Riviera Day Tour

The full Riviera day tour covers a long stretch of the most dramatic coastline in Albania. Starting from Saranda, it follows the road north past the long beach at Borsh and the village of Qeparo, through Himara, and on to Porto Palermo, where an old fortress sits on a small peninsula. It continues to the hill village of Vuno and the resort of Dhermi, with time at beaches and viewpoints along the way. It is a day of constantly changing scenery that suits anyone who wants a serious look at the coast.

Porto Palermo is a sheltered bay with a triangular castle on a small headland, built in the early nineteenth century under Ali Pasha of Tepelena. The castle is small enough to explore in a short visit, and the views across the bay are memorable. Nearby are remnants of the communist era, including military tunnels that remind you of the coast's history as a closed zone. Vuno is a whitewashed village on a hillside, with narrow lanes and sea views, while Dhermi is a livelier beach town with long pebbled shores.

Along the route you pass the Llogara region, where the road climbs into pine forest before descending to the sea in sweeping bends. Depending on the tour you may stop at a viewpoint over the Ionian coast. The mixture of mountains and sea gives the Albanian Riviera its character, and a full-day tour gives time to appreciate it without driving yourself.

The advantages of a guided day are simple: you avoid the narrow coast road and parking pressure, and a guide can explain what you are looking at. Lunch is often taken in a village taverna, with fish, salads and local wine. Check what is included, and bring cash for extras. A swim stop is standard, so bring swimwear and a towel.

Expect a long day, with a morning pick-up and a return in the early evening. Roads are winding, so those who get carsick should sit in front and bring a remedy. In high summer the beaches are crowded, but the villages and castles remain pleasant. Spring and autumn are ideal, with softer light and fewer visitors, and the water is still warm enough for a quick swim in September.

Because the day is long, think about pacing. A light breakfast, plenty of water, a hat and a charged phone for photographs make the journey easier. Choose a seat on the sea side for the views, and ask the driver where the best viewpoints are. If you want to spend longer on any beach, say so early in the day, as groups often vote on how to divide the time. Late afternoon light on the coast is superb, so ask whether the schedule includes a final photo stop.

If you plan to buy souvenirs, the villages along the route sell honey, olive oil, herbs and handmade textiles, and prices are friendlier than in beach resorts. Ask your guide about trustworthy sellers, and bargain gently if you wish. Phone signal can disappear on the mountain section, so download maps and music before you leave. Travellers who suffer from motion sickness should eat lightly and take a remedy before the winding climb, and everyone should keep a water bottle handy because the ride is long.