Best beaches in Albania

Dhermi is one of the most popular beaches in Albania, attracting a fancier crowd thanks to its newer resorts and facilities. It’s a long, pebbly shore with plenty of opportunities to rent shade and loungers (and to park close by). There are several bars and restaurants with fantastic views over the crystal-clear water, and the whole area is overlooked by stunning mountain scenery.

Another popular, although slightly less well-known beach is Porto Palermo beach, located to the south of Porto Palermo itself along the SH8 coastal road. It’s a pebble bay with limited parking, which helps keep the visitor numbers down. The downside for families, perhaps, is that there is no shade or loungers to rent here, so it’s essential to bring your own umbrella on sunny days. The plus side of this, for more adventurous travellers, is the relative peace, the charming lack of facilities and the beautiful swimming waters.

Recently developed Borsch is already a firm favourite for tourists in Albania, promising beautiful waters for swimming just steps from hotels, restaurants and bars. The pebble shore has plentiful opportunities to rent loungers, shade and even cabanas, as well as completely free public stretches. The calm sea, friendly atmosphere and long, spacious shore make it popular with families, and Borsch itself is full of accommodation options in every budget.

Llamani beach is another family favourite on the Albanian Riviera. You’ll find this pebble cove just off the coast road between Himare and Borsch, with parking and plenty of shade and loungers to rent. The swimming conditions are exceptional – the water is shallow, warm and calm – and families might enjoy renting a pedalo or bringing inflatables of their own.

Sarandë is the main town on the Albanian Riviera and best known because it’s the easiest place to arrive in the south of Albania, thanks to direct ferries from Corfu. There is one, main public beach near the port, backed by a pretty promenade which is popular in the evening. On the prom you’ll find fancy seafood restaurants with stunning views, as well as cheap eats and plenty of street vendors too.

The beach is shingly, and there are stones underfoot as you enter the water, but it’s beautifully calm and warm. If you follow Rruga Mitat Hoxha around the small peninsula, you’ll find smaller pebble coves occupied by hotels’ loungers and shade. You can rent for the day or half-day and enjoy a fairly quiet dip with all the amenities on hand.

The best-rated beach in Vlore is Plazhi i Ri, to the south of the main town. It’s backed by a road, making it an easy drive or taxi out of town, with plenty of parking and restaurants, as well as dozens of hotels gazing over the shoreline.

It’s a sandy stretch, with loungers and shade for rent, and is best loved by visitors for its long, epic sunsets. The sea is shallow too, with few waves, making it great for paddling or families with children.

Ksamil is one of the best beach resorts in Albania for families thanks to its crystal-clear and shallow waters which are sheltered by islands, promising pond-like swimming and paddling conditions. The beaches here are narrow strips of white sand, colonised by loungers and parasols, and there are plenty of options for renting pedalos and watercraft, as well as for eating with a view over the gorgeous, glistening bay.

Make your day here an adventurous one by taking a kayak (or swimming, if you’re a strong swimmer) to one of the closest little islets.

Sarandë is one of the most popular places to stay in Albania, and home to some of the country’s best beach hotels and resorts. To the south of the town, Hotel Bahamas has it all. It overlooks a quiet and beautiful beach, with fabulous sea, and has an outdoor pool with sweeping views over the coast. The restaurant has indoor seating as well as a terrace with a gorgeous view, and you’ll find secluded seating spots dotted around the shady grounds too.

Closer to town, you’ll find Bougainville Bay Hotel and spa, overlooking a pretty beach and with its own beautiful, infinity pool. The five-star establishment is a vision in white, with sculpted, verdant gardens, full spa facilities and a lovely pool for children too.

Hotel Apollon is an adults-only establishment just one kilometre from the port, right in the heart of Sarandë. It’s a modern hotel with luxurious rooms with balconies and its own private beach. The restaurant serves seafood and other Albanian specialities and promises a delightful view over the sea and beach.