ALBANIA is an increasingly popular destination for Brits looking for a sunny, affordable holiday.
The coast, nicknamed the Albanian Riviera, is just a few hours from the UK – and has some incredible beaches.
What is the Albanian Riviera?
The Albanian Riviera is a coastline that runs from north to south of Albania.
Called Bregu by locals, the area has sandy beaches and UNSEO sites.
It stretches from Vlorë in the north to Ksamil in the south.
The summer months are the best time to visit, with May to September being the hottest, with maximum temperatures of 28ºC.
It’s busiest during July and August, but crowds are much smaller than other hotspots in Europe.
Where are the best beaches in Albania?
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Most Albanian beaches are wide and sandy, so you can choose where to go.
The northernmost part of the Riviera is Vlorë, where most people will visit before heading down the coast, although it has its own beaches.
And in the southern part of the Riviera is Ksamil, which is close to the border with Greece.
Videos of the coastal resort show turquoise waters with what a group of tour guides describe as a “Bora Bora feel.”
Others called it the “European Maldives”.
But there’s so much more to enjoy, so here’s our guide to the best beaches in Albania according to Tripadvisor.
Gjepe
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Described by many as a “hidden gem”, Gjipe Beach is situated at the mouth of a stunning gorge.
It is an excellent place for swimming, with crystal clear waters.
But be warned: accessing the beach on foot can be complicated, especially the journey to and from the nearby parking lot.
Dhermi
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Dhermi beach is covered in pebbles, so if you are looking for soft sand, this may not be the option for you.
But it’s in an incredible location, boasting a beach road lined with restaurants, majestic rock formations, and generally clear, uncrowded sea.
Check out The Sun’s trip to ‘undiscovered gem’ Dhermi for a more detailed guide on what to do in the region.
Mirror
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Mirror Beach is a vibrant spot complete with a restaurant, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.
The beach is clean but quite rocky, and the sea is immaculate and deep blue.
However, it can be difficult to reach by car, so plan your trip carefully.
Pulebardha
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Plulebardha Beach is a beautiful pebble beach that offers clear, clean sea and incredible scenery.
It is recommended to take water shoes, as the beach is full of rocks and getting in and out of the sea can be complicated.
If you are traveling by public transport, it is worth noting that the walk from the bus stop is quite long and the paths are rudimentary.
Jale
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Jale Beach offers good parking, a range of decent restaurants, beachfront bars and shops, and spectacular views.
You can also rent a canoe and paddle to the remote beaches that surround the area.
It’s worth arriving in the morning as it can get very busy in the afternoon in the peak holiday months.
Is Albania cheap to visit?
The average flight time between the UK and Albania’s capital, Tirana, takes approximately three hours.
WizzAir is currently offering incredibly cheap flights, starting from just €13 (£11).
EasyJet, WizzAir and British Airways offer direct routes to Tirana.
From Tirana it is a four-hour drive to Ksamil, on the south coast.
Another option is to fly to Corfu and then take one of the five daily ferries to Sarandë.
Return flights to Corfu with EasyJet can be purchased for less than £60 per person.
Bookings to Albania are up 96 percent compared to 2019, according to Skyscanner, and are expected to continue to rise.
It’s also very affordable once you’re there – a glass of wine costs £1.70 and a pint is just £1.10.
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All about Albania
Whether you want to visit or are just curious to learn more about the culture, here’s everything you need to know about Albania…
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