One of the most appealing regions of Albania is its south, bordered by stunning beaches and a tangle of jagged mountains. The scenic inner route passes via the cities of Berati and Gjirokastra, each with vast swaths of Ottoman architecture. The amazing Butrinti ruins are located further south, both itineraries intersect in the coastal resort of Saranda.
In Southern Albania, you’ll find one of Europe’s only unspoiled stretches of Mediterranean shore, a nearly perpetually sunny location where a ribbon of grey mountains tears apart the twin blues of sea and sky. On a clear day, you can see Italy from the Llogara Pass, 1027 m above sea level.
The Albanian Riviera is the stretch of shoreline along the northeastern Ionian Sea that extends through Vlore and Saranda in southwest Albania and continues all the way down to Butrint National Park and the border with Greece, known locally, as Bregu.
The best beaches in this post of the country may be found along this stretch of coast, along with a variety of other attractions like caverns and underwater springs, charming coastal villages, breathtaking olive grove views, old ruins, and even a few abandoned nuclear bunkers!
The Albanian Riviera’s unofficial capital is Saranda. There are many beaches around Saranda, although this region can get rather crowded, so it’s a good idea to look farther out if you’re looking for quieter, more pristine coves and bays.
To be continued…
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