Introduction of Albanian Coast
You can only imagine how diverse the small country of Albania is, once you travel there. And of course, part of that diversity is its coastline from North to South. Two are the seas of the Albanian coast: Adriatic in the North and Ionian in the South. There are different data about the border between the two seas, but it doesn’t make such a difference. It is important that the Ionian Sea is with pebbles and if you are like me, and can’t walk on them barefoot, take water shoes with you.
We have travelled extensively, especially in 2019 and 2020, on the Albanian Coast and it offers plenty of adventures to create beautiful memories when you return home. And it is not only the beaches! Alket and I are back every year in Albania and even though our time is not as much as it used to be to visit the coast, we try to see as much as possible. With our travel experience on the Albanian coast, we have chosen the best things to do for you in one or two weeks. This guide is for everyone who wants to choose only one place to visit on the Albanian coast, for someone else who has one week or for the more adventurous travellers who have the best things to do in two weeks. Whichever you choose, keep reading to find out.
Top things to do on the Albanian Coast in one or two weeks
Things to do in one week
Here are listed the most epic spots to visit on the Albanian Coast if you are short on time. From Stargazing at Thrown Sand to Butrint National Archaeological Park, you have plenty of activities to feed your wanderlust.
Stargazing at Rana e Hedhun
I will always remember that night we were stargazing at the Rana e Hedhun. It is a very special feeling watching the stars in the dark sky. I can’t recommend it enough.
But it is not easy to reach. After arriving in Shengjin, further north search for a parking space or continue driving if you have an off-road car. Then, take everything you need for the camping night and walk along the coast to the Rana e Hedhun. It takes at most 1 hour. Be aware that this is wild camping, not lawfully prohibited in Albania. There aren’t any facilities, so prepare what you need for the night and respect nature.
Apart from Stargazing, Rana e Hedhun is a unique dune, the only one in Albania and it is right on the shore, reaching a high of approximately 100 m. Visit it and you will be glad you did.
Lagoon of Patok
Now we go to a special place: the Lagoon of Patok in the Lezha district. The Lagoon in North Albania offers a relaxing time just by yourself, with your family or friends. We visited on our way back from Rana e Hedhun and half a day is more than enough. The National Road of SH35 goes through the lagoon and on both sides are cabins on wood pilings serving as restaurants. The fish is delicious. Don’t skip it.
Durrës
Durrës is one of the oldest cities in Albania, almost 3000 years old. The ancient city has held a very important role throughout history, thanks to its strategic position in the Adriatic Sea. Today, Durres is the second most populated city in the country after Tirana, the capital and has the largest Port in Albania. As you are now thinking, historical sites are a must-see attraction to visit. Unfortunately, the city has not done its best to preserve the old history it holds. We hope they take measures to make it better.
Strolling on the main boulevard right close to the sea, is a good idea. Taking some iodine from the sea is not bad at all. Even though Durrës is a coastal city, I don’t recommend swimming on the beaches. But I suggest eating seafood as it has many good restaurants.
Llogara National Park
This National Park offers spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera and is worth to check it out. A steep road goes in the middle of Llogara, with plenty of traditional restaurants to choose from. Nature is bliss in this park. Lately, to reach South Albania are built new highways, a tunnel and you can easily choose them for a better driving experience but driving to Llogara, even with its steep road, should not be missed.
Gjipe Beach and Canyon
After visiting Llogara National Park, Gjipe Beach is the place to drive. It is a half-hour drive from the Park and after reaching the parking lot, it is time for a 30-minute hike to the beach, unless you have an off-road car. Gjipe has a beautiful Canyon too, right after the beach for the most active travellers. If you want to take it slow, plan to camp one night in Gjipe and enjoy the evening on the beach. That’s something special to do.
Butrint National Archaeological Park
I visited Butrint many years ago, in high school and the main thing I remember is that it was huge and special. Butrint is in South Albania, close to the border with Greece and only half an hour from Saranda. The Park today is what is left of the ancient city. The main attraction is an ancient theatre but there are many other interesting ancient buildings in the park. I suggest spending a minimum of 2 hours in Butrint to enjoy it. Your visit to Butrint would be a break from the beaches in South Albania and a great way to learn about Albanian history.
Eat diverse seafood
The Albanian coast is rich in different kinds of seafood. You have lots of fish from North to South, mussels, squids, octopus etc. They are served as grilled food with fresh salads or with rice/pasta. The North Albanian Coast is more convenient than the South (from Vlora to the border with Greece). Wherever you eat, enjoy the food and the Mediterranean cuisine on the Albanian coast.
Hiking through the Southern Coast
South Albania has a mountainous terrain that makes the nature in this area exceptional but on the other side, challenging to drive or hike. Yes, here is exactly the perfect coast as the ones you see in travel magazines or Instagram. Hiking through the coast in the lush green Mediterranean vegetation and the wide panorama of the blue Ionian Sea complete the perfect view right where you are standing. But, most of the hiking trails are not marked, so be careful when hiking or book a local guide who has the experience.
Paragliding at Llogara
We were so ready to do the paragliding at Llogara but that day, luck was not with us. Whatever the reason, too much wind or too many people in line, we couldn’t end the day as we thought it would be. I can’t tell what it is like because I haven’t done it yet, but I think it is a unique experience and you should try it. Paragliding starts at Llogara Pass and ends at wide Palase beach. After that, if you still feel well :), go for a nice swim on the beach.
Scuba diving
Here is another awesome activity in line for me to try. And you? Have you tried it yet? Well, why not? If you do not have any medical problems and your doctor has nothing against it, put your fears away and try scuba diving in South Albania.
Things to do in Week Two
Cape of Rodon
Cape of Rodon is a remarkable place 60 kilometres from the capital, Tirana. Before entering you have to pay a fee. After that, enjoy great viewpoints from different perspectives at the Cape. There is a catholic church, castle ruins and nice beaches to enjoy for a day trip. Cape of Rodon is believed to be the place where the national Hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastrioti had his honeymoon. Good choice Hero!
Gjeneral Beach
The beach is close to Kavaje city and is a good idea for a day trip from Tirana. To reach the beach, you will need a good car since the road is challenging. The beach has private and public parts for you to choose which fits best. Gjeneral is mainly a sandy beach but the water of the Adriatic Sea is pretty clear. We like the beach a lot and have visited it many times together and with friends too. My recommendation would be to bring things with you to eat and drink. There are a few service facilities at the beach so it is better to be prepared.
Explore Karaburun peninsula
The peninsula is a gem of Albania. Do you want to explore caves on that blue Ionian water? Do you want to travel to some of the most beautiful bays of the country, such as the Bay of Grama, Dafina, Bristan etc.? Do you want to see the underwater world of the Mediterranean? You can find all of this in the Karaburun Peninsula in Albania. So, what are you waiting for?!
The beaches near Himara
We have visited most of the beaches on the Albanian Coast and our favourite base is Himara. The city itself has many facilities and not just some small markets where you can’t find much and most of them are overpriced. No, Himara has supermarkets to buy what you want. Also, the city and areas nearby, are the best places to eat in South Albania. And last, the beaches! Aquarium, Livadh, Filikur etc. are some of the beaches close to Himara. Each one is unique in its way and I recommend visiting them all.
The Castle of Porto Palermo
Ali Pashe Tepelena, an Albanian politician in the Ottoman period, built the Fortress in a very strategic position. The building is on a peninsula and has a triangular form. The castle stands still today and is open to the public. You pay a small fee and a tour guide narrates the history of the fortress. Quite interesting to hear about Albanian history at that time.
Krorëza Beach
Now all over the Internet, you read about Ksamil but have you heard about Kroreza Beach? In my opinion, Ksamil is not worth it in high season. Instead, look for other alternatives. A boat trip away from Saranda is Kroreza Beach, one of my favourites. The beach is huge, has two parts and is incredibly beautiful. Take some things with you and enjoy the day.
Ksamil Islands
If you have searched for Albania, part of the classic recommended travel guide to visit the country is Ksamil. But, here I am talking about the islands of Ksamil. Yes, Ksamil has 3 islands and they are a unique tourist destination for Albania. Since Ksamil is packed with tourists in summer, the island too, chooses another time to visit them to have beautiful memories.
Kayaking to Filikuri Bay
Filikuri Beach is still low profile but it is way better than some other popular beaches. I, an Albanian didn’t hear of it, till I found it on the map when looking for places to visit for us. The beach is right next to Himara, on the south side of it. That’s why it makes a perfect place to visit with a kayak. Cool, fun activity and without too much effort. Rent a kayak in Himara and head right to Filikuri.
How to reach the Albanian coast
Via air: The easiest way to reach the Albanian Coast is from Tirana International Airport close to the capital of Tirana. In the Balkans are also other airports from neighbouring countries such as Podgorica Airport, Prishtina International Airport and Skopje International Airport. From these airports, you can drive to the Albanian Coast or you can use public transportation such as buses or vans to reach Tirana and from there the final destination, the coast.
Via sea: Another way to go to the coast is by the sea. Albania has three Ports in Durres, Vlore and Sarande. The ferries may not be the best travelling mode of transport but it gets you to the destination.
Via land: Being part of mainland Europe, Albania is reachable via land. No matter what you drive, it gets you to Albania from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece. If you like to drive, this may be the best solution for you because it offers flexibility in the country to have a vehicle (can be a car or a camper) on your own.
How to move around
Via public transportation: There are buses and mainly vans (furgon) in the terminals of the big cities of the Albanian coast such as Durres, Vlora and Saranda. Naturally, they take longer than travelling with a car and you are limited to their schedule. I think they are a good way to move around for budget travellers.
Via car: The best way to move to the coast is by car. You are the boss. You decide everything, the route to take, the time and the place. Better save the money somewhere else because it is worth it to rent a car.
Hints to read before you travel
The coast from the border with Montenegro in the North to Vlora is sandy but from there to the border with Greece in the South has pebble beaches. If you find it hard to walk on pebbles, take water shoes with you.
The coast guards are almost nonexistent. Be careful when swimming.
Albanian Riviera, the South Coast is deep right on the shore so if you are travelling with kids or are not sure about your swimming abilities, be careful.
Driving is challenging in Albania. Try to be calm and follow the rules. The south coast has a mountainous terrain and would be helpful some experience in such terrain. Also avoid rush hours, weekends and high season.
Most of the shops on the coast are small, have a few choices and are overpriced. I recommend stopping at a supermarket in one of the main cities and storing the food in the fridge at your hotel.
On the Albanian Coast are both public and private beaches. Even at the private beaches, occupied with umbrellas, the edges are usually free. Take an umbrella with you which offers you the freedom to sunbathe where you want and save some money.
Avoid staying in the sun during the peak hours. In the last 5 years, the temperatures in summer in Albania have reached 40 grade Celsius. That is a lot.
And the last but maybe the most important one. Protect nature. I know that Albania has a lot of issues with waste management and a lot should be done but please do your part. It matters.
Thank you for reading and we wish you a great time at the coast!
