Writer: Peter Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Albania's beaches! Today we present lots of beautiful beaches in Albania, including our own favorite Bunec Beach. The coast of Albania is incredibly beautiful with crystal clear water and nice little islands. There are tourist resorts with hustle and bustle, and there are also beautiful beaches in Albania where you can almost be completely alone.
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Albania's beaches - How to decide which are the best?
How you experience a beach is of course personal, and depends on a thousand different factors. What was the weather like when you were there? What time of year were you there? Who were you there with? We can only start from ourselves and write personally about the beaches we have visited.
Quick Guide: Albania's Beaches
Top 5 beaches in Albania – our best tips
Here are five of Albania's most beautiful beaches - perfect for those looking to explore the country's coastline, whether you're looking for bustling seaside resorts or more secluded paradises.
- Bunec Beach – our personal favorite, with crystal clear water, a calm atmosphere and an almost untouched feel.
- Ksamil Beach – Albania's most famous beach, with turquoise waters, small islands and a wide range of restaurants and activities.
- Livadhi Beach – a relaxed beach near Himarë, surrounded by taverns and a small-scale holiday feel.
- Dhërmi Beach – a popular beach with clear water, beautiful views and a wider selection of restaurants and beach bars.
- Borsh Beach – one of Albania's longest beaches, perfect for those who want plenty of space and a quieter atmosphere.
Albania's beaches - our favourites and more popular beach strips
By the time we arrived on the beaches of Albania in our campervan, we had been travelling along the coast of Europe for eight months. We'd seen hundreds of beaches, and perhaps started looking for the ones that stood out. Firstly, we offer five personal tips on beautiful beaches in Albania that we have visited. Then, the list continues with more popular Albanian beaches.
1st Radhima Beach
Radhima Beach in the region of Vlora is a real tourist destination with parasols and hotels. Here you will find restaurants with Italian food and you have a great view of the sea and the mountains on the other side.
The houses are low-built, which gives a cosy impression and removes the feeling of too much tourism. The ferry between Bari in Italy and Vlore here in Albania, means that Italians who want to get more out of their money on holiday, dominate the scene. Radhima Beach on the Albanian coast.
2nd Livadhi Beach
Livadhi Beach is located in Himara, in the region of Vlora. We crossed the high mountain pass of Llogora and meandered down to Livadhi Beach, which is more influenced by Greek than Italian. Here it is more chill and a quieter beach with nice tavernas along the promenade.
Life here at Livadhi beach is calm and so far tourism is relatively small-scale. We hope they can maintain this feeling in the future as Albania grows. There are also several other beautiful beaches nearby.
3. Bunec Beach is our favourite beach in Albania.
Bunec Beach is located in Piqeras in southern Albania, about 17 kilometers north of Saranda and is the ”magic beach” for us. Almost completely untouched with a two kilometer long gravel road down to the beach, where most locals seem to find themselves. When we got down to Bunec Beach we just said ”wow”!
The beach is very long and there are some small beach bars playing some music, a secluded hotel and the green-clad mountain range in the background. No hordes of people, no beach balls and no pedal boats - welcome to Bunec Beach Riviera!
Here the water is truly crystal clear and in two places pure cold mountain water flows straight into Bunec Beach. All these factors make the beach with the sea outside magical, and there can't be many places like this left in Europe. We swam in the 30-degree water and suddenly we were met by a cold water stream in the summer heat from the cold mountain water.
4th Saranda Beach
Saranda Beach located in the tourist centre Saranda. Here we have the beach and the crowd for those who want everything at once, with many foreign tourists. It is perfectly fine as a beach and extends around the seafront with restaurants along the coast. There is cheap shopping and lots of tourists from the North with nightclubs and discos. Saranda is also a good starting point for excursions and various interesting sights.
Saranda has influences from both Greece and Italy, with the Romans dominating and building amphitheatres here. Boat services from Italy run like trains in the summer and Greece is their neighbour. There are plenty of hotels and apartments to rent, and if you're flying in from the North, you might land in Corfu and take the 20-minute boat crossing to Albania. Welcome to Saranda!
5. Ksamil Beach
Ksamil Beach located just south of Saranda, is one of the most popular of all the beaches in Albania. Ksamil is a tourist paradise with small islands outside, and you can see Corfu right next to it. It has everything for the charter traveller with sun umbrellas, pedal boats, vendors, jet skis and everything you can imagine. The beach in the bay is shallow, and the white beach with turquoise water. It is not white sand but more fine-grained gravel.
In addition to Ksamil The green-clad mountains stretch up, making a beautiful contrast to the white beach and crystal clear sea. There are lovely restaurants here that we tried, and if you walk the promenade you will reach nightclubs and bars. If you are not afraid of crowds, Ksamil is very nice and charming.
6. Dhermi Beach
Dhërmi Beach is one of Albania's most popular beaches, beautifully framed between high mountains and the turquoise Ionian Sea. There is a lovely mix of beach bars, restaurants and hotels here, while nature still plays the main role. During the summer the beach is lively, but there is plenty of space to enjoy both sun and swimming.
7. Borsh Beach – Albania's longest beach
Borsh Beach stretches for about seven kilometers and is one of the longest beaches in Albania. There is plenty of space here even during the high season, making the beach a good option for those looking for a quieter swimming experience. Along the beach there are restaurants, cafes and small hotels.
8. Drymades
Drymades Beach is located south of Dhërmi and is known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful surroundings. The beach attracts both families with children and couples, and has a relaxed atmosphere with beach bars and restaurants. Many also appreciate the small coves and cliffs that surround the beach.
9. Durrës beach
Durrës Beach is Albania's most popular sandy beach, stretching for several kilometers along the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its wide sandy beach and shallow waters, it is particularly popular with families with children. There is a wide range of hotels, restaurants and activities here.
10. Vlora beach
Marking the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Vlora is a popular seaside resort with several different beaches. Here you can combine beach life with restaurants, shopping and a pleasant promenade. The city also serves as a good starting point for exploring the Albanian Riviera.
11. dhrale beach
Dhrale Beach is located along the spectacular Albanian Riviera, below Llogara National Park. The clear waters and dramatic scenery make the beach a popular destination for those who want to enjoy both swimming and beautiful views.
12. Jali Beach
Jale Beach is located between Dhërmi and Livadhi and is one of Albania's most popular beaches. The turquoise waters, the bright beach and the surrounding mountains create a stunning setting. During the summer, the beach is popular with both locals and international visitors.
13. Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach is one of Albania's most spectacular beaches, nestled deep in a dramatic gorge between towering cliffs. The beach is reached by a short hike or by boat, adding to its secluded feel. For many, Gjipe is one of the country's most beautiful beaches.
14. Shengjin beach
Shëngjin Beach is located on the Adriatic Sea, northwest of Tirana, and is one of northern Albania's most popular seaside resorts. The long, sandy beach is ideal for families with children and offers plenty of hotels, restaurants and activities during the summer.
More on Albania
If you want to know more about Albania, we have lots of tips after a month-long road trip. Here you will find more suggestions and reports:
- Saranda
- Ksamil
- Lake Shkodra Resort
- The archaeological site of Butrint
- Albanian food – 20 dishes to try
FAQ – frequently asked questions about beaches in Albania
What are the best beaches in Albania?
It depends on what you are looking for. Ksamil is the most famous beach with turquoise water and a wide range of restaurants. Bunec Beach is suitable for those who want peace and untouched nature, while Borsh Beach attracts with its long beach and plenty of space.
Are the beaches in Albania sandy or rocky?
There are both sandy, gravel and pebble beaches. Ksamil is known for its light sandy beaches, while many other beaches along the Albanian Riviera consist of pebbles or gravel. Swimming shoes may be useful to bring on some beaches.
Which beach is best for families with children?
Ksamil is one of the best choices for families with children, thanks to its shallow, calm and clear waters. Borsh Beach is also a good choice, as the beach is long and offers plenty of space.
Which beach is the calmest?
If you want to get away from the main tourist crowds, Bunec Beach is a great choice. Lukova Beach and several smaller beaches along the Albanian Riviera also offer a quiet and relaxed environment.
When is the best time to visit Albania's beaches?
May, June and September offer warm weather, pleasant swimming temperatures and significantly fewer visitors than during the high season in July and August.
Is it expensive to vacation on the beaches of Albania?
No, Albania is still one of the more affordable destinations on the Mediterranean. Food, accommodation and sun loungers often cost significantly less than in many other European seaside resorts.
Do you need to rent a car?
A rental car is a good option if you want to discover several different beaches along the coast. It is also possible to travel by bus between the larger resorts, but a car gives you more freedom to find smaller and more secluded coves.
Which beaches should not be missed?
Ksamil, Bunec Beach, Livadhi Beach, Dhërmi Beach and Borsh Beach are among the most popular beaches. Many also take the opportunity to visit Gjipe Beach, which is beautifully located between high cliffs.
Can you combine a beach holiday with sightseeing?
Yes, that's one of Albania's great advantages. Many of the seaside resorts are close to attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, the spectacular Blue Eye spring, and the historic city of Gjirokastër.
Are Albania's beaches good for campervan travellers?
Yes, many beaches can be visited by motorhome and along the coast there are campsites and simpler parking lots. Standard and service vary, but for those who appreciate the freedom of traveling along the coast, Albania is an exciting destination.
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Krisztina says:
Ohhh how inviting it looks, would have liked to be there and take a dip. So fun to read your blog. It is so wonderful to travel! Have a good time and enjoy!
20 August 2015 - 11:33
BP says:
Really, really nice! To look 30 metres into the water and see everything on the bottom must be amazing!
I'm not a fan of sand (especially when it's windy) so rocks are fine with me too;-)
20 August 2015 - 11:53
Henny says:
Albania delivers, in modern terms. So much fun to read about this rather unknown country thanks to you. Moreover, not a charter travel story but more on a grassroots level (or rubber wheel level).
20 August 2015 - 13:44
Steve says:
Wow, so much Albania you offer. And so much Albania has to offer. It was different in Enver Hoxha's time. Then there was nothing to offer. Could it possibly be that the previous isolation "pays off" in the end?
With everything you are telling us here, Albania should have a golden future in tourism and hopefully they will have learnt from the tourism exploitation and mistakes of previous countries.
20 August 2015 - 14:07
admin says:
Krisztina, glad to hear that you appreciate our blog!
BP, we have also started to realise that stone can be nicer than sand, at least sometimes.
Henny, yes we are just pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it is and how friendly people are. It's a bit messy and disorganised at times, but it's not a big problem. Glad you're joining us!
Steve, Albania has a lot to offer and tourism is developing rapidly. Then I don't know how easy it is to avoid mistakes. The growth does not feel so planned but everyone who can expand is expanding...
20 August 2015 - 14:28
Marina says:
As I said, Albania is attracting more and more...
20 August 2015 - 17:21
znogge says:
What a wonderful beach and so nice that it is not crowded!
20 August 2015 - 19:17
Matts Torebring says:
I would fit in really well there.
20 August 2015 - 20:52
Anja says:
"I heard the news today" oh girl, the .... "has just won "the war" :((((.....
20 August 2015 - 21:24
Anja says:
Otherwise - so magically beautiful colours in the picture from Bunic beach, or plazh in Albanian.
20 August 2015 - 21:28
Ditte says:
My interest grows with each post, even though I now don't spend time on beaches and sunbathing during the day. But snorkelling and swimming I can do.
Delicious with its clear waters, inviting both snorkelling and diving.
Great pictures!
Looking forward to the next post.
20 August 2015 - 22:10
admin says:
Marina, there is a lot of beauty in Albania!
Znogge, yes we are tired of crowded beaches... this is much better!
Matts, at least here you don't have to crowd!
Anja, .....? Please explain! Yes, it is very nice here!
Ditte, there is of course more than sun and sea here. We are, as you can see, very positive so far!
20 August 2015 - 23:26
Ama de casa says:
Delicious! 🙂
21 August 2015 - 10:31
Fantasiresor says:
Wow! I get soooo excited about Albania!
23 August 2015 - 19:05
Conny anthav says:
Hi there, we have been in Croatia since 2006 and are looking for something new, Albania is relevant to us, my question is what is the weather like in June and half of July?
22 September 2024 - 12:31