The vegetation on Albania’s Ionian Riviera changes about four times from almost sub-tropical moonscape in the south through miles of ancient olive forest to cypress forest and miniature Grand Canyon landscapes. As you move north, the scrub terrain gives way to ancient pine forest. Villages are built on promontories perched high above the spectacular Ionian coastline; rugged mountains as their backdrop and turquoise bays their view. There are fewer islands here, but what Albania lacks in island life it more than makes up for in long sandy beaches and wild surroundings.