Turquoise water straight off a postcard, pebble coves tucked beneath the cliffs, and prices that make you do a proper double take. Albania has become the Balkans’ summer darling over the last few years, and the question of where to find the best beaches in Albania doesn’t have a single answer — the coast runs all the way from the sandy Adriatic north down to the wild Ionian Riviera in the south, and every stretch has its own mood. You’ll pick one spot if you’re travelling with small children, another if you’re after the most photogenic beach going, and something else entirely if all you want is an olive grove, a tent and a bit of peace. So we’ve pulled together 20 places along the Albanian coast to help you decide where to head.
Most photogenic: Ksamil (the “Albanian Maldives”), Gjipe, Dhërmi, Drymades.
With kids: Durrës, Velipoja, Shëngjin, Lalzit Bay — sand and a gentle, shallow entry.
For infrastructure and life: Sarandë, Vlora, Durrës.
For peace and wilderness: Borsh, Gjipe, Grama Bay, Karaburun.
Season: swimming roughly June to September, sea around 25–27 °C in August.
Getting there: fly to Tirana, drive across the Balkans, or take the ferry from Italy (Bari/Brindisi) or from Corfu to Sarandë.
Budget: from around €40–60 (roughly £34–51) a day for two on a modest trip.
When to Go and How to Get to Albania (Flights, Driving, Ferry from Italy)
The swimming season on the Albanian coast runs roughly from June to September. The sea is at its warmest in August, when it sits around 25–27 °C, the air is regularly above 30 °C, and the Riviera is at its busiest and priciest. If you want the warmth but a little more calm, aim for June or September — the sea is around 23–25 °C, the crowds thinner and the prices friendlier. May and October are lovely for a road trip and sightseeing, though the water is on the fresh side for swimming (roughly 19–22 °C).
By air
Albania really has just one functioning international airport — Tirana (TIA). The new airport near Vlora is still being finished, so don’t count on it for summer 2026. From Tirana it’s under an hour to Durrës, but a good 4–5 hours by car down to Sarandë in the south. In season you’ll find direct flights from the UK (including Jet2 and easyJet routes); otherwise you’ll connect.
💡 Tip: If you’re mainly heading south (Ksamil, Sarandë), it’s often easiest to fly to the Greek island of Corfu and hop across on the ferry to Sarandë — you’re on the southern Riviera in a matter of minutes rather than facing the long haul from Tirana.
Driving across the Balkans
If you’re doing a longer European road trip, driving in is a real option — the usual route runs through Hungary, Serbia or Croatia and Montenegro. Having your own car in Albania is worth its weight in gold: the Riviera is hard to explore without one and the prettiest beaches often sit at the end of twisting lanes. Hire cars in Tirana start at roughly €25–40 (around £21–34) a day. The roads have improved enormously, but take the mountain hairpins over the Llogara Pass nice and steady.One thing to brace yourself for: driving in Albania is quite the experience. The traffic tends to follow its own logic and the usual rules feel more like loose suggestions. You just go with the flow.
By ferry from Italy
A popular choice, especially if you want to bring your own car in “the short way”: ferries run from Bari and Brindisi to Durrës and Vlora, including an overnight Bari–Durrës crossing. Bari to Durrës takes around 8–9 hours (the overnight sailing), while Brindisi to Vlora is quicker. The other option on the water is the short Corfu–Sarandë ferry we’ve already mentioned (roughly 30–90 minutes depending on the boat).
The 20 Best Beaches in Albania: Where to Go on the Coast
We’ve lined the spots up roughly from south (the Albanian Riviera and the Ionian Sea) to north (the Adriatic beaches). For each one you’ll find who it suits, what the water and the beach are like, and how to get there.
1. Ksamil, the Albanian Maldives
The most famous spot on the whole coast. White sand, the azure water of the Ionian Sea and tiny islands a short way offshore that you can reach by pedalo or even swim out to. Who it’s for: lovers of photogenic beaches and families who want calm water. The downside: in summer it gets seriously busy, most of the beaches are pay-to-use (sunloungers) and there’s a lot of building going on. It’s easy to reach — 5 km south of Sarandë, close to the Greek border and to Butrint.So it pays to arrive just before the season really kicks off, ideally in the second half of May.Naturally, book your stay ahead — find accommodation in Ksamil →.Ksamil, Albania
2. Mirror Beach (Pasqyra) — mirror-still water near Ksamil
A smaller beach between Sarandë and Ksamil that earned its “mirror” name thanks to incredibly clear, calm water. You’ll find fine shingle mixed with sand, a couple of beach bars and sunloungers. Who it’s for: anyone after Ksamil-worthy water but a touch quieter. It sits right by the coast road, so it’s easy to reach by car, though parking is limited in season.
3. Sarandë — gateway to the southern Riviera
A busy port town facing the Greek island of Corfu, with the best infrastructure in the south — a promenade, restaurants, bars and hotels in every category. The beaches are more pebbly with a gentle entry, and the town itself buzzes into the evening. Who it’s for: anyone who wants everything on the doorstep and a base for day trips (Ksamil, the Blue Eye, Butrint, Corfu). A great launch pad if you arrive from Corfu.Accommodation in Sarandë → or book a trip straight away — a boat tour, say, or a day out to Butrint — through GetYourGuide →.
4. Bunec — a hidden cove between Sarandë and Borsh
A little beach near the village of Lukova that plenty of travellers simply drive past on the coast road. Pale pebbles, a patch of fine sand and shallow, crystal-clear water, with a small stream running in too. Who it’s for: families and anyone looking for a quieter cove without big resorts. There are only a few taverns and a small car park, so it’s best to arrive in the morning.
5. Dhërmi — the Riviera as seen in the adverts
A long pebble beach beneath the mountains, with crystal-clear water and beach bars and clubs right on the sand. Who it’s for: anyone who wants a gorgeous beach and a bit of nightlife, all against a mountain backdrop. Dhërmi lies below the Llogara Pass, around an hour from Vlora. Nearby you’ll find smaller beaches like Gjipe and a scattering of hidden coves.
6. Drymades — sunsets and calm just along from Dhërmi
Right next to Dhërmi, but a notch calmer. Deeply turquoise water, beach bars set into the sand and dramatic sunsets — for many travellers it’s one of the loveliest beaches on the entire Riviera. Who it’s for: anyone who wants a beautiful beach with atmosphere but slightly fewer crowds than next door.
7. Palasa — the beach just past the Llogara Pass
The first big beach you hit as you come down from the Llogara Pass. Around 2 km long, with mountain views and turquoise water. The northern end tends to be busier, the southern end calmer. Who it’s for: a road-trip stop and a full day at the beach when you want a bit of space.
8. Himara — an authentic town among the mountains
A calmer little town ringed by green hills, with a long town beach and traditional taverns. Nearby are the lovely beaches of Livadhi and Llamani, and pebbly Prinos. Who it’s for: anyone after a more authentic Albania who’d rather not be glued to the crowds. It sits roughly 25 km north of Sarandë, heading towards Dhërmi.
9. Livadhi — a family beach near Himara
A wide, scenic beach with fine pebbles and a gentle entry into the water, a short way from Himara. Who it’s for: families with children and anyone who wants calmer swimming. It fills up with sunloungers in high season, so it’s at its nicest off-peak (May–June, September).
10. Potam — a pebble beach in the shade of the pines near Himara
A quieter beach near Himara with fine pebbles, clear water and pine trees almost down to the sea, giving welcome shade. Who it’s for: anyone who wants a pretty Riviera beach with a slice of nature and less bustle than Himara’s main beach. You can reach it by car or on foot from Himara along the coast.
11. Borsh — the longest beach in Albania
Around 7 km of unbroken beach made of fine pebbles and coarser sand, with olive groves and mountains at your back. It’s a mix of organised stretches (sunloungers, bars) and wild sections where you can spread out your towel in peace. Who it’s for: families and solo travellers alike, and a favourite for vanlife and camping — part of the beach is accessible by car and parking is easy. It lies between Himara and Sarandë.
12. Jal (Jala) — a cove for the young crowd
A smaller pebble beach in a cove between Dhërmi and Himara, popular with younger travellers and campers. In summer it has a livelier atmosphere, beach bars and a campsite, and the water is beautifully clean. Who it’s for: anyone who wants a pretty cove and an evening buzz without big-town noise.
13. Gjipe — a wild gem in a canyon
One of the wildest and most beautiful beaches on the Riviera, hidden at the end of a canyon between towering cliffs. Pebbles, turquoise water and next to no civilisation. The catch: you can only get here on foot (roughly 1.5 km down a stony path) or by boat from Himara or Dhërmi, and parking is usually paid. Who it’s for: adventurers and lovers of peace, ideally outside the very peak weeks.
14. Vlora — where the Adriatic meets the Ionian
A big port town on the boundary of two seas, with a long promenade, sprawling beaches and a lively evening scene. North of town the beaches are more urban; to the south (towards Radhime and Orikum) the water is cleaner. Who it’s for: anyone who wants city comforts, watersports and culture, and a base for expeditions along the Riviera and out to the Karaburun peninsula.For more tips from the town itself, see our article Albania – Vlora: 21 of the most beautiful places.
15. Karaburun and Grama Bay — for boat explorers
The Karaburun peninsula is the wildest stretch of the Albanian coast — hidden coves (Dafina, Bristan) and caves reachable practically by boat only, from Vlora or Orikum. Tucked-away Grama Bay is a small cove between high cliffs that you reach on a long trek or by sailing in. Who it’s for: anyone who fancies a boat trip and a beach with absolutely no crowds.
16. Durrës — the big sandy classic
The largest and busiest resort on the Adriatic north, barely an hour from Tirana. A long sandy beach (over 10 km) with a gentle entry, loads of hotels, resorts and entertainment. Who it’s for: families with small children and anyone who wants a classic beach holiday with all the infrastructure and no long drives. It’s not the cleanest corner of Albania, but it’s the most accessible.
17. Spille — a sandy beach south of Durrës
A sweeping sandy beach near the village of Spille in the Kavaja area, popular above all with Albanian families. Fine sand, a shallow gentle entry and a calmer atmosphere than crowded Durrës. Who it’s for: families with small children who want sand and shallows not far from Tirana, but without the noise of the big resorts. There are a few resorts and campsites nearby.
18. Lalzit Bay and Golem — sand and pines near Tirana
Just north of Durrës lies Lalzit Bay — sandy beaches fringed with pine forest, newer resorts and a calmer feel. To the south it runs into Golem, a popular resort with a broad sandy beach. Who it’s for: families and anyone who wants sand and comfort close to Tirana airport.
19. Shëngjin — a calmer north for families
A sandy resort in the north, less touristy than the southern Riviera and popular mainly with locals. Fine sand, a gentle entry and reasonable prices. Who it’s for: families with children who want neither pebbles nor long mountain hairpins. There are natural lagoons close by too (more on those below).
20. Velipoja and the Kune-Vain lagoons — the wild north and its nature
Right up in the north near the Montenegrin border sits Velipoja — a wide sandy beach with fine sand, shallow water and a calmer, “homely” feel. Nearby are the protected Kune-Vain lagoons at Lezhë, a haven for birds and quiet coves among the pines. Who it’s for: families and nature lovers who want sand and quiet away from the crowded Riviera.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Albanian Riviera
The Ionian Riviera between Vlora and Sarandë is the heart of the “real” Albanian coast — turquoise water, pebbles and mountains dropping straight down to the beach. If you’ve only time for a handful of places, pick from these:
Ksamil — white sand and islands, the most photogenic (but the busiest).
Gjipe — a wild cove in a canyon, on foot or by boat only, peaceful.
Drymades and Dhërmi — beach bars, sunsets, beautiful water.
Borsh — the longest beach in the country, with room even in season.
Palasa — the first big beach past the Llogara Pass.
Livadhi (near Himara) — a gentle entry, great for families.
Grama Bay — a hidden cove for those who arrive by boat.
💡 Tip: Most Riviera beaches are pebble — pack a pair of water shoes. And head to the popular beaches in the morning; by early afternoon the car parks and sunloungers are full.
How Much It Costs (Budget)
Albania is still one of the cheapest seaside destinations in Europe, even if Riviera prices climb in season. You’ll usually pay in lek (ALL), though accommodation and bigger purchases are often quoted in euros too. Here’s a rough daily budget for a couple (prices in euros, with an approximate sterling figure in brackets at around €1 ≈ £0.86):
Item
Rough cost per day (2 people)
Accommodation (guesthouse / apartment)
€25–90 (around £21–77)
Food (taverns, bistros, self-catered breakfast)
€15–40 (around £13–34)
Transport (hire car, fuel)
€25–40 (around £21–34)
Beach and activities (sunloungers, boat, entry fees)
€10–30 (around £8–26)
Total
around €40–90 (£34–77) and up per day
On a more modest trip (camping or a cheap guesthouse, cooking for yourselves, one car) you can come in under €50 a day for two. In Ksamil or Sarandë in August, on the other hand, the bill climbs quickly — sunloungers, beachfront restaurants and front-row accommodation all cost more. You’ll save by choosing an apartment with a kitchen and having at least breakfast “at home”.
💡 Tip: Book accommodation in Ksamil and Sarandë for July and August well in advance — the best beachfront spots vanish as early as spring. Off-peak (June, September) you can easily save a third.
Prices and ratings are approximate (source: GetYourGuide); you’ll see the latest once you click through.
Where should you go in Albania with kids?
Best of all are the sandy beaches with a gentle entry: Durrës, Velipoja, Shëngjin and Lalzit Bay in the north, and in the south the calmer Livadhi near Himara or the coves at Ksamil. Give the wildest pebble beaches like Gjipe a miss — you won’t get a pushchair down there.Which places in Albania have the best beaches?
The most photogenic are on the southern Ionian Riviera — Ksamil (white sand and islands), Gjipe (a cove in a canyon), Drymades and Dhërmi (turquoise water and beach bars) and Borsh (the longest beach in the country). They have pebbles and mountains rising straight above the sea.Are Albania’s beaches sandy or pebbly?
It depends on the region. The Adriatic north (Durrës, Velipoja, Shëngjin, Lalzit) is mostly sandy with shallow water. The southern Ionian Riviera (Dhërmi, Himara, Borsh, Sarandë) is mainly pebble, but with the clearest, most turquoise water. Water shoes are handy on the pebbles.When is the sea warmest in Albania?
The water is warmest in August, when it sits around 25–27 °C. It’s pleasantly warm in July and September too (roughly 23–26 °C). You can already swim in June, while in May and October the water is on the fresh side (around 19–22 °C).How do you get to the Albanian coast?
Fly to Tirana (the only functioning international airport), then drive to the coast. For the south it’s often easiest to fly to Corfu and take the ferry across to Sarandë. From Italy there are ferries from Bari and Brindisi to Durrës and Vlora. Driving in from Central Europe is a long haul, so plan on two days on the road.Do you need a car in Albania?
On the Riviera it helps a great deal — the prettiest beaches sit at the end of twisting lanes and public transport is limited. Hire runs around €25–40 a day. If you’re staying put in one resort (Sarandë or Durrës, say), you can manage without one.Is Ksamil crowded?
In high season (July–August) it certainly is — it’s one of the most popular spots in the country, most beaches are pay-to-use and there’s a lot of building work. If you want peace, go early in the morning, travel off-peak (June, September) or pick a quieter alternative like Borsh or Himara.Is the ferry from Italy to Albania worth it?
If you’re travelling with your own car from southern Europe, it saves a lot of time — Bari to Durrës takes around 8–9 hours (often overnight), Brindisi to Vlora less. For a trip to the south only, the short Corfu–Sarandë ferry is more practical.Where is the cheapest beach holiday in Albania?
It’s cheaper away from the top Riviera spots — in the north (Velipoja, Shëngjin), at Borsh, or in the smaller villages with campsites and family-run guesthouses. The priciest in season are Ksamil and the seafront in Sarandë. Cooking for yourselves and an apartment with a kitchen save the most.How much does a beach holiday in Albania cost?
For a couple, reckon on roughly €40–90 (about £34–77) a day including accommodation, food, transport and the beach. Travelling modestly (camping, cooking) you can come in under €50 a day; in Ksamil and Sarandë in August, expect to pay more.What currency is used in Albania?
The official currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). Accommodation and bigger purchases are often quoted in euros too, and you can pay by card in larger businesses, but keep some cash (lek) for small spends and smaller villages. ATMs are common in the resorts.
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