The Best Beaches in Albania: A Complete Guide

The beaches are the number-one reason travellers discover Albania — the same turquoise Ionian water as neighbouring Greece, at half the price. But “a beach in Albania” can mean two very different things: long, shallow sandy stretches on the northern Adriatic, or white-pebble coves with clear water in the southern Ionian. This guide maps the best of them and how to choose.

The simple rule: if you want the famous turquoise photos, head south to the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil. If you’re with small children and want sand and shallow water near Tirana — the north will do.

The southern beaches (the Riviera)

This is where the beaches that made Albania a trend are found. Gjipe Beach, at the mouth of a canyon between Dhërmi and Himarë, is reached only by a half-hour walk or by boat — which is why it stays wild and gorgeous. Livadhi near Himarë and Jale near Dhërmi are white pebbles with clear water, some organised. Borsh is one of the longest beaches in the country, and accessible Drymades suits anyone wanting a beach bar. At the far south, the beaches of Ksamil and its little islands are “the Maldives of Albania”.

The northern and central beaches

Along the Adriatic coast, north of Vlorë, the beaches are sandier and shallower. Durrës holds the closest sandy beach to Tirana — convenient but crowded in summer. Further north are Velipojë and Shëngjin, popular with local holidaymakers. These beaches are convenient for families with small children, but the water is less clear than in the south, and the setting is more urban.

Where to stay for the beaches

For the southern beaches the bases are Himarë, Dhërmi and Sarandë/Ksamil. Compare stays near the Riviera beaches in advance; in summer booking early is critical.

For the full picture see the Albania guide, the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil.