Top 10 Albanian Riviera Beaches

Last updated: October 2026

The Albanian Riviera is one of the last stretches of Mediterranean coast that still feels undiscovered, with clear turquoise water, white pebble beaches and mountains that drop straight into the Ionian Sea.

It runs roughly from the Llogara Pass in the north to Ksamil near the Greek border, connected by the SH8 coastal road. Prices are still lower than in neighbouring Greece and Croatia, although the region is growing fast in popularity.

If you’re still deciding on a trip, start with our guide on why you should plan an Albania holiday. Then use this list of the top 10 Albanian Riviera beaches to plan your coastal days.

Quick answer: What are the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera? Our top 10 are Ksamil, Gjipe Beach, Dhërmi, Drymades, Jale, Himarë and Livadhi Beach, Porto Palermo, Borsh, Lukovë and Palasë. Ksamil is the most famous, Gjipe the most unspoilt, Dhërmi the liveliest and Borsh the longest and quietest. Visit in June or September for warm water and fewer crowds.

Top 10 Albanian Riviera Beaches at a Glance

1. Ksamil

Ksamil is the most famous beach area in Albania, known for its small islands just offshore and water so clear it looks like the Caribbean. You can swim, kayak or take a small boat out to the islands.

Ksamil gets very busy in July and August, with sunbeds covering much of the sand. Visit in June or September for a calmer experience. The ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a few minutes’ drive south and makes a perfect half-day trip.

The beaches here are a mix of fine sand and pebbles, often with beach bars and restaurants right on the water. Each evening, the sunset over the islands and Corfu on the horizon draws people to the waterfront.

• Getting there: Ksamil is around 20 to 25 minutes by car or bus from Sarandë.
• Time needed: One to two days, including Butrint.
• Best time to go: June or September, early in the morning before the beaches fill up.
• Insider tip: Rent a kayak to reach the islands, where you’ll find quieter spots to swim.

2. Gjipe Beach

Gjipe is a secluded beach at the mouth of a dramatic canyon, reached on foot or by boat. There is no road to the sand, which keeps it wilder and quieter than most Riviera beaches.

Park near the Monastery of St Theodore and walk down a rocky track, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Bring water and wear proper shoes. Explore the canyon behind the beach, where cliffs rise high on both sides. Basic camping is sometimes available in summer.

Many visitors combine the walk with a boat trip, as water taxis run from Dhërmi and Himarë in summer. The water is a stunning shade of turquoise, and the cliffs give welcome shade in the afternoon.

• Getting there: Drive to the car park above the beach, then walk down for around 20 to 30 minutes, or arrive by boat.
• Time needed: Half a day to a full day.
• Good to know: Facilities are limited, so take water, snacks and sun protection.
• Insider tip: Arrive early. Gjipe is at its most peaceful before the boats arrive in late morning.

3. Dhërmi

Dhërmi is one of the Riviera’s most popular beach villages, with a long white pebble beach and very clear water. The old village sits on the hillside above, with stone houses, churches and great sea views.

In summer, Dhërmi has beach bars and a lively nightlife scene. It’s a good base for exploring the northern part of the Riviera, including Gjipe and Drymades. Drive down from the Llogara Pass for one of the most spectacular road views in the Balkans.

The old village of Dhërmi is known for its many small Orthodox churches and chapels scattered across the hillside. It’s a lovely place for a late afternoon walk, with views down over the coast as the sun sets.

• Getting there: Drive south from Vlorë over the Llogara Pass in around an hour.
• Time needed: Two to three days as a base for the northern Riviera.
• Best time to go: June and September for a relaxed atmosphere, or July and August for nightlife.

4. Drymades

Drymades is a long beach just north of Dhërmi, backed by olive groves and campsites. It feels more laid-back than its neighbour, with a mix of beach clubs and quieter stretches.

The water is shallow near the shore in places, which makes it good for families. Walk along the coast between Drymades and Dhërmi in the early evening for golden views.

Campsites and simple guesthouses under the olive trees make Drymades popular with budget travellers. There’s still plenty of room to find your own patch of pebbles outside the busiest weeks of the year.

• Getting there: Drymades is just north of Dhërmi, a short drive or walk along the coast.
• Time needed: A beach day.
• Insider tip: Families will appreciate the shallow water at the quieter northern end of the beach.

5. Jale

Jale is a small bay between Himarë and Dhërmi with clear water and a relaxed, youthful atmosphere. It’s popular with campers and backpackers in summer.

A short walk around the headland leads to quieter coves. Snorkelling is good near the rocks, so bring a mask.

The bay is surrounded by green hills, and the small beach bars and campsites give it a laid-back, summery feel. Outside July and August, it’s often almost empty.

• Getting there: Turn off the main coastal road between Dhërmi and Himarë and follow the steep road down to the bay.
• Time needed: Half a day.
• Insider tip: Bring a snorkel and explore the rocks at either end of the bay.

6. Himarë and Livadhi Beach

Himarë is a historic town with a ruined hilltop castle and a choice of beaches nearby. The main town beach is easy to reach, but Livadhi Beach, a short drive or walk north, is longer, calmer and backed by olive trees.

Himarë has a good selection of guesthouses, tavernas and small hotels, making it a practical central base on the Riviera. Visit the castle at sunset for views over the sea.

The old town of Himarë sits on the hill above the modern town, with ruined walls, churches and narrow lanes that are wonderful to explore. Down by the sea, Spile is the town beach, lined with cafés and seafood restaurants.

• Getting there: Buses run along the coast between Vlorë and Sarandë, stopping in Himarë.
• Time needed: Two to three days as a base.
• Best time to go: June and September.
• Insider tip: Climb up to the old castle for sunset, then head down to the seafront for dinner.

7. Porto Palermo

Porto Palermo is a sheltered bay with a small castle on a peninsula, said to have been used by the 19th century ruler Ali Pasha of Tepelena. The water is calm and very clear.

There are a few small beaches here and very little development. It’s a great stop for a swim and a short castle visit when driving between Himarë and Borsh.

The castle is small but atmospheric, with stone rooms and walls you can walk around for views over the bay. Across the water, look for the entrance to a former Cold War submarine tunnel cut into the cliffs, a reminder of Albania’s isolated communist past.

• Getting there: Porto Palermo is beside the coastal road, around 20 minutes south of Himarë.
• Time needed: One to two hours.
• Tickets: There’s a small entry fee for the castle.

8. Borsh

Borsh has the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera, stretching for several kilometres along a wide bay. Even in peak season, it’s easy to find a quiet patch of pebbles.

The hills behind the beach are covered in olive and citrus groves, and you can hike up to the ruins of Borsh Castle. Seafood tavernas line the beach road. Borsh is a great choice if you want space away from the busier spots.

Small family-run guesthouses line the road behind the beach, and many serve fish caught the same day. The quiet atmosphere makes Borsh a good choice for families and anyone who wants a slower pace.

• Getting there: Borsh is around 30 to 40 minutes south of Himarë on the coastal road.
• Time needed: A day, or a few relaxed nights.
• Insider tip: Walk to the far ends of the beach for the emptiest stretches of sand and pebbles.

9. Lukovë

Lukovë is a quiet coastal village with a series of small beaches and coves below terraced hills. It’s less developed than the resorts to the north and south.

Some coves are reached by narrow roads or short walks, so a car is useful. It’s a good spot for a peaceful swim between Himarë and Sarandë.

The village is surrounded by olive groves and citrus orchards, and the coves below are often almost empty, even in summer. It’s a good place to stop for a swim when driving between the north and south of the Riviera.

• Getting there: Lukovë is just off the coastal road between Borsh and Sarandë.
• Time needed: Half a day.
• Good to know: Some roads down to the coves are steep and narrow, so drive carefully.

10. Palasë

Palasë is the first beach you reach after descending from the Llogara Pass, with a long arc of pebbles and stunning mountain views. Parts of the bay have been developed with new resorts, but much of the beach remains open.

It’s said that Julius Caesar landed near here during his campaign against Pompey. Today, it’s a great place for a long swim and sunset views.

The Llogara Pass above Palasë is one of the most spectacular drives in Europe, climbing through pine forests before dropping in hairpin bends to the sea. It’s also a well-known spot for paragliding, with flights landing near the beach.

• Getting there: Palasë is at the bottom of the Llogara Pass, around an hour south of Vlorë.
• Time needed: Half a day to a full day.
• Insider tip: Stop at the viewpoints near the top of the pass for the best views over the coast.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera?

June and September are the best months for most travellers, with warm sea temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August.

• May: quiet and green, but the sea is still cool.
• June: warm, sunny and pleasant.
• July to August: hot, crowded and the most expensive, with lively nightlife.
• September: the sea is at its warmest and crowds drop.
• October: some beach businesses close, but the weather can still be good.

What Should You Know Before Visiting the Albanian Riviera?

Rent a car. Public buses run along the coast, but a car lets you reach hidden beaches and stop at viewpoints. Roads are winding, so drive carefully.

Bring cash. Many beach bars, guesthouses and tavernas prefer cash in Albanian lek, though euros are widely accepted.

Expect pebbles, not sand. Most beaches are pebble or shingle. Water shoes are useful.

Sunbeds are usually rented. On organised beaches, you pay a daily fee for a sunbed and umbrella, which sometimes includes a drink. There is often a free public area too.

Respect local customs. Albanians are very hospitable. Learning a few words like “faleminderit” (thank you) goes a long way. The official Albania tourism site has more travel advice.

Where Should You Stay on the Albanian Riviera?

Himarë is the most practical central base, with a good mix of guesthouses, restaurants and easy access to Livadhi, Porto Palermo and Jale. Dhërmi suits travellers who want beach bars and nightlife in summer.

Ksamil and Sarandë are best for the southern beaches, Butrint and the Blue Eye spring. Sarandë is a proper town with year-round services and ferries to Corfu. Borsh is ideal if you want peace and space. Many travellers split their stay between a northern and a southern base to cut down on driving.

A 7-Day Albanian Riviera Itinerary

A week is enough to see both the northern and southern Riviera at a relaxed pace. Split your stay between two bases to avoid long drives.

Days 1 to 3: The Northern Riviera

Drive over the Llogara Pass and base yourself in Dhërmi or Himarë. Spend a day at Gjipe, another at Jale and Livadhi, and an evening exploring the old villages above the coast.

Day 4: Porto Palermo and Borsh

Drive south, stopping at Porto Palermo for the castle and a swim, then spend the afternoon on the long beach at Borsh.

Days 5 to 7: Ksamil and Sarandë

Base yourself in Ksamil or Sarandë. Visit Butrint, the Blue Eye spring and the islands off Ksamil, and finish with a sunset dinner by the sea.

Getting Around the Albanian Riviera

A hire car is the best way to explore, as many beaches are reached by side roads. Pick one up at Tirana Airport, and drive carefully, as the coastal road is winding and local driving can be unpredictable.

Public buses run along the coast between Vlorë and Sarandë, stopping in the main villages, but they’re slower and less frequent outside summer. In peak season, boats link several beaches, including Gjipe, and run trips from Ksamil to the islands.

How Much Does an Albanian Riviera Trip Cost?

The Albanian Riviera is still cheaper than most Mediterranean coastlines, especially for food, guesthouses and car hire. Prices are highest in Ksamil and Dhërmi in July and August.

On organised beaches, expect to pay a daily fee for a sunbed and umbrella. Family-run tavernas serve fresh seafood and local dishes at good prices, and guesthouses often include a home-cooked breakfast.

Plan Your Albanian Beach Trip

Base yourself in Himarë or Dhërmi for the northern beaches and Ksamil or Sarandë for the south, rent a car and visit in June or September. You’ll find some of the best beaches in Europe at a fraction of the price.

Starting your trip in the capital? Our guide to the best things to do in Tirana helps you plan a day or two before heading south. Want to go beyond the coast? Inland, Albania’s hidden gems, from Theth to Gjirokastër are some of the most rewarding places in the Balkans.

Featured image: Photo by Marie Volkert on Unsplash