Seaside Vacation in Albania — infrastructure, recommendations and advice

If you are wondering — is it worth going to Albania? Then this article is for you.

Today, beach vacation in Albania are more accessible to tourists than ever before.

Since 2014, it has been a candidate for membership in the European Union, and by 2030 it should join the EU.

The Sea and Vacation: Facts About Albania

Why is Albania attractive to tourists?

• A coastline of 362 km with over 100 beaches.

• Two seas wash Albania’s shores: the Adriatic and the Ionian.

• A long summer season from April to October.

• Summer is a safe period in terms of earthquakes, which are not recorded during this time.

• The Karaburun National Marine Park also welcomes tourists.

• A variety of beaches to choose from: pebble, gravel, soft yellow sand, white sand, mixed sand-pebble, and volcanic sharp sand.

It is safe to say that every tourist will find a beach for a comfortable seaside vacation in Albania.

Some combine their beach holiday with hiking trails in the mountains.

Weather in Albania: Climate During Beach Season

What every tourist must know about Albania is its diverse climate zones.

For example:

• Along the coast, the climate is mild with humid Mediterranean air.

• Inland, the climate shifts to continental with drier air.

• In the mountains, the climate is entirely different and can be sharply continental in some areas.

• In the south, dry winds from the African continent sometimes blow, raising air temperatures in certain periods.

• The air temperature on the southern coast is 2-3 degrees higher than on the northern coast.

• The Ionian Sea is clear and bluish-green with pearlescent reflections in the sunlight, differing fundamentally from the darker, murkier Adriatic Sea.

• Beaches range from long sandy stretches up to 10 km to short ones from 20 to 200 meters, extending from north to south.

Thus, the coastal air is rich in ions and sea salts, which are highly beneficial for the respiratory system. Because of this, Albania is popular among people with respiratory illnesses, who feel significant relief during their seaside stay.

At the same time, away from the sea, the climate can become continental with sharp temperature fluctuations in winter and summer.

It is important to understand that on the southern beaches the temperature can reach 25°C. While the northern mountain peaks can be covered with snow at the same time.

Albania has at least five distinct climate zones.

Beach Vacation on Albania’s Ionian Coast

Most beaches here are gravel with rough, large sand, making it difficult to walk barefoot.

Here are the characteristics of some Ionian coast beaches:

• Pishtarit Beach near AMAR Bar features soft yellow sand.

• Borsh Beach is a multi-kilometer gravel beach about 5 km long, while Jale Beach is a short, small-pebble beach about 400 meters long.

• Aquarium Beach and Wild Beach stand out for their beauty, with volcanic, very sharp sand.

• Gjipe Beach, located in a canyon, features gravel in the center, soft yellow sand near the cliffs, and stunning mountain panoramas.

• Qeparo Beach is aesthetically beautiful, combining soft yellow sandy areas with gravel sections and a modern promenade.

• Big Lukove Beach is about 1.5 km long and is popular among Albanians due to its nature, mountains, inflatable piers, and low visitor numbers.

• Krorez Beach is a stunning gravel-sand beach approximately 1.5 km long. Located near Saranda, it is very popular among tourists and can only be visited via tour boats.

Additionally, there are nearly deserted stretches of coastline.

For example:

• Small Lukove Beach features gravel and canopy beds with incredible views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

• Piqeras Beach is a spot where tourists stay in their cars amidst mountains and cliffs.

The variety of beaches along the Ionian coast is truly incredible and suits any traveler.

Beach Vacation in Albania’s Cities

Here are some urban beaches with brief descriptions:

• In Vlora, the main beach is sandy and stretches for several kilometers. There is also a pebble beach near the tunnel and a stepped beach with a sandy seabed.

• The beaches in Durres and Golem are similar—long, sandy, and several kilometers in length.

• In Shëngjin in the north, the beach is also sandy and several kilometers long.

• In the small town of Himara, the beach is gravel and about 1.2 km long.

• In Saranda, the beach is gravel with a narrow coastal strip about 1 km long.

• The popular beaches in Ksamil are located along a winding coastline. Three islands along the shore and white sand attract visitors. Ksamil is a favorite vacation spot for both Albanians and foreign tourists.

In large cities situated along bays (Vlora and Durres), beaches are long and typically sandy with soft yellow sand.

Important Things to Know About Albania’s Beaches

Tourists should know the following:

• City beaches always have free sections accessible to any traveler.

• Feel free to settle where there is a Plazh Publike (public beach) sign.

• Privately leased sections require payment. Usually, the fee for an umbrella and two sunbeds is 5 to 15 euros per day.

• Some cafes and restaurants offer free sunbeds and umbrellas.

Ask locals about prices to ensure an enjoyable seaside vacation in Albania.

Plan your travel budget by reading an article on the cost of a trip for two in Albania.

The article includes prices for tickets, food, fuel, and other services.

Infrastructure on the Beaches

In general:

• Large cities have promenades for evening strolls with numerous rows of restaurants and cafes.

• Smaller towns also have promenades, but with fewer dining options.

• In remote places like Gjipe Beach, there is a tent camping area and a few restaurants.

You will always find a place to stay and eat.

However, plan your trip in advance.

Check details like bus schedules and accommodation prices.

Travel and Excursions

Every city in Albania has attractions worth seeing.

Along the central promenade, many signs advertise boat and ship excursions. You can book tours during the day or evening while strolling.

In large cities, excursion prices range from 25-30 euros per person.

In Vlora, for example, about 1,000 people depart daily for trips to Karaburun and Sazan Island. Dozens of boats transport tourists daily.

In remote areas like Green Coast Beach, prices may surprise you—one trip along Karaburun can cost 300 euros. There are fewer tourists, but wealthier clients.

Knowing the exact route will help you plan your vacation better.

Tourist Tips

Your seaside vacation in Albania is entirely up to you.

• For a beach holiday, the best choice is the southern coast.

• Great spots include beaches in Himara and its surroundings.

• If you are interested in cities and history, Butrint and Gjirokastër near Saranda are must-visits.

• Every day, dozens of boats depart from Saranda to remote beaches, carrying thousands of tourists.

P.S.: It would be a good idea to check out the TOP 10 best beaches in Albania to make the final choice for your trip.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Your vacation options:

• Stay in a city and relax on urban beaches.

• Hike in the mountains near your accommodation.

• Take boat excursions along the Ionian or Adriatic coasts.

• Travel to other cities with numerous attractions and beaches.

Use my experience and original photos to better visualize these locations.

Check out hiking routes that I personally explored.

Shorts

Filming date: July 2024. Beach near Leos residence (Drymades area, Dhermi).

📽️ Watch more videos about life in Albania on my YouTube channel Life in Albania.
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