Beaches in Albania
Including Dhërmi Beach, Gjipe Beach, and Ksamil Beach. On the map.
The vibe
The Albanian coast blends rugged cliffs with sun‑baked sand, feeling more untamed than typical Mediterranean resorts. Warm summer months bring the sea to its clearest, while shoulder months still offer pleasant swims without the crowds. Most visitors drift between lively strips and quieter coves, giving a mix of bustling and laid‑back atmosphere.
Dhërmi Beach, Dhërmi
Southern Albania
Krzysztof Dudzik-Górnicki ( User:ToSter ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A long pebble-and-sand shore below the terraced village of Dhërmi on the Albanian Riviera, with deep blue Ionian water and white-stone clarity. Multiple coves along the Drymades stretch offer swimmable inlets beneath steep hillsides. A backbone beach of the riviera between Vlorë and Saranda.
Access. Drive the SH8 coastal road to Dhërmi; paths and steps descend to coves from the village and road. Guesthouses and beach bars along the strip; busy in August.
Notes. Some coves require steep descents; offshore rocks at certain inlets.
Gjipe Beach, Himarë
Southern Albania
Leeturtle / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A wild pebble-and-sand cove at the mouth of Gjipe Canyon on the Albanian Riviera, flanked by towering limestone walls. Crystal-clear Ionian water and an undeveloped shore give a secluded feel rare on this coast. One of Albania's most dramatic swim spots.
Access. Boat from Dhërmi or Jale, or a 30–40 minute hike down from the SH8 coastal road canyon carpark. Small summer bar; no sunbed infrastructure.
Notes. Hike is steep and exposed; no lifeguards; avoid in rough sea conditions.
Ksamil Beach, Ksamil
Southern Albania
METOKARA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
White sand and vivid turquoise Ionian water on the Ksamil peninsula, with three small islets swimming distance offshore. Often called the Caribbean of Albania for its color and calm bays. The country's most photographed swim beach on the Riviera.
Access. Drive or bus from Saranda (~15 minutes); parking and waterfront restaurants. Very busy July–August; sunbeds line the main bays.
Notes. Peak-season crowds; some bays fill with parked cars near the shore.