BEST BEACHES AND BEACH TOWNS IN ALBANIA: A GUIDE TO THE MUST VISIT BEACH DESTINATIONS ON THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA.
A visit to Albania is not complete without dipping your toes in the cool, clear waters of the Ionian Sea. The beaches and beach towns in Albania are plentiful, making the Albanian Riviera an increasingly popular travel destination.
Where are the best beaches and beach towns in Albania? Read on to find out.
Does Albania have good beaches?
Albania has amazing beaches. Why wouldn’t it given how close it is to Greece and Italy? The Greek Island of Corfu is around 10 miles off the Southern coast of Albania, near the beach town of Saranda.
Albania has 450km of coastline, facing the Adriatic Sea to the North and the Ionian to the South.
Best beaches and beach towns in Albania
Durres
Durres is a port town, around 45 minutes from Tirana. It may not have the best beaches in Albania but it is definitely one of the best beach towns. It has a large sweeping beach, plus plenty of other activities in town. You can visit an amphitheatre and see the huge Mosque in the centre of town. The nightlife in Durres is also fun plus bars and restaurants are very affordable.
If you’re only here for a short time, then don’t waste it by walking all the way to the “Durres Beach” which is to the East of the port. It’s quite far out of town. Personally, I’d opt to head here to Currilave beach just to the West of town.
There are loungers to hire, but you can just park a towel down too. The water is calm and clear and there are plenty of snack bars and a supermarket nearby. The beach is private near the Durazzo restaurant, but the space before this is public. Lazing on the beach and enjoying the delightful water is one of the best things to do in Durres.
Getting to Durres
Durres is the easiest beach town to get to from the capital of Albania, Tirana. By public transport, you can take a bus for around 45 minutes. This website Albania Tour Guide has the latest on bus times and we used it to help us get around in Albania.
Where to stay in Durres
Budget: Hostel Durres is an excellent budget option, it has great communal space and serves a wonderful breakfast.
Mid-range: For mid-range, try Old Town Villa. A nicely decorated, clean and simple villa that has been turned into hotel rooms.
Luxury: Hotel Epidamn Boutqiue Hotel and Spa is the place for luxury in Durres. Decadent opulence is the name of the game here.
Find out more about visiting Durres here.
Dhermi Beach
Dhermi is a small town, or village, located on the coast of Albania. It can be found South of Vlora and North of Saranda.
The old town of Dhermi is a delightful maze of white washed houses and pretty streets. Set back a little way from the beach, which is lined with beach bars and cute restaurants.
The beach itself is sand, with both public and private sections. Dhermi has a relatively upmarket vibe, channeling Ibiza island life. Definitely one of the best beach towns in Albania.
Getting to Dhermi
Dhermi Beach can be found here. By public transport, you can take a bus from Tirana via Vlora to Dhermi. Or simply travel along the coast from Vlora (around one hour.)
This website Albania Tour Guide has the latest information on bus times in Albania and we used it to help us get around.
Where to stay in Dhermi
Budget: For budget travellers, consider camping in Dhermi. Sea Turtle Camp is a wonderful site, a little way out of Dhermi, but near to it’s own beach.
Mid-range: Sofo Hotel is an excellent mid-range option. A simple hotel, conjuring up a Greek island vibe. Walking distance to the beach.
Luxury: Olives Terrace Apartment is a spacious apartment with a sea view and a large communal pool. Easy walking distance to Dhermi centre.
Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach is a remote, rugged and stunning beach on the Albanian Riviera. It is popular, as it has calm blue water and it is one of the most idyllic places to spend a day, or a night, in Albania.
The beach is set in a canyon, surrounded by cliffs. The water in the cove is crystal clear and calm. It is one of the most stunning beaches that we have ever had the pleasure of bathing on.
Getting to Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach can be found here.
Getting to Gjipe beach is quite tricky unless you have a car. By car, you can simply drive towards the beach and park up around 1.5km away. However, if you don’t have a car, it can be difficult to get to Gjipe.
We ended up walking from nearby Dhermi to Gjipe – do note, there is no coastal path, instead you have to walk along the roads. Another option is to try to jump on the private buses that travel from Dhermi to Himare on a daily basis – but you may be waiting a while, as there is no set schedule for these and Gjipe is not an official stop.
Getting a cab from nearby Dhermi or Jala Beach is also an option. Just remember, you’ll need to walk either from the car park (1.5km) or from the trail head at near the main road (3km.) The 3km trail route is particularly stunning.
Where to stay in Gjipe Beach
There is only one camp site on Gjipe Beach, Gjipe Eco Campground, and it’s a corker. Facilities are a little basic, the shower and bathrooms particularly, but it’s very hard to beat the location. Set a little way back from the beach with some shade from trees, but close enough that you can stroll out of your tent and into the ocean in approximately 30 seconds!
Find out more about Gjipe Beach here.
Jale Beach
Jale (or Jala) beach is deliciously pristine. The beach sits within a cove, protected from the events. The water here really is remarkable. Deliciously clear, cool and calm.
The pebbled beach is mainly private, with beach clubs offering sun beds and umbrellas.
There aren’t a huge amount of restaurants, it’s definitely more a beach to visit for an afternoon than a town to hang around in for a few days. But Jale is well with a visit and one of the best beaches in Albania.
Getting to Jale Beach
Jale Beach can be found here. There are no direct buses to Jale Beach. Although on a bus from Vlora to Himare it may be possible to disembark the bus at Jale beach. Otherwise, the best way to get here is to drive. If you are using Himare as a base, you can get to Jale easily by moped or car.
Where to us stay in Jale Beach
Himare or Dhermi are great bases for Jale, but if you want to stay in or near Jale here are some options:
Budget: Aquariumi Camping is a budget camping option near to Jale Beach. Akuariumit Beach, a stunning small beach 800m away from the site.
Mid-range: There are not many mid-range options in Jale Beach, but Villa Calliope is a short walk from Jale and close to Livadi Beach too. An excellent place to stay.
Luxury: Folie Marine Beach Hotel Club is right on the beach. It takes up a prime private beach spot and couples really love the hotel.
Find out more about a two week itinerary included Jala Beach here.
Livadi Beach
Livadi beach was one of our favourites in Albania. In part, because it is not currently developed at all. There are signs up suggesting that the beach town is due to be developed soon. However, currently it is an incredible laid back and open public beach frequented by locals.
Although it is a pebble beach, the pebbles are smooth and the water is divine. The promenade is filled with traditional tavernas, many that look typically “Greek”. We enjoyed a delightful supper and carafe of wine here whilst watching the sun set on the beach.
Getting to Livadi
Livadi Beach can be found here. You can reach it on foot from both Jale Beach and Himmare. It is about 30 minutes walk from each. There are no direct buses to Livadi.
Where to stay in Livadi
We recommend staying in nearby Himare, there is not much accommodation available in Livadi as it is still one of the up and coming beach towns in Albania.
Budget: Himara Hostel is one of the best budget options in town, close to the beach and with a central location. This is a popular hostel. Camping is another alternative – try Pine Side Camping for next level beach side tenting.
Mid-Range: Himare has lots of low key apartments, some with sea views and they are mostly quite inexpensive. Sea View Breeze is one such option. For just a little more money, Argjile Rooms is a fancier option, with a swimming pool.
Luxury: A little out of town, but perched on a hill, is Wait and Sea, a hotel with an exclusive feel.
Himare Beach
Himare was our absolute favourite beach town in Albania during our trip. It is the best place to base yourself to explore nearby beaches and a little cheaper than Himare.
Not only is the beach beautiful, but mountains act as a splendid backdrop for the town.
There are three stretches of beach in Himare and the majority of it is public meaning you can put out your towel and bathe without paying for as long as you want!
The town itself is very low key, it has many Albanian tavernas as well as Greek ones too. But there are also bars offering cocktails with a sea view. Perfect.
Getting to Himare
Himare can be found here. There are direct buses from Tirana to the North or Saranda to the south. You can also take a bus to Himare from Vlora.
More information on bus routes can be found on this excellent site, Albanian Tour Guide.
Where to stay in Himare
Budget: Himara Hostel is one of the best budget options in town, close to the beach and with a central location. This is a popular hostel. Camping is another alternative – try Pine Side Camping for next level beach side tenting.
Mid-Range: Himare has lots of low key apartments, some with sea views and they are mostly quite inexpensive. Sea View Breeze is one such option. For just a little more money, Argjile Rooms is a fancier option, with a swimming pool.
Luxury: A little out of town, but perched on a hill, is Wait and Sea, a hotel with an exclusive feel.
Find out more about a two week itinerary included Himare here.
Saranda Beach
Saranda is a busy port town in Albania, nestled in the very South of the country a stones throw away from Corfu island. It has more of a lived in feel than many other beach towns in Albania.
There are some great beaches in the centre of Saranda, many of which are public. You can also find lively beach clubs, offering drinks and fun times all day.
The party vibes and inexpensive eateries make this one of the best beach towns in Albania.
Getting to Saranda
Saranda can be found here. It is in the very South of Albania and can be reached on a 4.5 hour bus direct from Tirana. You can also take a bus from beach towns Vlora and Himare along the coast.
Where to stay in Saranda
Budget: Try Central Boutique Hostel, fora superb hostel. Rates start at around 14 Euros per night.
Mid-Range: Sun n Blue Hotel is right on the sea, with a view of the ocean every time you have breakfast on your balcony.
Luxury: Demi Hotel is a smart, clean and beach front hotel. Perfect for a upmarket choice in Saranda.
Find out more about whether to visit Saranda or Ksamil here.
Ksamil Beach
Ksamil is more of a beach village than a beach town. It is very small and offers a contrast from nearby Saranda. The sandy beaches and bright blue water draw in huge crowds in the summer. With many tourists calling Ksamil the “Maldives of Europe.”
It is achingly picturesque and romantic in Ksamil, but it’s best to avoid July and August when the crowds are too much and the prices are high. Do also note that there is a very limited public beach in Ksamil, most space is private.
Getting to Ksamil
Ksamil can be found here. It is around a 30 minute bus journey from Saranda. Buses are frequent and inexpensive.
Where to stay in Ksamil
Budget: Villa Alfio, where we stayed in Ksamil, is one of the lesat expensive accommodation options in Ksamil. Around 10 minutes from the beach, this property is quiet, spacious and well run.
Mid-Range: Hotel Meta Ksamil, is possibly one of the closest properties to the beach. It is also inexpensive for a four star property.
Luxury: Valmar Hotel is a luxury property modern and well designed, complete with a swimming pool.
Find out more about whether to visit Saranda or Ksamil here.
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