Albania’s Top Beach Destinations for 2025: Where to Go and What to Expect

Albania — a narrow slice of land squeezed between mountains and two seas. But what seas they are! On one side, the calm and shallow Adriatic, with wide family-friendly beaches. On the other, the wild and dramatic Ionian Sea, where turquoise bays meet rugged cliffs. If you’re looking for affordable seaside vacations in 2025 — welcome to Albania. Let’s explore the coast from north to south.

🛣 Coastline Itinerary (Quick Summary)

1. Shëngjin – Relaxed & family-friendly

2. Durrës – Beach + city in one

3. Vlorë – New airport, vibrant vibe

4. Dhërmi – Nature, peace, and pebbles

5. Himarë – Small but scenic

6. Sarandë – Hub for day trips

7. Ksamil – Albania’s tropical fantasy

Total drive: ~300 km. Recommended: 6–8 days by car for the best experience.

Want a Mediterranean summer without the crowds or cost of Greece or Italy? Albania’s coast in 2025 might just surprise you — in the best way possible. 🌞

🏖 Shëngjin — Easygoing, sandy, and close to Montenegro

📍Where: Northern Albania, ~60 km from Tirana Airport
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Best for: Families with kids, fans of low-key beach holidays

Shëngjin is a quiet, flat, sandy resort ideal for beach-first vacations. Shallow water, plenty of sunshine, wide sandy shores, and modern beachfront hotels make this an excellent choice for family holidays.

✔️ Pros:

• Easy beach access, no rocks, gentle waves

• Growing infrastructure with new hotels and restaurants

• Just 40 km from the Montenegro border (perfect for a quick cross-border trip)

✖️ Cons:

• May feel too quiet or touristy for independent travelers

🏨 Book an accomodation in Shëngjin

🌆 Durrës — Beach meets history and urban buzz

📍Where: 35 km from Tirana, less than an hour’s drive
🛳 Best for: City lovers, short-break travelers, beach + museum combos

Durrës is Albania’s largest coastal city — a mix of modern hotels, ancient Roman ruins, a port, and wide beaches. Think of it as “beach with benefits”: cafes, nightlife, and the second-largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans.

What to do:

• Walk the promenade, then dive into the old town

• Explore Spille Beach if you want something quieter

• Visit the Archaeological Museum and Byzantine Forum

✔️ Fast airport access, well-developed amenities
✖️ The beach can get crowded in summer

🏨 Book an accomodation in Durrës

🏝 Vlorë — Two seas, one vibrant resort

📍Where: Between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
🌴 Best for: Pretty much everyone — from road-trippers to retirees

Vlora is Albania’s rising star. In 2025, a brand-new international airport opened here, making access easier than ever. The resort sits where the Adriatic and Ionian meet — think dramatic scenery, pebble and sand beaches, palm-lined boulevards, and lively restaurants.

✔️ Must-see:

• Llogara Pass — winding mountain roads with cinematic views

• Orikum and Amantia archaeological parks nearby

• Beaches with character (no endless flatness here!)

🏨 Book an accomodation in Vlorë

🏕 Dhërmi — Turquoise waters, mountain views, peace and quiet

📍Where: South of Vlorë, along the Ionian coast
🚗 Best for: Nature lovers, independent travelers, off-the-beaten-path seekers

Dhërmi is a charming coastal village surrounded by dramatic mountains and stunning blue waters. The beaches are mostly pebbly (bring swim shoes), the food is homey, and the vibe — slow and local.

Don’t miss:

• Gjipe Beach: A magical hidden bay reached on foot

• Palasa Beach: Aquamarine water by day, beach parties by night

✖️ Less nightlife, minimal infrastructure — that’s the charm

🏨Book an accomodation in Dhërmi

🐚 Himarë — Small, scenic, and wonderfully relaxing

📍Where: South of Dhërmi
🎒 Best for: Couples, road-trippers, those who love Greek island vibes

Himarë has it all in miniature: cozy pebble beaches, clear water, guesthouses with views, and local taverns steps from the sea. The best part? You’re close to two fantastic beaches:

• Jale Beach — jet skis, diving, bars, and crystal-clear water

• Livadhi Beach — wider, softer, still chill

✔️ Great base for exploring southern Albania
✖️ Not for nightlife lovers or resort-seekers

🏨 Book accomodation in Himarë

🚤 Sarandë — The perfect launchpad for exploring the south

📍Where: Right across from Corfu
💼 Best for: Budget travelers, short stays, active explorers

Sarandë isn’t a wow resort, but it’s practical and well located. From here, you can catch a 30-minute ferry to Greece, explore Butrint National Park, or head further south to Ksamil. The beaches here are decent but not breathtaking.

✔️ Affordable accommodation, transit hub feel
✖️ Long trip from Tirana (over 5 hours by road)

🏨Book accomodation in Sarandë

🏖 Ksamil — Albania’s beach paradise

📍Where: Southernmost Albania, near the Greek border
💎 Best for: Romantic getaways, families, beach lovers with patience

Ksamil is what Instagram dreams are made of: white sand, shallow turquoise water, cute little islands you can swim or kayak to. Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s far. But yes — it’s worth it.

✔️ Surrounded by Butrint National Park
✔️ Great seafood, crystal water, and peaceful coves
✖️ Book early — it gets crowded in July and August

🏨Book accomodation in Ksamil

🌍 Useful Travel Planning Services:

✈️ Aviasales — budget flight deals
🏨 Booking.com — accommodation for every taste
🚘 LocalRent — car rentals (with free cancellation)

More about Albania:

• The Best Route in Albania: Sea, Mountains, Historic Towns, and Delicious Food
• Roads, Gas, and Rules: Stress-Free Driving in Albania
• Albania Travel Guide 2025: Where to Go, Stay, Swim & Save