Shengjin, the small town rising ... between sea and mountain
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Shëngjin (meaning Saint John in Albanian, formerly San Giovanni in Medua) is a coastal town in northwestern Albania, in the district of Lezhë.

In full development, there are about 3000 inhabitants, this small town is very busy in the summer, it can triple its population in high season.

Surrounded by kilometers of beaches, we will find everything to enjoy a holiday at attractive rates, fresh fish restaurants everywhere



Close to Lake Shkodër and the border of Montenegro, this location is strategic, between sea and mountains.

Many infrastructure and road projects are underway

At the time of communism, this beach was the property of the army (like most beaches of the country), there is always this memory because of the conifers and the bunkers (now almost buried) that remained there.

Count 1 hour from Tirana airport, and about the same duration from Montenegro airport.







The Llogara pass, between sky and sea
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The Llogara pass, located in the eponymous national park, is the real gateway to the Albanian Riviera and offers some of the most beautiful views of the coast.



In 48 B.C. Caesar stopped there, the passage was snowy. Since then, the road has been paved.

The Llogara Pass is mythical in many ways. First, because the Romans passed through it. Then, because it marks the entrance to the Albanian Riviera. The pass culminates at 1043 m altitude.

From above, you can see the sea, calm and turquoise.

The pass is located along the SH8 national road. You will have no problem finding it by car.

It is a 3.5-hour drive from Tirana and 2 hours from Saranda. All minibuses to Himarë and Saranda pass here. To access the park, simply ask the driver to go down to the pass.

 

Berat, the city with a thousand windows

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The juxtaposition of Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim places of prayer testifies to the ability of different communities to coexist. Walking through the narrow streets whose clear cobblestones wind between very old walls, you can go from the Church of Saint Theodore to the Cathedral of the Dormition, then to the Red Mosque, or from the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius to the lead mosque.

Perched on the slopes of the mountain, see the Citadel, its white houses, thick walls, and the castle that overlooks it transport the traveler to another era. Still inhabited, the stronghold has been destroyed and rebuilt several times since the 2nd century BC, but we still see many medieval buildings: churches, mosques, crenellated walls, underground water tanks...


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Apollonia, and its ancient remains
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This famous ancient city was founded around 600 B.C. and was the first to bear the name of the god Apollo.
It became, in Roman times, a great cultural center famous for its school of philosophy. In gratitude for her support during the war against Pompey, she obtained from Caesar the status of "free city"
Imposing vestiges of this ancient prosperity are to be discovered: walls of enclosures (5th and 6th centuries AD), porticos, temples, odeon, library, triumphal arch, bouleuterion or Agonothètes monument, gymnasium, houses, tavern, fountain, theater…
Some of the remains were discovered by French archaeologists.

 

Kruja, historic town

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In the small historic district of Krujë, which can easily be covered on foot, the old streets still exude the Ottoman atmosphere with architectures finely weathered by time. Lovers of antique objects will certainly enjoy it. Antique shops line the aisles, selling for affordable prices a rich selection of rare tools and other old original pieces.

Located less than an hour from the capital, Krujë offers you a taste of everything that can be seen in Albania, from unspoilt nature to historical sites, through a welcoming population. This is a highly recommended stopover to put you on Albanian time, before continuing your adventure to the northern mountains, ancient sites or seaside destinations.


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From Tirana, the drive to Krujë takes about 45 min, for a distance of about 20 km. You will find the buses to the market of the Albanian capital, close to the main train station.

Dhërmi, pearl of the Ionian Sea



With its beautiful beaches and clear waters, the village of Dhërmi is one of the most popular destinations in the southwest of the country.

The “pearl of the coast”. That’s what it’s called. It’s clear water, pebble beaches and bars almost in the water. Dhërmi is one of the most frequented seaside resorts on the coast. It has quality infrastructure and a dream environment. Another advantage: the beach is long.

Further south, you will find deserted expanses, translucent waters and an exceptional setting. Around you, the mountain, peaks of more than 2000 meters.

Dhërmi is the seaside but also an old town. Climb there and stroll around. You will find cobbled streets, stone houses, fig trees, vines and roses in bloom. The village has more than 30 Orthodox churches, including the Monastery of Panagia, perched on the hill. Inside, beautiful 16th century frescoes.

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Below the village, two beaches: Dhërmi and Dhrale. Further north, Drymades beach is very beautiful but also very lively. Still just above, the famous beach of Palasa. Between the two, there is a small secluded and uncrowded cove. 

 

Gjipe Canyon and its hidden beach



It takes about 30 minutes to walk to Gjipe beach, a small stretch of sand located at the entrance of a canyon and in an exceptional setting. 

It is a little out of the way, discreet, less crowded. It is accessed after a 25-minute walk. Here, no noisy club or party atmosphere, just a few umbrellas and a small bar. Gjipe beach is one of the most beautiful in Albania. 400 meters of pebbles, crystal clear water and cliffs around. Ideal for swimming, lazing and walking. The rock face is pierced by a canyon, impressive.

You can explore it on foot in complete freedom until you find yourself blocked by rocks and vegetation. To get there from Dhërmi, you must follow the road to the Saint-Théodore monastery. It is in ruins and drowned under vegetation but explore it, it served as a barracks during the communist era and continues to host pilgrimages every year. It offers above all a magnificent view of the coastline.

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By car, follow the signs to Saint Theodore Monastery. The road winds for almost 3 km before arriving at a parking lot. Park (300 lek = 2.5 €) and walk for 25 minutes.


Himarë, the most Greek of the Albanians



Formerly famous for its fights against the Ottoman, Italian and even Albanian occupiers, the city of Himarë is today best known for its many beaches.

Blue and white flags everywhere. GR plates. Even paintings to the glory of Athenian football clubs. Welcome to Himarë, a Greek enclave in Albanian territory. Not a real one, of course, but the area has been populated by Greeks since ancient times. The city has long claimed its attachment to the neighboring country.

Today, the local hero is Pyrros Dimas, born here, but triple Olympic weightlifting champion under the Greek flag. Himarë has 2,800 inhabitants, direct access to the sea, multiple beaches, but also a fortified old town, the Kastro, 180 meters above the sea. Up there, Byzantine churches, typical alleys and a magnificent panorama. You can see the coastline and even a piece of Greece, the island of Corfu, just opposite.

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In Himarë itself, the beach of Spile is very busy. Small beach at the entrance of the town, Sfageio is easily located along the road.

Long stretch of sand with bars and restaurants, Potami beach is 1.5 km south of Himarë. Renowned diving site 4 km south of Himarë, Llamani beach is 200 meters long. Sun loungers, umbrellas and on-site restaurant.

Small beach of 100 meters difficult to access 2.5 km south of Himarë, Filikuri is a quiet place frequented by nudists.

The famous and huge beach of Livadhi is about 4 kilometers from Himarë and easy to reach.

Finally, a secluded beach: the Akarium, above Livadhi. 

 

Porto Palermo and Qeparo, quiet and authentic

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Magnificent bay connected to the land by a sandy isthmus, Porto Palermo is home to some beaches and a surprising fortress. 

 Officially, Porto Palermo is part of the neighboring city, Himarë. Officially, only. this place is worth a visit in its own right. From above, it looks like an atoll, round and hemmed with clear water. From below, the site invites swimming and exploration. It is a beautiful and unspoilt bay. Porto Palermo is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

Visitors come here to swim on the sandy isthmus, explore the fortress of Ali Pasha (100 lek) and visit another village next door. Qeparo is considered the most beautiful of the Riviera. It is seen from the coast, clinging to its hill, 300 m above the sea. Up there, you have to walk among the houses with Roman tiled roofs and especially take your time. Qeparo is authentic Albania, a breathtaking view of the bay and the calm of the mountain.

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In the bay of Porto Palermo you can swim on the sandy isthmus leading to the fortress of Ali Pasha. Otherwise, a little further, you will find a place on the beach of Borsh, 5 km long.

 

Saranda, its bay and surroundings



Near Saranda, the source of the blue eye surprises with its vibrant waters that emerge from the earth. 

Saranda is the most touristic city in the country: 17,000 inhabitants, a marina, buildings and a concrete bay. People come mainly to enjoy the beach, infrastructure and trips to the Greek island of Corfu.

Prefer the surroundings, the source of the blue eye, about twenty kilometers.

On the spot, a bright blue green water appeared on the surface. Before, the place was reserved for the cadres of the Communist Party. Since the fall of the regime, tourists flock. Prefer a visit in the morning. On the way back, stop at the Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Mesopotam, one of the largest Byzantine churches in the Balkans, with its 10 m walls and four domes. Finally, climb up to Lëküres Castle, an Ottoman fortress built to control the region. On the spot, the view stretches over Saranda, Corfu, the hinterland and the site of Butrint.

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Do not swim in Saranda, the waters are polluted. 15 km further south, it is impossible not to mention Ksamil, which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country but also the most popular. In summer, finding a quiet place is impossible.


 

Butrint, ancient and mythological



The amphitheatre is the most famous monument of Butrint, an archaeological site that combines Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains. Marcin Szala

It is the most beautiful site in Albania. It inspired Racine, Virgil, Lord Byron and Eugene Delacroix. It has nothing to envy the Greeks. The ancient city of Butrint is magical. It was founded after the Trojan War by Helena, the only surviving son of King Priam. Today, the remains can be visited: the Greco-Roman ruins, the Venetian tower, the sanctuary of Asclepius, the theater, Roman forum, the palace of the Triconque, the baptistery or the Roman fortifications.

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For UNESCO, the site is a “microcosm of the history of the Mediterranean”. The city has prospered for more than 2000 years thanks to its location and exceptional location. Around, wooded hills, two lakes and the strategic strait of Corfu. The area was declared a national park in 2000.

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Departing from Saranda, a bus every hour from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm (150 lek = 1.20 €), according to the official website of the city. Departures from the Friendship Park or the ruins of the synagogue. By car, it takes 40 minutes.


 

 

Gjirokastra, the beautiful ottoman



The Ottoman town of Girokastra, with its houses resembling fortified turrets, steep streets and fortress, deserves a little distance from the coast. Holidays Albania/ Bérenger Thibaut

From a distance, it seems a little severe, dull, extinct. The houses pile up, we see them gray, like the citadel at the top, strong and austere. Once inside, change of print. White facades, cobbled streets, friendly locals, lively cafes, a real village life and a mosque that must be visited. Gjirokastra is considered the most beautiful city in Albania. It is above all an example of a preserved Ottoman city. Some houses look like forts: no windows on the ground floor and loopholes on the first floor. They are kullë, turreted houses, reserved for the cadres of the Ottoman administration.

The most beautiful? The Zekate house (200 lek = 1.70 €), on the heights, three floors, two side towers and a large facade with double arch. Not far away, another house, that of the writer Ismaïl Kadare (200 lek = 1.70 €), the most read Albanian in France, born here. Walk another 15 minutes to the east and you will come across the most important site of the city, the citadel (200 lek = € 1.70). It is there, massive and immense, 600 m long, on its rocky spur built by the Byzantines in the 5th century and then reinforced by the Ottomans. Inside, we visit a mausoleum, the great alley, the clock tower, part of the ramparts, the courtyard of the fortress, a tunnel and even the carcass of an American air force fighter captured in 1957, in the middle of the Cold War.

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From Saranda, it takes an hour and a half by bus, five connections a day with Tirana and two per day with Saranda.
 

Whenever possible, choose April, May, June, September or October. These are months where the temperature is pleasant without being too hot, where the water is good and where tourists are not too numerous. You will understand, in July and August, the Albanian Riviera is full of tourists and most of the beaches stormed.