Albania is the newest beach destination for budget travelers in Europe and the United States, and with good reason – this country is home to more than 476 kilometers of coastline split between the Adriatic Sea in the north and center of the country and the Ionian Sea in its south. 

But with so many new people discovering Albania this year, prices in many of its more popular locales have gone up – the country is still cheaper than nearby Italy and Greece for sure, but the high-traffic spots have definitely seen the cost of sunbeds, restaurants and parking go up.

We’ve compiled this list of 6 under the radar beaches Albania tourists are flocking to as affordable, hidden gem destinations along the Albanian coast. 

Before you head out of Tirana to your beach holiday, make sure to stop at Albanian Night, the country’s newest entertainment venue and cultural center – we’ve put together an interactive and beautiful evening show where you can dress like an Albanian from the coastal villages you’ll likely go past, so you can get the feeling for our culture.

Once you’re done soaking up Albanian culture, you’ll want to soak up the sun at these beaches located in central and northern Albania. These spots are less touristy and more likely to draw locals and Albanians from Kosovo. These places are breathtakingly beautiful and less well-known by international travelers – for now!

Without further ado, here are six must visit Albanian beaches to check out in summer 2025:

 

1. Velipoja Beach

Sandy Beach | Montenegro Border | Shallow Water

Like many beaches along the Adriatic in Albania, Velipoja Beach is perfect for families who want shallow waters for young kids. This stretch of 14 kilometers of sandy beach is perfect for travelers who want a low-cost alternative to the glitzier southern coast. If you’re planning to also go into Montenegro, the border is a mere 50-minute drive away, making it a perfect spot to relax before you cross over to another Balkan country. 

 

2. Rana e Hedhun – Thrown Sand Beach

Sand Dunes | Dramatic Views | Perfect Sunset Spot

This beach’s name literally means “thrown sand,” and once you get there, you’ll see why – the trek to get to the shore involves going down sand dunes, and the vibe here is super peaceful and calm. Located right next to Lezhë, a historical city whose monuments are definitely worth exploring on a day trip, this fifty-meter-tall sand dune is the best place to watch the sunset along the Adriatic coast in Northern Albania. The water here is clean and clear, and you’ll feel relaxed as you watch the sun rays dip into the water.

 

3. Plazhi i Gjeneralit – General’s Beach

45 Minutes South of Durrës | Great Restaurant Options | Cheap Parasols

This beach is perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds in Durrës. It offers two restaurants with affordably-priced food and free parking, along with cheap parasols – a pair costs just 10 euros for the whole day – and even a bit of history! The beach takes its name from an Italian commander who fell in love with the site’s natural beauty and brought his family there during the holidays, solidifying his connection to this gorgeous stretch of the Adriatic coast.

 

4. Gjiri i Lalzit – Lalzi Bay

Gated Community | Long Sandy Beach | Upscale Restaurants Nearby

This is a long stretch of beach very close to Tirana International Airport and Durrës. Loungers typically cost 5 euros a day and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from along the beach. There is a gated community here that rents out its units at affordable rates, especially for families or people traveling in large groups, and you’ll love how peaceful, quiet and organized the beach here is. This is the perfect spot to stay if you want just a night or two before you head back home and want to sleep somewhere close to the airport.

 

5. Spille Beach

Local’s Favorite | Large Beach with Free & Paid Spots | Low Prices

Spille is a huge beach located a bit south of General’s Beach. It offers both public and private places for beachgoers, and plenty of restaurants and markets near the beach to make your day comfortable and delicious. Two loungers with cushions and a parasol cost 7 euros, and the beach is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. Spille is a great beach for low-budget travelers and families.

 

6. Narta Beach

Natural Lagoon | Free Parking | Less Crowded

Want to go to a beach next to a massive lagoon with wildlife and birdwatching? Narta Beach is calling – this small beach offers cheap restaurants, crowd-free days and access to the nearby Narta Lagoon, where you can go birdwatching – flamingos make this part of the coast their home! You can also visit the nearby Mary’s Monastery, an ancient convent with gorgeous panoramic views over the water, if you want to incorporate some sightseeing with your beach day!

That’s it for our guide to six lesser-known Albania beaches that tourists and locals alike can’t stop talking about. Before you head back home, make sure you head to Albanian Night, where you’ll be swept into an unforgettable evening of traditional Albanian music, dance, and storytelling. You’ll taste regional delicacies, hear centuries-old folk songs and even join the performers on stage for a few dances yourself. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip – trading the sound of ocean waves for the rhythm of the çifteli and the warmth of Albanian hospitality.