Exploring the best beaches in Albania

For most of the world, Albania is still drifting under the radar when it comes to beach vacations—but it could easily compete with Croatia and Turkey for its stunning coastline, clear sea and wondrous sunsets. Still, there’s a peacefulness to Albania’s beaches, like you’ve stumbled across an untouched idyll that is still rugged, alluring, and yet to be discovered. Read on for our guide to the best beaches in Albania, from the Albanian Riviera to the Adriatic Coast.

Understanding the Albanian coastline

One of the most alluring factors of visiting Albania is the diversity of its coastline—the full 276 miles (476km) faces the Mediterranean and winds down its entire western edge. The north west coast opens out into the Adriatic Sea, akin to Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy’s east coast—and the southwest reaches out into the Ionian Sea, sharing its warm, deep blue waters with Greece.

One of the country’s biggest draws is the Albanian Riviera, a stunning stretch of the south coast that links Vlorë to Sarande. Here the views are sensational, towering cliffs overlook turquoise coves and white pebble beaches, and you can pull your car over on the winding mountain roads to admire the scenery at several viewpoints. Aside from the Riviera, the Ionian Coast also has Himarë, Dhërmi and Ksamil, which are amazing stops in their own right.

The northern Adriatic Coast is flatter and calmer, with low dunes; beaches are wide and sandy, backed by lagoons that are perfect for wading and swimming. Small fishing villages and farmland line this coastline—giving it a tranquil, pastoral feel. Though most visitors flock to the Albanian Riviera, there’s enough natural beauty up and down the whole coast to keep any beach-loving traveler entranced for weeks—and many do road trip Albania’s coastline in its entirety.

Best beaches on the Albanian Riviera and in the south

The Riviera and the south coast is a real crowd-pleasing area, and many who visit Albania for the beaches head straight here.

Crowd-pleasing beaches

Ksamil Beach is known as ‘Albania’s Caribbean’ and it really has wow factor—with crystalline azure waters, soft white sand to sink your toes into, and tiny islands to explore. It can get lively of course, especially in the peak of summer. For a more tranquil beach, Livadhi Beach in Himarë is one for family-friendly relaxation—its ocean is calm and great for swimming, and though it’s popular, there’s a sense of spaciousness here.

Beaches for nightlife and energy

If you’d rather your sunbathing ended in a cocktail and a dance, there are plenty of parties to be had in southern Albania. Dhërmi Beach is the star here, combining glorious natural scenery with a lively bar scene which kicks off as the sun sets. It’s the best beach for bars and open-air clubs, but you can still find a peaceful spot to nurse a glass of wine. Just a few kilometers south, Jalë Beach is similarly lively but with a bohemian, festival-type vibe—and is a magnet for young travelers due to its DJ sets, intimate bars, and gatherings on the beach.

Secluded, peaceful coastal retreats

Conveniently, a calm and peaceful idyll sits around a 30-minute hike south of energetic Dhërmi Beach, tucked at the mouth of the Gjipe Canyon: Gjipe Beach. This is a hidden gem, only accessible by walking or boat, so feels wonderfully secluded, while having the same white pebble beach and warm turquoise waters as the busier spots. Meanwhile, a short drive north of Dhërmi brings you to Drymades Beach, a nature-shrouded coastal spot with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for walking and relaxing with its pine-covered hills as a backdrop.

Read more: The best beaches in Montenegro

Hidden beaches and bays on the Albanian Riviera

To go even further off the beaten path, there are a few beaches on the Riviera that are lesser-visited, and exude seaside tranquility:

• Just south of Himarë, Grama Bay is only accessible only by boat or a steep hike, so it’s generally quiet due to its inaccessibility. This beach is known for its natural beauty and ancient inscriptions on the rocks, as well as for being a decent snorkeling spot.
• The tiny pebble cove at Bunec Beach is about solitude and makes for a scenic picnic, just a short hike from the road, south of Dhërmi. Also nearby, Aquarium Beach (Shpella e Pëllumbave) gets its name from the fish-filled waters that draw many with snorkels and fins, or kids who like to paddle in the shallows and feel the wiggle of silver bream brushing against their ankles.

The best beach towns in Albania

If you’re looking for the best of both seaside and amenities, seek out these beach towns in Albania to set up a base where you can stay all day:

• Saranda is the ideal stopping point for exploring the beaches on the southern Albanian Riviera (such as Ksamil Beach, Mirror Beach and Blue Eye springs). It’s a pleasant town with a good amount of nightlife, restaurants and cafes, and a busy promenade.
• For a more traditional feel, you’ll want to settle at Himarë; nestled between olive groves and cliffs, it’s a place to experience a more authentic slice of Albania. Livadhi Beach, Dhërmi Beach and Bunec Beach are all situated close to Himarë.
• Then there’s Vlorë, a breezy port town where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. It’s less touristy than the above but it’s a useful stop for amenities if you’re exploring either coast, with local shops, authentic restaurants serving Albanian cuisine, and Ottoman-era historic sites.

Beaches on the North coast of Albania

If you’re traveling around the Adriatic Coast of Albania in the north, there are some lovely beaches not far away from some of the biggest cities:

• Durrës Beach, for instance, is within easy reach of the energetic capital Tirana. This beach is understandably popular with tourists and locals alike, but ideal for a day trip if you want to squeeze in catching some rays, either on a city break or when flying in or out of the main airport.
• Around 90 minutes’ drive down the coast, Divjakë-Karavasta is a beach close to the Karavasta Lagoon, and it’s the epitome of a northern Albanian beach landscape. This is a place to observe and experience nature and wildlife, rather than chase the classic Albanian Riviera scenery from down south. Birdwatchers can seek the rare Dalmatian pelican, or just enjoy paddling in the calm, shallow waters amid lush surroundings.

Read more: Scenic beach destinations around the world

Make it happen

To start planning a beach vacation in Albania, get in touch with our local travel experts today. They’re based on the ground in Albania, equipped with the in-depth local knowledge on the best beaches in Albania, and ready to build your dream trip.