Top 12 Best Beaches In Albania

If you are a beach person looking for an excellent beach getaway, Albania’s coastline should be your next vacation. Albania is home to some of the best beaches in all of Europe. Whether you are a hiker, backpacker, or a family with children, the Albanian Riviera has something for you. There are sandy and pebbly beaches. Some beaches are family friendly. Beaches for the party crowd. There are touristy and secluded beaches.

In Albania, the resorts and restaurants lining the beach provide beach chairs and umbrellas. They may charge a fee or provide free with your stay or when you dine.

There is truly something for everyone. There are so many beaches you can visit a new beach every day. We have compiled a list of the 12 best beaches in Albania for you to explore.

1. Ksamil Beach

Ksamil is one of the hidden gems of Albania. It is located in the southern part of the country, close to the border of Greece. This beach town may be relatively unknown to some visitors, but it gets crowded in July and August.

Ksamil has many small beach sections owned by the waterfront properties. Each location may require an admission fee to visit the beach and to use the beach chairs.

Ksamil is the ideal spot to escape crowds and relax. The water at the beach is crystal clear and lukewarm; it is the perfect site for swimming or snorkeling. You can easily swim from the beach to visit the uninhabited Ksamil islands.

While you are in Ksamil, set aside some time to visit Butrint National Park. Butrint is only a 10-minute drive from Ksamil.

If you are interested in visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, see blog post: UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Albania

2. Dhermi Beach

Dhermi is hands down, one of the country’s best beaches. Unlike the beaches you may be used to, Dhermi is not a sandy beach. It is a white, pebbly beach, which contrasts beautifully with the sea’s clean, bright crystal-clear waters.

Several fantastic beachside restaurants and resorts line the beach that provide food and beach chairs. Although the beach does tend to get crowded in high season, you can still find a great spot if you travel along the beach.

3. Borsh Beach

Borsh beach is the longest unbroken stretch in Albania, 7 kms of continuous beach along the Albanian Riviera. This beach has an excellent, stunning backdrop comprised of olive trees, green villages, and high mountain peaks.

Despite its stunning natural beauty, it is relatively unknown to tourists and, therefore, has managed to escape heavy crowds.

4. Saranda Beach

The main beaches located near the city center are lined with beachfront resorts. These public beaches are not as popular as others further down the coast. However, this lack of popularity makes it such a delight that you do not have to deal with overflowing crowds during your time here. They are also easy to find regardless of the type of transportation you are using.

During night-time, the beach does get crowded, there are several fantastic clubs and restaurants nearby.

5. Palasa Beach

If you want to experience nature closely, you must head to Palasa beach. Palasa never fails to mesmerize its visitors with its ultra-clean waters. The water is so clear you can observe fish in their natural habitat. The beach is known for its stunning location and backdrop – a gorgeous white sand stretch backed by lush green fauna. It attracts many honeymooners and couples seeking an escape from mundaneness.

This beach is one of the quiet ones, which allows ample space between yourself and other beachgoers. Most people who come here indulge in absolute leisure, lounging on beach chairs, soaking in the sun, and sipping on fresh margaritas.

Visitors also indulge in thrilling water sports, including scuba diving, paragliding, and snorkeling. There is also a playground for children on the beach. There is a lot to keep you actively engaged and entertained on Palasa Beach.

6. Jala Beach

Jala is the beach for young adults. It is the prime spot if you want to hang out and party with your friends at the seaside. The beach is a fantastic spot if you are into nature and water sports.

Firstly, the beach is a half-moo-shaped bay with green hills on each side. The sand is fine, golden, and just gorgeous. The waters are intensely blue and crystal clear.

Visitors to the beach also love to camp on the beach amidst olive groves and go on beach-hopping. There are several secret, virgin beaches directly accessible from Jala via hiking trips, one beach is Aquarium Bay (translation: Akuariumi). It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Jala.

7. Gjipe Beach

The hike to Gjipe Beach takes about 30 minutes. It is well worth the trek if you are looking for a quiet crystal clearwater beach.

We suggest you bring a backpack for beach gear. Once you complete the hike to the beach you can change into your beach gear. Do not forget to bring water and a few snacks. On the beach, there are plenty of beach chairs waiting for you. There are a few restaurants on the beach if you plan to eat lunch.

This beach has bright blue waters, a gorgeous stretch of sand, and is surrounded by beautiful cliffs. There is a fascinating cave system towards the southern edge of the beach.

Hiking the Gjipe canyon is another exciting activity that should be on your list. The climb is undoubtedly challenging, and that is what makes it so appealing.

8. Narta Beach

If you are looking to go on a family beach vacation with your loved ones, you should consider Narta. The beach is as versatile as a beach can get, offering activities that engage people of all ages and preferences. Its long, uninterrupted sandy beach is of big enough to accommodate large numbers comfortably.

The region’s waters are clear, clean, and shallow, making them perfect for children to play. This is a legitimately great beach if you are traveling with children. There are several children’s playgrounds and sports fields, too, to keep the young ones happily entertained.

For the older ones, there is a host of exciting activities and sports that will exhilarate them. From swimming to snorkeling to kayaking, there is something for everyone. Plus, there are a plethora of dining areas, restaurants, and eateries in the region. So, you can rest assured that your appetite will be well-satisfied while you are having fun here!

9. Mirror (Pasqyra) Beach

There is a reason why it is named Mirror Beach (translated: Pasqyra). The water is so clean and crystal clear that it feels like the water is a giant mirror when the sun shines overhead. The effect is impressive!

Another excellent thing about Mirror beach is that it is rather un-commercialized. You will not find loud restaurants and resorts taking away from this beach’s serenity and will therefore be able to relax in utter peace.

10. Drymades Beach

Drymades Beach is close to Dhermi beach. It is a relatively quieter beach, which means that you can come here to relax when you want to escape the loudness of Dhermi.

While you are here check out the nearby Pirate’s Cave. You can take a kayaking excursion to explore the cave and the beaches around the area.

The beach is excellent, with clean waters, peaceful surroundings, and lots of privacy. One of the best things about the beach is that it has its eco camping facilities, which allow you to spend the night on the beach, under the glorious Albanian skies.

11. Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach is a white pebble beach popular for its deep blue water. There is 1.2 km of continuous beach. Beach chairs and umbrella are available. There is plenty of water sports including jet skiing, paddle boats and canoeing.

12. New Beach (Plazhi i Ri)

Plazhi I Ri (Translation: New Beach) Vlora is family friendly. There are many vacation rentals and resort accommodations on the beach or directly across the road. There is also a well-designed walk bike path from Vlora city center to Uji Ftohte (Translation: cold water). Uji Ftohte is a natural spring that supplies water.

The walk bike path is a recent addition to the beach. It is lined with beautiful palm trees and completes the backdrop of the beach very well.

There are numerous beaches and beach resorts with fun activities, pools, playgrounds on the entire stretch of coastline.

Quick Tips:
Bring sandals for the beach. Some beaches are pebbles, not sand.
Do not forget sunblock and sunglasses.

Quick Translations:
Beach – Plazhi
Sun – Dielli
Sand – Rërë
Water – Ujë

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These are the top 12 beaches. While no two Albanian beaches are alike, they share these common properties: clean, crystal clear, lukewarm waters.

Each beach has something exciting to offer you depending on your preferences. You can choose which one is best for you! Just remember to relax on your vacation, have an excellent time, and enjoy.