Ç'kemi! Welcome to the Albanian Coast!

Albania's coastline stretches for a distance of 450 kilometres from the Northern deltas to the stunning Southern bays. The coast derives its unique beauty from the Ionian and Adriatic seas and is typically Mediterranean in nature. It includes Saranda and Vlora cities, Himara and Ksamil towns, and sundry villages, which offer some authentic and charming Albanian hotels, fine restaurants and unique shopping. You can also use our Albania Coast map to choose your hotel in the Albania Coast based on its location.

The untouched and raw nature of the region provides a lot of exciting opportunities for things to see and do. The Adriatic Coast stretches for 300 kilometres and has attractive sandy beaches that stretch uninterrupted for long distances which is perfect for all types of water activities. The drama of the 150 kilometre long Ionian coast is provided by its steep rugged hills combined with the whiteness of its rocky and sandy beaches which are ideal for hiking, exploring on an Albania Coast tour, or simply relaxing.

Explorers and adventurers are yet to exploit the coast's clearwater lakes and stalactite caves which are still largely hidden from the world's eyes. The main trees visible in these parts are citrus, olive and fig that also give the Coast its Mediterranean allure. Taking an exciting tour in the Albania Coast is the ideal way of discovering the region.

Saranda, the "pearl" of the Albanian Coast is located opposite the Greek city of Corfu, and is situated in the Ionian part of the coastline. It is popular with Albanians who go there on daytrips, and has the potential as a thriving tourist centre with its alluring sea views, charming Albania Coast hotels, diverse flora and salubrious climate. A golden past and a versatile present combined with its natural charms promise a bright future for Saranda. Visitors take to its charms as a place for leisure and relaxation, making it one of the Riviera's most preferred and rapidly developing tourist places, the gateway into Albania's tourist potential.

New hotels in the Albania Coast are opening up all the time, and Club Med has recently purchased real estate to the north of Saranda and will begin construction in the near future. Saranda is also the ideal place to book a tour in the Albania Coast, with numerous tour operators providing interesting Albania Coast tours to the whole region from there.

Saranda's Illyrian history is related to Onchesmos, the Illyrian city near Saranda that was a nominated port in the first century B.C. Excavations inside the city have revealed the ruins of houses, water tanks, and a fifth or sixth century Christian church with lovely varicoloured floor mosaics. Eighteen kilometres away, to the south of Saranda, is Butrint and its ruins, a town which according to the poet Virgil was established by the fleeing Trojans. In later times, Greeks and Romans settled in Butrint which continued to thrive and prosper through the Roman and Byzantine periods. Butrint is one of the most attractive and popular destinations in Albania with daily buses plying to it.

Petro Marko's book and the movie Pirate's Cave have made Pirate's Cave near Dhermi Village famous and added to its tourist attraction. This natural cave can be accessed by either land or sea but the view from the sea is incomparable. The cave is located in vertical rock faces deep in the waters and brings back to visitors a whiff of the area's medieval historical saga. Taking an Albania Coast tour to the cave is a great way of exploring it from both land and sea, as well as understanding its history.

The Albanian Coast entices travellers but is virtually untouched by exploitation or tourist overload. During any threat of occupation, the Albanians would retreat into the mountains and this 1000 year old practice kept it well ensconced and secluded. According to the Times of London, Albania is poised to be the next European travel hot spot and they are examining the country at an exciting time in its evolution. While the Times is definitely headed for Tirana with the new nonstop British Airways flight from Heathrow, it also refers to the Albanian Coast from Saranda to Vlora.

The blend of sea and mountains provides a charming backdrop and allure to the places along the Coast - Saranda, Dherni, Qeparo, Vuno, Himara, and Borsch. At these places, the Inonian Sea's blue and clean waters combine with the crisp and salubrious mountain air, whilst the Mediterranean greenery and southern architectural designs create a beauty typical to these parts. WIth authentic Albania Coast hotels, and some great Albania Coast tour options, the time to explore the Albania Coast is now!