Albania’s southern coastline, with its lovely traditional hamlets, cobblestoned streets and small Orthodox churches, has plenty of beautiful beaches lapped by pristine waters, rivalling nearby Greece for half the price. And if you get your fill of coastal bays, you can head for the natural springs near Saranda or the lake shores near the Macedonian border – Albania has plenty of surprises. To name all of the beautiful beaches would be impossible, but here’s a list of the eleven most stunning beaches in Albania.
Drymades
Drymades just may be the most beautiful beach of Albania: a small bay near the village of Dhërmi with a large rock that divides the pebbly beach from the sandy one, it’s the perfect place to spend some time relaxing. The beach is not crowded, not even during the summer, so keep it in mind.
Drymades Beach, 9700, Dhërmi, Albania
Drymades | © artem evdokimov/Shutterstock | © artem evdokimov / Shutterstock
Dhërmi
Near Drymades, you’ll find Dhërmi, one of the most famous places in Albania, a strip of white rock lapped by turquoise waters. The beach is one of the longest and, in the summer, most crowded in the Riviera, but there are a few spots to be found away from the crowds even in the peak of the season.
Himara
The village of Himara is one of the most frequented of the Albanian Riviera, but it still hasn’t lost its charm. There are several beautiful beaches near the town, such as Livadhi, a white stone bay surrounded by olive trees, or Potami, located in a dramatic setting between the sea and a river.
Livadhi, a beach near Himara | © Sasenki/Shutterstock
Borsh
The largest beach of Albania is Borsh, an untouched seven-kilometer-long stretch of sand located along the Albanian Riviera. It is surrounded by olive groves and high mountain peaks, and despite its beauty, is one of the least visited beaches in the country.
Borsh Beach, Rruga Plazhi, Borsh, Albania
Borsh | © Landscape Nature Photo/Shutterstock
Vlora
The town of Vlora, the third largest city in Albania, is home to stunning untouched beaches. With Teuta Boat Tours, it is possible to reach the unspoiled bays of Karaburun and Sazan from the port of Vlora, but if you prefer to drive, head toward the south and go to Radhime or Orikum.
A beach near Vlora | © godo godaj/Flickr
Saranda
The coastal town of Saranda is considered the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. It is one of the most frequented spots of the country, for many reasons: the town is near the border with Greece, in front of the island of Corfu, and has plenty of gorgeous beaches, such as Pulebardha, a pebbly beach surrounded only by nature and fabulous water.
Pulebardha, Butrint National Park, Saranda, Albania
Pulebardha beach | © Landscape Nature Photo/Shutterstock
Ksamil
South of Saranda, there is Ksamil, one of the best beach destinations in Albania. Ksamil is also called “the Ionian pearl” because of its beauty. It is located in a dramatic setting, a bay with three small islands reachable by swim or a boat ride, and surrounded by turquoise waters. We suggest that you avoid Ksamil in August, because it is very crowded.
Ksamil | © Landscape Nature Photo/Shutterstock
Gijpe
Hidden by the mountains, Gjipe is the perfect beach for those who are looking for quiet and relaxation. Why? Because the bay is far from the road and to reach it requires a 30-minute trek through nature that offers spectacular views of the coast.
Gijpe | © RossHelen/Shutterstock
Narta, Zvernec
Just 15 minutes by car from Vlora, there is Narta, a beautiful sandy lagoon with blue waters, perfect for families. A plus here is the small island of Zvernec with an 18th-century Orthodox monastery hidden in the middle of a forest, accessible only by a wooden bridge.
Syri I Kalter
Technically Syri i Kalter is not a beach, but a natural spring. However, it doesn’t matter: this gorgeous spot is the perfect place to swim alone in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. It is located along the road between Saranda and Gijrokaster and totally worth a stop.
Pogradec
Albania doesn’t have only stunning coastal beaches, but is also home to one of the oldest and most beautiful lakes of Europe, Lake Ohrid. Near Pogradec, the main town located on the Albanian side of the lake, there are several gorgeous beaches crowded in the summer months, but perfect in spring or at the end of summer.
