From Vlorë to Ksamil: A Quick Guide to the Beaches of the Albanian Riviera

Gateway to the South and Family-Friendly Bay Life

Our journey begins in the buzzing city of Vlorë, a vibrant destination offering wide sandy beaches right along the city promenade. The conditions are wonderfully suited for families with children. It’s an ideal base if you want dozens of restaurants and a lively nightlife scene right on your doorstep. Vlorë is also a popular departure point for boat trips to Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula, all the way to the secluded Gramma Bay, which hides two-thousand-year-old messages carved into its rocks. A little further south, in Radhimë, you’ll find a more rugged coastline with numerous jetties and crystal-clear water. There’s no shortage of restaurants serving regional cuisine either. Nearby Orikumi has become hugely popular in recent years. With its new coastal promenade and low-rise development free of massive hotels, this little town is a strong contender for the most charming spot of the year. From here, you can also enjoy a wonderful boat trip to the mysterious Sazan Island or explore the sea caves of the Karaburun Peninsula.

Elegance, Luxury, and the Beating Pulse of Summer

It’s only after you navigate the serpentine bends of the Llogara mountain pass (or take the tunnel underneath it) that the true Albanian Riviera unfolds before you. Your first stop could be Palasë, a beach lined with luxurious villa resorts and striking modern architecture. From there, we glide seamlessly into iconic Dhërmi. This is where you’ll truly soak up that quintessential summer vibe — the pebble beach is wide enough that even in August you’ll find your own spot in the sun. Modern hotels and bars line the beach, where vibrant summer evenings are always on the agenda. As a day trip, you can even take a boat from Dhërmi to Gramma Bay, where you can trade the party atmosphere for some much-needed peace and quiet. If you’re after more summer fun, head to Jale Bay. This favourite haunt of Albania’s jet-set crowd dazzles with turquoise waters and sleek hotels, where the vibrant nightlife pulses well into the early hours.

Hidden Gems for Adventurers and Romantics

Now we leave the main road behind and seek out the harder-to-reach spots — perfect for those of you who’d rather swap hotel comfort and beach lounger sets for the thrill of discovery. The most sought-after destination is the legendary Gjipe beach, nestled at the mouth of a deep canyon of the same name and accessible only by boat or a rewarding forty-minute hike down on foot. The tranquillity you find there is absolutely worth it. A similar magic awaits at the small coves of Akuariumit and Ksabni, reachable on foot from the popular Livadh Beach. For an even greater sense of seclusion, Krorëzës beach is another wonderful option. Here too, the chances of finding the kind of quiet that grows increasingly rare on the Riviera during peak season are much higher. The price you pay is either the physical effort of a longer walk or a few euros for a boat transfer from Lukovë beach or from Sarandë.

👉 Guide to the Albanian Riviera Beaches

Himarë and Surroundings: Tradition with a Touch of History

The heart of the southern region is the town of Himarë, home to several beaches — from the lively town beach to the hidden Filikuri, a fantastic snorkelling spot that you can reach from the southern Himarë beach of Potami on a paddleboard. South of Himarë, you’ll discover Llamani, a beautifully maintained beach with an excellent restaurant and top-notch service, or Qeparo, which charms with its own distinctive atmosphere thanks to a new promenade and an ancient stone village perched in the hills above. If you love open space and endless horizons, our journey will also take you to Borsh — one of the longest beaches in the country, where even at the height of the season you’ll always find plenty of room for a private sunbathing session.

Heading South: Mirror Beaches and Views of Corfu

The further south we travel, the more we feel the presence of the Greek island of Corfu. The Lukovë area offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever witness, best enjoyed from the cliffs above Lukovës or Shpelles beaches. The view across to Corfu makes this daily ritual of the setting sun all the more spectacular. Further south still, the lively buzz of Sarandë draws you in. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the local restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for something quieter, however, we’d recommend Mussel Bay (Midhjeve) on the southern edge of the city, where the crystal-clear Bistrica river flows into the sea. Between Sarandë and Ksamil, you can also visit the mirror beach of Pasqyrave with its impossibly azure water, or the neighbouring Pulëbardha, above which a stylish restaurant perches dramatically on the clifftop.

Ksamil — Europe’s Very Own Maldives

Our journey reaches its peak in Ksamil, the most developed resort destination in all of Albania. Over the past five years, this town has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a quiet little village into one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Its white-sand beaches are dotted with small islands that you can easily reach by pedalo or paddleboard. The town centre and surrounding beaches buzz with music and bars. For a little more peace and quiet, head south of Ksamil to Ohana beach or Last Bay. And for those of you who want to truly indulge in luxury with a sense of privacy, the southernmost resorts such as Arameras await — where you can relax by a private pool with direct views of the sea and the island of Corfu just across the water.

Final Thoughts

The Albanian Riviera is changing before our very eyes, offering something new every year. It’s a place that will energise you, whether you’re drawn to buzzing beach bars or the silence of deserted coves. The most important thing is to set off with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot for your holiday. Safe travels — and who knows, maybe we’ll cross paths somewhere in southern Albania.