If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering a Mediterranean coastline before the crowds – where wild cliffs meet crystal waters and secret beaches still whisper adventure – then the Albanian Riviera is calling. Nestled along the Ionian Sea, this breathtaking stretch of southern Albania is dotted with beaches that range from lively island-style escapes to hidden coves you’ll have to hike or sail to reach.
We’ve personally visited them all – sunburned, barefoot, and blissfully lost – to bring you our top 10 favorite beaches. Some are famous, some you’ve probably never heard of, and all of them left us speechless for different reasons.
Whether you’re looking to snorkel with fish in calm, clear water or just lie on a quiet beach with nothing but the sound of waves, this guide will help you find your perfect spot on the Riviera.
Let’s dive in.
Aquarium Bay – Snorkel in a Natural Aquarium
Tucked between Jalë and Livadhi beaches, Aquarium Bay is a tiny cove that truly lives up to its name – like snorkeling in a giant open-air aquarium. Crystal-clear water, smooth pebbles, and darting fish make it a favorite for nature lovers. Enclosed by low cliffs and pines, the bay forms a calm, turquoise pool that deepens quickly into rich cobalt, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or safe cliff-jumping. It’s rarely crowded and feels like a secret spot, even though it’s just a short hike from Jale or reachable via an off-road trail or kayak from Livadhi. Bring your snorkel and a snack – there’s no infrastructure, just raw beauty.
Reaching the bay is part of the adventure – from Jale, follow a short dirt road and a 400–500 meter hike downhill. Alternatively, from Livadhi, you can hike or even reach it by off-road bike or vehicle via a rough coastal track. Or, if you’re feeling leisurely, kayak from either beach and glide into this natural sanctuary.
This was one of those beaches we stumbled upon by word of mouth – and instantly wished we’d brought more time and a waterproof camera.
👉 Getting there: From Jale (short hike) or from Livadhi (off-road or bike route); also reachable by kayak.
👉 What to do: Snorkel with fish, relax on warm pebbles, cliff jump (safely!), or explore connecting coastal paths.
Borsh Beach – Serenity on the Longest Shoreline
Stretching over 7 kilometers, Borsh Beach is the longest uninterrupted strip of sand and pebble on the Albanian Riviera – and yet, it never feels crowded. Backed by olive groves and citrus trees, and framed by soft hills, this beach offers space to breathe and a deep sense of calm. Whether you’re sunbathing near a beach bar or laying your towel beneath an olive tree, Borsh invites you to slow down.
The water here is cool, deep, and crystal clear – perfect for a quiet swim or a refreshing dip after a seaside stroll. Above the village, don’t miss the Castle of Sopot, an ancient fortress with sweeping views and echoes of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman pasts. You can also visit local olive oil presses and taste Borsh’s famed peppery oil – a reminder that this village is rooted in tradition.
What made Borsh stand out for us wasn’t just its beauty, but the peace it offers. It’s one of those rare places where you can hear your thoughts – or choose not to.
👉 Getting there: 25 km south of Himarë or 20 km north of Saranda, easily accessible by car or bus.
👉 What to do: Swim, walk the shoreline, hike to the castle, taste local olive oil, enjoy grilled lamb at a beachfront taverna.
Bristan Bay – A Wild Paradise for the Adventurous
If you’re the kind of traveler who chases raw beauty far from the crowds, Bristan Bay (also known as “Bear Bay”) is your hidden treasure. Tucked into the rugged cliffs of the Karaburun Peninsula, this untouched pebble cove rewards effort with solitude, turquoise waters, and a deep connection with nature. No bars, no umbrellas – just the sound of waves, the smell of pine, and water so clear it feels unreal.
Getting there is half the thrill: you can either join a boat tour from Vlorë for a quick swim stop or hike in from Orikum via a moderate trail of about 8.5 km each way through wild terrain. We took the hike – and every steep step was worth it the moment the bay came into view, glittering like a sapphire tucked between cliffs.
There are no facilities here, so come prepared and leave nothing behind. This is the kind of place you remember not for what you did, but for how it made you feel: free, calm, and completely present.
👉 Getting there: Boat tour from Vlorë, or hike (~8.5 km each way) from near Orikum/Pashaliman.
👉 What to do: Swim, snorkel, explore sea caves, camp under the stars, unplug from everything.
Filikuri Beach – A Hidden Cove Minutes from Town
Just south of Potam Beach lies Filikuri, a tiny crescent of white pebbles hugged by high cliffs and pine-covered slopes. Though it’s very close to town, getting here feels like stumbling into a secret world. With no road access and steep rocky walls on both sides, Filikuri is only reachable by sea or a challenging hike – and that’s exactly what keeps it so peaceful.
Most visitors rent a kayak or small boat from Potam and paddle around the rocky headland. The more adventurous can attempt the steep hillside path from above. At one point, there’s even a rope installed to help you descend the rock face – it’s short but requires focus. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and carry as little as possible; the path is not marked.
👉 Getting there: Kayak or boat from Potam (10–15 min), or hike via an unmarked trail with rope-assisted descent.
👉 What to do: Swim, snorkel, picnic, cliff jump, and soak in the solitude.
Saint Andrea’s Bay – Sand, Silence, and Pure Seclusion
Saint Andrew’s Bay (Gjiri i Shën Andreas) is not the easiest place to reach – and that’s exactly why it feels so special. Hidden between Palasë and Karaburun, this crescent-shaped bay offers soft white sand (a rarity in Albania), electric blue waters, and complete tranquility. Framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, the beach is completely untouched – no buildings, no roads, no signs of modern life.
There are two main ways to reach it: by foot or by sea. The most popular is a scenic 3-hour coastal hike from Palasë – a trail that winds along cliffs with stunning views of the open Ionian. For those preferring the sea, private speed boats from Dhërmi or Palasë can drop you off when conditions are calm. Kayaking is also possible, but only recommended for well-prepared paddlers – it’s a long journey and the sea here can be unpredictable.
When we visited, the only footprints on the sand were our own. It’s the kind of beach that makes you feel like an explorer – alone with the wind, the waves, and the endless horizon.
👉 Getting there: 3-hour hike from Palasë; speedboat from Dhërmi or Palasë; kayak only if highly experienced.
👉 What to do: Swim in vivid waters, explore the nearby sea cave, sunbathe on soft sand, hike for views.
Grama Bay – Ancient Inscriptions and Turquoise Bliss
Grama Bay (Gjiri i Gramës) is one of the most breathtaking and historically rich beaches in Albania – a place where natural beauty meets echoes of antiquity. Enclosed by towering limestone cliffs and accessed only by sea or strenuous hike, this secluded cove offers turquoise waters, smooth pebbles, and an atmosphere that feels sacred. There’s also a restaurant for food and drinks.
What sets Grama apart is the cliffside history: over 1,500 ancient inscriptions, carved by sailors as early as the 3rd century BC, still remain on the rocks. These were prayers, names, and dedications to sea gods – a form of ancient graffiti left by those seeking refuge in its calm bay. You can still spot Greek, Latin, and even modern scribbles as you wander along the cliffs.
Getting here is part of the experience. Most visitors take a boat tour from Dhërmi or Himarë – the only practical way unless you’re a seasoned hiker ready for a 6+ hour trek from Llogara or Palasë. When we arrived by boat, we stood silent for a moment – staring at the cliffs, imagining Roman ships anchored here.
👉 Getting there: Day tour by speedboat from Himarë or Dhërmi (weather-dependent); long hike from Palasë/Llogara (6–7 hours).
👉 What to do: Swim in surreal blue waters, explore the ancient inscriptions, sunbathe, hike for panoramic views, camp overnight.
Want to know more? Read our full article: Grama Bay: One of Europe’s Top 50 Beaches for 2025
Gjipe Beach – Where Canyons Meet the Sea
Gjipe Beach is the kind of place you see in postcards and wonder if it’s real. Nestled at the mouth of a dramatic canyon, this beach blends the best of mountain and sea – steep cliffs, fine sand, and crystal-clear waters that shift from emerald to deep blue.
The only way to reach Gjipe is by hiking or boat, and that’s what keeps it wild. Most visitors walk about 30 minutes from the parking area near the Monastery of St. Theodore, descending a dirt path lined with olive trees and sea views. Others arrive by kayak or speedboat from nearby beaches like Jale or Dhërmi. Either way, when the canyon opens and the beach appears, it takes your breath away.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, Gjipe is also a hub for outdoor lovers. You can hike into the canyon, where the cliffs rise dramatically and boulders create a natural trail inland. Climbing routes are bolted into the canyon walls for those looking to scale the limestone, and if you’re lucky, you might spot slackliners walking across a rope stretched between two cliffs – an unreal sight in this rugged paradise.
At the beach, there’s a small seasonal café and a well-maintained camping area offering ready-to-use tents – perfect if you want to spend the night under the stars with the sound of waves echoing through the canyon.
We arrived early, with just a backpack and curiosity – and left with sun-kissed skin, tired legs, and a new favorite place.
👉 Getting there: 30-minute hike from parking near Dhërmi-Vuno road; or boat/kayak from Jale or Dhërmi.
👉 What to do: Swim, hike the canyon, climb, slackline, kayak, or camp overnight with full amenities.
Kakome Bay – A Vast, Quiet Escape
Kakome Bay is one of the largest and most serene beaches on the Riviera – a wide crescent of fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters, flanked by towering green hills that embrace the bay in total stillness. Despite its postcard-perfect scenery, Kakome remains surprisingly quiet, thanks to limited access and a lack of development.
The bay was once a restricted military zone, and remnants of that past – like an old pier and concrete structures – still linger at the edges. But nature has taken back its space. The beach stretches far and wide, making it perfect for families, beach games, or simply laying out a towel and feeling like you have the Ionian all to yourself.
Although technically reachable by dirt road from Saranda (about 13 km), the road is often blocked or restricted. Our recommendation: take a speedboat or boat taxi from Saranda. It’s safer, more scenic, and avoids the risk of arriving to find the land route closed. Most boat operators in Saranda know the status daily – it’s worth asking before you plan your trip.
What struck us most was the silence – no loud music, no crowds. Just the soft crash of waves, the rustle of oleanders, and the sense of a beach that time forgot.
👉 Getting there: Best by boat from Saranda (15–20 min); land route often blocked or restricted – ask local boat operators for advice.
👉 What to do: Swim in shallow waters, snorkel near rock formations, explore sea caves, picnic in peace.
Krorez Beach – Twin Coves of Untouched Beauty
Krorez Beach (Gjiri i Krorëzës) is one of those places that makes you wonder how it has remained so untouched. Set between Saranda and Himarë, it’s only accessible by boat or a rugged hike – which keeps the crowds away and the atmosphere wild. The beach actually consists of two coves, divided by a rocky outcrop, both with powdery light sand and water so clear it glows emerald and turquoise.
Backed by pine-covered hills and without any permanent development, Krorez feels like a Mediterranean hideaway frozen in time. In summer, a couple of simple beach shacks open, offering cold drinks or light snacks, but the real luxury here is space, silence, and scenery.
Most visitors arrive by boat tour from Saranda – a scenic 30–45 minute ride. For the more adventurous, there’s also a roughly 2-hour hike from Lukova that winds through stunning coastal terrain, passing hidden beaches along the way that will leave you speechless. It’s a rewarding journey for those who love exploring off the beaten path.
We arrived by boat, but hearing from fellow hikers about the magic of that trail made us want to return with backpacks.
👉 Getting there: Boat trip from Saranda; hike from Lukova (approx. 2 hours with beach stops).
👉 What to do: Swim, snorkel, relax on both beaches, explore sea caves, or hike the coast for hidden gems.
Ksamil Beach – The Riviera’s Tropical Postcard
Ksamil Beach is often the first place people hear about when researching the Albanian Riviera – and for good reason. With its powdery white sand, glowing turquoise waters, and lush green islets just offshore, it looks more like the Caribbean than the Balkans. It’s the kind of beach that makes you stop, smile, and whisper “wow.”
Located at the southern tip of Albania, just 15 minutes from Saranda and across the channel from Corfu, Ksamil is easy to reach and fully equipped – yet still enchanting. Four small islands sit just off the coast, two of them connected by a natural sandbar, perfect for swimming or paddling to. The calm, shallow water makes it great for families, while kayakers and snorkelers will love exploring the reefs around the islets.
That said, Ksamil gets extremely crowded during peak summer (especially July–August). If you want to enjoy its beauty in peace, the best times to visit are in April–May or September, when the weather is still warm, the sea is swimmable, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
What makes Ksamil unique is its blend of beach paradise and cultural richness: it sits within the Butrint National Park, and the ancient ruins of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage site) are just a short drive away. After a morning swim, you can be wandering Roman roads by lunchtime.
We’ve visited more than once – and each time, the view of the islands glowing in the sun never gets old.
👉 Getting there: 15-minute bus from Saranda (~100 lek); also reachable via ferry from Corfu + short drive.
👉 What to do: Swim, kayak to the islands, relax on sunbeds, snorkel, enjoy fresh seafood, visit Butrint ruins nearby.
From the tranquil blue of Bristan Bay to the postcard perfection of Ksamil, the Albanian Riviera offers more than just beaches – it offers experiences. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden cove, kayaking to a quiet island, or just sipping coffee with your toes in the sand, there’s a piece of this coastline that will speak directly to your soul.
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