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The Riviera Road Trip — Vlorë to Butrint
STARTING FROM · Vlorë · 5 days
QUICK INFORMATION
- DURATION
- 5 days
- COUNTRY
- Albania
- REGION
- Vlorë · Albanian Riviera
- CATEGORY
- Beaches & Coast
ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
The whole Albanian Riviera in one drive: eight stages from the Vlorë bay over Llogara to the strait of Corfu — beaches, castles, villages and UNESCO ruins at the road’s end.
OVERVIEW
The route at a glance
The definitive Albanian coast drive: 120 km of SH8 from Vlorë to Butrint, climbing the Llogara pass, threading the beach towns of the central Riviera and ending at the southern classics. Five days give each stage its afternoon and evening; the drive itself is one of Europe’s great coastal roads.
THE SCHEDULE
Day by day
Vlorë and the bay
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Over Llogara to Dhërmi
- Morning
- Midday
- Afternoon
- Evening
Himarë and Porto Palermo
- Morning
- Midday
- Afternoon
- Evening
Qeparo, Borsh and the quiet south
- Morning
- Midday
- Afternoon
- Evening
Sarandë, Butrint and the strait
- Morning
- Midday
- Afternoon
- Evening
SEASONAL NOTES
When to go
May–June and September are ideal — open season, warm sea, passable roads without the August crush. July–August work but book every night ahead and drive the pass early.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you go
MAP & LOCATION
The Riviera Road Trip — Vlorë to Butrint
The Riviera Road Trip — Vlorë to Butrint, Vlorë, Albanian Riviera, Albania
40.4706, 19.4897
MORE ITINERARIES
Other routes from Vlorë
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Seafront restaurants along the Lungomare — grilled fish and seafood by the water, busiest in summer evenings.
Traditional kitchens in the centre away from the promenade — lakror, spit-roast meats and everyday Albanian cooking at local prices.
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Hotels on the Lungomare promenade — beach, cafés and the evening walk from the door; the quieter southern end is the better swim base.
The historic centre around Flag Square — the grand-hotel atmosphere and walking distance to the monuments and the port.
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Continue the journey
INTERESTS
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