Hey there my fellow travellers and welcome to my post where we will check out my 11 favourite beaches on the Albanian Riviera this year.
If you’re planning a summer escape to Albania, you’re in for a treat. The Albanian Riviera (the coastal strip around Dhermi and Himara, plus a few nearby gems) does that rare thing where the beaches range from easy-and-handy to proper “how is this real?” coves. And yes, there are trade-offs—some spots are gorgeous but crowded, others are stunning but you’ll feel it in your calves after the walk down.
Below are the beaches I recommend most, with the practical bits you actually care about: what they’re like, how to get there, when to go, and what to watch out for.
How I pick the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera
Before we jump into the favourites, here’s my quick filter—because “best” depends on what kind of day you want.
Choose your vibe first (swim, sun, or scenery)
On the Riviera, you can basically choose between:
- Big and easy: close to towns, with the usual sunbeds/umbrellas, and lifeguard-ish levels of “you’re not completely alone”.
- Curvy coves: smaller beach shapes tucked into cliffs—often clearer water, but fewer facilities.
- Wild-feeling bays: reachable by a steep walk or a boat (or both). These are the “reward” beaches.
If you’re travelling with someone who wants minimal effort, start with Dhermi/Himara town-side beaches. If you’re travelling with your “let’s explore” friend, add Gjipe and the more remote coves.
Plan for pebble-to-rock entries (bring swim shoes)
A lot of these beaches are not the fluffy sand of some Mediterranean postcards. You’ll commonly get:
- Pebbly shorelines
- Rocky edges near the water
- Shingle + sand mixes
My recommendation, every time:
- Pack proper swim shoes (you’ll thank yourself within 30 seconds of getting in)
- Bring a small towel + a dry bag
- Don’t rely on being able to “just lie down anywhere” if the ground is pebbly
Summer costs: expect beach service pricing to vary
Beach setups change by beach and week, especially in July/August. In general, you can expect:
- Umbrella + sunbed pricing often in the 1,000–3,000 ALL range per set (summer prices vary)
- Some coves have few/no rentals, so you’ll be using your own setup
Also, it’s worth remembering:
- The most popular beaches get fully claimed in peak hours
- If you want quiet-ish water, aim for a late-morning or early-evening window
When to go (crowds vs weather)
If you can be flexible, timing makes a massive difference.
- June: good weather, fewer people than peak summer
- July/August: beautiful but often busy (especially the easiest beaches)
- September: my favourite balance—still warm enough to swim, with fewer crowds
Dhermi’s coastline: pretty, lively, and easiest to base yourself
Dhermi is a brilliant base if you want beaches that are pretty much on your doorstep—plus plenty of cafés and short taxi/car rides when you’re beaching out.
1) Dhermi Beach (Plazhi i Dhermit)
What it’s like: This is the classic “Riviera hub” beach—more space than some coves, and generally a straightforward day if you want sun, swimming, and minimal fuss.
Why you’ll like it:
- Great for a first day (you’ll get your bearings fast)
- Easy to find taxis and food nearby
- Typically a mix of sand and pebbly sections (again: swim shoes help)
How to get there:
- If you’re staying in/near Dhermi: it’s usually a short walk or quick ride
- From further along the coast: you’ll most likely drive and park nearby (spot availability changes with time)
Trade-offs:
- In high season, it can feel busy compared with the wild coves
- Some stretches have more “beach setup” energy than “secret beach” vibes
Bring:
- Swim shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle you’ll refill
2) Drymades Beach
What it’s like: Drymades has that signature Albanian Riviera look—water that can be really inviting, cliffs nearby, and a more “holiday camp” feel than full-on city beach.
Best for:
- People who want a beautiful beach without a major trek
- A day where you can still find a snack nearby
What to expect:
- Entries can be uneven/pebbly
- You may have more people around the prime swimming stretch, but it can still feel calmer than the biggest hubs
Getting there:
- Usually easiest by car or taxi
- Some spots are closer than others—worth checking where your driver drops you
Trade-offs:
- Peak season: expect more crowd density than the truly remote beaches
Bring:
- Swim shoes + a light layer for when the wind picks up later in the afternoon
3) Palasë Beach (and the wider Palasë stretch)
What it’s like: Palasë sits in that sweet spot between “easy to access” and “still scenic enough to feel special.” It’s a good choice if you don’t want the full boat/walk adventure but you also don’t want the busiest strip.
Best for:
- A calm beach day with options nearby
- Travellers who like to jump between viewpoints and beaches
What to watch out for:
- Like many Riviera beaches: the shore can be pebbly/rocky
- Depending on the exact segment, you might find limited flat space to lay out
Getting there:
- Usually a short drive from Dhermi/Himarë-area bases
Trade-offs:
- Can get busy in peak hours, but you can often find calmer edges by walking along
Himara and the nearby coves: classic Riviera energy
Himara is where you go when you want a mix of beach time and village atmosphere. You can stay here and do multiple beach days without burning through your transport budget.
4) Spille Beach
What it’s like: Spille is one of those beaches that feels like it “does the job” really well—easy access, good swimming conditions when the sea is calm, and a straightforward day.
Best for:
- When you want a reliable beach day
- People who don’t want to deal with steep paths
What to expect:
- A more developed/accessible feel than the ultra-wild bays
- You’ll often see more families and groups here than you would at the remote spots
Trade-offs:
- In peak season: it can be busy
Bring:
- Same core kit (swim shoes, sunscreen), plus something for shade if you care about it
5) Livadhi Beach
What it’s like: Livadhi leans toward “pretty cove energy”—a beach where the surroundings make you slow down and just enjoy the water.
Best for:
- Couples and friend groups who want a nicer setting than the most urban-feeling beaches
- Swimmers who like a bay vibe
Getting there:
- Easy by car/taxi from Himara
- If you’re staying in the Himara area, you can do it as a short ride rather than a big mission
Trade-offs:
- Can be a bit less “spread out” than larger beaches, so the busiest hours can feel packed
Bring:
- Swim shoes + a small bag so you’re not carrying too much
6) Jale Beach
What it’s like: Jale is one of those beaches that people remember. It’s scenic, it feels like a real Riviera stop, and it’s a great place for a relaxed day.
Best for:
- A beach day that feels a little more “special” than the plain easiest options
What to watch out for:
- Like others here, expect rocky/pebbly entry in places
- In summer, the easiest-to-reach beaches naturally draw crowds
Trade-offs:
- If you hate crowds, go early or later when the day isn’t as peak-time packed
Wild-feeling beaches: the ones that feel like a reward
These are the places where the scenery does a lot of the talking—and you’ll likely earn your spot with a short walk, some steps, or a slightly more involved approach.
7) Gjipe Beach
What it’s like: Gjipe is the “wow” beach. Big dramatic landscape, a beach that feels tucked into the coastline, and water that can look unreal when the conditions are right.
Best for:
- Travellers who enjoy a bit of adventure
- People who want photo-worthy scenery (but don’t expect a totally effortless day)
How to access (practically):
- You’ll typically need a short road approach, then it’s either a walk down and along, or a setup with boat options depending on the day/season.
- The sea and the path matter—if it’s busy or the approach is crowded, you may need to be patient.
Trade-offs:
- More likely to be crowded in peak season because it’s popular
- Not as easy as the town beaches—bring your most comfortable walking sandals/shoes
Bring:
- Swim shoes (seriously), water, and a sun cover
- A dry bag if you’re going to be on the move
8) Potam Beach (Himarë area)
What it’s like: Potam is for when you want a quieter swim vibe compared with the more famous strips. It’s the kind of beach where you can actually feel like you’ve escaped the peak chaos.
Best for:
- A less crowded beach day
- People who don’t mind a slightly more local feel
What to expect:
- The approach can be less “resort straightforward”
- Entrances can be pebbly/rocky like the rest of the region
Trade-offs:
- Fewer “everything is right here” facilities compared with town-centre beaches
Bring:
- Water + some snacks (or at least plan your timing around nearby options)
9) Vuno (Vuno Bay area beaches)
What it’s like: Vuno is one of those areas that gives you that rugged Riviera feel—less like a single named “beach strip” and more like a coastline full of spots to drop in.
Best for:
- Travellers who like variety (walk a bit, pick the best swimming patch)
- Sunset seekers (timing matters)
Trade-offs:
- It can be less “designated beach” and more “you choose your spot,” so expect different surface quality depending where you land
Bring:
- Swim shoes and a little patience
From fort-bay to bonus beaches: sunsets, views, and one extra stop
This section includes the Riviera-adjacent experiences that can make your trip feel fuller—especially if you’re doing a longer stay.
10) Porto Palermo Bay
What it’s like: Porto Palermo is more than a single beach—it’s a bay area with that dramatic, sheltered feel. You get water views, scenic surroundings, and a vibe that’s very “Albania is still under the radar” compared with more mass-tourist coasts.
Best for:
- A day where you want swimming plus sightseeing energy
- Travellers who like bays and viewpoints
What to expect:
- The bay can feel calmer than open coast stretches when the wind shifts
- Beach access may vary—some places are easier than others
Trade-offs:
- Not always the simplest “park and lie down” experience depending on exactly which spot you choose
Bring:
- Swim shoes and a light jacket if you’re there later in the day
11) Ksamil (bonus if you’re going a bit further south)
I’m including Ksamil as a bonus because a lot of people who say “Albanian Riviera” end up rolling their itinerary down toward Sarandë. If that’s you, Ksamil is the obvious add-on.
What it’s like: Ksamil is famous for a reason—pretty water, multiple small beach pockets, and lots of that postcard look.
Best for:
- A high-impact beach day if you want something visually flashy
- Swimming in a bay-style setting
Trade-offs:
- It’s typically busier than the more “Riviera proper” beaches like Gjipe or Potam (especially in peak season)
- Expect less quiet and more “everyone’s here at the same time” energy
Bring:
- If you’re sensitive to crowds, plan for early arrival
- Swim shoes if your chosen pockets have rocky entries
My Riviera game plan (so you don’t waste half your holiday travelling)
You can absolutely do Albania beaches as a “pick one base and rotate” kind of trip. That’s how I travel it—less logistics stress, more actual swimming.
Pick your base: Dhermi vs Himara
Here’s how I choose between the two.
Base in Dhermi if you want:
- More straightforward access to Dhermi + Drymades + Palasë
- A slightly more “beach town” feel
- Easier short hops for beach hopping days
Base in Himara if you want:
- Easy access to Spille + Livadhi + Jale and nearby coves
- A village-style atmosphere with beach options
- The potential to venture toward Porto Palermo and beyond
Quick rule of thumb:
- If you’re only doing 4–5 nights, pick Dhermi or Himara depending on which beaches you’re most excited about.
- If you’re doing 7+ nights, keep both in mind—you can still day-trip, but having one base keeps it relaxed.
A simple 5–7 day itinerary (mix easy + wild)
Use this as a template. Swap beaches based on the order you want your days to feel.
Option A: classic mix (great for first-timers)
- Day 1: Settle in + one easy beach (Dhermi Beach or Spille)
- Day 2: Drymades or Palasë
- Day 3: Livadhi or Jale
- Day 4: Big scenery day: Gjipe
- Day 5: Quieter day: Potam or Vuno
- Day 6 (if you have time): Porto Palermo Bay for a scenic afternoon
- Day 7 (optional): Ksamil bonus if your route goes that way
Option B: “less crowds” focus
- Put your “most popular” beach days early (Dhermi Beach / Jale / Ksamil)
- Put your “reward beaches” (Gjipe, Potam, Vuno) on days you’re okay with walking/approach time
Small tips that make a big difference
These are the bits that saved me time (and sore feet):
- Arrive early if you want a decent spot—especially in July/August
- Walk a little along the shore—often the best patch is 30–60 seconds away
- Don’t treat “one beach” as “one day”: do a swim, then change location for sunset
- Plan for shade: some beaches have it, some don’t, and wind can change the comfort level quickly
- Bring cash: beach setups and small services often run on straightforward payments
Final thoughts
The Albanian Riviera is one of those destinations where you can build a trip around moments—an easy swim in the afternoon, a “how is this view real?” bay at golden hour, and one wild-feeling beach day that makes the whole trip feel like an adventure.
If you only remember one thing: pair the easy beaches with one or two reward beaches. That balance is what makes the Riviera truly shine.
Enjoy the sun, take the swim shoes seriously, and tell me which of these beaches you’re most excited to hit first.
