Best Albania beaches to visit in 2023
Last Updated on January 8, 2023
This site contains affiliate links for products and services we recommend. Read my disclaimer for more information. If you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission (for which I am very grateful).
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?
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 clear waters. There are so many Albania beach destinations you’ll struggle to see all of them in one visit!
Does Albania have nice beaches?
Yes it does! When it comes to Albania tourism, beaches are one of the country’s biggest draws. 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.
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 Albania sea side is in the south!
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!
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.
🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads.
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 an Albanian beach getaway from any bustling city, then Jale Beach is a great choice.
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!
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 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 looking for luxury, then this is it!
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 out the latest availability and prices here
Mid-range accommodation
This hotel is closest to that secret beach I talked about on the last page. This accommodation is basic but meets all the needs of a summer getaway.
The staff are incredibly friendly, and they serve delicious fresh seafood too! – Check out the latest availability and 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 out the latest availability and prices here
2. Monastery Beach
If you’re looking for the best beach towns, 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.
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 the best sandy beaches in Albania and one of my favourites!
This long stretch of coast is very beautiful – Albania sandy beaches are like that!
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 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. – To check for the latest prices and availability click here
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! – To check for the latest prices and availability click here
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. – To check for the latest prices and availability click here
💡 PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel, water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!
4. Palase Beach
Palase beach is definitely in the top 10 beaches in Albania.
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.
Get my 170+ page comprehensive travel guide to Albania!
📌 This e-book is perfect if you’re planning on travelling Albania, or if you have already arrived (like an expat), and you want to explore more of the beautiful country and get to know the hidden gems.
You cannot visit Albania without visiting Palase Beach – one of the nicest beaches 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, 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. There is a restaurant there so if you wish to eat some seafood and enjoy the beach view 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.
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 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, 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.
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. – For the latest prices and availability, click here
One of my favourite Ksamil hotels, it features its own private beach, buffet breakfast and perfect for a romantic getaway. – For the latest prices and availability, click here
This modern hotel is located right in the center and nearby to the beautiful Ksamil beaches. – For the latest prices and availability, click here
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.
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.
🛌🏼 Click to check out the best accommodation in Lukove here
8. Livadhi Beach
Near the small Albanian seaside town 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.
I’ve stayed in a few different locations but one of my favourites was just out of the centre at a Villa called Villa Marine blue.
My partner and I rented a room for 2000lek a night (in summer it’s double). It was lovely, right on the beach and the owner is super lovely. – For the latest prices and availability, click here
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.
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. 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!
🛌🏼 Click to check out the best accommodation in Borsh here
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 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.
🚗 Travelling Europe by car? For the best prices on car hire in Europe, opt for Europcar.
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. 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.
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 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!
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 Hotel Riviera. – For the latest prices and availability, click here
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.
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.
📚 P.S. Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide to get a comprehensive insight into more places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes it does! Albania beaches are some of the most beautiful and relaxing in the world.
Most Albania beaches are sand beaches, though there are also pebble beaches, especially in the south.
That’s up for you to decide, although I would say that whichever they are, they will be on the list here!
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!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
The Comments
jose
HI
Great post!!..
I would like to visit ksamil and Gjipe beach…
do you know how could i get Shkodër from gjipe?
Thanks