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10-Day Coastal Road Trip: Sofia to Preveza via Montenegro and Albania - The Ultimate July Beach Escape

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Day 1: Arrival and coastal drive

Sofia, Bulgaria to Kotor, Montenegro on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrika Daga

Start your day in Sofia with a hearty breakfast at Fabrika Daga, known for fresh pastries and strong coffee, perfect before a long drive. They open at 7am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Sofia to Kotor

Embark on a scenic 7-hour drive heading southwest towards the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, passing through beautiful mountainous and coastal landscapes.
Fuel and toll approx EUR50, 7h

5:00pm

Explore Kotor Old Town

Walk through Kotor’s UNESCO-listed medieval old town, checking out its cobbled streets and historic fortifications. Open anytime.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Galion Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood by the waterfront with stunning views over the bay at Galion Restaurant, open until 10pm.
EUR25-35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Montenegro beaches

Budva, Montenegro on July 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffe Pizzeria Pronto

A popular place in Budva for a quick breakfast and excellent coffee, opens at 8am.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Relax at Mogren Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing at the beautiful Mogren Beach, just a short walk from Budva old town. Open all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Jadran Kod Krsta

Enjoy traditional Montenegrin seafood dishes near Budva’s marina at this well-loved restaurant, open from 12pm to 10pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Budva Old Town

Explore the historic fortified old town with shops and cafes, a great spot to wander during the afternoon heat.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Boat trip around Budva Riviera

Take an evening boat trip to view the coastline and nearby islands; several operators run trips until sunset.
EUR25, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Portorož

Enjoy Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist at this acclaimed seaside restaurant in Budva, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 3: Beach day & coastal drive

Ulcinj, Montenegro on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Oleander

Start your day with a rich breakfast buffet with sea views in Ulcinj, open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Relax on Velika Plaza Beach

Spend the morning on Montenegro’s longest sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Open all day.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Lim

Taste local seafood and Mediterranean dishes at Lim Beach area’s well-rated restaurant, open from 12pm.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Shkoder, Albania

Drive approx 45 minutes from Ulcinj to the historic city of Shkoder on the Albanian border to explore.
Fuel EUR10, 0.75h

4:00pm

Visit Rozafa Castle

Explore this hilltop fortress overlooking the city and lakes, open 8am to 8pm, offering panoramic views.
EUR3, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tradita Geg & Tosk

Enjoy traditional Albanian dishes in Shkoder’s old town, open until 10pm.
EUR15, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Ulcinj

Day 4: Albanian culture and beaches

Tirana, Albania on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mon Cheri

Experience a delightful breakfast at this popular café in Tirana, opening at 7:30am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Shkoder to Tirana

A 2-hour drive to Albania’s capital city, Tirana, where you can explore urban culture before heading south.
Fuel EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Skanderbeg Square and National History Museum

Discover Tirana’s central square and its museum to understand Albanian heritage, open 9am to 5pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Enjoy a stylish lunch with traditional and modern Albanian cuisine, open from 12pm to 10pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Drive to Durres Beach

Head to Durres on the Adriatic coast, about 40 minutes from Tirana, for a relaxing beach afternoon.
Fuel EUR5, 0.75h

4:15pm

Relax at Durres Beach

Enjoy the sandy beach and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming with amenities nearby.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taverna Tafaj

Try fresh seafood and Albanian specialties in this historic tavern near the beach, open until 10pm.
EUR18, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Tirana

Day 5: Drive to southern Albania

Saranda, Albania on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Panorama

Have a sea view breakfast in Saranda, opening early and perfect for energizing before beach time.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Durres to Saranda

Embark on a longer drive (approx 5 hours) along the beautiful Albanian Riviera south to Saranda.
Fuel EUR30, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch stop in Himara

Break for lunch at Limani Restaurant in Himara, known for fresh seafood right on the waterfront, open 12pm-9pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Relax on Saranda Beach

Enjoy the Adriatic crystal clear waters and sunbathe on Saranda’s main beach, well-equipped and lively.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Limani Saranda

Dine on Mediterranean and local seafood specialties with fantastic sea views, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 6: Explore Albania's coast

Himara, Albania on July 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Restorant Petradhes

Enjoy a traditional Albanian breakfast in Himara village, a charming spot for locals and travellers alike.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Beach day at Gjipe Beach

Visit one of the most beautiful secluded beaches along the Albanian coast by hiking or boat; ideal for nature lovers. Accessible from 8am until sunset.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Apollon

Sample fresh fish and local cuisine in a serene atmosphere overlooking the sea, open noon to 9pm.
EUR18, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Llogara Pass and National Park

Drive up to Llogara Pass for spectacular mountain and sea views, plus options for short walks in the national park. Open all day.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Vuno Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Albanian dishes in a cosy setting in nearby Vuno village, open until 10pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Himara

Day 7: Cross to Greece

Saranda to Preveza, Greece on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saranda Hotel

Early breakfast with sea views to prepare for travel day, hotel dining opens at 7am.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Ferry from Saranda to Igoumenitsa

Take a direct ferry from Saranda to Igoumenitsa, Greece, running multiple times daily, journey approx 1hr 30min.
EUR20, 1.5h

11:00am

Drive from Igoumenitsa to Preveza

Drive about 2.5 hours south along the Greek coastline to Preveza, enjoying lush scenery on the way.
Fuel EUR15, 2.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Palia Istoria

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine in Preveza’s town centre, open from noon until late.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Monolithi Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding at the popular sandy Monolithi Beach with easy swimming access. Open all day.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at To Steno

Sample local dishes and seafood in this well-rated restaurant near the harbour, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Saranda to Preveza

Day 8: Explore Preveza area

Preveza, Greece on July 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sugar and Spice Bakery

Enjoy fresh Greek pastries and coffee to start your day, bakery opens 7am.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Visit Nicopolis Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins of ancient Nicopolis, founded by Octavian, open daily 8am-3pm.
EUR6, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Kanella

Traditional Greek dishes near the town centre offering fresh ingredients and friendly service, open 12pm-10pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at Lichnos Beach

Relax on this beautiful natural beach close to Preveza, known for clear waters and a quieter atmosphere.
Free, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Akrogiali

Seaside dining serving fresh fish and Greek specialties, perfect to close your day, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Preveza

Day 9: Day trip to Parga beaches

Parga, Greece on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Preveza

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel or a local café before driving to Parga, about 1 hour away.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Parga

Head to charming Parga on the Ionian coast, known for its colourful houses and beautiful beaches.
Fuel EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Relax on Valtos Beach

Spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing at one of Parga’s largest and most popular beaches, open all day.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Fish

Dine on fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes with great views in Parga centre, open noon to 11pm.
EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Parga Town and Castle

Visit the hilltop Venetian castle for panoramic views and stroll through the town’s vibrant streets.
EUR5, 2h

7:30pm

Return to Preveza and dinner

Enjoy dinner back in Preveza at a local favourite, like Kentrikon, serving Greek classics, open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Parga

Day 10: Final beach day

Preveza area, Greece on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café in Preveza

Start your last day with a relaxing breakfast of Greek yoghurt and honey at a nearby café.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit Papanikolis Cave

Take a boat tour or kayak trip to Papanikolis Cave near Preveza, an impressive sea cave famed locally, tours start from 9am.
EUR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at restaurant Lefkada Mare

Enjoy a fresh, locally sourced seafood lunch overlooking the sea near Preveza port, open from noon.
EUR22, 1h

1:30pm

Afternoon at Kalamitsa Beach

End your trip with sunbathing and swimming at Kalamitsa Beach, one of the quieter local favourites offering crystal clear water. Open all day.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return car and prepare for departure

Prepare for your onward journey or flight from Preveza, reflecting on the wonderful coastal adventure.
N/A, N/A
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