Luxury Albania Voyages

This attractively situated port and the seaside town lies in the very south of Albania, close to the border with Greece. The Greek island of Corfu can be clearly seen across the channel. The town is built back from a small beach with a pleasant palm-fringed esplanade. Located close by are not one, but two different UNESCO World Heritage sites! The first is the ancient city of Butrint which is now a national park where the remains of 3,000 years of occupation are piled on top of one another. The other site is the town of Gjirokastra, where the old town is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town.

Cherish a rare opportunity to visit this almost unknown, picture-perfect destination, a resort village uniquely situated within Albania’s Butrint National Park. Embraced by the narrow Strait of Corfu to the west and the saltwater Lake Butrint to the east, Ksamil offers ample opportunities for exploration both on land and in the sea. Near the main beaches, several small islands emerge from the impossibly crystalline water, readily accessible by kayak, paddleboat or even an energizing swim. Within the park, well-tended paths lead to the ancient Greek and Roman city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains an enchanting 3rd-century BC theater still in use today. Other highlights include the Roman forum, the Sanctuary of Asclepius, an early Christian basilica and the remarkable mosaic floor of the baptisterium. You’ll discover that the Venetians also left their mark, constructing an imposing square tower and a castle that houses an absorbing archeological museum. From atop the fortifications, revel in far-reaching panoramic vistas of the park’s glistening waterways, forested hills and the distant mountains beyond.

The scenic coastal town of Vlore is the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, its shores bathed by both the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas. The harbor city holds special meaning for Albanians, as this is where the country declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century. Vlore boasts some of the most breathtaking remnants of castles and monasteries, as well as natural havens, such as the white-sand Orikum Beach and Llogara National Park, where you can venture off into Llogara’s protected wilderness for a day hike.

Durres, a vibrant coastal city in Albania, presents a captivating fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty. As one of the oldest and most significant ports in the Balkans, Durres offers many experiences for travelers and history enthusiasts. With an impressive history dating back 3,000 years, it has earned a reputation as the eternal city on the Adriatic Sea. Durres boasts some of the most pristine beaches in Albania, where golden sands gently meet the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic; the Roman amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian, featuring a remarkable 15,000 seats; and Durres Castle, a medieval fortress with its origins tracing to the Byzantine era. Durres is your gateway to Albania’s capital of Tirana, exuding a vibrant energy. At Sheshi Skënderbej, discover the Mosque of Et’hem Bey (built between 1798 and 1812) and the Kulla e Sahatit watchtower, constructed in 1822. Visit Bunk’Art and the House of Leaves, museums dedicated to the capital’s communist-era past.