Rising from the dramatic folds of the Albanian Riviera, Green Coast Hotel - MGallery Collection 5* feels like a quietly cinematic hideaway carved into the coastline. Sun-bleached stone, tactile natural materials and floor-to-ceiling panoramas draw the outside in, while every room turns towards the glittering blue of the Ionian Sea.

There is a sense of mythology here too: Julius Caesar is said to have crossed these very shores before climbing into the Ceraunian Mountains, lending the landscape an atmosphere that is both ancient and elemental. Days unfold between sea swims, terrace breakfasts and golden-hour aperitifs, all under the near-constant Albanian sunshine that bathes this stretch of coast for most of the year.

Designed for two guests, the Superior Rooms draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Albanian Riviera, pairing organic textures with a serene, contemporary aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping sea views, best enjoyed from the comfort of your room with a chilled drink in hand.

A soothing palette of earthy tones and sweeping sea views lends the Deluxe Rooms an atmosphere of effortless calm. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while select rooms feature private terraces perfectly suited to quiet mornings with a book or relaxed evenings with family and friends.

Ideal for families or friends travelling together, the Junior Suites offer generous space to relax and reconnect beside the Ionian coast. Sunlight pours through expansive windows, illuminating serene sea views, while a sophisticated bathroom and comfortable lounge area create an inviting retreat after days spent by the water.

This is a bed and breakfast stay.

Life at Green Coast Hotel - MGallery Collection is designed around the rhythm of the sea. Mornings begin with yoga overlooking the horizon or restorative treatments in the hotel’s expansive five-level spa, where olive oil therapies, hammams and sound-healing rituals channel the natural calm of the coastline. The infinity pool appears to dissolve directly into the Ionian beyond.

For those drawn outdoors, the surrounding landscape offers a wilder kind of luxury. Guests can hike Caesar’s Trail into the mountains, explore the dramatic bends of the Llogara Pass, or simply drift between the beach, nearby villages and hidden coves along the Riviera. More adventurous spirits can even paraglide at dawn before returning for champagne breakfast above the clouds.

Welcome to Albania

Wedged between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Albania feels both familiar and undiscovered. Ottoman stone towns cling to hillsides, mountain roads wind through remote valleys, and long beaches stretch below clear, pale-blue water. In the north, the Albanian Alps draw hikers onto old mule tracks between isolated villages, while the capital, Tirana, moves at a different rhythm altogether — café terraces full until late evening, colourful apartment blocks, and a fast-changing creative scene.

Don’t miss

• The white-sand beaches and quiet coves of the Albanian Riviera, especially around Himarë and Ksamil
• The steep stone streets and Ottoman-era houses of Gjirokastër
• Hiking through the rugged valleys of Theth National Park and the Accursed Mountains
• The lakeside atmosphere of Shkodër, one of the country’s oldest cultural centres
• The vast Roman and Byzantine ruins at Butrint National Archaeological Park
• Sunset walks along the lively seafront in Vlorë

Culinary culture

Grilled lamb, fresh yoghurt, olive oil and mountain herbs appear across the country, while coastal menus lean heavily on sea bass, octopus and mussels pulled from nearby lagoons. Look out for byrek — flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach or meat — alongside slow-cooked tavë kosi, baked lamb with yoghurt, often considered the national dish. In village guesthouses, meals are still deeply seasonal, with figs, walnuts and homemade raki brought to the table almost as a matter of instinct.

Good to know

The local currency is the lek, though euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas. Summers are hot and dry along the coast, while spring and early autumn are often better for hiking and quieter travel. Public transport is inexpensive, with most journeys made by furgons — informal minibuses connecting towns and villages across the country.