17 Best Albania Beaches I Recommend After 8+ Years Here
To be completely honest, Albania beaches 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?
Well, that’s what ALL Albania beaches are like! Yes, every single one!
The Albania seaside is packed full of beaches with soft sand and pristine waters and is a great location for a beach holiday.
There are so many Albania beach destinations you’ll struggle to see all of them in one visit!
But what are the best beaches in Albania? And what’s the best way to enjoy them? Read on, and find out!
Quick Answer: Best Beaches in Albania
⭐⭐⭐ One of my favourites? Qeparo on the Riviera, small, quiet and gorgeous.
⭐⭐ What should you book? This boat tour to Kakome and the caves, to reach the beaches you can only get to by sea. Check availability →
⭐ Where should you stay? Hortus Hotel in Tirana and Vale Hotel in Saranda, where I live. Check prices & availability →
Does Albania have nice beaches?
Yes it does! When it comes to Albania tourism, beaches are one of the country’s biggest draws and one of the reasons I think you should visit Albania. If there was competition to determine the world’s best beach, Albania would be a strong contender.
One of the greatest things about all the nice beaches in Albania is that most of them are completely untouched, which makes them even more special, especially during the summer months.
Now that I have lived in Albania for over four years, I have had the privilege to visit nearly every single beach there is along the Albanian Riviera.
No north Albania beaches here – for me, the best beaches in north Albania can’t compete with those in the south! The north has plenty of other places to visit in Albania though.
Stop guessing your Albania route. Get 420+ personally recommended places, hidden gems and ready-made itineraries from someone who lived in Albania for 8+ years.
GET MY ALBANIA MAP + ITINERARIES →Here’s the list of the best Albania beaches that are guaranteed to leave you speechless from a certified now-local!
Whether you want to visit the most popular beaches in Albania 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 Albania beach vacation here for everyone.
Does Albania have beaches? You bet it does! Also, remember to check out my Albania Travel guide for even more on this stunning country!
Albania beaches Map
Use the Google map here to find all the Albania beaches I talk about in this blog post.
Make sure you save this map onto your phone so you can use it to find all the best beaches to visit in Albania throughout your Albania holiday (or slot them into my 1 week Albania itinerary). r4
If it’s your first trip, here’s my honest take on whether Albania is safe, and my Albania travel guide covers the rest.
1. Jale Beach
Nestled in the Albanian Riviera is the secluded Jale Beach. If you’re looking for an Albanian beach getaway from any bustling city, then Jale Beach is a great place to do that.
It’s one of the best secluded beaches in Albania! 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 seeking out an Albania quiet beaches vacation!
It’s not too far from the beautiful hillside village of Vuno if you’re looking to visit a traditional Albanian village.
Where to stay in Jale Beach
Within Jale there is not a huge amount of accommodation options (my best hotels in Albania cover the wider country) but here are a few ideas in case you do decide to stay and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches of Albania.
Luxury accommodation
Folie Marine Beach Hotel & club
If you’re wondering where to go in Albania coast for luxury, then this is it! For more, see my luxury hotels in Albania picks.
This is one of the most beautiful locations for a hotel and the Folie Marine Beach hotel also offers 3 restaurants and swimming pool and everything you would need for a real beach getaway. Check availability and latest prices here →
Mid-range accommodation
This accommodation is basic but meets all the needs of a summer getaway. The local area is also filled with coffee shops and restaurants.
After living in Albania for 8+ years, I’ve saved the beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, villages and hidden gems I genuinely recommend — all in one easy-to-use map.
SEE MY 420+ ALBANIA PICKS →The staff are incredibly friendly, and they serve a delicious breakfast too! Check availability and latest prices here →
Budget accommodation
If you’re on a budget and want an adventure, why not camp?! Social Camping Jal offers tents and also a bungalow if you fancy something a wee bit more luxurious.
They do an incredible free breakfast here and the staff are friendly and always willing to help. Check availability and latest prices →
Where I’d Stay Near Albania’s Best Beaches
(⭐⭐⭐ = my top pick)
⭐⭐⭐ Vale Hotel: Pick this one if you want a little luxury. Dreamy sea views right in the centre of town, and guests rate it 9.7 out of 10. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ ARXONTIKO: My favourite on the Riviera. Pick this one if you want a beach resort right on the water in Himarë. Check prices & availability →
⭐ Poda Boutique Hotel (Ksamil): Pick this one if you want to splurge a little. It sits right on Poda Bay and guests rate it 9.7 out of 10. Check prices & availability →
2. Monastery Beach
If you’re looking for the best beach towns and beach resorts, Albania has got you covered.
When 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 (one of the best Albanian coastal towns) in the distance.
P.S. I actually rent out my apartment during the year, so if you’re looking for a trustworthy and large accommodation option with fast WiFi only a few minutes walk to the beach, you can check it out and book 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 the best famous beaches in Albania due to its gorgeous golden sands.
This long stretch of coast is very beautiful – Albania sandy beaches are like that!
As for footwear when roaming around the beach, I wore these sandals and they were very supportive!
Drymades is one of the top beaches in Albania during the summer. This location is filled with trendy bars and usually is a hot spot for music festivals in Albania too.
Where to stay in Drymades
Luxury Accommodation in Drymades
This hotel is a luxury accommodation option that has a swimming pool, shuttle service right down to the beach and friendly staff.
It’s located just above Dhermi Beach, so you get a view of the beach as well as the mountains above. Check availability and latest prices →
Beach trip? Mountains? Food? Hidden gems? Use my 420+ location map and ready-made itineraries to pick what interests you and create an Albania trip that actually suits you.
BUILD MY ALBANIA TRIP →
Mid-cost Accommodation in Drymades
This is the place to be during the summer, and it’s in one of the best beach towns in Albania.
With fantastic accommodation options including bungalows, wooden rooms and stone rooms, friendly staff and a fun vibe throughout.
Highly recommended! Check availability and latest prices →
Budget Accommodation in Drymades
This place has a great view and is only a 3-minute walk to the beach. It’s affordable and the staff are incredibly friendly. Check availability and latest prices →
3 Beach Trips I’d Book Right Away
🚤 Kakome, Caves & Beaches Boat Tour: Pick this one if you want to see the hidden beaches you can only reach by boat, with snorkelling stops. Rated 4.9 from almost 950 reviews. Check availability →
🚤 Himarë Riviera Boat Tour with Swimming Stops: Pick this one if you want a relaxed day on the water around Himarë with swimming stops. Rated 4.9 from over 1,000 reviews. Check availability →
🏴☠️ Pirates Cave, Secret Beaches & Swim Stops: Pick this one if you want something a little unique, with sea caves and secret beaches. Rated 4.9. Check availability →
4. Palase Beach
Palase beach is definitely in the top 10 beaches in Albania. All you need is your favourite sandals, some snacks, and sunscreen (more in my Albania packing list) and you could spend all day here.
Right before you go on the Llogara pass through the national park is Palase beach, one of the best hidden beaches Albania has to offer, and possibly the most beautiful.
You cannot visit Albania without visiting Palase Beach – one of the nicest beaches in Albania (and to some, the definitive nicest beach in Albania)!
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 too.
5. Mirror Beach (Pasqyra)
Located not far from popular Ksamil Beach is one of the best beaches in south Albania called Mirror Beach.
I would highly recommend checking Mirror Beach out as it’s one of, if not THE most beautiful beach in Albania.
In the afternoon you will have actual waves which are always fun and very uncommon on Albania beaches.
There’s no accommodation nearby but it makes for a great day trip from Saranda (check the Albania bus timetables if you’re not driving).
There is a restaurant at Mirror Beach, Albania so if you wish to eat some seafood and enjoy the long coastline you can do so.
TOP TIP: The road down to this beach is narrow and is a dirt road. Be careful of other cars coming up and down, especially during the middle of summer when it gets busy. I share more Albania travel tips from living here.
6. Ksamil Beach
I cannot make a list of the best Albania beaches and not include Ksamil Beach!
I do recommend visiting Ksamil (it’s right by Butrint, one of the Albania UNESCO sites) but just beware, this is called the gem of the Albanian Riviera which means this place is SUPER busy during summer.
Many people believe it to be the best sandy beach in Albania!
Prices are made for tourists although still affordable, and during the busy season, it’s full of people and sunbeds.
However, you really cannot visit Albania without visiting Ksamil Beach, just so you can see why it’s called the most beautiful beach in Albania.
If you can (and my Albania weather guide helps here), I recommend visiting in the off-season but when it’s still relatively warm (April- early June and September – November).
If you avoid visiting during the peak season, you’ll miss the summer rush, and get to enjoy one of the best Albania beach towns more to yourself!
Ksamil Beach is what made me fall in love with the amazing beaches in Albania in the first place, and it’s still one of the reasons why I love Albania!
Where to stay in Ksamil
This hotel is located right on the beachfront so if you want to sleep with the Ksamil beaches on your doorstep, then pick this hotel!
There is a daily buffet breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, and an onsite restaurant too. Check availability and latest prices →
One of my favourite Ksamil hotels, it features balconies with incredible views and is perfect for a romantic getaway. Check availability and latest prices →
This modern hotel is located right in the center and nearby to the beautiful Ksamil beaches. Check availability and latest prices →
7. SHPELLA LUKOVE BEACH
In the small village of Lukove, lies 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 and try some traditional Albanian food.
On the road down to Lukove beach, there are also other turn-offs to some wild 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. Check out the best accommodation in Lukove →
8. Livadhi Beach
Near the small town of Himara is, in my opinion, of Himara is, in my opinion, the best beach in Albania’s Himara region, and one of the best beaches in Albanian Riviera: Livadhi Beach.
It’s very beautiful and quiet compared to the rest of the country but you’re still so close to the town of Himara – one of the best beach cities in Albania – if you need a bit of action!
There is limited accommodation and food options here, however it really is one of the must-see south of Albania beaches to visit during the summer.
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.
Where to stay in Himara
Luxury Accommodation in Himara
Two great options, if you’re looking for a luxury experience in the small seaside city of Himara, is Scala Bungalows and Sea View Hotel.
Mid-budget accommodation
There are plenty of apartments and rooms to rent in Himara, during the summer & wintertime.
One of the best options is Lazaris kwstas Rooms. This option is right by the beach and just a short walk away from some of the most popular attractions. Check availability and latest prices →
Budget accommodation
Two of the best hostels to stay at in Himara is Himara Downtown Hostel or Himara Hostel. Both are great options when visiting Himara, and I’ve rounded up more of the best hostels in Albania.
9. Borsh Beach
Borsh Beach has the longest stretch of beach on the Albanian Riviera. This makes it one of the top Albania beaches because 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, one of many castles in Albania. It is about 15 minutes drive from the Albanian coast, but worth taking a break from the beach.
Borsh is also known for its delicious olive oil so if you see someone sell it don’t the side of the road, make sure you try it! A bottle makes one of the best Albanian souvenirs too. Check out the best accommodation in Borsh →
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 vehicle (see my tips on hiring a car in Albania) 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 vehicle 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 lot it’s only about 2km. Gjipe Beach is a very beautiful secluded beach, the most unique out of all the Albania beaches!
There are a couple of places where you can grab a bite to eat and a drink if you wish.
11. Dhermi Beach
The popular Albanian Riviera beach town of Dhermi is home to many beautiful Dhermi beaches and inlets, and some many visitors will tell you that it is the best beach town in Albania.
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 if you love incredible castles in Europe. There are abandoned army buildings nearby too, a reminder of the communist era I touch on in my facts about Albania.
I have seen people camp in the carpark as it’s a nice little quiet cove to enjoy the summer’s warmer weather.
If you’re after a “secret beach”, Albania has provided one for you here.
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 Albania coast, but that doesn’t stop it from having one of the best beaches Albania has to offer.
Bunec Beach can be recognized by the long platform that stretches from the middle of the beach, all the way out to the crystal clear 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 are 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 that is perched on top of the mountain. It’s very beautiful, a great spot for some well-deserved relaxation and one of the more unique things to do in Albania.
Where to stay in Qeparo
If you would like to stay in the lower part of Qeparo, you can pick from a few different options. One of the best places to stay is Farmhouse Qeparo. Check availability and latest prices →
15. Marachi Beach
Marachi Beach is a small pebble beach in the Albanian Riviera coastal city of Himara (Himarë in Albanian), and is one of the more modest of the Albania top beaches list but still makes for the perfect place to enjoy the calm waters.
However, no list of “Albania best beaches” would be complete without it in my opinion!
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 very best beaches in Albania. There’s just one catch: this beach can only be accessed by a long walk (over 8 hours) or there are boat rides that you can take (I’ve rounded up Albania tours and excursions).
But if you’re looking for the best Albania hidden beach, Grama Bay is worth the effort.
Located in Karaburun National Park, this is a newly discovered Albanian beach and because it’s so secluded it’s a great option and one of the must-visit Albania hidden gems.
However, it won’t be one of the most quiet beaches in Albania 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 (see my best hikes in Albania) and camping equipment.
For now though, this is still a fantastic Albania private beach option. Grama Bay and its surroundings are truly the best hidden beaches in Albania!
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.
My Number One Tip: Hire a Car for Full Flexibility
If you’re travelling around Albania, having your own wheels makes everything so much easier. Buses can be slow and timetables vague, so a car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you like. Most people pick one up at Tirana Airport.
Check here for the best car rental companies and prices for your Albania trip →
HI
Great post!!..
I would like to visit ksamil and Gjipe beach…
do you know how could i get Shkodër from gjipe?
Thanks
What about vlore I notice you have not mentioned it ? Does it have nice beaches ? Is it worth staying there ?
Hi Fozzia! Vlora has nice beaches – The ones in the city are okay but the best ones in my opinions are between the city and a place called Radhime (Bora bora beach & Vega being the best and the others around there)