I found Albania surprising, and its beaches have truly stayed in my memory. I spent a lot of time in this country and absolutely loved it!
The beaches here often feature that dreamy turquoise water. Ksamil is the most famous seaside spot in the country, but there are so many more places to discover!
In this article, I am sharing the 14 beaches that are, to me, the most beautiful in Albania.
I’ll take you around Dhërmi, Himarë, Saranda, and Ksamil, but also near Tirana for those who would like to make a quick trip to the beach from the capital!
To help you locate them better, I have included a visual map in my article, as well as a free downloadable Google Maps version. I present my selection of the most beautiful Albanian beaches from the north to the south of the country. I only mention Durrës beach (the one close to Tirana) at the very end because it is, in my opinion, the least spectacular 😀.
At the end, you will find all my practical tips to fully enjoy your trip: the best time to go, how to access the beaches, safety, etc. Come on, let me take you to explore some of these memorable beaches!
The 14 Most Beautiful Beaches in Albania
1. Grama Bay (Baie de Grama)
Grama Bay is located between Vlorë and Dhërmi, but it is not accessible by road.
You will need to take a boat trip to discover it, which I think is exactly what gives it its charm. Boat tours generally depart from Vlorë and include several stops! You navigate along the cliffs, and the landscapes are already stunning.
I loved Grama Bay because I adore boat trips! I found the Karaburun Peninsula to be beautiful. The stops are varied, starting with a cave and then moving on to different bays.
2. Drymades Beach
Next is Drymades Beach, located a 10-minute drive from Dhërmi on the southern coast of Albania.
To me, Dhërmi is one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Clinging to the mountainside, you have to go there to enjoy a superb view of the sea. As for Drymades Beach, it is easily accessible with several parking lots nearby.
It is long—nearly 2 kilometers. As a result, you have plenty of space, and it’s easy to find a quiet spot to settle down, which I particularly appreciated. On the beach, you can either rent a sunbed with an umbrella or enjoy a wilder area if you prefer to lay your towel down freely.
During my visits, the water was turquoise and very beautiful. Final note: there is a mix of both sand and small pebbles.
P.S: At the far end of Drymades Beach is Palasa Beach, which you can reach on foot by taking a lovely walk along the water.
3. Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach is on the Albanian Riviera, between Dhërmi and Himarë.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it sits in the heart of a canyon that opens directly onto the sea. Surrounded by high cliffs, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.
To get there, you take a small road from Dhërmi (about a 20-minute drive) and then park in the designated lot (400 LEK ≃ €4 for the day). From the parking lot, walk about 20 minutes to reach the beach. I loved this little rocky path, especially the sea views!
The trail descends to Gjipe Beach, leaving you at the mouth of the canyon. Once there, you can choose between free zones or renting a sunbed with an umbrella (about 1000 LEK ≃ €10 for two beach beds). You can also rent kayaks to explore the coast; it’s one of the most accessible water sports in Albania. I highly recommend it—it was one of my favorite things to do at Gjipe Beach!
4. Jale Beach
Still between Dhërmi and Himarë, let’s talk about Jale Beach.
Jale Beach is easily accessible by car. On-site, you will find umbrellas, sunbeds, and restaurants. I found the vibe on the beach to be very relaxed. But what I liked most is that the water is incredibly clear, making it the perfect spot for snorkeling and observing fish! Ideal for enthusiasts 😀.
Note: Since 2025, various construction sites have appeared in the surrounding hills. It will be interesting to see how this beach evolves…
5. Livadhi Beach
We are now approaching Himarë with Livadhi Beach.
Accessible by car, you can park for free along the road. However, in high season, you will quickly be approached to rent a beach bed and umbrella (around €10 for the day). Nevertheless, there are also free areas where you can settle down quietly.
There are several beach clubs around, but since the beach is long and wide, it’s easy to distance yourself from them. In fact, I found the place quiet; the music from the beach clubs wasn’t too loud and was perfectly reasonable.
6. Spile Beach
Spile Beach is located in Himarë, a small coastal town on the Albanian Riviera.
Spile Beach is the main (public) beach in Himarë, making it extremely easy to access right in the city center. A large part of the beach is free, so you can easily set up wherever you like. You can also rent sunbeds and an umbrella for €5 to €15 a day.
The sand mixes with pebbles, and the water is clear. Be careful when swimming, though, as the water gets deep very quickly. I personally found Himarë’s atmosphere pleasant and relaxed. If you want to enjoy other nearby beaches, head to Sfagio Beach or Marachi Beach right next door.
7. Potami Beach
Potami Beach is just a few minutes’ drive from Himarë. Tucked slightly away, it is easy to access, and parking spaces are available.
The beach is partially equipped, so you can either set up freely or rent a sunbed and an umbrella (€10 to €15 for the day). A few bars and restaurants are available, but the overall atmosphere is calm.
I found the water here very beautiful and the atmosphere relaxing (I was there outside the months of July and August). However, there are pebbles, so I advise you to bring water shoes so it doesn’t hurt your feet! Because of its simple access and beauty, Potami Beach draws a large crowd in August.
8. Llamani Beach
This time, I suggest a beach a little further down the Albanian coast. Llamani Beach is truly beautiful and is only a 10-minute drive from Himarë.
I found it very pleasant to stop there and enjoy its turquoise waters. It is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are also a few restaurants and bars. Free parking is available at the beach entrance (if you rent a beach bed).
However, Llamani Beach is very famous. During the high season, especially in July and August, many people come to Albania to enjoy the beaches, and the price for two sunbeds and an umbrella can climb up to €30! If you are exploring Albania during this time, my best advice is to come here in the morning so it remains enjoyable.
9. Porto Palermo
Now let’s move on to Porto Palermo and its beach! Just a 15-minute drive from Himarë, you’ll stumble upon coves, small beaches, and the Ali Pasha Castle.
As for the beach of Porto Palermo, it is small, but for me, it is a unique bay because of its beauty! It’s a real hidden gem that I loved. The scenery is different from the other beaches you will see in Albania.
However, in high season, if you don’t arrive early, it will be difficult to find a place to park your vehicle. Do not park elsewhere, or you risk getting a fine. So, during this period, arrive early to make enjoying the beach a more pleasant experience.
10. Borsh Beach
Let’s talk about Borsh Beach and the nearby area of Qeparo.
Borsh Beach is close to Qeparo, which is one of my favorite places in Albania! With its old town and relaxed atmosphere, I absolutely loved this spot. Don’t hesitate to make a quick stop there before heading to Borsh Beach.
Now, about the beach! Its main feature is that it stretches for nearly 10 kilometers. So, you are guaranteed to find a quiet place to relax (even in high season!). It is accessible by car, and it’s easy to park for free along the road.
Some parts are, of course, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also restaurants and bars (I really liked the Glob Beach Bar). The atmosphere is quite relaxed, and I found the place very pleasant!
11. Kakome Beach (and Krorëza Beach)
Another very nice boat trip allows you to discover more beaches in Albania. Kakome Beach and Krorëza Beach are located near Saranda, a well-known city in Albania sitting between Qeparo and Ksamil.
The area is preserved and difficult to access by land. These two beaches can be discovered by joining a boat tour, which is the easiest way to do it. During a sea excursion (from Saranda), you can enjoy these hidden beaches and other spots in the bay. It’s wilder and a great way to spend a slightly different day during your trip while enjoying the turquoise water.
12. Ksamil Beaches
The beaches of Ksamil are among the most famous in Albania.
In Ksamil, you are in the south of the country, and this spot is now well-known across Europe. Many images have circulated on social media showing Ksamil’s turquoise waters. Are these images true? Yes. The water is genuinely turquoise and stunningly beautiful.
In Ksamil, there isn’t just one beach, but several spread along the shoreline. Walk around a bit and don’t limit yourself to the main beach. There is one minor downside, however. In high season, the beaches are almost entirely equipped and privatized. You will see many umbrellas and beach beds crammed onto small stretches of sand. Expect to pay around €10 to €25 for the day, depending on where you set up.
From the beach, you can see the Ksamil Islands, which are easily reachable by kayak (about €10 for 1 hour). I recommend going in the morning! I was able to enjoy the islands entirely alone before the crowds arrived.
What I personally think of Ksamil: the water is truly beautiful and looks like a postcard. Outside the high season, the place is super pleasant. However, during the months of July and August, it gets very crowded. (P.S: The large island you see right across the water is Corfu!)
13. Pulëbardha Beach (Seagull Beach)
Pulëbardha Beach (Seagull Beach) is a very beautiful beach, a 15-minute drive from Ksamil. It is right next to Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave) and Pigeons Cave (Shpella e Pëllumbave).
This trio of beaches is nestled at the foot of cliffs in a natural setting that I found very beautiful. The water is clear and turquoise, and the atmosphere was more intimate. They are partially equipped; two beds with an umbrella generally cost 1000 to 2000 LEK (about €10 to €20, depending on the period).
My absolute favorite is Pigeons Cave—I really loved the place. I went there in the morning, and everything was very calm. Regarding the access road, leave your vehicle further up and finish the journey on foot, as the end of the road can get very narrow and complicated.
14. Durrës Beach
I end my selection of the most beautiful beaches in Albania with Durrës Beach.
It is very well-known due to its proximity to Tirana (about a 40-minute drive). That is its main asset. It is perfectly suited for those who want an easy beach day during their stay in the Albanian capital.
I’ll be honest, it is not the best beach in my selection. The setting is more urban, and the water is much less transparent than on the Albanian Riviera. However, I liked the fact that it stretches out endlessly, allowing for a lovely stroll, especially at the end of the day. It is very well-developed, and all the necessary facilities are there to enjoy it.
For me, Durrës Beach is a practical option rather than a true favorite. Being close to Tirana, it allows you to enjoy the beach if you don’t have the opportunity to visit other parts of Albania.
Practical Guide & Tips for a Beach Day in Albania
The Best Time to Enjoy the Beaches
The best time to enjoy the beaches in Albania runs from June to September. The temperatures are hot, and the sea is very pleasant.
In July and August, expect intense heat and quite a few people. This is the busiest period. If you want the best compromise between turquoise water and moderate crowds, opt for the months of June and September.
In May and October, it is also possible to enjoy the beaches, but swimming will heavily depend on the weather and temperatures. Personally, in May, I found the beaches idyllic (there were no installations), but the water was too cold for my taste. By June, it was perfect.
Access to the Most Beautiful Beaches
As you’ve gathered, the majority of the beaches are easily accessible by vehicle. To fully enjoy the Albanian Riviera, a car remains the most practical mode of transport. It allows you to easily reach more isolated coves. However, be careful when roads become difficult—park your vehicle and continue on foot!
For Grama Bay or Kakome Beach, as you now know, a boat trip will be necessary to discover them.
Practical Tips for a Beach Day
- To fully and comfortably enjoy a beach day in Albania, remember to pack water shoes. Since many beaches mix sand and pebbles, entering the water can be uncomfortable without protection.
- Always bring plenty of water and sunscreen—the summer sun beats down hard!
- Bring cash; some places still do not accept credit cards.
- And if, like me, you are a snorkeling fan, don’t forget your mask and snorkel 😀.
Which Cities to Stay In?
The best cities to stay in Albania to enjoy the beaches are Dhërmi, Himarë, Saranda, and Ksamil.
As you’ve seen in my article, the majority of the best beaches are located near these places. I loved Dhërmi for its beaches and village, Himarë for its relaxed atmosphere, Saranda for its delicious restaurants, and Ksamil for its dreamy turquoise waters. The choice will depend on which beaches you want to visit and whether you want to make multiple stops during your trip.
Safety and Respect for the Environment
Let me reassure you right away: Albania is a safe country. The locals are super welcoming and kind. I never felt unsafe. Like anywhere else, simply apply standard common-sense rules.
On the other hand, regarding the beaches, keep in mind that they are not all supervised! Some have no lifeguard stations or swimming flags. It is therefore essential to remain cautious and not swim too far out.
Finally, respecting the environment is vital. Always take your trash with you. This simple gesture will only help Albania preserve its beauty.
My Final Opinion on the Beaches in Albania
Honestly, the beaches in Albania truly surprised me in the best way possible. I didn’t expect to find such diverse beaches. The waters are often crystal clear and have nothing to envy compared to more touristy European destinations.
The turquoise water of Ksamil doesn’t lie. Of course, I found it much more pleasant to enjoy in June when the space is quieter. The boat days are genuinely superb, and I always stumbled upon excellent guides!
Inevitably, Albania has recently become more tourist-heavy and is receiving more and more visitors. Seeing the country’s evolution, I remain confident that they will know how to manage it well—we just need to give them a little time 😀.