Ionian Coast beaches
The Ionian coast runs south from the Llogara Pass to Ksamil — the famous Albanian Riviera. Expect clear, deep turquoise water, pebble and white-stone beaches, and dramatic mountains dropping straight to the sea.
Quick tips
- Water is clearest and deepest here; bring water shoes for pebble beaches.
- July–August is busy; June and September are calmer with warm sea.
- Several coves (Gjipe, Krorez) need a walk or boat to reach.
Beaches in Ionian Coast
A remote crescent of pale pebbles wedged between two towering canyon walls where the Gjipe river meets the Ionian — reached by a 25-minute walk down a dirt track or by boat from Jale.
A long shingle bay just south of Himarë ringed by olive groves and family-run guesthouses — the calmest, most local-feeling Riviera beach.
The longest beach on the Albanian Riviera, backed by the largest olive grove in the country — sleepy, cheap and gloriously undeveloped.
A pine-shaded white pebble beach north of Dhërmi popular with backpackers for its bars and beach camping.
Turquoise water and a small pebble cove between two headlands — the launchpad for boats to Gjipe.
A pocket-sized cove of clear water and smooth pebbles near Sarandë — 'the mirror' for its glassy calm.
A private-feeling arc of clear water between two headlands south of Porto Palermo, reached by a rough track.
One of southern Albania's most remote white-pebble beaches, only reachable by 4x4 or boat.
A quiet gravel beach split by a small river estuary — a favourite family stop between Borsh and Lukova.
'Seagull Beach' — a short, cliff-backed white-pebble cove north of Sarandë with crystal water.
A small cliff-hemmed pebble beach near Sarandë, known for its beach club and sunset views.
Vlorë's new sandy promenade beach, family-friendly with palm-lined walks and beach bars.
A calm pebbly bay on the road south from Vlorë, popular with families and small resorts.
A quiet family beach where the mountains of Karaburun meet the Ionian, close to a nature reserve.