best places in albanian riviera

Warblers, pygmy cormorants, and marsh harriers also live in the reed beds. Ali rides his horse around the terrace, an iron clamper filled with grilled, steaming fish in one hand. Most visited place in Albania during summer. Subsequently, during the Roman Civil War, it easily succumbed to Julius Caesar after he arrived with his forces on the other side of the Llogara Pass. The church, also known as the Monastery of Dormition of Theotokos Mary, can be accessed by a 270-meter-long bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Ksamil Islands 10. These are the 15 things you must do on the Albanian Riviera. Inside the park is Llogara Tourist Village, a small mountain resort village roughly 800 meters above sea level. The best known beaches are those in Dhermi, Himara, Gjipe and Ksamili, but there are many hidden gems elsewhere for those with the time and passion to explore. The castles interior consists of a large domed hall with archways going off it into smaller chambers and dark tunnels (a flashlight is required), which are well worth exploring thoroughly. Because of the submarine base at Porto Palermo, the coastal road between Himara and Borsh was a closed military zone. Hiking along the seaside cliffs, you'll find Livadh beach just north of town; the view from above is a tri-colored flag of the turquoise sea, bright white stones, and olive groves stretching far beyond. It's best visited by boat, however, hikers can enjoy a seven-hour long walk. Qeparo. A not-to-miss place to visit in this area is Qeparo, a nice bilingual seaside village inhabited by Albanians and Greeks. Kruja 8. Not unexpectedly, the slope overlooking the water is densely fortified with bunkers. blogherads.adq.push(['medrec', 'skm-ad-medrec-1']); Get wanderlust inspiration, free travel guides, and travel tips. And of course, you cant enjoy a good Albanian meal without a rakijaor four! The route emerges from the Llogara woodlands onto the diverse environment of the Adriatic coast. Though it is unknown when Dhrmi was first established, it is known that the area was originally inhabited by a Chaonian tribe known as the Epirote. Can someone please advise whether i should pre book a car in advance (if yes any good online companies) or get down at Tirana. Visitors can hike or picnic in the park, stay at the small resorts, or head to one of the Albanian Riviera hotels. After arriving in Vlor, its not much of a stretch to suggest that a seafood feast is in order. Here you'll find white sandy beaches, the beautiful Ksamil Islands and a very chilled beach community. Ksamil, the "Ionian Pearl," is a village far south of the Albanian Riviera. However, there are plenty of quieter towns along the Albanian Riviera where you can easily spend a few days relaxing by the beach, such as Himara, Borsh, Palase, and Vuno. On the south coast about 3.5 hours from the capital city, getting there involves a winding, 3,300-foot descent from the top of Llogara Pass. The quail meat had a unique sweetness to it, and we even had a couple of delicious and refreshing salads. At Limitless Albania, we believe that tourism should be a collaborative project that benefits local communities and enterprises. Built around a 400-year-old plane tree thats central to life in the village, Palas is also close to another nearby attraction, Llogara National Park. As the road climbs above the beautiful Albanian Riviera beaches, a tourist information kiosk and viewpoint are located in a lay-by on the left. If you want to buy something typical, a bottle of this good olive oil is a great idea. The Albanian Riviera - Best places to visit in Albania. Local life is in full force in Saranda. The world is changing every day and big cities tend to resemble to each other in terms ofinfrastructure and facilities. The sea bass is tender with a crispy, flavorful skin. Over 1,000 hectares of land surrounding the passs summit has been declared as a national park. Bunk'Art 1 is the larger of the two museums and is located on the outskirts of Tirana, whereas Bunk'Art 2 is more centrally located just off Skanderbeg Square. The city shares its name with roughly 30 other ancient cities from that time period. There, youll find a beautiful beach with crystal blue waters and a number of yachts. The most popular beach destinations in Albania are Ksamil, Sarand, Drres, Himar and Dhrmi. Llamani Beach (Himare) 7. Read more about LimitlessAlbania. Instead of reconstructing after the war, the people relocated downhill, closer to their farms, and constructed new homes to establish the contemporary community. Caesar fought three wars with Orik before successfully conquering it. Where peace and partying coexistEvery year, I kickstart my Albanian summer with the same pilgrimage to Drymades beach. To apply for a visa, find up-to-date visa information for different countries, and calculate the cost of a particular visa, click here! If you travel with a camera as I do, youll also have to turn your camera off until you reach the park. There are also several fantastic restaurants, as well as non-beach recreational areas further inland. Of all the best places to visit in Albania, Apollonia is one destination that comes to mind right away. Ive battled a stick shift down curving Amalfi Coast roads, beach-hopped from Crete to Santorini, and leapt from outside Dubrovniks Old Town walls into the Adriatic. The restaurant is easily the most unique I visited during my time in Albania. Albanians operate by a cultural and historical code of treating guests like family. After Borsh, the road descends to the coast and round Porto Palermo, where Ali Pasha Tepelena erected one of his spectacular fortifications on a point connected to the mainland by a small and easily defendable bridge. However, during the last 20 years, the Albanian Rivieras beautiful beaches have been developed for tourists one after the other. The best wild beaches are sandwiched between party town Dhrmi and the more touristy town of Himara, both of which offer plenty of boat tours for beach-hopping. Breakfasts at its restaurant are complimentary. And as my Albanian friends have explained to me, this isnt just something they honor with loved ones. If youre not traveling by boat or your own vehicle as you bounce between locations, hitchhiking is a common and practical form of transportation in Albania. Vuno 14. The drive takes around 20 minutes. Gjipe Beach 15. Valbona National Park The Valbona National Park is the ultimate mountain destination and therefore very popular amongst hikers. We started in Sarand in the far south and then made the drive roughly 120 kilometers north along the coast to Vlor, and then on to the capital city, Tirana. Vuno. I suggest ending your meal with one of my favorite Balkan desserts, fresh yogurt with honey. Too bad: Those who sleep on this quiet slice of paradise between Greece and Montenegro -- namely, everybody -- are missing out on perhaps the best beaches in Europe. 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. Villages of the Upper Valley of Devolli River ( Arz, Sinic, Nikolic, Dardh).A very little known destination in the southern part of the country this valley is a must visit destination in Albania. Here along the country's southwest coast you'll find an abundance of pristine, newly renovated beaches and resorts. If theres one criminally underrated travel destination in Europe, it is this sunny region, which is characterized by its serene blue waters, enriching historical sites, and dynamic beaches. Wannabe coffee guru. . In true Albanian spirit, I once hitched a ride from one beach to the next on a small boat while out for a swim. There were few positive outcomes from Albanias isolation and poverty under communism, but this pristine coastline was one. Its outstanding! But the best thing about Restorant Joni is that they only use fresh fish, so none of it is ever frozen. And while I would hate to see this unique slice of heaven become more touristy, its also a place I think deserves more recognition. A stone stairway goes up to the battlements, from which you can see some of the outer walls. The area is also a showcase for traditional Byzantine architecture, as its home to numerous monasteries and Orthodox churches. If youre walking, stop at the Ujvara Restaurant, a charming spot for dinner or a drink, with tables set on terraces surrounded by waterfalls (ujvara in Albanian). From there, I leisurely climb (or swim) past the next rocky outcrop to reach my tiny cove nestled between boulders, where I can be alone with the crystal clear, neon blue waters. If you are a history enthusiast, dont miss the chance to visit the Ali Pasha Castle, one of the highlights of Albania, a wonderful Venetian castle surrounded by a magnificent bay not far from Qeparo. Why are Cheap Car Rentals in Tampa International Airport Best? A tourist town with countryside walksHimaras beachfront boardwalk is lined with pizza joints, upscale seafood bistros, and grab-and-go gyro spots. When you do, I recommend stopping at Restorant Ali Kali, a popular eatery about 90 minutes outside the capital city, Tirana. Originally settled by Illyrian tribes in the 6th century BC, its ruins constitute one of Albanias most important archaeological sites. 7. At only 100 lekes, or about $0.95 USD each, its practically a steal! Following, there's a list of 7 villages that Gesi suggests visiting: Old Qeparo Placed on the heart of the Albanian Riviera, with a typical authentic architecture, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, old Orthdox churches and a wonderful view over Ionian Sea. The Albanian Riviera is one of the best places to visit in Albania in the summer, not just for the beautiful coastline, but because it's becoming a haven for music festivals. Oricum started minting its own coins by the third century BC. One of the most prominent sites in the park are the circular remains of the monumental fountain. To learn more about the city and what to do there, please check out my full Sarand travel guide! we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. Visiting historical sites has been a major part of my travels ever since I started traveling professionally over 13 years ago. The restaurant was built around, and on top of, Borshit Waterfalls, natural falls that cascade between the cafs outdoor terraces. During the First Macedonian War (214-205BC), Philip V of Macedon controlled it briefly. If you are planning a trip to Albania for the summer, read our list of the best hamlets to visit in this stunning area of the Land of the Eagles. This is it if you're looking for somewhere to stay on the Albanian Riveria with perfect sandy beaches, aquamarine waters, and proximity to heritage sites and national parks. Other best places in Albanian riviera that can be visited from Vlore on a day trip include Zvernec Monastery in the Narta Lagoon, Kanine Castle and white-pebbled Orikum Beach - one of the best beaches in Vlore. The Bunk'Art museums are well-known museums and definitely a place to visit in Tirana. Converted from communist-era bunkers, the museums combine Albania's history with contemporary art. Cooler than the beach, it is popular with Albanian vacationers in the summer and becomes quite busy, with performances by well-known Albanian singers and bands. Compare 566 hotels in Albanian Riviera using 419 real guest reviews. The architecture felt very Italian and reminded me a lot of the buildings I saw when I explored Venice. It's a great base for exploring the area, and is also home to a number of public and private beaches. You have to pass through mountains to get to Palas, and the area itself is wilder and less developed than other parts of the Albanian Riviera. There literally isn't a hotel over $100 per night, most are around $50, and you can find others for far less. Some of the hot water from the river is diverted into some man-made pools at the bank of the river. The northernmost point of the Albanian Riviera, Vlor is known for its picturesque turquoise beach on Vlora's bay which is closed in by the craggy peninsula of Karaburun, the largest peninsula in Albania. Famous for its pristine beaches lapped by crystalline waters, the Albanian Riviera is home to enchanting villages that are worth a visit too. Jala Beach 9. Expect white sand, turquoise waters, secluded . Oricum was discovered in the 1950s, but a thorough investigation has just recently begun, led by the Albanian Institute of Archaeology and the University of Geneva. The outdoor terraces were beautiful and breezy, and the waterfalls in the very center were a calming presence. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, get Next Flight Out for more travel coverage, and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. Without further ado, here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Albania, including the most impressive cities and small towns throughout the country. The odeon had a small state and therefore, was meant for smaller shows. In the 6h century AD, Procopius of Caesarea cites it as one of Justinians restored castles. RentByOwner makes it easy and safe to find and compare vacation rentals in Albanian Riviera with prices often at a 30-40% discount versus the price of a hotel. Ksamil 11. Dhermi 4. It is thought that the city was founded by people from the island of Euboea. Here, instead of huge numbers of sunbathers and swimmers, youll likely see lots of paragliders, who are fun to watch as you roam the beach! The mosque at the entry was constructed during the period, and the painted ceiling and walls must have been lovely when the fresco was in better condition. Also known as Rruga Justin Godard, this newer area of the city has been recreated in the style of Old Vlor. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe. That said, I highly recommend trying their crispy and creamy shrimp quiche, grilled tuna, and blackened salmon. The city is known for its traditional tavernas, its nightlife, and its hillside old town, Kastro. The destroyed homes are a very difficult three-hour trek up from the current settlement. The town of Dhermi hosts popular music festivals, including Kala Festival, Turtle Fest, and ION Festival, which attract many backpackers. Gjipe Beach is surrounded by mountainous terrain, Gjipe beach in the Vlore region of Albania. Theyll give them to you, and probably walk with you to your final destination. #2 Saranda - One of the Best Albanian Riviera Cities for Exploring & Budget Hotels . This is the crown jewel for wild beach-lovers and something of a backpacker legend in Albania. Mirror Beach Saranda SH81 Saranda, AL 9701 Mirror Beach is a local favorite featuring many nearby restaurants that are affordable and offers the perfect Mediterranean ambiance.

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