Impossibly blue skies, a wild and dramatic coast, and warm Mediterranean waters—welcome to Albania. Its southwestern shore is home to paradisiacal beaches where the sun shines, umbrella-shaded loungers await, and the Ionian and Adriatic seas lap the coast. Long a secret compared with neighbors like Croatia and Greece, Albania’s beaches now draw more attention for their beauty, variety, and relative lack of crowds. Below are the country’s standout beaches and nearby places to stay.
Plazhi i Ri and Uji i Ftohtë (Vlorë)
Vlorë sits at the northern end of the Albanian Riviera where the Ionian and Adriatic meet. Miles of sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs offer both lively beach bar scenes at Plazhi i Ri and quieter stretches at Uji i Ftohtë. Vlorë is an ideal starting point for exploring nearby beaches and coastal towns.
Where to stay near Plazhi i Ri and Uji i Ftohtë: Maritim Marina Bay Resort & Casino; Hotel Aiko.
Lukovë
Halfway between Dhërmi and Sarandë, Lukovë is a quiet village with a pebbly beach and crystal-clear waters framed by white sand and a few bars and restaurants. It’s a restorative place for disconnecting; water shoes can help navigate the pebbly shoreline.
Where to stay near Lukovë: Bunec Beach Resort.
Bunec (Buneci)
Often overshadowed by nearby Sarandë, Bunec offers an almost deserted white-pebble beach with minimal tourist infrastructure—just a couple of cafés and a hotel. It’s an excellent option for travelers seeking peace and the sound of the waves.
Where to stay near Bunec: Ciao Borshi Boutique Hotel; Hotel Panorama Piqera.
Jale
About 25 miles south of Sarandë, Jale Beach provides access to Aquarium Bay and Pirates’ Cave and offers snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in idyllic waters. Its sunsets are particularly memorable.
Where to stay near Jale: Miamar Luxury Hotel & Spa.
Ksamil Islands
Arguably among Albania’s very best beaches, the Ksamil archipelago—about 12 miles from Sarandë—features three tree-covered islets in impossibly turquoise water. White-sand beaches (a rarity in much of Albania) and views of nearby isles make Ksamil unforgettable.
Where to stay near Ksamil Islands: Hotel Colosseum; Euro Hotel.
Gjipe
At the southern end of the Riviera, near Dukat, Gjipe is an (almost) secret beach accessed only by boat or a roughly half-hour walk through a canyon. Its towering cliffs, pristine sand and uncrowded atmosphere reward the effort to reach it.
Where to stay near Gjipe: (options in nearby coastal towns; simple guesthouses and local hotels).
Cape of Rodon (Rodoni)
On the Adriatic coast near Durrës, the Cape of Rodon offers rugged views, a scenic nature trail, and access to the Rodoni Castle (built by Skanderbeg in the 1450s). The area’s caves and coves invite exploration; reach it by car, bus, or boat from Durrës.
Where to stay near Cape of Rodon: hotels in Durrës and surrounding coastal towns.
Grama Bay
Hidden between steep cliffs and lush vegetation, Grama Bay is small, with fine white sand and stunning turquoise water. Its remote location makes sea access the easiest option and offers Roman and Greek rock inscriptions nearby.
Where to stay near Grama Bay: Yacht Hotel; Amare Hotel.
Llaman (Himarë)
Himarë blends a tourist-friendly resort atmosphere with traditional village life. Llaman, a pebbly cove nestled between hills, is popular with locals—an ideal spot to lay down a towel and admire the Mediterranean.
Where to stay near Llaman, in Himarë: Rapo’s Resort Hotel; Artis Blue Relax.
Drymades
Drymades is known for fine sand, white pebbles, centuries-old olive trees, colorful sun loungers, and trendy beach bars. It hosts a range of accommodations from modest bungalows to upscale hotels and is often cited as one of Albania’s coolest beaches.
Where to stay near Drymades: Zoe Hora; Gogo’s Boutique Hotel.
Dhërmi
Once a well-kept secret, Dhërmi is now one of Albania’s most famous beaches—large and often uncrowded even in August. It’s a gateway for exploring coves and caves, including Drymades, and offers a blend of beach life and nearby adventures.
Where to stay near Dhërmi: La Brisa Boutique Hotel; Palladium Beach Hotel.
Sarandë
The major tourism hub on the Albanian Riviera, Sarandë resembles Mediterranean resort towns elsewhere, with a construction boom and many hotels on the hillsides. It’s a lively base for day trips to Ksamil and nearby islands.
Where to stay near Sarandë: Hotel Vale; Santa Quaranta Premium Resort.
Borsh
Borsh’s main attraction is more than four miles of largely undisturbed beach set among olive trees and gentle hills. The coastal road to Borsh is dramatic, with cliffs and coves; the beach remains surprisingly quiet and traditional.
Where to stay near Borsh: Sole Luna Hotel; Luna Mare Boutique Seaside.
Qeparo
One of the most under-the-radar beaches, Qeparo is a photogenic village with cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s often free of international tourists and offers authentic local life alongside striking coastal views.
Where to stay near Qeparo: Miamar Luxury Hotel & Spa; Palermiti Luxury Rooms.
Durrës
Do not be put off by Durrës’s size. Albania’s second-largest city has notable Roman sites—an amphitheater, baths, and aqueduct—and a long sandy beach of roughly six miles where you can always find a sun lounger.
Where to stay near Durrës: Hotel Dyrrah; Hotel Epidamn.
Gjilekë
Near Dukat on the southern coast, Gjilekë is a little-known beach preserved by its difficulty of access. Reachable only by boat or a long walk through a canyon, it sits below high cliffs with crystal-clear water and a truly secluded feel.
Where to stay near Gjilekë: Villa Green Garden; San Angelo Luxury Resort & Spa.
Practical notes
– Many Albanian beaches are pebbly rather than sandy—water shoes are useful. – Some of the most pristine coves are accessible only by boat or on foot; plan accordingly. – Accommodation ranges from no-frills family-run pensions to polished resorts, so you can tailor stays to budget and style. Albania’s coast offers something for everyone—from lively beach bars and resorts to secret coves and centuries-old olive groves—making it a compelling seaside destination.