Albania is a surprisingly beautiful destination for a beach holiday. The coastline is over 300 kilometers long and you will find everything here: from quiet bays with white sand to lively seaside towns and secluded pebble beaches. In this blog, I share the most beautiful beaches in Albania and give you useful tips for transport, accommodation, and what makes each place so special.
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Most beautiful beaches and seaside towns in Albania
The Albanian Riviera is located in the south of the country and roughly runs from Vlora to the border with Greece. This is where most of the well-known beaches are located. But you will also find gems in the north! Below are the best-known ones, from south to north.
1. Ksamil – tropical white sand and islets
Small bays with white sand, turquoise water and views of tiny islets: welcome to Ksamil. This is the best-known beach in Albania and not without reason. You can swim, snorkel, rent pedal boats or take a small boat to one of the islets. It can get busy in high season, but come early or outside July/August and you will have the magic almost to yourself.
📍 Ksamil is also a great base. You are close to Butrint (UNESCO site) and the Blue Eye.
2. Dhermi – relaxed vibe and clear water
Dhermi is a bit more remote, but that is exactly what makes it charming. The road there winds through the mountains and already gives you the feeling that you are about to discover something special. The water here is crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling or simply floating around. You will find beach bars with sun loungers and quiet corners just for yourself.
🏡 In the hills above the beach lies an old mountain village with sea views.
3. Jale – camping right on the beach
Jale is a small bay where you are almost literally camping on the beach. There is a relaxed atmosphere, with a mix of backpackers and locals. You will find beach bars, simple restaurants, and places where you can rent kayaks or SUP boards.
👣 Do not forget your water shoes, as the beach is partly pebbly.
4. Himarë – cosy and varied
Himarë is one of the nicest coastal towns in Albania. The promenade is lively with terraces and palm trees, but within walking distance, you will also find quiet beaches such as Livadhi Beach. You can even hike to hidden bays or an old castle.
🍦 Great place if you want to combine beach, atmosphere, and convenience.
5. Saranda – seaside city with views of Corfu
Saranda is the largest seaside town in the south. It is a bit busier and more touristy, but also cosy and lively. You are close to Ksamil here and can easily take day trips. The city has a long promenade and the views of the Greek island of Corfu are stunning.
⛴️ From here, you can easily take the boat to Corfu for a day in Greece.
6. Borsh – long, quiet and surrounded by mountains
Borsh is an extensive beach without high-rise buildings or crowds. You will only find a few beach bars, houses, and the sound of the sea. The mountains rise up behind you, making this one of the most relaxing places on the Albanian coast.
🏰 Bonus: visit Borsh Castle a bit further inland.
7. Durrës – beach and city close to Tirana
Durrës is convenient if you want to stay close to the capital. Here you will find long sandy beaches, plenty of hotels, and all facilities. In summer, it is busy with locals and families. Ideal for the first or last night of your trip.
🍕 Plus: a great selection of seafront restaurants.
8. Shengjin – family beach in the north
Shengjin is located near Shkodra in the north and is less touristy. The beach is wide, sandy, and child-friendly. Nearby, you can visit the Kune-Vain lagoon or drive into the mountains for a day trip.
🛏️ Ideal if you are travelling Albania from north to south (or the other way around).
9. Vlora – where two seas meet
Vlora is located at the point where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. You will find different types of beaches here, from city beaches to quieter stretches towards the Albanian Riviera. Vlora is also a good base to further explore the coastline.
🍹 And the beach clubs here? They would not look out of place in the south of France.
10. Palasë – hidden bay between the cliffs
Palasë lies just past the Llogara Pass and is still wonderfully quiet. The bay is surrounded by rocks and cliffs and the water is crystal clear. You will find a few beach bars and small accommodations here, but apart from that mostly… silence.
🚗 The drive there alone is an experience in itself!
Zoom out on the map below to see them all!
Flying to Albania: what is practical?
Let us take the example of the popular beach of Ksamil. The Ksamil beach is the showpiece of the Albanian Riviera, located in the south of Albania. However, reaching Ksamil beach requires some planning. There are no train connections available and Tirana Airport is not located in the immediate vicinity of the beach. So let us take a closer look at which options are most suitable for getting to Ksamil beach.
Combining it with the Greek island of Corfu
The flight time from Amsterdam to the nearest airport, Corfu International Airport, is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. After arriving in Corfu, you still need to take a ferry to Ksamil, which takes another 1 to 1.5 hours. In total, you can count on a travel time of around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on flight schedules and waiting time for the ferry. Many travellers combine Ksamil with Corfu because of this journey.
Flying via Tirana
The nearest airports in Albania are Tirana International Airport and Vlorë Airport. From Tirana, it is easily a 4 to 5-hour drive to Ksamil. So if you are smart, you will plan some extra stops along the way!
Tips for your beach holiday in Albania
- 🗺️ The most beautiful beaches lie between Vlora and Ksamil
- 🧘♂️ Avoid July and August if you are looking for peace and quiet
- 🩴 Bring water shoes for pebble beaches
- 🚗 Rent a car if you want to explore several places
- 🛏️ From campsites to boutique hotels: accommodation is affordable
Whether you come for the lively atmosphere of Saranda or the peace and quiet of Borsh, the beaches of Albania will surprise you. There is a good chance you will want to come back here. Hopefully, you can plan an amazing beach holiday in Albania!
