Albanian Riviera and Southern Thermal Springs
Nine days among pristine Adriatic beaches, hidden thermal springs, and Ottoman towns where stress melts away into slow time.
Description
This itinerary travels through southern Albania, from the Adriatic coast to the inland mountains, designed for those looking to unplug from the modern pace. It begins in Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, and continues along the Albanian Riviera, a stretch of unspoiled beaches and fishing villages that rival the Greek coasts at a third of the price. Sarandë offers impossible sunsets and excursions to Butrint, the most complete ancient city in the Balkans. Inland, the Bënja hot springs in Përmet let you soak in outdoor thermal waters beside the Vjosa River canyon. Gjirokastër closes the journey with its UNESCO World Heritage stone city, where cobbled alleys and Ottoman tower houses invite you to wander unhurried, with no rush and no set destination.
Health & safety
- Sunscreen is essential: the Ionian sun is relentless
- Bottled water is mandatory outside the cities
- The Bënja hot springs have a rocky bottom: bring water shoes
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Vlorë and sunset at the port
Vlorë, Albania
Arrival in Vlorë and sunset at the port
First contact with the Albanian Adriatic and its unpretentious charm
Stroll through Independence Square
Culture2hRadhimë Beach at sunset
Rest3hDinner of fresh seafood at the port
gastronomy2hRiviera Beaches: Dhermi and Palasë
Dhermi, Albania
Riviera Beaches: Dhermi and Palasë
Discover the unspoiled beaches that rival the Caribbean
Dhermi Beach
Rest4hLunch at a beach bar in Palasë
gastronomy2hLlogara Pass at sunset
Nature2.5hHimarë and Jale Beach
Himarë, Albania
Himarë and Jale Beach
A day of calm in the most laid-back fishing village on the riviera
Morning at Jale Beach
Rest4hLunch at a family taverna in Himarë
gastronomy2hWalk around Himarë Castle
Culture2hBorsh: Albania's longest beach
Borsh, Albania
Borsh: Albania's longest beach
A day at the seven-kilometer beach where there's hardly anyone
Morning at Borsh Beach
Rest5hLunch at the olive grove
gastronomy2hSunset at the Venetian castle of Borsh
Nature2hSarandë and Butrint
Sarandë, Albania
Sarandë and Butrint
Ancient cities and breathtaking sunsets at the gateway to Corfu
Excursion to the ruins of Butrint
Culture3.5hStroll along the Sarandë seafront promenade
Rest2hFish dinner at sunset
gastronomy2hKsamil: Albania's Maldives
Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil: Albania's Maldives
A day on the islands that invite comparisons with the Caribbean
Morning on the Ksamil islands
Rest4hSeafood lunch in Ksamil
gastronomy2hAfternoon at Mirror Beach
Rest3hRoute to Përmet and the Bënja thermal baths
Përmet, Albania
Route to Përmet and the Bënja thermal baths
Transition day from the coast to the thermal interior
Drive through the southern mountains
Nature3hBënja thermal baths in the Vjosa canyon
Rest3hGliko and raki dinner in Përmet
gastronomy2hGjirokastër, the city of stone
Gjirokastër, Albania
Gjirokastër, the city of stone
Arrival at the heritage gem with its Ottoman tower houses
Stroll through Gjirokastër's bazaar
Culture3hGjirokastër Castle at sunset
Culture2.5hDinner in an Ottoman tower house
gastronomy2hFarewell to Gjirokastër and return
Gjirokastër, Albania
Farewell to Gjirokastër and return
Final day taking in the heritage stone rooftops
Morning on the cobblestone streets
Culture3hFarewell lunch with byrek
gastronomy2hTransfer to Tirana Airport
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