Plan a beach getaway to the Albanian Riviera while it’s still under the radar.
ADVERTISEMENTLooking for an inexpensive beach vacation? Albania could well be the solution.
The Balkan country has yet to make its mark on Europe’s main tourist circuit – which is all the more reason to visit.
Stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania’s 450-kilometer coastline is dotted with golden sand and pine forests, but very few foreign tourists.
Beach lovers should head to the Albanian Riviera, where white sand beaches and turquoise waters have drawn comparisons to the Maldives.
Here’s how to visit the Mediterranean’s hidden gem before crowds to come down.
Where to go on the Albanian Riviera: from Roman ruins to beach bars
Stretching along the country’s coastline from Vlorë to Ksamil, the Albanian Riviera offers everything from bustling resorts to tranquil coves.
Although far from being undiscovered, Dhërmi is one of the longest and most popular beaches in Albania. Palm leaf umbrellas line the shore and deck chairs face the sparkling ocean.
Lively bars sell beer for just €1.50 and beachfront rooms are available from €30.
When you need a respite, you can hike the area’s mountain trails in complete solitude or head to nearby Gjipe Canyon for a rappel. shipping.
Venture further south and you’ll be rewarded with Ksamil, which social media users have hailed as the Maldives of Europe.
Beaches like Pema e Thatë have become Famous on TikTok for their beach huts with mesh hammocks suspended over the ocean, available to rent for just €9 per day.
If sunbathing isn’t your thing, check out the Greek and Roman museums. ruins from Butrint National Park a stone’s throw from the coast.
Inland from this little oasis you’ll find Blue Eye, a deep natural spring named for its fascinating color.
The coastal town of Saranda is just a 20-minute drive north of Ksamil with hotels starting from €30 a night.
The Albanian Riviera: one of the cheapest beach holiday destinations in Europe
The Albanian Riviera is ideal for a beach a vacation that doesn’t break the bank.
Whether you want to spend luxury accommodation for a fraction of the usual price or take advantage of low prices and spend as little as possible, Albania has what you need.
With peaceful jungle camping village from Borsh for just €11.50 per night and luxury resorts for €40, neither option will leave you cash-strapped.
A low-cost meal restaurant in Albania, it costs on average 600 lek (€5.50), according to Numbeo, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 3,260 lek (€30).
ADVERTISEMENTHow to get to the Albanian Riviera
Currently, Tirana International Airport, located a two-hour drive from Vlorë, is the main gateway to Albania. Buses from the airport take around three hours and cost around €9. A taxi costs around €90.
It is possible to take the train from Rrogozhinë – about an hour’s drive from Tirana – to Vlorë. Albania form The network is expected to improve in the coming years with a high-speed rail network under construction.
Vlorë should have hers airport in 2024, which would grant direct access to the Albanian Riviera. However, these projects do not go without controversial: The airport’s proximity to the Vjosa-Narta lagoon – an important coastal bird sanctuary – has sparked protests from environmental activists.
You can also take a ferry from Corfu by Greece in Saranda in the south of the Albanian Riviera.
