The 5 Best Beaches in Albania

European hotspots such as Spain, Greece, and Italy have a long-established reputation for being home to some of the world’s best beaches. But, it may be surprising to hear that these countries have a competitor on their hands. The lesser-discovered republic of Albania, nestled on the southeastern edge of Europe in the Balkan Peninsula, is actually harbouring pebbly havens and sandy stretches that are considered equal to, if not better than, these popular holiday destinations. 

The geography of Albania means that its western edge borders the Adriatic, offering expanses of towering coastal cliffs and beachfront resorts for keen beach dwellers to choose from. The Albanian Riviera, located on the Southwestern side of the country, is home to a selection of the country’s finest coastal settings, with long stretches of shoreline that are perfect to indulge in everything from lazing on the sands all day to watersports and striking scenery. 

The breadth of beauty that lies on Albania’s coastline was only recently discovered by tourists, meaning that only now is it beginning to become well-known for the coastal scenes it has to offer. Whether you prefer a pebbled beach to saunter along during a day out, or somewhere with golden swathes of shoreline to sprawl out beneath the rays of sunshine, Albania has something for everyone. 

In fact, there are so many beach locations in Albania that travellers are simply spoilt for choice when it comes to perfect locations for an ideal beach day out. This is why our team here at Undiscovered Destinations has highlighted the best beaches in Albania for your next trip. From pebbly oases in secluded bays to vast expanses of fine sandy shores, our experts have listed the best of the bunch.

The Best Beaches in Albania and Where to Find Them

Dhermi Beach

Situated on the Albanian Riviera, Dhermi Beach is a very popular Albania seaside location that has visitors and tourists alike flocking from far and wide to experience a day out on its shores. 

The beach is found only a short distance from the village of Dhermi, which is roughly a 7-minute drive or 40-minute walk south. The beach is a real slice of paradise and a quintessential stretch of European shoreline that proves hard to beat. 

Its grounds are formed of smooth white pebbles spread across a wide space and bordered by a shallow grassy verge, and the beach has a backdrop of the craggy coastal clifftops. Dhermi Beach is also quite long, meaning there’s ample room for beach dwellers to enjoy a trip here, without feeling cramped or claustrophobic. 

Dhermi Beach is also lined with parasols and deck chairs, making it more than convenient for beachgoers to turn up and relax whilst being sheltered from the blistering sunshine. Spread along much of the beach’s length, visitors will also find a walkway filled with eateries are bars for when travellers are in need of a bite to eat or something to quench their thirst. 

For those looking for a classic beach day out with nothing but stunning scenery and relaxation on the agenda, Dhermi Beach is one of the greatest Albanian beaches to visit.

Ksamil Beach

With striking blue waters, Ksamil Beach stuns for this reason alone but continues to impress all travellers who venture here during a trip to Albania. Often considered to be the top beach destination in Albania, it’s a highlight for those who visit the country and who are looking to scope out its most unique coastal settings. 

One word to describe Ksamil would be paradisical. Whilst it is popular, it is situated in a more secluded and quiet spot in comparison to other Albanian beaches, making it somewhat of a hidden gem along the Albanian coast. 

It offers a small, pebbled shoreline covered with parasols and deck chairs which border the gleaming turquoise sea. From here, all guests have a front-row seat to view the beautiful Ionian coast as well as the few lush islands located in front of the beach. 

One benefit of visiting this beach is that the area of Ksamil has a number of other stunning beach locations within easy reach along its shorelines. So, for travellers in search of the ultimate beach holiday spent exploring stretches of Albania’s coastline this is a fantastic beach, to begin with.

One of the most popular day trips from Ksamil is Butrint, which is located only a 30-minute drive away. This ancient city in the South of Albania is home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. It’s a haven for nature lovers also, with a national park offering ancient ruins and monuments scattered throughout its verdant local wildlife. 

So, for those in search of a charming cultural break to pair alongside blissful beach visits, Butrint is a magnificent option, and is part of our favoured Albania Explorer tour’s itinerary. 

Gjipe Beach

For those willing to go to great lengths to lay their eyes on one of Albania’s most beautiful beaches, Gjipe Beach will undoubtedly impress. 

Whilst it is situated alongside the Albanian Riviera, which is largely accessible, it takes a lot of effort to reach this exquisite beachfront. However, it is well worth the effort made to experience its breathtaking beauty and its quieter setting.

The beach takes roughly 45 minutes to hike to one way from its main car park and is not for the faint of heart. With the route stretching upwards over Albania’s coastline, only those who feel well enough to make the trek to this coastal location should do so. However, there is a way to get around it if you have a four-wheeled drive, as this will just about take you down beside the beach. But, of course, this isn’t a luxury that all travellers can afford. 

But, as we say, Gjipe Beach is well worth the journey if you’re feeling up to the challenge. It’s a sheltered bay surrounded by lush coastal cliffs, which hug its fine pebbled shores that are lined with parasols, sunbeds, and sheltered spots.

With still and clear waters, visitors enjoy paddling and swimming here, especially nearby the caves on the lefthand cliffs of the beach. Recommended only for strong swimmers, and those brave enough to delve beneath the waters, these caves can be explored to reveal what lies in the nooks and crannies of this secluded coastal spot. 

So, if venturing  ‘off the beaten track’ during a holiday sounds right up your street, Gjipe Beach is the best beach in Albania to give you your daily dose of adventure. 

Saranda Beach

Saranda is a city situated beside the Albanian Riviera on the Southern coast of the country. It’s a popular Albania beach resort that attracts the attention of residents looking for a much-needed staycation and, of course, holidaymakers from abroad looking to sample the very best beaches in Albania. 

The surrounding coastline of Saranda offers beaches for as far as the eye can see, which is bordered by the glistening blue sea that the Albanian Riviera is best known for. But, if there’s one beach here that offers an incredible beach experience to its visitors, it’s the area’s main beach, known as Saranda Beach. 

A public shore that is accessible to all in the area, Saranda Beach is one of the best Albanian beaches for its accessibility, given that it is located right in the heart of the thriving city of Saranda. The beach offers a pebbly and rocky terrain but nevertheless is perfect for lounging beneath the sunshine. It also features small piers that extend outwards into the sea, perfect for swimming beside the shoreline.

Given its central location and popularity, Saranda Beach offers a buzzing atmosphere to all those that set foot on its shores. It is also within close proximity of a range of amenities and facilities, such as cafes, restaurants, and shops, to offer all the essentials you could need, making Saranda Beach one of the most convenient places for a beach day out in Albania.

Located only an hour’s drive away north of Saranda Beach is Gjirokaster. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this well-preserved Albanian city is known for its rich history, its fortress, and magnificent architecture. It is home to one of the most impressive, and rare, examples of an Ottoman town, and visitors love roaming through its cobblestone streets and spying its unique stone buildings. 

Gjirokaster can be visited during our Albania Explorer Tour for all visitors in search of experiencing the very best of Albania’s culture and history during their next holiday. 

Beach of Durrës

Located only a 40-minute drive away from Tirana, Albania’s thriving capital, Durrës Beach is the closest beach to this city. So, for those looking to exchange the hustle and bustle of Tirana’s centre for tranquil shorelines during a city break, this is the ideal destination to do so.

Durrës Beach is the most popular, and largest, beach in Albania, stretching over 10 kilometres and hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Located in the city of Durrës, beside the Adriatic Coast, the beach is known for being well-situated, and one of the most affordable Albania beach holidays. Visitors flock from far and wide to experience what all of the fuss is about at this coastal hotspot and, in our opinion, it’s well worth a visit during your next trip to Albania.  

The city of Durrës itself is a historic location. Founded by the Ancient Greeks in the 7th century BC, it had since been inhabited, and become an integral settlement for, the Roman and Byzantine Empires. This easily makes Durrës beach one of the most historically significant areas of Albania’s coastline – a bonus for history lovers!

The seafront is shallow and calm offering great conditions for both children and adults to paddle close to shore and also swim further out to sea. Rows upon rows of parasols and sunbeds take up its sands during summer, and you should be prepared for larger crowds if you’re planning to visit at this time of year. However, given the beach’s size, it’s more than able to accommodate the increased demand during this season.

Offering your conventional beach day out with everything from beautiful seafronts to a fascinating history, it’s no wonder why Durrës beach is a hit amongst all holidaymakers.

Summary

We hope that our blog post has given you the inspiration you need to choose the perfect beach destination in Albania for you. From secluded bays that are off-the-beaten-track to famed shorelines that offer a quintessential beach getaway, Albania truly has it all. 

If you’re looking to experience the very best of Albania’s shorelines, our Albania Explorer tour takes travellers to some of the country’s best cities and settlements located nearby to its breathtaking beaches. So, if you’re looking for a tour that gives you a taste of Albania’s shores, whilst also savouring its historic and culturally rich destinations, you’re in the right place.

Why not get in touch with a member of our team now to begin planning the perfect Albania trip for you? 

FAQs About Beaches in Albania

Which Part of Albania has the Best Beaches?

The whole of the Albanian Riviera is home to breathtaking beaches left, right, and centre, but if one area had to be chosen, we’d say the area of Ksamil is home to the best selection. From hidden gems such as Ksamil Beach to the stretches of Plazhi Paradise, it’s easy to get caught up in the many options that this area offers, with something for everyone on the cards. 

What is the Best Hidden Beach in Albania?

If our article hadn’t already made it obvious, one of the best hidden beaches in Albania is undoubtedly Gjipe beach. In its own secluded cove and only accessible by foot or four-wheeled drive, it’s an untouched haven that still remains within arms reach for the traveller in search of a secluded beach experience. 

However, should travellers want to take things up a notch, they can explore the surrounding coastal cliffs of Gjipe, by boat, kayak, or paddleboard where there are small stretches of beachfront that offer an even more intimate and private beach day out.

Undiscovered Destinations

Undiscovered Destinations is an award winning, adventure travel company dedicated to providing truly authentic holiday experiences in some of the world’s most exciting regions. Offering both small group adventure holidays and tours as well as tailormade itineraries, Undiscovered Destinations focuses on countries and regions that can genuinely be described as off the beaten track.