Beaches in Albania

Saranda and the Southern Coast

The Ionian coast, all along the southern end of Albania's shoreline, is a prime destination for clean and scenic beaches. For a beach town to visit, Lonely Planet recommends Saranda, a coastal village that boasts 290 days of sunshine per year. The town also offers an early Christian monastery, should you wish to break up the beach time with a cultural visit. Saranda is also located within 10 miles of the Greek island of Corfu.

Close to Tirana

If your base is in the capital city of Tirana and you want to fit in a day at the beach, Durresi is a popular coastal destination, located just half an hour away. While the beaches are not as quiet as you'll find farther south, the beach-side nightlife bustles all summer long. For slightly more relaxing beaches, head to Currilat Beach on the north side of town or Golemi and Mali i Robit beaches, about six miles south of Durresi. From Durresi, you can also visit the protected wetlands of Karavasta Lagoon or see an impressive range in architecture, from Roman baths to an Ottoman mosque, right in town.

Vlore

About midway between Durresi and Saranda, the city of Vlore offers clean beaches and all the conveniences of a large city. The city beaches begin directly south of the harbor, with the cleanest and quietest ones farthest away. The popular Plazhi i Ri Beach is just south of the harbor. Uji i Ftohte, the local gem, is over a mile away from the port, but a municipal bus travels there throughout the day.