Attractions in Southern Riviera / Himarë–Sarandë–Ksamil
Turquoise waters and ancient ruins in the sunniest corner of Albania ☀️🏛️
Showing 22 attractions · Sorted by importance
Butrint Archaeological Park
📍 Butrint
🏛 LandmarkA UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remarkably preserved ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins nestled within a lush national park.
Butrint Museum
📍 Butrint
🖼 Art GalleryLocated within a restored Venetian castle, this museum houses a world-class collection of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian artifacts including statuary, ceramics, coins, and other archaeological finds.
Butrint National Park
📍 Butrint
🌲 NatureA UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient ruins, a Greek theater, and a Roman forum set within a scenic coastal wetland.
Gjipe Beach
📍 Himarë
⛱ BeachA secluded paradise located at the end of a deep canyon, offering dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine blue Ionian waters.
Ksamil Islands
📍 Ksamil
⛱ BeachA group of four small, emerald islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, accessible by boat or swimming.
Llogara Pass
📍 Himarë
🏔 Scenic ViewA spectacular mountain pass 1,027 meters above sea level offering panoramic views of the Ionian coast and the Ceraunian Mountains.
SH8 Albanian Riviera Coastal Drive
📍 Llogara Pass
🚗 Road Trip125km paved highway (3-5 hours) traversing the Ionian coast from Vlorë to Sarandë. Features the 1,043m high Llogara Pass with dramatic views of the Palasa beach, winding through the coastal towns of Dhërmi, Himarë, and Borsh, and passing the historic Ali Pasha Fortress at Porto Palermo.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
📍 Sarandë
🌲 NatureA stunning natural spring and nature monument where deep sapphire water bubbles up from a depth of over 50 meters in a lush forest setting.
Maja e Çikës (Mount Çika) Trail
📍 Llogara Pass
🥾 Hiking & CyclingA challenging out-and-back trek reaching the 2,044m summit, featuring over 1,400m elevation gain and taking approximately 5-7 hours. This trail offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the Corfu Strait. Equipment rental: Himara Adventure (himaraadventure.com)
Vuno to Gjipe Canyon Trail
📍 Vuno
🥾 Hiking & Cycling4km moderate hike with 250m elevation gain, taking roughly 1.5-2 hours. The trail descends from the historic village of Vuno through a dramatic limestone canyon to the secluded Gjipe Beach. Bike/Outdoor guide: Himara Adventure (himaraadventure.com)
Gjipe Canyon and Beach
📍 Himarë
🏔 Scenic ViewA dramatic limestone canyon with high cliffs that opens onto a secluded, pristine pebble beach accessible only by foot or boat.
Lëkurësi Castle
📍 Sarandë
🏰 CastleA 16th-century hilltop fortress offering panoramic views over the city of Sarandë and the nearby island of Corfu.
Porto Palermo Castle
📍 Himarë
⛱ BeachA well-preserved triangular fortress built by Ali Pasha, situated on a picturesque peninsula overlooking a deep blue bay.
Borsh Beach
📍 Borsh
⛱ BeachThe longest beach on the Albanian Riviera, stretching seven kilometers and bordered by vast olive groves and mountains.
Dhërmi to Gjipe Coastal Path
📍 Dhërmi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling5km moderate coastal trail, 150m elevation gain, duration 2 hours. A scenic route following the cliffs between Dhërmi Beach and the mouth of Gjipe Canyon. Bike/Outdoor guide: Himara Adventure (himaraadventure.com)
Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave)
📍 Sarandë
⛱ BeachFamous for the way the sun reflects off its white pebbles and clear water, this beach is ideal for families seeking scenic swimming spots.
Pilur to Himarë Ancient Trail
📍 Pilur
🥾 Hiking & Cycling7km moderate descent following an ancient shepherd's path, 700m elevation loss, duration 2.5-3 hours. The route connects the mountain village of Pilur to the coastal town of Himarë. Bike rental: Himara Adventure (himaraadventure.com)
SH81 Sarandë-Ksamil-Butrint Road
📍 Sarandë
🚗 Road Trip18km paved scenic road (30 minutes) linking the city of Sarandë to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint. The route offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the famous Ksamil Islands, passing through Mediterranean scrubland and coastal wetlands.
The Mussel House
📍 Ksamil
🐄 FarmA unique maritime farm experience on Lake Butrint offering boat tours to explore traditional mussel cultivation and harvesting techniques.
Borsh Castle
📍 Borsh
🏰 CastleAtmospheric hilltop ruins of a medieval fortress overlooking the longest beach on the Ionian coast.
Himarë Castle
📍 Himarë
🏰 CastleThe ancient fortified old town of Himarë, featuring historic stone houses and Byzantine churches with sea views.
