12 Best Beaches in Albania for 2026 — Ranked by Locals
The 12 best beaches in Albania, ranked by clarity, accessibility, vibe and crowds. From Ksamil's Caribbean islands to Gjipe's hidden cove.
Albania's 470 km of coastline includes some of Europe's clearest water and emptiest sand. We've sorted through the popular and the hidden to give you a real ranking.
How we ranked
Each beach was evaluated on:
- Water clarity (visibility in metres)
- Sand vs pebble
- Accessibility (drive vs hike)
- Crowds in August (1–10)
- Facilities (umbrella rental, food, parking)
- Atmosphere (party / family / quiet)
Browse the full beaches catalogue for 60+ more.
1. Ksamil islands beach
Where: Ksamil town, 20 km south of Saranda
Vibe: Caribbean-meets-Mediterranean
Water: turquoise, 8m visibility
Why it's #1: three offshore islands you can swim or boat to, water clear enough to count fish, sand fine and white. The most photographed beach in Albania for good reason.
Downsides: extremely crowded July–August. Book Ksamil hotels 2 months ahead.
2. Gjipe beach
Where: between Dhërmi and Himarë
Vibe: hidden hippie cove
Water: deep blue, 10m visibility
Why it's #2: a 30-minute walk down a goat track to a cove enclosed by 100m cliffs and a canyon. Beach taverna, a few umbrellas, no hotels, no crowds.
Downsides: difficult access (4WD or hike). No services beyond the one taverna.
3. Drymades beach
Where: just north of Dhërmi
Vibe: relaxed boho
Water: clear, sand-pebble mix
Why it's #3: less developed than Dhërmi's main beach, beach bars with hammocks, sunset is iconic. Boutique guesthouses uphill.
4. Pasqyra beach (Mirror beach)
Where: Ksamil
Vibe: dreamy, photographed
Water: shallow, glassy
Why it's #4: smaller and quieter than Ksamil's main beach. Walking distance from town. The sand is soft.
5. Llamani beach
Where: Himarë (5 min south)
Vibe: small, family
Water: clear, gentle waves
Why it's #5: a small cove tucked between Himarë and Porto Palermo. Clear water, basic taverna, locals' favourite for kids.
6. Akuariumi cove
Where: between Himarë and Spille
Vibe: secret swim spot
Water: 12m visibility, full of fish
Why it's #6: only reachable by boat (book a Himarë boat tour, €30/person). The water is clearer than anywhere on the Riviera. Snorkellers' paradise.
7. Dhermi main beach
Where: centre of Dhërmi village
Vibe: party + day clubs
Water: clear, but motor boats churn it up
Why it's #7: party scene with Havana, Folie and other beach clubs. DJs in summer. Loud — perfect if you want it, awful if you don't.
8. Borsh beach
Where: between Saranda and Himarë
Vibe: long, empty
Water: clear, big waves possible
Why it's #8: 8 km of beach, the longest in Albania. Mostly undeveloped — find your own patch. Few facilities.
9. Spille beach (Himarë)
Where: Himarë town centre
Vibe: town beach
Water: clear pebble + sand
Why it's #9: walkable from Himarë's main strip, restaurants right behind, family-friendly. Less photogenic than #1–6 but very easy.
10. Plazhi i Bunecit (Bunec beach)
Where: 5 km south of Saranda, near Lëkurës
Vibe: locals'
Water: clear, deep quickly
Why it's #10: less famous than Ksamil but only 10 minutes drive. Quieter, has a couple of tavernas, locals come here when Ksamil is too crowded.
11. Plazhi i Karavostasit (Velipojë / Shengjin)
Where: northern Albania near Shkodër
Vibe: family / Albanian-domestic
Water: less clear (shallow Adriatic)
Why it's #11: long sandy beach, popular with Albanian families. Cheaper than the Riviera. Less photogenic but well-equipped.
12. Ksamil — Bora Bora
Where: north end of Ksamil
Vibe: trendy, instagrammable
Water: turquoise, shallow
Why it's #12: smaller than the main Ksamil islands beach, beach club with sun loungers (€10–15/day). Pretty colours, good food.
Honourable mentions
- Plazhi i Pulëbardhës — Saranda's small in-town beach
- Porto Palermo cove — castle + clear water
- Plazhi i Krorëzës — hidden behind Llogara Pass
- Sazan island — military island near Vlorë, day-tour only
When to go
- Best: late May / early June (warm sea, no crowds), or mid-September (warmest sea, prices drop)
- Avoid: August unless booked far ahead — Ksamil is unbearable
Practical tips
- Bring water shoes — many Riviera beaches are pebble
- Sunscreen is expensive in beach towns — bring from home
- Umbrella + 2 sunbeds rents for €10–15/day at organised beaches
- Free public sections exist on every "private" beach by Albanian law
- Cash for tavernas — many don't take cards
- Boat tours: book the day before, not at the dock at 9am
Where to stay
- Most beaches: Saranda, Ksamil, Himarë, Dhërmi, Vlorë
- Closest to Ksamil islands: Ksamil itself
- Closest to Gjipe: Dhërmi
- Easiest base if you don't want to drive: Saranda
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