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Upon first visiting Albania I was incredibly surprised that they have some of the most beautiful beaches that I had ever seen in Europe. You know those stunning beaches that are so blue you can see through to the bottom? That’s what every single Albanian beach is like! Most of them are completely untouched which makes them even more special. Now that I have lived in Albania for over two years I have had the privilege to visit nearly every single beach there is along the Albanian Riviera. So in my opinion, here’s the list of the best Albania beaches that are guaranteed to leave you speechless.
Whether you want to visit the most popular beaches in Albanian like Ksamil Beach and Dhermi beach (and they are considered the best beaches in Albania for a reason), or find secluded hidden gems like Gjipe Beach or Palase Beach, there is an Albanian beach here for everyone.
17 of the Most Beautiful Albania Beaches
1. Jale Beach
Nestled in the Albanian Riviera is the secluded Jale Beach. If you’re looking for a Albanian beach getaway from any bustling cities, then Jale Beach is a great idea. There’s nothing more to do than relax and party along the beautiful Albanian coast! Some of the most luxurious beach bars and hotels are here, it’s definitely a seaside destination for the rich and famous! It’s not too far from the beautiful hillside village of Vuno if you’re looking to visit a traditional Albanian village.
2. Monastery Beach
If you’re visiting the Southern city of Saranda then you must take a quick trip to Monastery beach. It’s not far out of the city, on the road to the popular Albanian beach town of Ksamil. You also have the option to walk up to the monastery on the hill which I highly suggest you do to get beautiful views of the Albanian coast and Saranda in the distance. Don’t forget to check out my big list of things to do in Saranda here.
3. Drymades Beach
Only a 10-minute drive away from Dhermi village, a newly popular Albanian beach getaway destination in the Albanian Riviera, is Drymades – one of my favourites! This long stretch of coast is very beautiful. You have the option to stay in one of the Albanian seaside accommodation options like the Hildon Eco lodge, or you can camp at the camping ground called The Sea Turtle which is right on the beach!
4. Palase Beach
Palase beach is definitely in the top 3 most beautiful Albania beaches. Right before you go on the Llogara pass through the national park is Palase beach, one of the most secluded beaches in all of Albania making it probably the most beautiful. You cannot visit Albania without visiting Palase Beach! I highly recommend visiting the Llogara National Park while you’re in the area. You gain stunning views of the Albanian coast from the top!
5. Mirror Beach (Pasqyra)
Located not far from popular Ksamil Beach is a mostly untouched Albanian beach called Mirror Beach. I would highly recommend checking Mirror beach out as it’s one if not the most beautiful beach near Saranda. In the afternoon you will have actual waves which are always fun and very uncommon on Albania beaches.
This is one of my favourite local Albania beaches for sure! The road to it isn’t exactly the best so beware of that. It is only really made for one car and the dirt road is full of potholes. Before you enter/leave make sure you look up the road to make sure there is nothing coming your way. If you’re around Saranda make sure you read where else I recommend visiting while you’re there.
6. Ksamil Beach
I cannot make a list of the best Albania beaches and not include Ksamil Beach! I do recommend visiting Ksamil but just beware, this is called the gem of the Albanian Riviera which means this place is SUPER busy during summer. Prices are made for tourists although still affordable, and the during the busy season it’s full of people and sunbeds.
However, you really cannot visit Albania beaches without visiting Ksamil Beach just to see it for yourself. If you can, I recommend visiting in the off-season but when it’s still relatively warm (April-June and September – November). Ksamil Beach is what made me fall in love with the beaches in Albania in the first place! Here’s my travel guide on Ksamil.
7. Shpella Lukove Beach
In Lukove is one of the best Albania beaches near the city of Saranda. Shpella Lukove beach is nice if you want to get away from the tourists in Saranda in the summer and there are lots of places for camping also! There are a few different restaurant and bar options here so it’s easy to get a bite to eat along the Albanian coast. On the road down to Lukove beach there are also other turn-offs to some virgin Albanian beaches which look beautiful too. However if you don’t have a 4×4 then don’t bother as the road is very bad.
8. Livadhi Beach
Near the small Albanian seaside town of Himara is in my opinion, the best beach in Albania’s Himara region, if not the whole Albanian Riviera: Livadhi Beach. It’s very beautiful and quiet compared to the rest of the country but your still so close to the town of Himara if you need a bit of action! This Albanian beach is simply beautiful and there’s always space to sit without the need of a sunbed. If you plan on leaving the beach, check out my guide on amazing things to do in Himara.
9. Borsh Beach
Borsh Beach has the longest stretch of beach on the Albanian Riviera which means there’s lots of space to relax without people being so near you! It is extremely beautiful and very relaxing at Borsh Beach. Make sure while you’re there you visit the castle on the hill. It is about 15 minutes drive from the Albanian coast, but worth taking a break from the beach.
10. Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach is another beautiful Albanian beach with a unique twist, it’s located nearly in between a beautiful canon! This secluded beach is worth the trek. You can drive all the way to the parking lot then either walk to Gjipe Beach or if you have a 4wd you can drive right down to the Albanian seaside. It’s not recommended to drive down to Gjipe Beach if you don’t have a 4wd as the road is quite bad and literally on the edge of a cliff. The hike from the main road to Gjipe Beach is 4km long or from the parking lots its only about 2km. Gjipe Beach is a very beautiful secluded beach, the most unique out of all the Albania beaches!
11. Dhermi Beach
The popular Albanian Riviera beach town of Dhermi is home to many beautiful beaches and inlets. Dhermi makes a great base to explore other nearby Albanian beaches and villages too. From Dhermi Beach you can easily access Drymades Beach, a beach I recommended above. You are also close to Palase Beach and Gjipe Beach!
Dhermi Beach is one of the more popular Albania beaches on this list, but there are many other beaches nearby to check out if it gets too busy!
12. Porto Palermo
Although small, Porto Palermo is a lovely Albanian beach that is located right next to Port Palermo castle which is worth a visit. There are abandoned army buildings nearby too. I have seen people camp in the carpark as it’s a nice little quiet cove to enjoy the summer’s warmer weather.
13. Bunec Beach
Bunec Beach is a great little place for a stopover or to camp if you have the equipment. There’s not much around as Bunec is a very small village on the Albanian caost. Bunec Beach can be recognized by the long platform that stretches from the middle of the beach, all the way out to the water.
14. Qeparo Beach
Qeparo is one of my favourite places along the Albania Riviera. This Albanian beach is small and so is the village that comes with it. There’s two parts to Qeparo – upper and lower. Obviously lower Qeparo is where the beautiful beach is at. Make sure if you visit lower Qeparo to take a look at upper Qeparo, a half-abandoned village which is perched on top of the mountain. It’s very beautiful!
15. Marachi Beach
Marachi Becah is a small pebble beach in the Albanian Riviera coastal city of Himara (Himarë in Albanian). The beach is located in the south of the city and is a bit quieter than the centre beaches of Himara. Marachi Beach is also one of the best places along the Albanian coast to see the sunset.
16. Grama Bay
Grama Bay is one of the most incredible looking beaches in Albania, there’s just one catch. This beach can only be accessed by a long walk (over 8 hours) or by boat. Located in Karaburun National Park, this is a newly discovered Albanian beach and because it’s so secluded it’s a great option and a must-visit. However, this won’t last for long as many boats and tours are already starting to get a taste of Grama Bay. There are also some other incredible Albania beaches in Karaburun National Park but to access them you will need a boat or a good pair of hiking shoes and camping equipment.
17. Llamani Beach
Llamani Beach is located just outside of Himara and is a great cove to relax in and enjoy the view. The water is incredibly clear and you have access to comfortable sun loungers and a few restaurants along the Albanian seaside. This is one of my favourites near Himara and one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.
That’s my list of the best beaches in Albania! Tell me below which of these Albania beaches you would love to visit.
Other articles you will love:
- Guide to the Albanian Riviera: The Best Beaches in Europe
- South Albania Itinerary: 10 Days in the Albanian Riviera!
- 26 Best Things to do in Saranda Albania
- Your ultimate guide to Ksamil, Albania
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