On the southwestern coast of Albania, just across the Adriatic Sea from Puglia in Italy, you will find the (equally beautiful) Albanian Riviera, dotted with powder-soft beaches and clear Mediterranean waters. While not as undeveloped as it once was, you can still find a secluded beach here, even in the height of summer. With that in mind, here are the best hotels in the Albanian Riviera – and they’re all bookable on Culture Trip.
Overlooking Vlorë beach, and just a short walk from some of the best eateries and bars in the area, Marina Premium is the perfect choice if you’re looking to combine city amenities with a beach holiday. Activities here include snorkelling, sea fishing and cycling – end a day of adventure with a relax in your bright, spacious room. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, pop down to La Logetta, a pizzeria serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
Perched on the Vlorë beachfront, A&G Hotel has a central location and sea views. It’s not the largest hotel in the area, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with attentive staff. It also has a selection of cosy rooms and suites, each of which includes a hot tub. And if you’re looking for further relaxation, the hotel has a private slice of beach with plenty of sunbeds.
Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Ksamil, Hotel Utopia offers modern accommodation just minutes from Paradise Beach. Balconies come as standard, and there are dedicated family rooms that can accommodate little ones. A real perk is the white-shaded cabanas on the private hotel beach. Come sunset, head up to the olive tree-dotted terrace bar for a sundowner.
Located on the north coast of Sarandë, the Illyrian is one of the best boutique hotels in the area, thanks to the modern white rooms and chic rooftop terrace. The exceptional in-house restaurant, Epidamn, serves a mix of Mediterranean classics and traditional Albanian dishes. Breakfast and parking are included with your stay.
Standing above Vlorë beach like a giant wind-filled sail, the aptly named Yacht Hotel is a stylish option on the waterfront. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spacious suites with light. Breakfast is served in the on-site cafe – expect barista coffee and excellent cakes come 11am. A stone’s throw from beachfront bars and restaurants, the Yacht Hotel is well placed if you want to take full advantage of the vibrant nightlife in the area.
If you’re looking for a spa retreat in Sarandë, book a room at Bougainville Bay. It feels more like a resort, boasting three pools, three restaurants and a children’s playground, plus you can organise scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing excursions through the hotel. The spa is a real highlight, featuring a sauna, hammam and flower-shaped hydromassage bath and offering a range of massages and beauty treatments. Bougainville Bay also hosts exhibitions featuring colourful works by local artists.
Sitting pretty above the water in Sarandë, Hotel Oasis is the perfect place for a restful retreat. Just steps from a pristine white-sand beach, and with excellent transport links to the wider region, it’s the best combination of homely guest suites and a prime location. Make sure you order the fresh fish at the on-site restaurant, which is caught locally and delivered daily.
Francesca Masotti contributed additional reporting to this article.
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