Albania has 476 kilometres of coastline split between the Adriatic (sandy, family-friendly, less dramatic) and the Ionian (pebble, dramatic, jaw-droppingly clear). It’s the Mediterranean coast that hasn’t yet been fully discovered — and the gap between the most-photographed beaches and the “just-as-good but empty” ones is bigger here than anywhere else in Europe.
We’ve ranked these by a mix of beauty, water clarity, accessibility, and how busy they get in peak August. To do this list properly, you absolutely need a car — many of the best entries are at the end of dirt tracks no taxi will take you on. Sort that with our Tirana Airport rental booking engine first, then read on.
1. Gjipe Beach
The most magical beach in Albania, no contest. A pebble cove at the mouth of a deep canyon, accessed by a 20-minute downhill walk from a clifftop parking lot off the SH8 between Dhërmi and Vuno. There’s a single beach bar, no cars, and the canyon walls glow gold at sunset. Bring water shoes — the pebbles are big.
2. Ksamil Islands
Four small islands a short swim from the main beach in Ksamil, surrounded by glass-clear water. The reason every Albanian tourism photo looks like a postcard. Visit before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in summer to avoid the worst crowds. See our Saranda & Ksamil beach guide for the full breakdown.
3. Drymades Beach (Dhërmi)
North of Dhërmi, Drymades is a long pebble strand backed by a pine forest, with a string of mid-range beach clubs that play music in the evenings without ever feeling overwhelming. Our pick for a relaxed sun-and-cocktail day on the Riviera.
4. Borsh Beach
Seven kilometres of pebble beach backed by ancient olive groves. Quiet, never crowded, and surrounded by some of the cheapest beach restaurants in the country. Lunch options are 80% grilled fish, 20% lamb. Both are excellent.
5. Filikuri Beach
Reachable only by boat from Himarë’s port (about 30 minutes) or a steep 45-minute hike. A small pebble beach with a single shack and the clearest water on the entire Riviera. Worth the effort.
6. Pasqyra (“Mirror Beach”)
Just south of Ksamil, Pasqyra is named for its mirror-flat water. Less famous than its neighbour but equally clear, with a quieter atmosphere and free parking right at the entrance.
7. Llamani Beach
A tiny secret beach 10 minutes north of Himarë, between two limestone cliffs. There’s a single beach bar serving cold beer and toasted sandwiches. The walk down from the parking is a steep 5-minute scramble.
8. Porto Palermo
The pebble beach beside Ali Pasha’s 1804 castle. Park at the entrance, swim in the calm bay, then climb up to the fort for the best Riviera view of your trip.
9. Jal Beach
A long pebble beach south of Vuno with a more local Albanian holiday-maker feel. Excellent seafood at the central restaurants and a free, well-shaded parking area.
10. Pulëbardha Beach
North of Saranda, Pulëbardha (“Seagull”) Beach has shockingly clear water and is reached by a 15-minute drive on a paved road off the SH8. Less developed than Ksamil, much quieter.
11. Krorez Beach
Hidden between Saranda and Ksamil, Krorez is reached by a 15-minute walk down from a hilltop parking lot. Pebble beach, no facilities, often empty. One of the local favourites.
12. Plazhi i Gjeneralit (General’s Beach)
North of Vlorë, this peaceful beach is named for an old communist-era general’s villa. Long pebble strand, clear water, and a few low-key beach restaurants. Great if you want quiet without driving the full Riviera.
13. Lalzit Bay
For a sandy alternative, head to the Adriatic — Lalzit Bay is 30 minutes north of Tirana Airport, with several large resort hotels, free public beaches, and easy parking. Best for families and travellers who don’t want to drive far.
14. Velipojë Beach
Far north near the Montenegro border, Velipojë is a 14-kilometre stretch of fine sand. Wide, shallow water, very local, and perfect if you want to combine the beach with Shkodër’s castle and lake.
15. Bunec Beach
Between Borsh and Saranda, Bunec is a small horseshoe pebble bay with one of the most beautiful turquoise inlets in the country. Limited parking, no big resorts. Bring a picnic.
How to plan your beach hopping
Don’t try to do all 15 in one trip. A realistic 7-day Albania road trip might include Gjipe, Drymades, Filikuri, Porto Palermo, and Ksamil. We outline a perfect plan in our 7-day Albania road trip itinerary, and if you’re focusing only on the coast, the Albanian Riviera road trip guide goes village by village.
Practical beach tips
- Bring water shoes. Most beaches are pebble, and the stones are bigger than you think.
- Beach umbrellas are typically €5–€10 per day — bring your own to save €70 over a week.
- Beach bar prices on the Riviera are mid-range — expect €4 for a coffee, €5–€8 for a cocktail, €15–€25 for a fish lunch.
- Cash: some smaller beach bars don’t take cards. Carry €30–€50 in lek per beach day.
- Parking: the most beautiful coves often have informal cliff-top parking lots that fill up by 11 a.m. in August. Arrive early.
The verdict
Albania has the most underrated beaches in Europe. The water clarity around Ksamil and Gjipe rivals Croatia and Greece, the prices are 30–40% lower, and you can still find a beach with no one on it on a Tuesday in July. Whatever you plan, do it before this place goes mainstream — and bring a car.