Albania has long been a country full of incredible history, culture and sights, with many of the country’s intangible cultural items recently taking the spotlight at UNESCO, highlighting this Balkan gem’s contributions to humanity’s shared heritage.
But these days, Albania has been exploding in popularity due to its picturesque Mediterranean beaches.
With over 380 kilometers of coastline split between the Adriatic from the center and north and the Ionian starting from Vlora, Albania’s got plenty of incredible sun-soaked beaches to offer visitors looking to enjoy a day by the water.
But with so many options, many people are confused about where to go and which beaches they should visit. Here’s our guide on the best beaches in Albania: where to go this summer for your beach holiday, the vibe at each beach and tips to make the most out of your trip.
While central cities like Durrës and Golem offer convenient, close to the airport beaches with affordable prices, the top Albanian beaches are located in the south of the country, between Palasë and Saranda.
And no, we don’t mean Ksamil. This formerly–idyllic chain of islands was once paradise on Earth that has fallen victim to its own virality.
So, what is the best beach in Albania? Read on to discover our top picks for the best Albanian beaches you need to discover this summer:
(And if you’re spending an evening in Tirana on your Albania trip, don’t miss out on our Albanian Night show, an hour and a half long experience where you can dress in traditional Albanian clothes and experience authentic local dance and music, right in the center of Tirana!)
1. Dhërmi Public Beaches – Upscale and Accessible Beach Bars
Dhërmi has a little bit of everything: soaring mountain peaks that provide the perfect contrast with glistening beaches that are pristine, clean and warm almost year-round.
This small village has been transformed into a party destination in recent years, with much of the public beach being converted to private use for beach clubs and bars that play loud music throughout the day and night. Party animals and younger crowds looking for stylish bars by the water will feel at home in Dhërmi, especially during high season. There are still portions of the public beach that are quiet and open to everyone, so you can also bring your own umbrella and stake your own claim to the pebbled shores before taking a dip in the refreshing water.
2. Filikur Beach – Untouched, Pristine Wild Beach
One of the last truly untouched beaches in southern Albania is Filikur; and when we say untouched, we mean it!
To get here you can either kayak from the public beach of Himarë for half an hour, or hike down from the top of Filikur hill for around 20 minutes. The hike down requires traversing a slightly slippery path with a rope to keep you from falling off the side of the cliff, making this remote beach a popular spot for backpackers and younger, adventurous crowds.
But the views, serenity and crystal-clear waters are well worth it, with small caves giving shade from the blazing sun in the summer and an underground spring on the right-hand side of the beach providing freezing cold water year-round.
3. Grama Bay – Caesar’s Alleged Former Landing Site
Don’t forgo a boat tour when you head to the south of Albania; they’ll take you to all the hidden bays and coves in Karaburun Peninsula, the country’s sole maritime park. This massive rocky peninsula is home to some beautiful bays, and Grama takes the cake: this is where many notable historical figures from the Roman era, like Pompey and Sulla (and some say even Caesar himself), disembarked and carved marble out of the cliffs to ship back to the capital – check out their emblems, which an still be seen on the rocks of the beach today!
This bay is incredibly tranquil during low season and offers plenty of photo-taking vantage points that’ll make your jaw drop. During the summer, plenty of boats come and drop off large groups of tourists, so it gets busy. We recommend visiting during April, early May or September when it’s less hectic.
4. Gjipe Canyon and Beach – Backpacker and Hiker’s Paradise
Gjipe is the perfect beach-hike destination. If you love nature and the tranquility of birdsong, the hike from the highway down to the canyon is the perfect way to get lost and immerse yourself in the rich, wild vegetation of southern Albania.
Long known as a backpacker’s haven, this long stretch of beach has a few small caves at its end and also sometimes hosts parties and raves during the summer. There’s a nearby famous cave called Pigeon Cave you can swim to, if you’re a strong swimmer who can withstand free-swimming for 20 minutes, that’s also worth a visit!
You’ll also find a small camping ground and during the summer bars and restaurants that serve up snacks and refreshing drinks. The canyon itself can be accessed from the beach and is a beautiful escape into the wild, with trees and plants growing out of the sheer rock above.
5. Himarë – Public Beach – Family-Friendly Accommodations by the Water
Those looking for a family-friendly and affordable beach town will love Himarë’s public beach. It’s pristine and steps away from restaurants, hotels, hostels and modern amenities. You can easily find kayaks or stand up paddleboards for rent, and the water here is generally calm since Himarë is located in a small bay. The boardwalk can get busy in August, but otherwise, this small beach town retains its local charm yearlong.
6. Kakome Bay – Bye Bye Europe, Hello Southeast Asia
If you’re looking for that subtropical, Southeast Asia feel without leaving the European continent, count yourself lucky – Kakome Bay is easily accessible by boat ride from Saranda or Himarë and offers incredible views. (You can try driving and getting in by foot, but it’s now guarded by private security personnel who turn people away or may ask for a bribe.)
Trees provide plenty of shade along this massive, pebbly beach that offers some amenities in the summer time. You can still bring your own gear and stake out a small portion of the shoreline for yourself. A beautiful nearby monastery is open throughout the year, and the constant buzzing of cicadas will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of the concrete jungle and back into an organic one!
This massive bay is usually full of tourists in the high season, so it’s best to visit off-peak.
7. Qeparo – Lively Boardwalk, Affordable Prices
Qeparo is a small village that originated in the hills overlooking the Ionian – you can still visit the old town today for gorgeous views of the water and rustic stone townhouses that have been renovated as AirBnBs.
Down by the water, restaurants and apartments cluster around the long, pebbly stretch of beach that is overseen by looming mountain ranges. The water here is warmer since it’s quite shallow, making it a popular option for families with young children. This two-kilometer stretch of beach is twenty-five meters wide in most places and provides plenty of public and private options, with sun beds and umbrellas here costing less than in other, more upscale destinations in the Albanian riviera.
And the boardwalk gets lively, with plenty of bars, restaurants and ice cream stands hawking their wares and enticing visitors to try local Albanian foods and spirits. This is a great spot for laidback travelers who want to spend less but get more bang for their buck in the south.
Whether you’re an intrepid solo traveler, a backpacker, someone looking for luxurious comforts or just a run-of-the-mill family, Albania has plenty of beaches that are worth checking out this summer!
If you’re wondering where to base yourself in the south, the best beaches in Albania are in Himarë. You’ll be close to plenty of remote beaches and can easily access them by boat tours or by driving.
