Albanian Riviera (Albanian: Riviera shqiptare or Bregu) is a coastal area in the County of Vlorë running along the Ionian Sea under the Ceraunian Mountains in Southern Albania. It should not be confused with the Albanian Coastline as a whole which incorporates both the Riviera and the mostly flat coastline of the north. Traditionally, the region begins south of Llogara National Park, continues down along the coast through the villages of Borsh, Himara, Qeparo, Piqeras, and ends at Lukovë.[1] Other sources mark Sarandë or Tongo Island as the end point, and Vlorë or Karaburun Peninsula as the start point. In 48 BC during his pursuit of Pompey, Julius Caesar set foot and rested his legion at Palase. He continued onto Llogara Pass in a place later named Caesar's Pass. The region features traditional Mediterranean villages, and numerous ancient castles and Orthodox churches. The landscape alternates between mountain passes, turquoise beaches, caves, underwater fauna, and orange, lemon and olive plantations. The region gained international attention after the reconstruction of the coastal road in 2009, DJ Tiesto's tour stop in Dhermi,[2] and the filming of a Top Gear episode featuring a breath-taking car pursuit along the winding coastal road.[3][4] As part of the regional master plan,[5] the World Bank and other institutions are financing local infrastructure projects,[6][7] including the renovation of roofs and facades of traditional houses overlooking the Riviera.[8][9] The Albanian riviera was procclaimed as the 2012 Top Value Destination by Frommer's.[10]
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The Riviera includes beaches of the following settlements:
Accommodation consist mainly in local bed and breakfasts or guest houses. Other facilities include small wood cabin complexes, camping areas, and a few beach resorts. The rest of the coast is mostly unspoiled. Some owners of these facilities organize tours along the coast and nearby area as part of their accommodation packages. These include visits to cultural sites, and sailing, paragliding, hiking, kayaking, and underwater diving activities. Below are some historical and natural landmarks:
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