The 12 Best Beaches Along Albania's Stunning Riviera Coastline

Albania’s Adriatic and Ionian coasts have breathtaking beaches. It is becoming very popular as a cheap Mediterranean summer holiday getaway. The beaches are great because of their variety, from family-friendly sandy beaches to secluded stone coves featuring clean water. Albania has a mix of natural splendour, history, and hospitality, making it a popular holiday resort.

Keep reading to find the best beaches in Albania!

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Beaches Along Albania’s Stunning Riviera Coastline

The beaches of Albania could become a summer romance you’ll never forget. Plus, where to stay near every one of these fabulous beaches.

Flight booking has never been easier, especially with reliable airlines offering daily service. The airline’s affordable fares, easy booking process, and comfortable cabins make the journey stress-free. Whether you’re drawn to Albania’s stunning coastlines, charming ancient towns, or rich cultural heritage, catching a convenient flight to Albania from the UK sets the perfect tone for your adventure.

Let’s dive into the very best beaches Albania has to offer.

Grama Bay

Small and captivating, with fine white sand. Grama Bay is between cliffs and surrounded by lush vegetation. Given its remote and isolated location, the easiest way to visit it is by sea. It offers exactly what you’d want to find on your Albanian beach vacation, including the glistening turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Don’t miss the ancient inscriptions on nearby rocks that date back to Roman and Greek times.

Where to stay close to Grama Bay:

To get a convenient and beach stay: Yacht Hotel

To relax at a mellow-out hotel with a rooftop infinity pool: Amare Hotel

Gjipe Beach

My absolute favorite beach in Albania is Gjipe Beach. Although it has gained popularity in recent years, it remains a beach with amazing activities and great vibes.

The first part that I love about it is that you first have to drive into the middle of nowhere on a beautiful road. Then when you arrive at the parking, you have to walk down for 20 minutes, until you reach the beach. This adventure ensure that you’ll be surrounded by other adventurists that you might vibe with (we had many amazing talks with lots of different people).

Once on the beach, you can take a refreshing swim in the stunning turquoise water, sit down for a nice meal at the one beach bar, that is run by an old lady, or you can go climbing…

Yes, you heard that right. For the climbers among us, Gjipe beach is a climbing paradise! With lots of routes by the sea or more into the valley beyond, you’ll be able to spend so much time climbing! There are both north- and south-facing walls, to ensure climbing in the shade.

When we were on this beach we met many people who just camped on the beach in a tent or a 4×4 vehicle (because they can reach the beach too), for an entire week, to enjoy climbing and swimming. There were some people who were longlining too, in between the 2 cliffs (must’ve been 100 meters!).

gjipe beach after sunset — Leaving the beach in the evening

Even if you’re not a climber but you like to explore beautiful beaches, Gjipe beach has to be on your Albania itinerary!

Plazhi i Ri and Uji i Ftohtë beaches, close to Vlorë

Both these beaches mark the beginning of the Albanian Riviera. At its northern tip, it is a good introduction to this set of Albania’s top beaches.

Vlorë is more than 90 miles from Albania’s capital city. Tirana is a seaport resort town where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet. And miles of cliffs and sand border the beach. The city has an enormous variety of tourists. They discover multi-dimensional beaches and moods for every type. If it’s thumping nightlife you’re after, Plazhi i Ri beach bars await. Go to the stunning and less crowded Uji i Ftohtë for fewer people.

Where to sleep close to Plazhi i Ri and Uji i:

To spend some luxury time with spa and sea view: Maritim Marina Bay Resort & Casino

To enjoy a sunny sea hotel with balcony terraces: Nuna Hotel & Apartments

Llaman, Himarë

Himarë, the south Riviera beach village, is two-faced. One side is a holiday village full of tourists. But apart from this, there is a serene village where nothing has changed from how it was hundreds of years ago. Fishermen exchange experiences in old-fashioned taverns after a day on the sea. It’s a genuine image of Albania’s good aspects. It is very welcoming to foreign travellers but never sacrifices its roots.

To enjoy a sea and sun experience with the best local Himarë nearby. Visit locals’ favourite cove, Llaman. The two hills surrounding the pebble beach are perfect for spreading your towel. And then gaze out at the Mediterranean.

Where to stay near Llaman, close to Himarë:

For trendy accommodation on green grounds, close to the beach: Rapo’s Resort Hotel

For an environment-friendly romantic getaway. A walking distance from the beach: Artis Blue Relax

Buneci

Buneci is in the shadow of Sarandë, and most visitors barrel through. Attracted to the nightlife and neon lights, south. Those who linger for a day or two find an almost empty white pebble beach. That is every bit as beautiful as any of those near Sarandë.

While it has some basic tourist infrastructure, in comparison, this beach town remains undeveloped. There are a few traditional cafes and a hotel. But you’ll still be able to hear the lapping of the waves—and who needs anything more than that?

Where to stay near Buneci:

For a hidden gem of barefoot luxury: Ciao Borshi Boutique Hotel

For a no-frills and quaint family-run place: Hotel Panorama Piqera

Drymades

One can see white pebbles, fine sand, and centuries-old olive trees. But also umbrellas and loungers in bright colours and cool beach bars. And all kinds of accommodation, ranging from basic bungalows to high-class hotels. It is the coolest beach, in the opinion of many.

Where to stay near Drymades:

Formal and green accommodation with an infinity pool: Zoe Hora

For ocean views and a rooftop breakfast: Gogo’s Boutique Hotel

Dhërmi

Although its name will be unknown to those who have yet to travel to Albania, Dhërmi will likely be one of the most popular Albanian beaches. In previous years, it was a guarded secret by the locals, who enjoyed the miles of sand here. It’s Albania’s biggest beach and one of its city beaches. Even during swarming August, you shouldn’t be battling for space to place your towel.

Adrenaline fiends will be eager to venture into the coves and caves in the region. Such as Drymades. One of the few that has a fair chance of dethroning Ksamil as Albania’s most picturesque beach.

Where to stay near Dhërmi:

For a laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly facilities: La Brisa Boutique Hotel

For romance and seclusion over a private beach: Palladium Beach Hotel

Sarandë

Albanian Riviera’s tourist hub, Sarandë, is a Balkan resort town with a Mediterranean climate similar to many of the beach resorts along Spain’s coast. The resort town is under a construction boom, and the hills along the sea are filled with hotels and apartment complexes. It is in various stages of development.

Where to stay near Sarandë:

For original architecture and breathtaking sea views: Hotel Vale

For a classy hotel on the Ionian Sea: Sunset Shoreline Saranda

Related: Visiting Albania? You should consider adding this Montenegro itinerary to your vacation!

Borsh

Borsh’s main attraction is its four and a half miles of uninterrupted beach. A brief south of Qeparo, Borsh Road is picture-perfect, interrupted by cliffs and coves along one of Albania’s most beautiful coastal routes.

Albania’s most uncrowded beach is full of olive groves and gentle hills, a glimpse of an ancient Mediterranean that has somehow managed to remain in its natural, untainted state.

Where to stay close to Borsh:

For sunbathing and eating in local places: Sole Luna Hotel

For a villa-style boutique retreat: Luna Mare Boutique Seaside

Ksamil Islands

Suppose we were to create a top three, or even a top one, list of the absolute crème de la crème beach destinations in Albania. The Ksamil Islands would be at least, and most likely, at the number one spot. These island clusters, 12 miles from Sarandë, are larger than a postcard snapshot. Instead, it is a dream: four forested islands in the middle of an amazing turquoise sea.

Even though you might be certain once you’ve seen them from far off in the distance, don’t proceed to welcome them until you’ve already arrived at the white-beach coastlines. It is a luxury hard to find where pebbles predominate. Looking out over the waters, you’ll see that many islands seem so near you could reach and touch them.

Where to stay in the Ksamil Islands:

For budget luxury made simple: Hotel Colosseum

For a vacation of outdoor pool parties: Euro Hotel

Qeparo

One of the Albanian Riviera’s least visited and off-road beaches might be Qeparo. It has two cliffs facing out over the Mediterranean. And it’s a view that is out of your imagination. And deserves to be a drawing on a canvas. Or at least put on Instagram with, of course, no filter required.

As news of Albanian beaches spreads, Qeparo’s remains a secret. If you go there, you won’t have to deal with other tourists, especially from outside the area.

Where to stay in Qeparo:

If you prefer a high-end and romantic stay with a pool: Valta Hotel

If you desire an authentic getaway experience with city and sea views: Palermiti Luxury Rooms

Durrës

Don’t let Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city, deter you. As well as some of the most impressive Roman ruins. Such as amphitheatre, baths, and aqueduct. It has a beachfront of some six miles in length—you can guarantee a sun lounger on which to put your towel.

Where to stay near Durrës:

For a spacious and positioned retreat, which is a central part: Hotel Dyrrah

For a lively and semi-formal boutique hotel and spa: Hotel Epidamn

Conclusion

Albania’s beaches are a lasting mix of varied landscapes and friendly seas. They have something to offer every kind of tourist looking for an affordable summer holiday. The region’s southern coast has the most varied and dramatic beaches, with transparent water and breathtaking views. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or sheer beauty, Albania’s coast has an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday to share.

Whether you travel to Albania for business or pleasure, the experience with British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Austrian Airlines is safe and comfortable.

The 12 Best Beaches Along Albania’s Stunning Riviera Coastline