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Prime location -

Located immediately northwest of Greece, Albania boasts not one but two seas: the Ionian, which bathes Greece’s western coast, and the Adriatic to the north.

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Seaside -

To emphasize the privileged location of its coast, the country’s 265 miles (426 km) of seaside is about 60 miles (96 km) from Italy’s region of Puglia, famed for its beaches and whitewashed hill towns.

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Access -

Though flying into the Balkan country still poses challenges, it is easier than just a few years ago when the Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza was the only airport allowed to receive international flights.

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Access -

Luckily that’s not the case anymore. Other airports are set to start receiving international flights, and the recently launched airline Air Albania is expected to begin flying European routes this year.

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The Albanian Riviera -

Popularly known as Bregu, the country’s southern coast on the Ionian Sea is also referred to as the Albanian Riviera, and is where the country’s most popular beaches are located.

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Car rental -

Because the coast is still relatively unknown to international tourists, the best way to explore the beaches is by car. If you know how to drive and have a valid license, renting a car in one of the bigger cities is easy and affordable.

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Where to stay -

You can set a home base for your stay and explore the coast from there. One option is Himarë, which is perfect for mid-range budget travelers.

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Where to stay -

For something more upper scale, Dhërmi is a good option. Don’t expect 5-star resorts, but if you’re traveling to the Albanian coast, you’re likely trying to avoid that style of beach tourism anyway.

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Where to stay -

If you’re more adventurous and looking for more basic accommodation, the village of Vuno is the spot for you to set up camp.

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Where to stay -

If you want overall options, stay in Sarandë, the country’s tourism hub located near the border with Greece.

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Camping -

Or why not pick a beach and camp? Wild camping is allowed in much of the country.

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Best beaches -

Albania’s coast is dotted with beaches that wash up against quaint villages with cobblestone streets and Orthodox churches just waiting to be explored.

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Vlorë -

Albania’s third-largest city is also an amazing beach destination. By taking a boat from the port, you can reach the unspoiled bays of Karaburun and Sazan.

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Nartë, Vlorë -

Situated 15 minutes by car from Vlorë, this village boasts a beautiful blue lagoon. From here you can also head to Zvërnec, an island that is home to an 18th-century Orthodox monastery hidden in the forest.

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Dhërmi Beach, Dhërmi -

Located near Drymades, this beach is likely the most famous among Albanian beachgoers. Boasting a long strip of white sand and turquoise water, it can get crowded, but rarely is it overwhelming.

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Drymades Beach, Dhërmi -

The small bay near the village has a picturesque rock formation that divides the pebbly beach from the sandy one.

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Jala Beach, Himarë -

Sometimes called Glass Beach thanks to its crystal-clear waters, this is also a popular camping spot, though expect music and chatting late into the night.

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Gjipe Beach, Himarë -

To access the beach, you’ll have to hike 3 km down, so pack water and snacks. But the prize is lukewarm, limpid waters and a network of caves waiting to be explored.

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Himarë Beach, Himarë -

Listed previously as the perfect mid-range home base, the village is also a great spot for some beach fun.

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Livadhi Beach, Himarë -

Located close to the village, this beach is accessible by foot if you’re in Himarë. With bars, restaurants, lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, it’s one of the best-equipped beaches around.

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Porto Palermo, Himarë -

If you’d like to pair your beach adventure with a castle, look no further. Dating back to the Venetian rule of Albania, the fort later served as a submarine base during the communist regime, and is now semi-abandoned.

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Borsh Beach, Borsh -

Albania’s largest beach consists of a rugged 7-kilometer-long stretch of sand in the Riviera. Surrounded by olive groves and mountain peaks, Borsh is a true unexplored gem.

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Sarandë -

The unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, Sarandë is home to the Pulëbardha Beach, a pebbly beach washed by gorgeous blue water and untouched nature.

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Plazhi i Pasqyrave, Sarandë -

Also known as Mirror Beach, this is the perfect getaway for those in search of crystal-clear waters without the crowds. There is a restaurant on the beach, but its monopoly means higher prices, so bringing food with you is advisable.

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Syri i Kaltër, Sarandë -

Though not a beach, this natural spring is perfect for a swim surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

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Ksamil Beach, Ksamil -

Located south of Sarandë near the border with Greece, Ksamil is known locally as the "Ionian pearl" thanks to its natural beauty.

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Pro tip -

Albanians may shake their head to mean “yes.” It’s tricky. If it’s a fast shake, it means “yes,” but a medium shake means “no.”

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Fun fact -

Lord Byron, the English poet and leading figure in the Romantic movement of the 19th century, was a fan of the country.

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Lord Byron -

Upon returning from a trip in 1809, he wrote a letter to his mother describing his experience around the Mediterranean in which he exalts the beauty of Albania and its people, describing them as “brave, rigidly honest, and faithful.”

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