Best Beaches in Albania (2025 Guide)
From the turquoise coves of Ksamil to the wild pebble bays of the Riviera, here are the beaches that make Albania one of the Mediterranean's last great secrets.
Why Albania's coastline is having a moment
Albania's 450 km coast spans two seas — the Adriatic in the north and the Ionian along the Riviera — and the contrast is dramatic. Long sandy stretches near Durrës and Vlorë give way to dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal water from Dhërmi south to Ksamil.
The essentials
- Ksamil — Four tiny islands you can swim to, water so clear it looks photoshopped, and beach clubs that fill up by 11am in July and August.
- Dhërmi & Jale — The heart of the Riviera. Pebble beaches, beach bars, and the cleanest water on the coast.
- Borsh — The longest beach on the Riviera, much quieter than its famous neighbours.
- Gjipe — Reached only by a 25-minute hike or boat from Dhërmi. Worth every step.
- Drymades — Smaller, more local, with great seafood tavernas in the pine forest just behind the sand.
When to go
Late June and September are the sweet spot — warm sea, far fewer crowds, and beach clubs still open. July and August get genuinely busy, especially weekends when Tirana empties to the coast.
How to get around
Rent a car. The SH8 coastal road from Vlorë to Sarandë is one of Europe's great drives, and most of the best beaches are reachable only by car or boat.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the sea in Albania clean?
- Yes — the Ionian coast (Dhërmi south to Ksamil) consistently ranks among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear water and pebble or fine-sand beaches.
- When is the best time to visit Albanian beaches?
- Late June and the first half of September. Water is warm, beach clubs are open, but the July–August peak crowds have not arrived or have already left.
- Can you swim to the islands at Ksamil?
- Yes — the closest two are roughly 100–200 m offshore and easy to swim to in calm weather. There are also paddle boards and small boat shuttles.