If you consider one of the best seashores in Europe, nations corresponding to Greece, Italy, and Croatia most likely pop to thoughts. But, a typical theme amongst these locations is that they are often overcrowded and over-priced.
Nonetheless, what if I informed you that there was a county with seashores that might rival all of those locations whereas being very inexpensive and rather a lot much less touristy?
Welcome to Albania!
The Albanian shoreline stretches for 450km and covers the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, making it one of many greatest causes to go to the nation. This Mediterranean gem is nestled between Greece and Montenegro and is residence to some easy excellent seashores. After spending a number of weeks exploring the Albanian Riviera, we’ve rounded up the 15 greatest seashores in Albania that you just HAVE to go to.
15 Greatest Seashores In Albania
1) Bora Bora Seashore, Ksamil
As chances are you’ll guess by the identify, Bora Bora Seashore, or Plazhi Bora Bora, is a real paradise and is definitely the most effective seashores in Albania. With white sand and crystal clear blue water, this gem of a seaside is positioned within the coronary heart of the Ksamil coast.
Should you’re after the proper Albanian seaside vacation spot, with luxurious inns that don’t break the financial institution, loads of facilities, eating places and bars, and probably the most beautiful seashores, Ksamil is for you!
Referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Ionian’, Ksamil is the proper location to soak within the pleasant Mediterranean solar. In addition to a calming place to sunbathe with a superb guide, Bora Bora Seashore can be a terrific place for snorkeling, with colleges of fish to be seen even within the shallows. You may as well lease a ship or paddleboard and discover the three lovely small islands simply off the shore of Ksamil. Bora Bora Seashore is the proper place to spend the day for the entire household.
2) Plazhi i Pasqyra, Ksamil
“Plazhi i Pasqyra” or Mirror Seashore is heralded as certainly one of Albania’s greatest seashores, famend for its breathtaking magnificence and distinctive options. Nestled alongside the scenic Albanian Riviera, simply north of Ksamil, Mirror Seashore lives as much as its identify with pristine turquoise waters that mirror the encompassing panorama like a mirror.
The seaside is characterised by its wonderful white pebbles, making a picturesque setting towards the backdrop of lush inexperienced hills.
The tranquility of Mirror Seashore is additional enhanced by the absence of in depth growth, permitting nature to take middle stage. The dearth of bustling vacationer infrastructure provides to the attraction, attracting those that search a peaceable escape amidst the fantastic thing about the Albanian shoreline.
3) Dhermi
Dhermi is a picturesque seaside city positioned a brief distance north of Himara. The city itself is a lovely coastal gem, with highlights together with the Mosque of St. Mary and the cobblestone streets of the Outdated City. Nonetheless, the principle attraction of Dhermi is the beautiful seaside that lies only a brief stroll from the Outdated City.
Dhermi Seashore is likely one of the greatest seashores in Albania as a consequence of its beautiful crystal blue sea and a number of eating places and café that line the seaside. While it has a laidback vibe within the daytime, the seaside comes alive within the evenings, with cocktail bars and a vibrant environment that’s exhausting to not be drawn to. Dhermi has one of the best combine that may make it enchantment to each sort of traveler.
4) Borsh Seashore
Arguably probably the most lovely seaside in Albania, and certainly one of our favorites, is Borsh Seashore. Stretching for 7km, this distant sandy seaside lies between Himara and Saranda and is a favourite amongst locals. With a small number of scrumptious eating places which can be scattered alongside the beachfront, Borsh Seashore is a good place to chill out and break up the drive to Himara.
As one of many final remaining seashores in Albania that isn’t overrun with seaside umbrellas, that is the proper place to chill out and unfold out your belongings whereas nonetheless having the peace of thoughts that your stuff is secure.
Borsh is ideal if you would like a lovely place to chill out within the solar, while getting a real native expertise.
5) Gjipe Seashore
As one of the crucial distant seashores in Albania, Gjipe Seashore is definitely worth the effort that it’s a must to put in to get there. Solely accessible by both a 2-kilometer stroll or by 4×4, we’d suggest getting there as early as potential as it might probably get fairly crowded because the day goes on.
There’s a small number of eating places and wagons the place you may get some meals and drinks, however the choices are fairly restricted, so be sure you convey some meals and water for the hike up and down.
When you attain the small seaside, there are many issues to do. You’ll be able to rent a kayak or paddle board to discover the water, hike up Gjipe Canyon, or just chill out within the heat solar and absorb the fantastic thing about the Albanian Riviera. Because of its distant location, Gjipe Seashore will be thought-about the most effective seashores in Albania.
6) Aquarium Seashore
Solely accessible by strolling from both Livadhi Seashore or Jale Seashore, this hidden cove is a good place to unwind and benefit from the Albanian climate. In contrast to most seashores within the nation, this hidden paradise isn’t affected by sun-loungers and eating places. Make certain to convey all of the meals and water chances are you’ll want for the day, as there are not any services on the seaside to purchase any.
Simply north of the city of Himara, this seaside is a perfect place for somebody who needs to flee the crowds of the cities and bigger seashores. There are additionally some cool rock formations that you could climb and soar off into the inviting crystal blue water.
We’ve actually by no means seen water this crystal clear, turquoise, and glowing. It’s extremely lovely.
We might suggest attending to the seaside as early as potential, as by noon the seaside can develop into fairly busy, significantly for its small dimension.
7) Livadhi Seashore, Himara
One other seaside positioned only a brief distance from the coastal city of Himara is Livadhi Seashore. This seaside additionally spreads over just a few kilometers of shoreline, which means that there are some areas the place you possibly can get pleasure from some peace, permitting you to arrange your seaside city and chill out on the sand, reasonably than paying for a sun-lounger.
From this seaside you might be additionally capable of go on just a few hikes to discover the encompassing space, for instance, you possibly can attain the close by seashores of Aquarium Seashore and Jale Seashore. One other hike takes you inland to the three,500-year-old Himara Fortress, the place you possibly can study a bit in regards to the space’s historical past, while taking in beautiful views of Livadhi Seashore.
Livadhi Seashore additionally gives a spread of eating places and bars, in addition to just a few lodging choices together with inns, visitor homes, and tenting.
8) Porto Palermo Seashore
One other the most effective seashores in Albania is Porto Palermo Seashore mendacity simply 6-kilometers south of Himara. This small seaside joins the Albanian mainland to Porto Palermo Fortress. This secluded spot is a good place to chill out and revel in watching the fishermen sail out to sea.
This small bay is unspoiled with restricted services. Nonetheless, there’s a close by restaurant and café the place you possibly can chill out and get nice views of Porto Palermo Fortress with a chilly refreshing drink.
The fortress which sits upon the rocks overlooking the ocean was constructed by Ali Pasha through the nineteenth century. For a small price, you possibly can discover the fortress and study extra about its fascinating historical past.
9) Shpella e Pëllumbave, Ksamil
One among our favourite seashores in Albania is Shpella e Pëllumbave. Positioned a brief drive north of Ksamil city middle, this hidden paradise is just not on most vacationers’ radar. Accessible by strolling down a hillside and a few steep steps, this lovely seaside must be added to your Albanian itinerary.
As one of many solely non-private seashores in Ksamil, there isn’t any must lease a sun-lounger. Nonetheless, there may be nonetheless a small café the place you should buy some meals and drinks.
For sundown, we’d suggest climbing the steps to the viewing platform over the seaside, because the view from right here is unbelievable. Shpella e Pëllumbave is one of the best place to observe the sundown over the ocean. We’ve by no means seen a sundown as lovely as we did right here.
10) Plazhi Ksamil
Ksamil is likely one of the greatest cities alongside the Albanian Riviera, simply south of town of Saranda. Scattered with a number of picturesque seashores, it is a excellent spot to spend just a few days absorbing the Mediterranean solar.
With pure white sand seashores and calming turquoise water, there are numerous methods to get pleasure from your day, from swimming, kayaking, and taking a ship experience to the three close by islands.
Every seaside in Ksamil has its distinctive attraction, however our private favourite needs to be seaside quantity 9. This seaside is positioned just a little additional south than among the different seashores, making it just a little extra distant and rather less touristy.
Whether or not you need to spend a day or every week there, you’ll by no means get bored when you’re visiting Ksamil. There are numerous bars and eating places the place you possibly can get pleasure from some scrumptious Albanian delicacies and watch a lovely sundown over the water.
Ksamil needs to be residence to among the greatest seashores in Albania.
11) Palasa Seashore, Vlorë
Positioned within the city of Vlorë, simply north of Dhermi, sits Palasa Seashore. Stretching alongside the ocean subsequent to the winding Llogara Cross, this is likely one of the most lovely seashores in Albania.
We’d extremely suggest driving the Llogara move, which is arguably probably the most lovely street in the entire of Albania, with winding roads and unbelievable views overlooking the beautiful Palasa Seashore.
With just a few eating places, cafes, and even a nightclub, it is a excellent spot to get pleasure from a day or two. This lovely Albanian seaside is comparatively quiet, however in no way any much less beautiful than every other of the seashores on this listing.
There are some small swimming pools alongside the seaside, that are shallow and calm, making it excellent for kids to discover.
12) Golem Seashore
Regardless of its identify, Golem Seashore is likely one of the most lovely seashores in Albania. Positioned simply 27 kilometers from the capital of Tirana, Golem Seashore is a big and fashionable seaside for locals and vacationers alike, significantly in the summertime months.
With clear water and golden sands, it is a nice start line for any journey exploring the Albanian Riviera. The water is shallow, permitting children to have the ability to dip their toes within the inviting Ionian Sea. You can be spoilt for selections in the case of bars, eating places, and inns, with superb choices for everybody.
Golem Seashore makes the proper day journey from Tirana for these eager to swap the hectic metropolis with a day of tranquility by the ocean.
13) Drymades Seashore
Calm turquoise water and an extended stretch of sand. That’s what meets you whenever you arrive at Drymades Seashore. That is arguably the most effective seashores in Albania as a consequence of its laidback environment and beautiful pure surroundings that surrounds the seaside.
With an extended stretch of golden sand, complemented completely by crystal-clear turquoise waters, Drymades Seashore is surrounded by lush inexperienced hills, making a picturesque backdrop that enhances its magnificence.
What units Drymades aside is its comparatively untouched character in comparison with some extra commercialized seashores. The absence of extreme growth contributes to a extra genuine and peaceable expertise. The clear waters are excellent for snorkeling and swimming, while the scenic shoreline is good for strolls.
This seaside can be the most effective locations to observe the sundown alongside the entire of the Albanian Riviera, because the contrasting orange and blue create an impressive view that you just must witness for your self. There are many actions to maintain you busy whenever you go to. Whether or not you’re touring with a household or with a companion, this seaside has all of it.
14) Lukova Seashore
Lukova Seashore earns its popularity as the most effective seashores in Albania by way of its distinctive mixture of pure magnificence and a tranquil environment. Tucked away alongside the Albanian Riviera, simply north of Saranda, Lukova Seashore is the proper mixture of peace and tranquility.
Many vacationers don’t even notice this seaside exists! With sapphire blue water to swim in, and loads of area alongside the seaside to chill out, this needs to be one of the crucial tranquil seashores in Albania.
Lukova is located towards a backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves, with a scarcity of business growth that retains the seaside pristine. This is likely one of the greatest locations for a calming escape alongside the Albanian Riviera.
15) Potam Seashore
Final however definitely not least is Potam Seashore, positioned close to Himara and Dhermi on the northern finish of the Albanian Riviera. With a surprising mountain backdrop and distinctive crimson pebbles that line the engaging Ionian Sea, this isn’t a seaside to be missed.
With a wide variety of seaside bars and eating places to select from, you’ll by no means become bored with exploring while making an attempt the scrumptious Albanian delicacies. There are many actions to do when visiting Potam Seashore, from kayaking to mountaineering, protecting you entertained for days
Albania Seashores FAQs:
Are there sandy seashores in Albania?
Sure, while many seashores in Albania include easy pebbles you might be nonetheless capable of finding lovely sand seashores scattered alongside the shoreline. Our favorites embody Livadhi Seashore and Dhermi Seashore.
What’s the greatest time to go to the Albanian Riviera?
There is no such thing as a dangerous time to benefit from the lovely seashores of the Albanian Riviera! We’d suggest visiting through the heat summer time months of June, July, and August to get one of the best climate. Nonetheless, you’ll have to share the seaside with many different vacationers which could not be for everybody.
In order for you a extra peaceable expertise then we’d suggest visiting through the shoulder season of April to early June, or September and October when the climate continues to be rather a lot hotter than elsewhere in Europe, and also you gained’t must battle your approach by way of the crowds to get a spot on the seaside.
What’s the easiest way to get round Albania?
The roads that run alongside the Albanian coast are actually beautiful. To totally recognize the attractive nation, we’d suggest driving in Albania.
There are public transport choices, that may will let you discover the principle coastal cities, however if you wish to discover the extra secluded spots, then driving is the best way to go.
Does Albania have good seashores?
This can be a very simple query to reply. YES. The Albanian coast stretches for tons of of kilometers, with picturesque seashores scattered all through. Individuals typically say that is the ‘Maldives of Europe’ and it’s simple to see why.
Wrap-up:
If you’re after beautiful seashores the place you possibly can chill out all day lengthy, whereas having fun with heat climate, then Albania is the place for you. With loads of seashores to select from, there shall be no dangerous alternative in the case of deciding the place you’ll cease in your journey to Albania.
Preserve studying: Better of the Balkans