The Journey as a Natural Filter
Gjiri i Akuariumit isn’t for everyone, and that’s precisely what makes this place so magical. No asphalt road leads here yet – so you have two options. Either you saddle up a quad bike, or you set off on foot along the dusty trail from Livadhi beach. The half-hour walk through olive trees and thorny shrubs works as a perfect filter. Most tourists who expect to park just a few meters from their sun lounger will be put off by the prospect of a longer hike. Adventure lovers, on the other hand, are in for a thrilling experience – and when the bay finally opens up before them, their jaws are guaranteed to drop in awe.
Snorkeling in Silence and the Shadow of the Cliffs
Akuariumit is a paradise for amateur snorkelers who love gliding along the surface with their heads submerged underwater. But more experienced lovers of the underwater world will find plenty to keep them captivated too. Thanks to the rocky cliffs surrounding the bay, you can discover a wildly sculpted seabed relief, with shoals of fish and other marine creatures drifting above it – a true natural aquarium. All you need is a mask and you’re ready to dive in. Watching fish weave between the boulders in a silence broken only by the gentle lapping of water is an unforgettable experience. This is a place where time has stood still. While a battle for sun loungers rages just a few dozen kilometers away in Ksamil, here you can find your own shady spot beneath a rocky overhang and simply be.
Practical Tips
Given that this spot is growing in popularity, a drinks bar has already started appearing here during the season. That said, packing your own refreshments in a backpack is never a bad idea. In the scorching summer heat, having enough water is a matter of survival – and if you throw in some fresh fruit or a picnic snack, your little adventure will be absolutely perfect.
The trail is rocky and the beach is made up of coarser pebbles. Leave your flip-flops in the car and opt for something sturdier – ideally waterproof shoes that work equally well on land and on the seabed. If you want to have the “Aquarium” all to yourself, the best time to visit Albania is outside of peak season – May–June or September–October. But even in season, there’s a solution. Head out early in the morning. By midday, quad bikes start rolling in and the first boats from Himarë begin arriving.
The beach offers one more way to soak up the peace and quiet. Come in the late afternoon and simply make camp for the night. You’ll be treated to a stunning sunset, and in the morning, as dawn breaks, you’ll feel like castaways on a deserted island. As recently as 2025, this was still perfectly possible. However, we can’t rule out that some regulations may have since caught up with the place and someone might move you along. In that case, there’s a semi-official campsite above the beach where you can pitch a tent or sleep under the stars for a token fee. So there’s always a way.
Albania in Its Original Packaging
Akuariumit is one of the few places along the coast where you can experience Albania’s authentic face. In fact, you’ll find Albania in its original, unspoiled form wherever the transport infrastructure hasn’t yet arrived. This small, turquoise sanctuary will confirm what many travelers have come to believe – that journeying without itineraries and luxury hotels simply has something extra to offer.
An unwelcome reminder of civilization can occasionally come in the form of litter washed ashore by the sea, which is unfortunately beyond anyone’s control. What you can control, however, is your own contribution – and that means not only taking your own rubbish with you when you leave, but perhaps picking up a piece or two of the washed-up or “forgotten” waste left behind by other visitors to the bay. We hope this bay’s wild, untamed spirit remains free for a long time to come – and that you, in turn, let its freedom and wildness rub off on you.
Albania in a Nutshell: From Azure Seas to Wild Mountain Peaks
