30 Best Albania Beaches

The Albania beaches are absolutely beautiful, but nobody knows about it! In Albania, you can still drive along the coastal road and find a little hidden beach. Can you imagine that Albania is that close to Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia, but still unknown!

If you enjoy going on an adventure, discovering hidden beaches and travelling off-the-beaten-path, you will absolutely love the Albania beaches. And to make your Albania beach holidays a little more easy to plan, I have made you a list of the 30 Best Beaches in Albania. This list will help you to select which Albania beaches should definitely be included on your next Albania beach vacation!

Where is the Albanian Riviera?

The Albanian riviera is the 120 km long coastline between the city Vlore and the city Saranda. Although Albania has beaches in the north of the country, the best and most beautiful beaches of Albania are in the south.

The best way to visit the Albanian Riviera is to drive by car along the coastal road. The starting point of the Albanian Riviera is the city of Vlora. From Vlora you can drive the 120 km road down to the city Saranda. Be sure to take your time though, and stop to explore the little hidden beaches along the way! Enjoy your Albanian riviera holidays! And scroll down for Albanian riviera best beaches!

Which are the large Albania beach towns?

The two large Albanian beach towns are Saranda City and Vlore City. Both cities have a promenade along the bay, with many restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs. Therefore, you can describe both Saranda and Vlora as vibrant, exciting and trendy.

The most famous beach places in the country is Saranda beach Albania. The city is all the way in the south of Albania and close to the Greek border. Many people say that Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. And with the lovely Mediterranean Saranda weather and 325 sunny days a year, you can hardly resist.

The biggest city in the Albanian Riviera is Vlora. The city has a very Mediterranean feel to it; There is a winding road that takes you around the edges of the Bay of Vlore. And there is a lovely promenade along the sea which is lined with palm trees and little cafes.

How to get to the Albanian Riviera?

To visit the Albanian Riviera you have two options. Option one is to fly to the capital city Tirana and drive along the coast to Vlore city. Or option two is to fly to Corfu Island in Greece and to take the ferry boat across the sea to Saranda. Unfortunately, there is no Albanian riviera airport yet.

How to get to Albania beaches from Tirana airport?

The best way to reach the Albania beaches from Tirana airport is to rent a car, book a tour or travel by furgon mini bus. If you do not want to travel the distance, the closest beach to Tirana is Durres, which is just a 45-minutes drive. If you would like to travel from Tirana Albania airport to the Albanian Riviera, you must drive to Vlore city. The roads from Tirana to Vlore are in good condition and some sections of the road are completely new. From Tirana, you should drive along the road to Durres, then continue to Fier and and then towards Vlore. This drive takes you about 4 hours or half a day.

How to get from Corfu island to the Albania beaches?

Corfu Island is very close Saranda in the south of the Albanian Riviera. Therefore, you can fly to Corfu Airport and take a ferry boat across the sea to Saranda. The ferry journey starts from the Port in Corfu and travels across the sea to the Port of Saranda. There are two types of boats. Firstly, the Flying Dolphin high-speed boat, which takes 30 minutes. And secondly, the slower ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes.

How to get from Corfu island to the Albania beaches?

Corfu Island is very close Saranda in the south of the Albanian Riviera. Therefore, you can fly to Corfu Airport and take a ferry boat across the sea to Saranda. The ferry journey starts from the Port in Corfu and travels across the sea to the Port of Saranda. There are two types of boats. Firstly, the Flying Dolphin high-speed boat, which takes 30 minutes. And secondly, the slower ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes.

1. Saranda Beach Albania

Saranda Albania is a big, vibrant city all the way in the South of the Albanian coast. The city is close to the Greek border and you can see Corfu Island just across the bay. Albania Beach Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. Saranda has a vibrant boulevard along the sea with many bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes.

Moreover, you can use Albanian beaches Saranda as a hub to visit smaller beaches in the area like Ksamil, Monastery Beach, Mirror Beach and Pulebardha Beach. Furthermore, from Saranda you can make day trips to Butrint UNESCO sight, the Blue Eye Albania and Gjirokastra UNESCO sight. Or you can visit Mango Beach, which is a popular beach in Saranda.

How to get to Saranda beach in Albania?

To visit Albania beaches Saranda you can fly to the Greek Island Corfu or you can fly to Tirana Airport. If you fly to Corfu Island, you can book a ferry journey across the sea, which takes either 30 minutes by high speed boat or 70 minutes by ferry boat. The boats from Corfu arrive in the port of Saranda in Albania.

Alternatively, you can fly to Tirana Airport and travel by car to Saranda which takes 6-7 hours. The journey by car is very beautiful, as there are many little hidden beaches that you will see along the way. You may actually really enjoy the trip as you can stop along the way to explore little villages and beaches.

2. Ksamil Beach Albania – Why should you visit Ksamil?

Ksamil is a little beach village with the most beautiful beach in Albania. The beaches of Ksamil are considered the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera”. The beaches of Ksamil are very idyllic; There is perfect white sand, bright clear blue sea water and little wooden piers leading into the sea.

The best activity in Ksamil is to swim, peddle or rent a boat to visit the three little islands in the bay. If you have always wanted to visit an uninhabited island and if you dream of a paradise beach, then Ksamil is the ideal place for you!

When should you visit Ksamil beach Albania?

The best time of the year to visit Ksamil beach is in late May, June or September. Although Ksamil is not as crowded as Italy, France or Spain in the summer, it is still best to visit right before or after the high season. Because you will simply enjoy it more while it is quite!

3. Ksamil Islands

In front of Ksamil beach, you can find four little islands that you can visit. The islands are uninhibited and the islands are only visited by tourists. You can visit the Ksamil islands by boat, by swimming or by canoe. The most interesting are the twin islands, where two little islands are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land.

What airport should you fly to if you want to go to Ksamil, Albania?

Ksamil is very close to the Greek border, therefore, if you only plan on visiting Ksamil beach, it is best to fly to Corfu Island and take the ferry across the sea to Saranda. The journey by boat will take you between 30 – 70 minutes. From Saranda city you can take a short taxi ride to Ksamil which costs around 10 euros.

What are the best beaches close to Saranda?

If you want to get away from the big city and the crowds in Saranda, there are three little beaches that you can escape to: Monastery beach, Mirror beach and Pulebardha beach. All three are just a short taxi ride away from Saranda.

4. Monastery beach

Monastery beach is one of those beautiful hidden beaches in Albania. To reach the beach, just take a short 20 minute taxi drive from Saranda. From the road on the top of the hill you can look down on the beach, which is completely surrounded by cliffs. The beach is named after a little monastery, which you can visit by hiking up the hill. Moreover, since this little beach is so hidden away between the cliffs, the beach feels very private, relaxed and secretive.

5. Mirror beach

Mirror beach is a little beach located along the road between Saranda and Ksamil. The beach of mirrors is a hidden gem and famous among the locals. You can easily visit the beach by taking a short taxi ride from either Saranda or Ksamil.

Mirror beach has perfect white sand, cliffs surrounding the sea and waves in the sea water. The most beautiful part of this beach is that the sun reflects in the sea water, which makes the sea look like a gigantic mirror.

6. Pulebardha beach

Pulebardha beach is a lovely secluded beach located between Saranda and Ksamil. The water is beautiful and clear. There is a little restaurant on the beach, which serves delicious and fresh food. There is also a big rock in the sea, so you can have a lot of fun jumping in the sea water. The beach is quite rocky, so be sure to bring water shoes with you.

How to get from Corfu island to the Albania beaches?

Corfu Island is very close Saranda in the south of the Albanian Riviera. Therefore, you can fly to Corfu Airport and take a ferry boat across the sea to Saranda. The ferry journey starts from the Port in Corfu and travels across the sea to the Port of Saranda. There are two types of boats. Firstly, the Flying Dolphin high-speed boat, which takes 30 minutes. And secondly, the slower ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes.

7.Blue Eye of Albania

The Blue Eye of Albania is not really a beach, but it is a natural spring. This magical place is absolutely worth a visit, if you are in Saranda. The Blue Eye is a bright blue spring that looks like a human eye and there is nothing like it anywhere else on the planet. Looking at the spring is very calming and unforgettable. And for the real daredevils, you can jump into the underwater cave from a little platform above the spring. To reach the Blue Eye, drive 30-minutes along the road from Saranda to Gjirokastra until you see the signage.

8. Vlore Beach

The Albanian Riviera starts in the Mediterranean city Vlora. The coastal road curves around the massive bay of Vlore. Vlore is a large city with many restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs. It has a very vibrant and buzzing atmosphere. From Vlore you can drive to the south along the coastal road to visit the other beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

9. Jonufer Beach

Close to Saranda, there are several smaller beaches to the south that you can easily visit by bus or taxi. Examples are Orikum beach, Radhime beach and Jonufer beach.

10. Narta, Zvernec

From Vlore city, you can make a short trip to Zvernec Island. Close to the sea there is a beautiful sandy lagoon. Basically, a strip of sand has blocked some of the Adriatic sea water and created a lake. There is a small island called Zvernec in the water, which you can visit by walking over the wooden bridge. The island is in a very romantic setting and you can visit the little monastery on the island. Zvernec Island is not a beach for swimming, but it is a beautiful location to take pictures.

11. Karaburun Peninsula

The Karaburun Peninsula is a mountain range that leads into the sea. It basically is a gigantic pier into the sea. Along this mountain range, there are these little hidden beaches that can only be reached by boat.

12. Grama Bay

Grama Bay is the highlight of the Karaburun Peninsula. If you are looking for an intimate, hidden beach, then Grama Bay is your spot. In the past, the bay was used as a safe place for ships during a storm. Many ship crews left messages in the rocky cliffs surrounding the bay. Therefore, the Grama bay is also called the Bay of Scriptures. The Karaburun Peninsula & Grama Bay can only be reached by boat or by a long hike from the town Orikum.

The Llogara Pass

When you drive on the coastal road from Vlora towards Saranda, you will drive over the Llogara Pass. The Llogara Pass is the highest point (1027m) on the coastal road. From the pass you have a stunning view towards the sea and the beaches below. You look down on Palase beach and Dhermi beach, which are the first beaches below the pass. Be sure to stop for pictures and if you can have a lunch or a coffee in the restaurant, while enjoying the view.

13. Palasa Beach

From the Llogara Pass, you drive down the zigzagging coastal road and the first beach you see is Palasa Beach. This little beach is untouched and the perfect place to avoid the crowds. The way you can describe Palase is: quite, serene, secluded and untouched. There are a few low-key family owned restaurants, but that is all you will find on this beach. Palasa beach is close to Dhermi, which is the complete opposite, as it is a cool, party type of beach.

14. Dhermi Beach

Dhermi beach is a vibrant and cool beach, which is very popular during the summer. If you are looking for a beach with vibrant nightlife and young people to hang-out with, then you will enjoy Dhermi. However, if you are looking for a quieter spot, you can walk along the sea, to visit some of the smaller beaches. Some of the smaller coves are incredibly beautiful, like for instance Drymades beach. The village of Dhermi is very charming, with the beautiful traditional stone houses.

15. Drymades Beach

Drymades beach is a smaller bay near Dhermi and one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. You can take a 10-minute drive from the Dhermi village or walk along the beach. A large rock divides the pebbly Dhermi beach from the sandy Drymades beach. If you are visiting in July or August, Drymades beach is a very good option since it is not crowded in the summer.

16. Jale Beach

Jale is one of the most beautiful beaches, and a great place to get away from the city and relax. The beach is a small cove, with clear blue water and a very tropical atmosphere. Because it is such a small hidden-away place, it makes you instantly relaxed. Jale beach is close to the hillside village Vuno and it is located between Dhermi and Himara. The Vuno village is worth a little trip, if you are interested in a traditional Albanian village.

17. Gjipe Beach

Gjipe is a hidden beach completely squeezed in between high cliffs. The only way to reach the beach is by hiking 30 minutes through nature or travelling by boat from the nearby Jale beach. Because this beach is so hard to reach, it is completely private, secluded and quiet. Gjipe beach is absolutely a hidden gem, if you are willing to do the hiking, that is…

18. Himara Beach

Himara is a touristic beach village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. You can recognize the beach by the massive rock that cuts the town into two parts. Himara is known for its charming appearance and the many olive trees that grow on the hills. There are several beautiful beaches near the village, for instance, Livadhi beach or Potami beach.

19. Llamani Beach

Llamani is a beach close to the Himare village. What makes Llamani beach special is that the water is partially sweet and cold, because it is filled with underwater mountain streams. There are also several fish swimming in the water. Llamani has all the facilities, like restaurants and clubs. If you are looking for more privacy, you can swim through the water to a smaller beach. This smaller beach can only be reached by sea.

20. Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach is a long beach a short drive from the town center of Himare. It is one of the longest beaches in the region and it is a great alternative from the busier beaches in the village of Himare. There are several restaurants, cafes and water sports activities on Livadhi beach.

21. Porto Palermo Beach & Castle

When you drive down the road from Himare, you will see the impressive Bay of Porto Palermo. In the middle of the bay there is a small peninsula with a Medieval Castle. Make a quick tour through the castle, because on the rooftop, you can make stunning pictures of the bay. On the peninsula, there is a small strip of beach and it is possible to make a boat trip through the bay.

22. Borsh Beach

Borsh is famous for being the largest beach in Albania. When you are driving down the coastal road and you first see the never-ending beach, it is a very impressive sight. Although Borsh beach can easily be reached by car or taxi from Saranda and Himara, it is still untouched by tourism. If you appreciate space and privacy, you will really enjoy Borsh.

23. Lukova Beach

Lukove is one of the best beaches near the city of Saranda, therefore, it is the perfect escape from the more crowded beaches. Along the coastline of Lukova, there is a variety of smaller beaches and a larger beach called Cave beach. Lukova is known for its natural beauty, since it has beautiful greenery, olive trees and crystal clear blue water. There are a few small restaurants on the beach, that serve Mediterranean and Local cuisine.

24. Bunec Beach

Bunec is another little cove beach, which is really close to Saranda. This beach is known for its lovely waves, silence and the beautiful sunset. A gorgeous river runs down from the mountains above and divides the beach into two halves. Bunec is the perfect place if you are looking for a quiet and charming spot in the proximity of Saranda city.

25. Pogradec Beach

Pogradec is not located near the sea, but it has a lakeside beach. Lake Ohrid is a massive lake on the border between Albania and Macedonia. On the Albanian side of the lake, you can visit the small town of Pogradec. You will enjoy Pogradec is you like travelling off-the-beaten path and you enjoy places with very few tourists. You can also visit the nearby springs of Drilon. The springs of Drilon and and take a lovely boat trip on the water surrounded by beautiful nature.

How to get from Corfu island to the Albania beaches?

Corfu Island is very close Saranda in the south of the Albanian Riviera. Therefore, you can fly to Corfu Airport and take a ferry boat across the sea to Saranda. The ferry journey starts from the Port in Corfu and travels across the sea to the Port of Saranda. There are two types of boats. Firstly, the Flying Dolphin high-speed boat, which takes 30 minutes. And secondly, the slower ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes.

26. Durres Beach

Durres is one of the most conveniently located beaches in Albania, because it is only a 40 minute drive from the capital city Tirana. Therefore, visiting Durres is a good option is you are travelling by bus and taxi only, rather than a car for instance. When you visit Durres, you can expect a popular beach city. Which means many restaurants, hotels, bars, beach chairs, parasols and little shops. If you enjoy a vibrant and lively atmosphere, then you will enjoy Durres.

27. Spille Beach

Spille Beach is a lesser known, but beautiful beach near Tirana. The drive from Tirana city to Spille beach is around 1.5 hour, because you have to pass Durres and Kavaje, before reaching Spille. The beach is around 3 kilometres long, it is spacious and it has perfect white sand. It is a popular place to visit for families and a great alternative to the more crowded and vibrant Durres.

28. The Bay of Lalzi

The Bay of Lalzi or in Albanian Gjiri i lalzit is a lovely quiet beach close to Tirana. If you prefer to stay away from the crowds at Durres in the summer high season, then you will really enjoy Lalzi. Whereas Durres has tons of restaurants, Lalzi has only one small restaurant on sight. There are parasols and chairs on the beach, but only a few are taken. For a relaxing beach day trip from Tirana, the Bay of Lalzi is a great choice.

How to get from Corfu island to the Albania beaches?

Corfu Island is very close Saranda in the south of the Albanian Riviera. Therefore, you can fly to Corfu Airport and take a ferry boat across the sea to Saranda. The ferry journey starts from the Port in Corfu and travels across the sea to the Port of Saranda. There are two types of boats. Firstly, the Flying Dolphin high-speed boat, which takes 30 minutes. And secondly, the slower ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes.

29. Shengjin Beach

The beach of Shengjin is about a 1.5 hour drive from Tirana, close to the town Lezha. Shengjin beach has a very long and stretching coastline. Therefore, it is the perfect location for a morning or evening beach walk. Both the beach and port of Shengjin are enclosed by a lagoon. Although Shengjin is well-known among the locals, there are not many tourists visiting. Therefore, if is still quite even in the middle of the summer.

30. Rana e Hedhun Beach

Rana e Hedhun beach is a very unique beach in Albania. Because the beach of Rana e Hedhun is a large sand dune on the slope of a mountain. The beach of Rana e Hedhun is located to the north of Tirana. From the capital city it is about a 1.5 hour drive to Rana e Hedhun. The beach is only 3 kilometres from Shengjin and close to the city Lezha.

The best words to describe Rana e Hedhun are “unexplored” and “untouched”. The coast is beautiful, because you will see the sand of the dune melt from the mountain into the sea. If you are not up for a swim, simply bring a picnic and enjoy the lovely view.

What is the best time to visit the beaches in Albania?

Albania has 260 days of sunshine a year, therefore, good weather is pretty much a given. The best time of the year to visit is between April and October. Albania’s high season is in July and August. But do not be afraid to visit, because Albania’s tourism high season is not busy compared to other European countries. However, it is also very nice to visit either in April – June or in September – October. If you have the opportunity to visit in June or September, you will really enjoy beaches like Ksamil, Mirror beach, Monastery Beach and Jale Beach, because you will find only a handful of people there.

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