach, the Glow Boutique Hotel & Suites has a sweeping view over the beautifully sunny coast. Everything here revolves around the view, from the sun-drenched terrace, to the restaurant to the rooftop pool. The rooms are understated and elegant, with several sea-view balcony options to book at a very reasonable price including breakfast.

Ksamil is one of the most popular beach resorts to visit in Albania, attracting couples and families alike with its dreamy, bath-like waters and pretty bays. The beaches here are small and sculpted, decked out with all the loungers, shade and facilities you could wish for and the sea is shallow, crystal-clear and warm. From the main beaches you can also kayak or swim (if you’re very confident) to the small islets dotted in the water.

For top-quality yet budget-friendly accommodation within easy walking distance of the beaches, you can’t beat Area Hotel. It’s a comfortable, modern establishment offering various size rooms and suites to suit all parties. There’s a small bar and breakfast terrace, as well as a petite outdoor pool.

For something a little more luxurious, try Blue Water Hotel, with its large outdoor pool and gardens and a cute terrace bar. The rooms and suites have a modern elegance and most boast a balcony or terrace with a great view.

If you’re heading to the Albanian Riviera as a family, Sarandë is a great place to start. It has great beaches, a sheltered sea and fantastic sights nearby, like the Blue Eye, Gjirokastër and Butrint. The atmosphere is very friendly, especially for families, in the evenings as well, with most restaurants welcoming children and many local families walking and playing on the promenade in the cooler part of the evening.

Vlore is another great spot for families, thanks to the variety of accommodation there for all budgets and the great choice of beaches. It also has a quaint and colourful old town, fully geared towards tourists, with pretty cobbled streets and plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Until recently, the Albanian Riviera has been an under-the-radar destination for a romantic getaway.

Ksamil has to be the top choice for beach lovers, with its picture-perfect scenery, manicured beaches and azure waters – shallow, warm and sheltered. It also has a wide choice of restaurants and bars too.

Himarë is another great choice, with its beautiful beaches and a wide selection of luxury and boutique hotels to make your stay extra special. It has a lazy, beach-day vibe and is the perfect place from which to book a boat excursion to some more off-the-beaten-track beaches only accessible by water. Couples will doubtless love the sunset views and the bustling promenade bars in the evening.

While it’s no longer the undiscovered country of a few years ago, Albania still offers plenty of scope to be adventurous and escape the crowds. If you’re looking for a beach holiday without the lidos and throngs of holidaymakers, you can still find your haven on the Albanian Riviera.

Gjilekë and Palasë are top picks, since they’re close enough to Dhermi to have a good selection of boutique hotels and amenities, but quieter than the town itself.

Plazhi i Palasës beach and other more under-the-radar sections of the coast are within easy reach too.

Lukovë and Piqeras are two more, small villages on the Riviera where mass tourism hasn’t peaked yet. You’ll find charming hotels and apartments, local-run eateries and a few quieter beaches with great swimming conditions.