Our trip: August 5–12, 2022 · Last updated: November 3, 2026
Five places in seven nights, from a “boutique” hotel in Tirana to a pool villa in a Corfu village. Here’s each one, what it was like and what we’d tell a friend.
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At a glance
| Stop | Where | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirana | Art Hotel Tirana | City center | An easy first night after the airport |
| Vlorë | Vila Rias | About 10 minutes from the center | A pretty courtyard (but we’d stay more central) |
| Lukovë | Bunec Beach Resort | On the beach south of Himarë | A quiet, safe night with sunset and food on site |
| Sarandë | Villa Xika | Residential side of town | Walking to the port before boat day |
| Corfu | Corfu Pearl | Liapades village | Pool breakfasts and the west-coast beaches |
Tirana: Art Hotel Tirana
Art Hotel Tirana was our first night, about 30 minutes from the airport. Parking in the alley out front is tight, so ask where to leave the car. Breakfast was good, but coffee was by special request only, and we walked out to dinner from here.
Vlorë: Vila Rias
Vila Rias was beautiful inside, with a courtyard where couples were having dinner,. But the neighborhood around it felt sketchy to me, and it was about ten minutes from the much nicer city center and promenade. For one night it was fine. Next time we’d book something closer to the center. There’s a tiny, delicious seafood restaurant right across the street.
Lukovë: Bunec Beach Resort
We ended up at Bunec Beach Resort after a long day of storms, and it was exactly what we needed: in the middle of nowhere but safe, right on the beach, with restaurants on the property so nobody had to drive. Watch the sunset with a drink at the beach restaurant next door. Expect bugs at dinner.
Sarandë: Villa Xika
Villa Xika is tucked into a corner among apartment buildings with no front desk, so we let ourselves in and found someone upstairs with the key. Once inside it was homey and comfortable, and it’s an easy walk to the port and the ferry terminal. Message them with your arrival time.
Corfu: Corfu Pearl, Liapades
Corfu Pearl was our base on Corfu. The highlight is the homemade breakfast by the pool every morning. We arrived late, and they left a note on the door with our names and room, so late check-in was easy. It’s in the village of Liapades, close to Dolphin Beach and Grill Room Skampus. Corfu Town is on the other side of the island, so you’ll want a car.
Tips for booking
- August is peak season on both sides of the border. Book early, especially on Corfu.
- In Albania, check the map before you book: a few minutes from the center can feel like a different city.
- Several of these places don’t have a 24-hour front desk. Send your arrival time ahead.
- Our stays were in August 2022. Check current prices and policies before booking.