Albanian Riviera in 5 days: beaches, Butrint and the Blue Eye

The Riviera runs along the Ionian Sea from Saranda to Vlorë, with clear water, small coves and mountain roads. Five days give you time for the beaches and the best sights nearby.

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Day 1: Saranda

1. Saranda Promenade – Arrive and walk the seafront.
2. Lekursi Castle, Saranda – Sunset view over Saranda and Corfu.

Day 2: Butrint and Ksamil

1. Butrint National Park – Ancient city by a lagoon; go in the morning when it is cooler.
2. Ksamil Beach – Afternoon on the beach and a swim to the small islands.

Day 3: Blue Eye and Mirror Beach

1. Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – Bright blue spring in the forest, under an hour's drive from Saranda.
2. Mirror Beach, Ksamil – A small white-pebble beach with very clear water.

Day 4: Himarë and Porto Palermo

1. Porto Palermo Castle – Small fortress on a peninsula.
2. Livadh Beach, Himarë – Long, calm beach just outside Himarë.
3. Himarë Castle – Old hilltop village with views along the coast.

Day 5: Gjipe, Dhërmi and Llogara

1. Gjipe Beach – Hike down to a beach at the end of a canyon.
2. Dhërmi Beach – Afternoon swim and dinner by the sea.
3. Llogara Pass – Drive up to the pass for the view before leaving the coast.

Tips

• Many beaches have sunbed fees in summer; the price usually covers two beds and an umbrella.
• Drive the coast road in daylight; it is narrow with many curves.
• Water shoes help on pebble beaches.

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