Albania
The best beaches in Albania: 10 coves from Dhërmi to Ksamil
The Albanian Riviera has mountains dropping straight into the sea, pebbles that keep the water crystal clear and coves you can only reach on foot or by boat. These are the beaches we would choose.
The riviera: where the mountains meet the sea
The road over the Llogara Pass climbs to over a thousand metres, and then the view opens up. Below you lies the whole Albanian Riviera, with mountains plunging into a sea that shifts from turquoise to deep blue. The southern coast from Vlorë to Saranda has the best beaches in the country.
Most beaches here are pebbles, not sand. That is why the water is so clear. Bring water shoes, and expect to pay for a sunlounger on beaches with restaurants. For the rest of the country, see our Albania travel guide.
The best beaches on the riviera
1. Gjipe: the cove at the end of the canyon
A small cove where a deep canyon meets the sea, between Dhërmi and Himarë. Walk down a path of around twenty minutes from the car park, or take a boat from Dhërmi. Barely developed, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.
2. Dhërmi: the riviera's liveliest
A long beach of white pebbles, beach clubs and summer parties. The village sits on the hillside above, with churches and narrow lanes.
3. Jale: a small cove with green hills
A short drive from Dhërmi, with a sheltered bay and clear water. Quieter than its neighbour, but popular with Albanian families in August.
4. Drymades and Palasë
Wide beaches just below the Llogara Pass. Palasë has new hotels, while Drymades still has a few simple campsites.
5. Livadhi at Himarë
Himarë is a small town with an old castle on the hill. Livadhi lies just south of the centre and has plenty of room even in high season.
6. Porto Palermo: the castle in the bay
An almost enclosed bay with a small fortress built by Ali Pasha in the 19th century. The beach is small, but the setting is like nothing else on the coast.
7. Borsh: the longest beach
Around seven kilometres of pebbles with olive groves on the slopes behind. You will always find space here, even in August.
Borsh
Photo: Marie Volkert / Unsplash
Further south: Saranda and Ksamil
8. Ksamil: the small islands
Known for the four small islands just offshore and water that looks almost Caribbean. The busiest of all the beaches in July and August. Read more in our guide to Ksamil.
9. Mirror Beach near Lukovë
Pasqyra means mirror, and the water is so still the name explains itself. A small beach of white stones, a short walk from the main road.
10. Kakome: by boat from Saranda
A cove with no road access, reached by boat. In summer there is a simple beach bar, otherwise it is quiet.
Sandy beaches in the north
If you want sand underfoot, head north. Durrës, an hour from Tirana, has long sandy beaches but is much more built up and busy. Velipojë near Shkodër is a long, flat stretch of sand. Neither has the water of the riviera, but both suit families with small children.
When is the best time to swim in Albania?
June and September are best. The sea is around 22 to 25°C and there is plenty of room. In July and August the beaches are packed, with Ksamil and Dhërmi the busiest. You can swim on warm days in May and October, but many beach bars are closed.
Frequently asked questions about beaches in Albania
Where are the best beaches in Albania?
The best are on the Albanian Riviera between Vlorë and Saranda: Gjipe, Dhërmi, Jale, Borsh and Ksamil. The water is clearest here, and the mountains run straight down to the sea.
Does Albania have sandy beaches?
Yes, but most are in the north, such as Durrës and Velipojë. On the riviera in the south the beaches are mostly pebbles, with clearer water.
Which beach in Albania is least crowded?
Borsh is so long there is always space. Gjipe and Kakome need a boat or a walk, so they are quieter than beaches you can drive right up to.
Do you need a car to see the beaches in Albania?
It makes it much easier. Buses along the coast are infrequent, and many of the best coves are some way from the main road.