Albania Riviera route: Himara, Porto Palermo and Berat
Explore the Albanian Riviera and Central Albania across, featuring the coastal town of Hamara with its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and secluded coves accessible by boat. The route includes historical sites like Porto Palmo Castle and remnants of Albania's communist past, combined with authentic Mediterranean dining experiences.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Aquarium Beach & Fussa
- End
- Berat Old Town Bridge
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Aquarium Beach & Fussa — Stunning turquoise cove along Albania's Ionian coast featuring crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life.
- Pirates Cave — Massive sea cave carved into the coastline, named for its historical use by pirates hiding treasure, accessible by boat tour.
- Filikuri Beach — Hidden strip of sand enclosed on all sides by steep cliffs near Himara center, accessible only by boat.
- Porto Palermo Castle — Ottoman-era ruins dating to the period of Alip Pashia, standing majestically overlooking the Ionian Sea along the southern coast.
- Submarine Bunker — Abandoned Cold War-era military bunker with tunnel entrance and rusted doors, reminder of Albania's communist isolation and military history.
- Aquarium Beach Hiking — Scenic coastal hiking trail offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and access to remote beaches nestled between dramatic limestone cliffs.
- Himara Castle — Medieval fortress ruins perched on a hilltop overlooking the coastal town of Himara, providing historic insights into Albania's defensive architecture.
- Berat Old Town Bridge — Historic Ottoman-era stone bridge spanning the Osum River and connecting the white-washed neighborhoods of this UNESCO-listed mountainous town.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Join boat tours from Himare to explore the coastline and access beaches only reachable by water, such as Aquarium Beach, Fussa, and Filikuri Beach.
- Tip
- Aquarium Beach requires a 30-minute hike from Leadi Beach to access; it's a picture-perfect turquoise cove worth the trek.
- Tip
- Gjipe Beach, considered one of Albania's best beaches, requires a 30-minute hike along a rocky, unpaved path; explore the dramatic Gjipe Canyon behind the beach.
- Food
- Try fresh seasonal sardines at local fish restaurants in Himare; sardines are best in season. Look for family-run authentic spots.
- Food
- Sample traditional Albanian cuisine at family-run restaurants in Berat that prepare dishes using wood-fired cooking methods passed down through generations.
- Food
- Join a wine tasting session at Cobo Winery in Berat to learn about Albania's 2,000-year wine-making tradition.
- Tip
- Himare is a picturesque coastal town that hasn't been overdeveloped and retains authentic Albanian character despite growing popularity.
- Tip
- Visit Himara's 2,500-year-old castle at sunset for mesmerizing views over the Ionian Sea and the ability to see Corfu in the distance.
- Tip
- Berat is a UNESCO-listed city of a thousand windows; explore its two old neighborhoods (Mangalami and Gorika) split by the Osumi River with narrow cobblestone streets.
- Tip
- Expect to find abandoned submarine bunkers and mushroom-shaped military bunkers along the coastline as reminders of Albania's communist past; access to bunkers is restricted.
- Timing
- Visit the Albanian Riviera during sardine season for the freshest seafood at local restaurants.
- Tip
- The Albanian Riviera sits along the Ionian coast directly across from the Greek island of Corfu; several beaches are only accessible by boat.