Most tourists associate Albania with ancient ruins and castles, but that is further from the truth. The Albanian Riviera has some of the best beaches in Europe that you will come across. Albanian beaches are Mediterranean-like, with beautiful waters, dramatic landscapes, and much more.
Thousands of tourists come each year to relax on the best beaches in Albania. The coastline extends for over 400 kilometers, which means you will find endless beaches here.
Here are the 20 best Albanian beaches you will love to visit. They are divided according to the region for easier planning.
Best Albanian Beaches In Saranda
Saranda is one of the top destinations in the country, where even Albanians come each year to spend the holidays. The town has some fantastic beaches you can visit without putting a dent in your pocket.
You can stroll through the beautiful town and explore all the endless beaches it has to offer. Here are some of the top beaches in Saranda you will love.
Mirror Beach
Mirror Beach is one of the top beaches in Saranda that the locals and tourists love to come to. The name of this beach comes from the way that the sea reflects the sun’s rays and light. It is one of the best beaches in Albania that will also offer you privacy.
Many people come to snorkel here, and you can bring your own snorkel mask. Many water enthusiasts snorkel and visit the closest islands. This will offer you a glimpse into the beautiful marine life of Albania.
Of course, you can also come here to relax. However, during the peak summer season, this beach can attract lots of crowds. We recommend that you visit this beach in the early evening during the peak season to avoid big crowds.
Mango Beach
Mango Beach is also called Plazhi Mango by the locals, and it is one of the liveliest Albanian beaches you will get to visit. The coastline is always bustling, and you can benefit from the endless bars and beachfront hotels that surround this hotel.
It is one of the best beaches in Albania that you will love to visit with your significant other or your friends. The best part about this beach is that even the nightlife is lively. Anyone looking to enjoy the Albanian nightlife will love coming to this beach.
You can relax here, sunbathe, fish, snorkel, swim, and much more during the day. It is easy to rent beach loungers and sunshades here to spend a comfortable day at the beach.
For some sightseeing, you can also take a trip to Lekuresi Castle. It is situated a few minutes away from the beach, and the castle is incredibly beautiful.
Monastery’s Beach
Monastery’s Beach is also known as Plazhi i Manastirit by the locals, and it is one of Albania’s best beaches you will get to visit. You will have to climb down from the St. George Monastery to reach this beach, but once you do, the view is worth it.
One of the best things about this beach is that you will receive ultimate peace, seclusion, and serenity. However, there are still some restaurants and bars here so that you can have sustenance as you spend an entire day unwinding on this beach.
We would recommend that you come here with your significant other and stay till sunset. The beach has one of the most gorgeous sunsets you will witness. The sunset is vibrant and fills the entire beach with shades of golden and orange that will take your breath away.
Seagulls’ Beach
Seagull’s Beach is perhaps one of the most crowded beaches you will find in Saranda. We recommend that you come to this beach as early as possible so that you can easily find a spot here.
It is one of the top beaches in Albania that is surrounded by small cliffs, making a beautiful backdrop for your relaxation.
There are also restaurants and cafes here where you can enjoy some delicious and fresh seafood. Be sure to get some shade and enjoy some local Albanian cuisine in the cool sea breeze. The waters are also ideal for swimming, as the tides are calm.
Most Popular Albanian Beaches In Ksamil
Ksamil is a small village that is not too far away from Saranda. It is a beach town with the most scenic Albanian beaches you will find in the region. Once you are done with Saranda, we recommend that you make your way to Ksamil.
You will enjoy some of the best beaches in Albania as you reach here. Remember that Ksamil is small, which is why there are not many beaches right in the village. Here are some of the top ones you can visit to make the most of your trip to Ksamil.
Ksamil Beach
Ksamil Beach is the main beach in this village, and you can easily access it. Remember that during the peak season, there will be endless crowds on this beach. We recommend that you get there early and set up your beach mat/tent at a nice spot to relax all day.
Many people come here to dive from the wooden dock that comes out from the sand. Besides that, there are many kayaks and paddle boats that you can rent on this beach and then make your way to the Four Islands. Because this beach is busy, you will easily find many restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal.
It is one of the top beaches in Albania you need to visit at least once.
The Four Islands
When you come to Ksamil Beach, you must hire a paddle boat or kayak to make your way to The Four Islands. These are the best Albanian beaches that look the same, but they are all unique and separate. Of course, there are four islands here, and you can visit anyone you like.
The third and fourth islands are a little further, but you can take a water taxi to visit these islands. You will find seclusion and peace here, making them ideal for sunbathing and relaxation. You can take a book with you or enjoy the views.
Even if you stay on this beach and enjoy the views all day, you will not get bored. So, be sure to come here whenever you come to Ksamil Beach.
Castle Beach
Castle Beach is located right below the Castle Hotel in Ksamil, and it is one of the best Albanian beaches you can visit. There is a little bar and café above the beach where you can enjoy some fantastic drinks.
On the other hand, the beach includes golden sand where you can lay down your towel and relax all day. Kids can take advantage of it with their sandcastle building kit.
It is one of the top beaches where you can relax, indulge in drinks, and take in the beautiful sunset. Whenever you want to get away from the crowds and relax, you can come to this beach.
Even families can come here as the water is shallow and calm, so your kids can enjoy swimming as well. Be sure to add this beach to your itinerary for Ksamil.
READ MORE: 10 BEST KSAMIL BEACHES IN ALBANIA
Albania Best Beaches In Dhermi
Dhermi is another beautiful coastal resort in Albania that you will love to visit. Many travelers come here in the summer to enjoy some of the best beaches in Albania. The beaches here will give you the best nightlife and stunning beaches you can relax on during the day.
Here are some of the best beaches you need to visit when you are in Dhermi.
Dhermi Beach
Dhermi Beach is the main beach of the region, and it is a pebble beach that is one of the most gorgeous Albanian beaches you will find. The beach is highly popular beaches of the majestic rock formations, white pebbles, turquoise waters, and much more. Most tourists rush to this beach in the summer because it is easy to access.
If you are coming with your family, we would recommend not going in the water with kids. That is because the currents can get incredibly strong on this beach. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will have to get here early if you want to secure a spot.
The beach can get crowded, and it can be challenging to find a spot during the peak summer season. You can hire umbrellas, sun loungers, etc. By the time it is night, Dhermi Beach will transform in no time as you will experience a big beach party here.
Palasa Beach
Palasa Beach is one of the most popular Albanian beaches among people that love to sunbathe. That is because the coastline is incredibly spacious, and you will find space to lie in the sun here in no time. You can lie down on your beach towel or rent a beach lounger to stay in the sun.
Even the water here is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Consider coming here with your significant other and staying till sunset. As the sun sets, it will light up the entire scenery surrounding the region.
Drymades Beach
Drymades Beach is arguably the best beach Albania has to offer to locals and tourists. You can come here with your partner, family, friends, or even solo. There are also many restaurants and bars at the beach that will offer you the best of the local cuisine so that you can quench your hunger.
Remember that there are two sections at this beach. One section is a sandy expanse, while the other has many pebbles. When you are on a side, and it gets too crowded, you can always move to the other one to relax and enjoy the beach.
Most Beautiful Albanian Beaches In Himare
Himare is one of the best places in Albania you need to visit, especially if you want to enjoy the beaches. It is a place that is made for getting lost, and it is among the favorite beach town for locals.
You will find some of the best Albanian beaches when you come to Himare. Here are some of the best beaches that you can visit while in Himare.
Gjipe Beach
Gjipe is a little hidden from plain sight because the mountains are cradling this beautiful beach. However, it is one of the best beaches where you can relax and forget all your troubles.
Keep in mind that you will have to trek for thirty minutes to get to the beach, which is why it might not be ideal for young kids. Consider wearing water shoes or bringing proper shoes for walking.
Once you get here, you will be in awe of the natural landscapes surrounding this beach. Many people also come and camp here to enjoy this beach for a day or two. You can also camp here and sit under the starry sky as the mountains hug you to sleep.
Jali Beach
Jali Beach is one of the best beaches in Albania for swimming. The water is clear and blue, and when the sun hits, you will find the light shimmering on the entire sea. There are many clubs and bars on this beach to help you make the most of your night as well.
It is one of the top Albanian beaches to come to with your friends so you can relax during the day and party at night. You can rent an umbrella or beach chair to ensure a comfortable spot for the entire day. Once the sun sets, get ready to learn how to party in Albania.
Buneci Beach
Buneci Beach is perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. The best thing about this beach is that it doesn’t get very crowded. Besides that, you will enjoy some fantastic views of the bays and mountains as you come to this beach.
There are endless cafes and restaurants so that you can enjoy delicious meals. Whenever you want to get away from the busiest Albanian beaches, you can come to this paradise.
Livadhi Beach
Livadhi Beach is one of the best beaches in Albania for families. There are endless activities you can do here. These include kayaking, jet-skiing, canoeing, volleyball, paddle boating, and much more.
You can participate in all these activities against a mountainous backdrop and beautiful blue waters. Kids will love coming to this beach as they will never get bored. You can also take them for a swim as the water is calm and shallow.
Llamani Beach
Llamani is a beautiful beach that is situated between the mountains, making it a hidden gem. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds or just lie down on the beach towel. There are also many bars and restaurants here that serve excellent Mediterranean cuisine.
People that plan to swim here must remain cautious of the steep areas. The water is deeper than most of the coastlines you will find in Albania.
Potami Beach
Potami Beach is one of the largest beaches you will find in Himare. It is one of the top Albanian beaches that is ideal for relaxation and swimming. The seawater is clean, and you will easily be able to access the ocean floor.
There are many restaurants here that serve Albanian and Greek cuisine. Be sure to visit them to enjoy delectable food.
Best Beaches In Albania In Vlore
Vlore is the third-largest city in Albania and one of the most beautiful ones to visit. Here, you will find castles, monasteries, archaeological parks, and much more.
Besides that, some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania are located in Vlore. Here are some of the best ones you can visit.
Orikum Beach
Orikum Beach is a beach that even the locals visit each year. It has pebbles, restaurants, and much more. We recommend that you sail to the caves nearby to make the most of this beach.
Don’t expect any nightlife or partying here. You will only enjoy the port life this beach has to offer.
Narta Beach
Narta Beach has some of the gentlest waters, as there are almost no waves here. The coastline is family-friendly, and kids of all ages will enjoy this beach too.
There are also many lifeguards here that will keep an eye on everyone and ensure everyone is safe. When you are traveling with your family, this is one of the top Albanian beaches you should not leave out.
Golem Beach
Golem Beach is one of the top destinations for all Albanians and even tourists. There is a lot to do on this beach, including drinking and eating. The nightlife is even more bustling than the daytime.
People that want to spend all day till night at the beach will enjoy Golem the most. It is easy to access, no matter where you are.
Lori Beach
Lori Beach is a small but beautiful beach you can visit for a swim. You will not find many people here, and the beach bar will be closed during the slow season. Many people come here when they want a change from the busy beaches in Albania.
You should also come here at least once when you want to relax. It will give you the solitude you require to make the most of your trip.
Where To Stay In Albania
Many travelers come for a full vacation to experience Albania best beaches. There are many excellent hotels that will offer you a great stay regardless of the budget. You can find one that suits your budget in the best way possible.
Here are some of the places you can stay in Albania that gives you access to beautiful beaches.
Senator Hotel
Senator Hotel is one of the top hotels that includes a bar, restaurant, and private parking for all its guests. All the rooms come with a minibar, TV, air conditioner, safe, and private bathroom. The hotel also offers car hire and on-site hairdressers that you can benefit from.
The best part is the location as it is right in the center of the city. You can leave the hotel to venture out and explore the surrounding areas. All the rooms are comfortable and clean so that you can have a great stay.
Hotel Mira Mare
Ksamil is one of the top beach towns and you need to stay at Hotel Mira Mare when you are there. The rooms include a bathroom, dining area, kitchenette, TV, and much more. People that want nice views can request rooms that offer views of the sea.
You can also access Sarande easily from the hotel. That is why it is one of the top hotels where you can stay and enjoy the rest of Albania.
Hotel Opera
Finally, we have Hotel Opera as one of the top accommodation options in Albania. It includes an on-site restaurant, and all the rooms come with a TV, bathroom, and shower. Some of the rooms also have a seating area for you to unwind and relax.
The best part is that you can access the most popular areas in the surrounding region from Hotel Opera. You can venture out and begin exploring everything it has to offer. So, set up your base here and enjoy a great stay in Albania with the best beaches all around.
Enjoying The Best Beaches In Albania
These are some of the best beaches in Albania that you will be able to visit on your trip. You can decide the regions where you want to stay and then go to some of the beautiful beaches in those regions.
There are some gorgeous Albanian beaches in this country that offer you the best views, activities, and much more. Whether you want to relax all day or party all night, you will find a beach of your liking.
