<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/articles/8-cheaper-alternatives-to-popular-summer-destinations-in-europe/">Albania</a>’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 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 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.

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Drymades

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 <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/albania/articles/10-great-reasons-visit-albania/">Riviera</a>, but there are a few spots to be found away from the crowds even in the peak of the season.

Dhërmi

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

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.

South of Saranda close to the border with Greece lies Ksamil, a beautiful coastal village nestled within the bounds of Butrint National Park whose stunning seaside location has made it one of Albania’s most popular destinations. The village itself boasts beachside bars and restaurants and four small islands off its coast surrounded by crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

<span style="font-weight: 400">South of Saranda, you will come to Ksamil, one of the most-coveted beach destinations in Albania. Such is its beauty, it has been dubbed "the Ionian pearl". The setting is truly dramatic, on a bay with three small islands you can reach by local boat, or swim out to if you’re feeling energetic, across startlingly turquoise waters. One piece of advice: think twice about heading here in August, because every inch of space is taken up by bronzing holidaymakers from Tirana.</span>

Albania - 118 - Butrinti

Ksamil

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

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.

Narta, Zvernec

Here'a list of the top eleven beaches in Albania – most of them are located in the southern coast, nicknamed the Albanian Riviera.

The 11 Most Stunning Beaches in Albania