Albanian Riviera Self-Launched: Tirana to Saranda, Ksamil, Himara & Dhermi

Start early at Tirana's international bus terminal (South & North Bus Terminal, Tirana) — the morning furgon/minibus to Saranda takes 5.5–6.5 hours (roughly 2,000–2,500 lek / £18–22) along the scenic coastal road through Gjirokaster. Alternatively take a bus to Gjirokaster then connect. Check into a hostel or guesthouse in Saranda (dorms from £10–14, private rooms £20–30). Late afternoon: walk 20 minutes uphill or grab a local taxi (£4–5) up to Lekuresi Castle for the panorama over Saranda bay and Corfu island — entry is free/minimal and the sunset is the whole point. Evening: promenade stroll along the Ionian and a cheap seafood or grilled-meat dinner (£7–10).

🚌Furgon/minibus Tirana–Saranda, ~5.5–6.5 hrs, ~£18–22; walking + shared taxi to Lekuresi Castle ~£4–5

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Saranda (dorm £10–14; double room £20–30)

• →Furgon ride along the Albanian Riviera coast
• →Lekuresi Castle at sunset
• →Saranda promenade evening walk
• →Corfu island viewpoint

Take the local minibus or bus from Saranda to Ksamil (about 25–30 minutes, ~200–300 lek / £2–3; runs frequently in summer, less so off-season). Spend the day on Ksamil's sandy beaches and swimming out to the four small islands — the turquoise shallows are the star. Sunbed hire if you want it (~£8–10 per set, split between two), but the pebbly/sandy public sections are free. Lunch of fresh mussels or seafood at a casual beach taverna (£8–12). Return to Saranda late afternoon; evening free for a cheap pizza or byrek dinner (£5–7).

🚌Local bus Saranda–Ksamil return, ~£4–6 total

🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Saranda

• →Ksamil beaches and four islands
• →Swimming in turquoise water
• →Seafood lunch on the beach
• →Optional sunbed hire

Catch the coast bus/furgon north along the Saranda–Vlora road. First stop: Borsh, home to one of the longest beaches on the Riviera (about 40–50 minutes, ~£3–4) — swimmable, backed by olive groves and mountains, with cheap village tavernas for lunch (£6–9). Then continue a short hop north to Porto Palermo, where the small fortress sits on its own peninsula (entry about 300–500 lek / £2.50–4.50) — a genuinely photogenic stop. Overnight in Himara or Dhermi (guesthouses £18–30 double), where accommodation is cheaper and quieter than Saranda.

🚌Coastal bus/furgon Saranda–Borsh–Porto Palermo–Himara/Dhermi, ~£6–9 total

🛏Guesthouse in Himara or Dhermi (£18–30 double)

• →Borsh beach swim and relaxation
• →Porto Palermo castle visit
• →Ionian Sea and mountain views from Borsh
• →Village taverna lunch

Morning in Himara: wander the old town's traditional stone houses and hilltop castle ruins above the new town, then a coffee on the seaside promenade. In the afternoon use the local coast buses/furgons (or a shared taxi, ~£10–15 for the stretch) to hop north through Vuno, Dhermi and Palasa — the road clings to the mountainside with huge sea views, and Dhermi's long beach is the best place to finish the day. If buses are sparse, ask your guesthouse about a shared taxi or hitch-hike the short stretches (common on the coast road). Dinner in Dhermi (£8–12); nightlife in Dhermi/Drymades is lively in July–August if you want it.

🚌Local coast buses/furgons + shared taxi, ~£10–18 total

🛏Guesthouse in Dhermi or Himara

• →Himara old town stone houses and castle
• →Himara promenade coffee
• →Scenic coastal road via Vuno, Dhermi and Palasa
• →Free time on Dhermi beach

Take the morning coast bus south-north to Vlora (about 1–1.5 hrs from Dhermi, ~£3–4). Spend a couple of hours at Vlora Bay — swim at the town beach, see the Sazani Island and Karaburun Peninsula views across the water, and grab a cheap lunch (£6–8). Then catch the afternoon bus or furgon Vlora–Tirana (about 2.5–3 hrs, ~£6–8, frequent departures) to arrive back in the capital by early evening. Flights or onward travel from Tirana the next day.

🚌Coast bus to Vlora ~£3–4; Vlora–Tirana bus/furgon ~£6–8

🛏Not included — hostel in Tirana from £10–14 if you stay on

• →Vlora Bay swim and beach time
• →Views of Sazani Island and Karaburun Peninsula
• →Cheap waterfront lunch
• →Bus back to Tirana