TheAlbanian Riviera (Albanian:Riviera shqiptare,pronounced[ɾiviˈɛɾaʃcipˈtaɾɛ]), also popularly known asBregu, is acoastline along the north-easternIonian Sea in theMediterranean Sea, encompassing the districts ofSarandë andVlorë in south-westernAlbania. It forms an important section of theAlbanian Ionian Sea Coast, dotted with the villages ofPalasë,Kondraq,Dhërmi,Ilias,Vuno,Himara,Pilur,Kudhës,Qeparo,Borsh,Piqeras,Sasaj,Lukovë,Shën Vasil andNivicë-Bubari.[1]
The riviera should not be confused with the entire coastline of the country, which includes theIonian Sea Coast, and the mostly flatAdriatic Sea Coast in the north. TheCeraunian Mountains separate the coast from the hinterland. The area is a major nightlife, ecotourist, and elite retreat destination in Albania. It features traditional Mediterranean villages, ancient castles, churches, monasteries, secluded turquoise beaches,bays,mountain passes, seasidecanyons,coves,rivers, underwaterfauna,caves, and orange, lemon, and olive groves. During theclassical times, 48 BC during his pursuit ofPompey,Julius Caesar set foot and rested his legion atPalasë. He continued ontoLlogara Pass in a place later named Caesar's Pass.
The region gained international attention after the 2009 reconstruction of the coastal roadSH8, the 2010 tour stop of DJTiësto inDhermi,[2] and the filming of aTop Gear episode featuring a breathtaking car pursuit along the winding coastal road.[3][4] The Albanian Riviera was proclaimed as the 2012 Top Value Destination byFrommer's.[5] The area has been host to several international music festivals such asKala Festival, Soundwave Albania, and Turtle Fest, while becoming known for its long standingnightclubs such as Havana Beach Club near Dhermi and recently opened Folie Marine in Jale beach. The number of tourists has increased significantly since 2016. More and more Europeans travel to the Albanian Reviera from year to year, especially from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Sweden, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia.[6]
As part of the regional master plan,[7] theWorld Bank and other institutions are financing local infrastructure projects,[8][9] including the renovation of roofs and facades of traditional houses overlooking the Riviera, town squares redesign, and the construction of water supply and treatment plants.[10][11]
TheLlogara National Park is known from its vibrant flora and fauna with over 100 different types of wild animals and birds including:deer,wild cats,foxes, etc. The mixture of refreshing high altitude mountain air and proximity of the sea makes it very attractive destination for tourists. The area is also important for the growth of eco-tourism, picnic, hiking and air sports.
 (Butrint National Park) |  (National Park of Llogara) |  (Karaburun-Sazan National Park) |
TheAli Pasha Castle was named afterAli Pasha of Tepelenë, who resided there until 1820. The current fortress was rebuilt in 1819 from its surface with 3 towers. Until 1820, it was the second residence of Ali Pasha. The castle described and pictured is popularly known asThe Triangular Fortress. Built under Venetian dominion in the late 15th or early 16th century, it provided a stronghold for the Venetians on Corfu to exploit fishing, grazing, olives and timber in and aroundButrint.[13] TheBorsh Castle is also known as the Castle of Sopot by the name of the hill on which it is located.
Lëkurësi Castle is located on a strategic hill point overlooking the horseshoe bay ofSarandë. From here one can view the entire town as well as the islands ofKsamil, Corfu Island and theButrint Lagoon.
Porto Palermo Castle located a few kilometers south of Himarë in southernAlbania. It is situated in the bay of Porto Palermo. Huffington Post ranked Porto Palermo first among 15 Undiscovered European Destinations for 2014.
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Lajmi fantastik është se ditën e Enjte, datë 6 Gusht, DJ Tiesto do të shkelë për herë të parë tokën shqiptare, duke luajtur në "Havana Beach Club", në Dhërmi.
Unsung, undeveloped and eminently affordable, the Albanian Riviera has all the natural attractions of its Croatian counterpart further north but without the crowds and considerable expense. Here you have white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Mediterranean villages barely changed since long before King Zog.
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