10 beautiful beaches in Albania

Velipoja Beach is the northernmost beach in Albania and also one of the longest. It’s located near the city of Shkodra at the mouth of the Bunda River, close to Montenegro.

The sand isn’t snow-white, but it is soft, and the water is calm and clear, ideal for families and those wanting good transport links.

In the summer, the central beach area is lined with loungers and umbrellas. The closer you want to be to the sea, the more you’ll pay.

Durrës Beach, or Plazhi i Durrësit, may not be the most beautiful Albanian beach, but it’s definitely one of the most popular. It's especially beloved by locals on weekends, as it's just 23 miles from Tirana.

This popularity means you’ll rarely have the place to yourself. But if you’re planning to combine a seaside vacation with sightseeing, Durrës is a great choice, with buses connecting the city center to the beach.

If Durrës Beach is too crowded for you, then Plazhi i Spilles might be more your vibe. It’s also less than an hour’s drive from Tirana. And conveniently, there’s a road parallel to the beach with parking spots.

The beach is fairly wide, with soft sand and turquoise, clear water — ideal for children and anyone looking to float and relax. The backdrop of green pine trees adds to the beauty as well.

Not into beach clubs or roasting in the sun? Then Divjakë Beach is for you. This untouched shore lies within Karavasta National Park.

It’s surrounded by pine forests and right next to the Karavasta Lagoon. You might even spot Dalmatian pelicans or, if you're lucky, sea turtles coming to nest.

Plazhi i Drimadhës lies northwest of Dhërmi and faces the heel of Italy’s “boot.” Expect loads of space, crystal-clear water, and the iconic white pebbles found across Albania.

Public transport here isn’t great though. Your best bet is taking a rental car via the scenic Llogara Pass. The view from the pass is worth the drive. Without a car, you’ll face a sweaty uphill walk.

Dhërmi Beach lies about a mile and a half from the town of the same name, and the setting couldn’t be more beautiful: clear water, delicate pebbles, olive groves, and a Mediterranean vibe.

Even away from the beach clubs and restaurants, you’ll easily find a quiet spot to lay down your towel and enjoy some peace.

In the livelier center, you’ll find watersports, and if you want to do more than just relax on the beach, there are hiking routes nearby as well.

Gjipe Beach is so secluded that you either need to rent a boat or hike for 30 minutes to get there. But it’s absolutely worth it. Many consider Gjipe to be the most beautiful beach in Albania. A peaceful picture-perfect cove awaits those willing to make the trip.

The small bay is nestled between dramatic cliffs, with the crystal-clear Ionian Sea stretching out in front of you.

You’ll find tiny white pebbles instead of sand, a few rocks, and lush vegetation. Even on the way down, it's worth taking your camera out. The views from above are breathtaking.

If Ksamil or Saranda’s beaches are too loud and crowded for you, Borsh Beach might be your peaceful escape. It’s one of the longest beaches in Albania.

The beach is mostly covered in small white pebbles (with a few sandy patches) with clear water, and remains largely undeveloped.

Wondering where to find water that's extra clear and turquoise? Head to Mirror Beach. The official name is Plazhi i Pasqyrave, but with water so calm it reflects the sun like a mirror. So it really has earned its nickname!

The beach lies halfway between Ksamil and Saranda. Expect dramatic panoramic views, as the cove is surrounded by steep cliffs and the water is incredibly vibrant.

Looking for clear turquoise water and white sand? You’ll definitely find it here. Ksamil is one of the few true sandy beaches on the Albanian Riviera. For these reasons and more, it's the country's poster child when it comes to Albanian coastline beauty.

Ksamil Beach also has a lively entertainment scene, with plenty of restaurants and beach bars pumping music throughout the day.

And, of course, there are sun bathers galore. So best to avoid August if you prefer things less crowded.