The Albanian Riviera is a place
where the sun stretches across the deep sea, where there are splendid
configurations of rocky and isolated small Albanian
beaches,
and the mountains and hillsides are covered in Mediterranean vegetation with
charming villages constructed between the mountains and sea.
The
Albanian Riviera is blessed with 300 days of sun. The average temperature
in January is 10 degrees C. and the average temperature in July is 25 degrees
C.
The Ionian coastline is known for
having fascinating beaches with deep and very clean waters. Younger crowds
prefer Albanian
holidays
to visit the Ionian beaches as the area offers many opportunities for those
interested in water sports like diving, boat tours, etc.
Some of the most exotic and
interesting south Albanian beaches of Albania are Dhërmi, Jal, Himara,
Qeparo, Borsh, Saranda and Ksamil.
From the Llogara Pass, which is
1,057 meters above sea level, the breathtaking coast can be seen as if from the
vantage point of an airplane.
The first beach here
is Dhraleos in Palasë which has a length of 1.5 km. This is one of
the most exotic and tranquil beaches of the Albanian coastal zone complete with
rich blue waters. This beach is popular for water sports and is sometimes even
the destination for the parachutes that launch from Llogara Pass.
Dhërmi is located a little further
south and is one of the most frequented and important tourist places along the
Albanian coast. The crystal-clear waters, isolated beaches, water sports and
diving make this the preferred Albanian beach of younger generation for Albanian
holidays. The different beaches that are part of Dhërmi are Jaliksari,
Shkambo and Gjipea.
The beach of Gjipea has a
beautiful shape. Past this beach there is a stream that has made a canyon with
70 meters high walls. Located near the beach of Dhërmi is the Cave of Pirates
which tourists can access only by boat or ferry. There are also hotels,
restaurants and summer clubs located nearby.
Throughout this entire area, family
tourism has developed, where tourists can choose to rent guesthouses or reside
in a variety of hotels nearby. Near Himara8 km south of Dhërmi, you will find
the village of Vuno, which is the central area of the Albanian Riviera. It is a
tourist town that comes to life during the summer season for the albania beaches thanks to the younger generations that come here.
In this area are beaches
of Spile, Potam, Llamaniand and Livadhja. All of them stand out
for their deep waters, navigability and rocky characteristics. After Borsh is
Qeparo and the small tectonic gulf of Porto Palermo where Ali
Pasha castle is located.
Borsh, is one of the longer beach
areas of the Albanian Riviera protected by a collection of massive
Mediterranean vegetation, primarily citrus and olive plantations. Family
tourism has also become very popular in this area. Between here and the city
of Saranda, one can find the beaches of Bunec, Kakome and Krokëy
whose collective length runs about three km and each with beautiful,
crystal-clear water.
The city of Saranda is the most populous urban area on the Albanian Riviera and a very big tourist destination, especially enjoyed by newly married couples on their honeymoon. The city and surrounding areas offer a range of hotels catering to five-star travelers as well as the more budget conscious, while home rentals also remain an option. The city is well-located on the coast only 9 km away from the Greek island of Corfu. Daily ferries offer connections between Saranda and Corfu making this southern Albanian city a good base for European and international tourists.