Compare Albania holidays

Best beaches in Albania

Beach holidays to Albania deliver shorelines to rival Greece, but with fewer crowds and at a fraction of the price. Here are some highlights.

Dhërmi

One of Albania’s best-known beaches, Dhërmi’s bright white rocks, pristine sand and sapphire sea make it a true Mediterranean paradise. During busy summer months, head to nearby Drymades for more beautiful beaches with fewer tourists.

Ksamil

Small but well-served, Ksamil is great if you want a bar within easy reach of the beach. Be sure to bring your snorkel here, as the islands in its bay are ripe for underwater exploration.

Gjipe

If your beach vibe is more quiet and calm, make the trek down to Gjipe. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the road, but this stunning sheltered bay is worth the effort.

Vlorë

One of Albania’s larger seaside resorts, Vlorë is the place for watersports such as parasailing and paddleboarding. It’s also great for a relaxing day on the beach.

Narta

The combination of Narta’s lifeguards and still, shallow lagoon makes it great for families. The bars, restaurants, beach games and plentiful parasols sweeten the deal too.

What to do in Albania

From culture to cuisine, Albania has something to quench most holiday cravings. Away from the usual crowds of the Adriatic coast, you can explore the coffee culture of the cities, spend long lazy days on quiet beaches and walk through ancient history – all on one incredible getaway.

Food and drink

Take your pick from traditional cooking, fusion dining, mouth-watering street food and plenty more in Tirana.

Try the national dish of baked lamb and rice served with yoghurt sauce – called tavë kosi, it’s a staple item on many menus. Byrek, a kind of salted filo pastry pie, is another local favourite well worth a try.

When it comes to drinking, coffee is the winner out here, so pay a visit to one of the city’s many coffee houses for a cup or two. Expect to encounter raki as well, a strong, clear spirit served with most meals.

Walk through history

Near the Greek border, Butrint National Archaeological Park brings thousands of years of European history into one beautiful place. In just a few hours, you’ll walk your way through Roman, Greek, Ottoman and Venetian archaeological ruins, charting the civilisations that have left their mark on the ancient city.

While Butrint is the largest, it’s not Albania’s only archaeological park. In Apollonia, you can get up close to Roman mosaic floors, pillared facades and the remains of many frescos. Further north, in Durrës, you’ll find the remains of an enormous Roman amphitheatre that could once hold around 20,000 baying spectators.

Hit the beach

Whether you want to have the sand to yourself or the buzz of beach bars, a trip to the Albanian Riviera is a must.

Without the overdevelopment of some of its neighbours, the country’s coastline has no shortage of quiet coves and breathtaking bays ideal for uninterrupted swims. If you prefer your beach breaks to feature a few more facilities, the larger resort towns of Dhërmi and Himarë deliver without losing their rustic charm.

Get outdoors

Plot a route to the Albanian Alps to trek the paths less travelled. Also known as the Accursed Mountains, the foothills are full of charming villages, enormous lakes and sprawling valleys. Spend a night in Valbona while you’re here to take in its national park and sip your coffee in the mountain air.

Head north on the ferry across Lake Koman to Fierzë and spend your rest days in a traditional Albanian mountain village where spectacular views are standard.

For more of Albania’s incredible scenery, take a cruise up the Vjosa River. The river flows 270km (170 miles) without any interruptions by dams or power stations, which is why it’s been dubbed the last ’wild’ river in Europe. Stop off in the hot springs of Përmet and the beautiful beach town of Vlorë on your way.