Did you know that Albania has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe? Stretching down the southern coastline on the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera is an adventurers dream where high mountains drastically drop to glistening turquoise pebble beaches.

This is the route I took on my Hot Mermaid Summer Solo Backpacking trip in 2022.  
A hidden gym, Albania offers affordable options for solo travelers and is the perfect place to go before the rest of the world discovers its beauty! 

I found Albanian culture to be fascinating due to its complex history including isolation and dictatorships. There is a lot to learn about this rather less traveled country. Albania should definitely not be over looked when planning your European summer vacation. 

Sarandë

Himarë

Dhërmi

Vuno

Ksamil

🇦🇱 Sun, Sea, and Adventure: A Road Trip along the Albanian Riviera

What to see, do, explore, and eat in Sarandë, Albania in two days.

Sarandë, Albania

2 Days in Sarandë, Albania

This guide will walk through the best places and things to do in Albania. I have recently been to Albania and it's one of the most beautiful countries I've been to. So take a look at some of the hidden gems and picturesque locations.

I went to Albania with my Partner for 10 days, on a trip where we started from Montenegro, travelled through the whole of Albania, stopping at 4 locations. And finished our trip by visiting Corfu, Greece. Would definitely recommend visiting Albania. 

Shkodër, Albania

Tirana, Albania

Komani Lake, Albania

Ksamil, Albania

Albania

Full Guide to Albania- Beginners Guide!

A 13-day trip to discover the best of Albania and Northern Greece. This is a detailed daily guide that includes accommodation suggestions and covers the following places: Albanian Alps, Berat, Dhërmi and Himarë, Ksamil, Lefkada and Meteora.

Lefkada, Greece

Meteora, Kalabaka, Greece

2 Week Road Trip from Northern Albania to Lefkada

Feeling a little more adventurous this summer? Albania may be the perfect getaway for you, bringing together history, nature and culture. Here are my tips on all you need to know for your Albania trip!

Saranda, Albania

Albania's South: A Hidden Gem of the Riviera

3 Month Campervan road trip which covered 13 countries (if you include The Vatican City) listed below:

Belgium
The Netherlands
Germany
Italy (and The Vatican City)
Greece
Albania
Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia
Slovenia
Switzerland
France 

This is all the places I have recently travelled to in a my campervan on a wonderful 3 month road trip. 
The map includes restaurant recommendations and all the places we stopped to visit. 
We did a lot of snorkelling and hiking as well as city visits where we enjoyed trying the different cuisines of the new countries. 

Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Italy

Slovenia

Montenegro

Corfu, Greece

Switzerland

The Netherlands

3 Month Europe Road Trip 

Our 7-8 day guide around Albania is your ultimate travel companion packed with insider tips and firsthand experiences. It is the perfect resource for adventurous travelers, especially those with a rental car. While researching Albania online can be helpful, we've discovered that many details are often overlooked or hard to find, especially in a country where tourism is still developing. We've spent time on the ground, uncovering hidden gems, practical advice, and local secrets that will make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and truly unforgettable. It’s designed to help you explore the country in-depth, offering a well-rounded mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and hidden spots that aren’t easily found online. We've gathered valuable tips from our own travels, providing insights that will help you avoid common pitfalls and discover the true essence of Albania. Whether you're on a budget or seeking thrilling experiences, our guide ensures your trip is well-planned, cost-effective, and filled with unforgettable adventures. We have also added accommodation suggestions worth the price you pay so we save you valuable time from searching on your own along with dining facilities we greatly enjoyed (a carnivore and a vegetarian).

Gjirokaster, Albania

Vlorë, Albania

Himarë, Albania

Theth, Albania

Blue Eye, Albania

Dhërmi, Albania

Berat, Albania

Bovilla Lake, Albania

7-8 day roadtrip around Albania (800-900€ total cost)

Albania: The most surprising

Ksamil is a popular tourist destination for those visiting the Albanian Riviera. It is bustling and offers family friendly options for beach clubs and water activities. It feels as if you were in Bora Bora with the white sand and crystal clear water. Ksamil is more expensive than the beaches up north as it is close to Sarandë and built up for tourism 

I stayed at Johns Guesthouse in Ksamil that offered a beautiful view of the town. The terrace has a dreamy setting to watch the sunset with the backdrop of the island of Corfu. This bnb was a short 15 minute walk to the main beaches and was a perfect option for budget travelers. 

Ksamil was beautiful but I preferred the quieter towns and beaches up north. It can be extremely busy here and you must arrive early to the beach clubs to get a good spot. The average price for two chairs and an umbrella was €20. 



A smaller, quieter haven perfect for beach bums. From the town centre, you will find yourself just a 10 minute walk to multiple sandy shores and beach bars, making it an ideal spot for your sun-soaked escapade. 

Normally Ksamil can be very expensive and crowded, but going right before sunset was perfect, no one was there and the private sun beds were free.

Ksamil

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