Albania hasn’t yet made its way onto every luxury travel itinerary. And that’s a shame. The country has undergone a profound transformation. Its Ionian Riviera now boasts a rare combination of attractions: pristine waters, five-star hotels, and a sense of exclusivity that remains intact. Savvy travelers have already caught on to this. For everyone else, it’s not too late to discover the wonders of Albania.
Albania, a country plagued by stereotypes
For decades, Albania has suffered from a negative image inherited from its communist past and the instability of the 1990s. These preconceived notions have persisted far beyond reality. Many European travelers have simply never reconsidered their perception of the country. Yet today, traveling to Albania poses no particular difficulties for French nationals. Moreover, the numbers speak for themselves.
In 2024, the country welcomed 11.7 million international visitors, according to Albanian authorities. Marriott, Hyatt, MGallery, and Aman have opened or announced properties there. Over three billion euros have been invested in strategic tourism projects since 2016. In five years, the hotel inventory has grown from zero toseventeen five-star properties.
For the discerning traveler, these are significant indicators. Albania now attracts high-end tourism with the infrastructure to match.
What to plan before departure
Albania is visa-free for citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, there are a few practical matters to consider before departure. Although an ID card is accepted for EU citizens, be sure to bring a valid passport. It is recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance.
Regarding internet access, it is important to note that Albania is not covered by European roaming. To avoid high roaming charges, it is advisable to get an eSIM for Albania, which allows you to stay connected as soon as you land without additional costs.
Additionally, card payments remain limited, even in some high-end establishments. So be sure to bring cash.
Finally, regarding the best time to visit, opt for periods like May–June and September, which offer better conditions, just before and after the summer peak in August.
Discover the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera stretches 130 kilometers between Vlorë and Sarandë, along the Ionian Sea. The coastline alternates between cliffs, secluded coves, and sandy beaches with turquoise waters. Moreover, these landscapes remain far less crowded than those in neighboring Greece or Croatia. Yet the quality of services is comparable.
Among the must-see sites, Ksamil stands out as the premier luxury seaside destination in the region. Gjipe Beach, nestled between two cliffs, remains one of the most unspoiled in the Mediterranean. The archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rounds out the cultural offerings just a few kilometers away. Albania is actively developing its tourism infrastructure to support this move upmarket.
A selection of high-end hotels and spas
The Green Coast Hotel MGallery, opening in June 2025 near Palasë Beach, is the first five-star property in the MGallery collection in Albania. With its Blue Flag private beach, its five-level spa offering olive oil treatments, and its infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea, this destination immediately establishes itself as the benchmark of the Riviera.
The Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & Spa, in Sarandë, boasts a rating of 9.5 on major booking platforms, thanks in particular to its panoramic sea view, comprehensive spa, and personalized service. The VM Resort & Spa is another standout in the five-star segment on the Ionian coast. Both properties illustrate how rapidly Albania’s hotel offerings have evolved over the past five years.
More intimate, the Drymades Inn in Dhërmi offers charming villas nestled between the mountains and the sea. The Kep Merli Resort, frequented by a discerning international clientele, rounds out this selection.
Today, Albania checks all the boxes for a luxury destination. This is partly due to its booming hotel infrastructure, its unspoiled Ionian coastline, its UNESCO heritage sites, and its high-quality local cuisine. The country remains relatively accessible, but visitor numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Now is therefore the ideal time to discover Albania.
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Featured photo: Getty Images/Unsplash+
