Top attractions in albania: best beaches in northern and southern Albania
Albania is a versatile and very affordable destination offering something for every type of traveler. In this post we’ll go through the best beaches in Albania, split in two; the northern and southern Albania.
Besides its amazing beaches, the country has a lot more to offer – if you haven’t yet read my post about Albania’s best attractions, covering its amazing UNESCO sites and more, please read that now!
TL;DR for busy readers
If you’re too busy to read the whole post, expand the following headings to learn about the main beaches and attractions you should be aware of!
Exploring best beaches of Albania: northern and southern albania covered
Albania’s location on the coastline makes it an amazing destination for your beach vacation. Whether you’re looking for your typical “tourist beach”, or some more tranquility, the coastline has got it all. To make the most of your beach vacation, it’s helpful to split this topic into to regions: the northern beaches around Durrës and Golem, and the southern gems located in the Albanian Riviera.
Northern beaches
Durrës
Durrës is Albania’s second-largest city and as a port city it has been historically very significant. It’s located conveniently just a short drive from Tirana. The city itself is worth visiting or staying in, but despite its historical significance, the main attraction of the city is the Durrës beach. This 10-kilometer long stretch of sandy coastline is the most visited beach in Albania. Despite its length, it gets very busy during summer months. The area is lined with a variety of bars, restaurants and hotels, making it a perfect choice for all sorts of beach vacations. The shallow, warm waters are perfect for swimming and water sports, and the promenade itself offers a great place for relaxation. Durrës beach is very ideal for families, couples and honestly anyone looking for an easy, lively beach destination in Albania.
Golem
Golem offers a more tranquil alternative to Durrës beach. Located a bit north from Durrës, Golem area transitions from the Durrës beach. You can see from the adjacent map, that the area of Golem actually just continues along the same coastline.
Golem offers a slightly different and more relaxed vibe compared to the neighboring Durrës. It provides somewhat more tranquil and authentic experience. The water and beaches are quite similar to Dürres, but Golem offers a quieter atmosphere with some more authenticity and amazing local restaurants. The area is well-suited for all travelers, including families and children, with its family-friendly accommodations and facilities.
It’s worth noting that while Golem is a more tranquil choice for your beach vacation, the area itself does not have much to offer beyond the beaches. If you want to combine beaches with popular sights and historical attractions, you should consider Durrës. Alternatively if you’re okay with renting a car and driving in Albania, Golem is a very solid choice.
Skhodër
Skhodër, located in the north of Albania, is often referred to the historical capital of Albania. It is a city with rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Shkodër is also the main gateway to the Albanian Alps, if that’s your goal. The alps offer numerous hiking trails and various outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
Lake Shkodër
Sometimes considered as a must-visit in the Shkodër area, the largest lake in the Balkans, shared with Montenegro. I’ve visited the lake from both sides, and I must say there is not much to see on Albania’s side. It’s a bit dirtier and there aren’t many activities available, at least not compared to Montenegro’s part of the Skadar Lake. However, if you are in the area, it’s still a beautiful place to spend a few hours at, and perhaps eat some tasty local food in the various restaurants.
Bonus in Skadar area – Stralaus Freudenberg
There’s an amazing urbex-like attraction called Stralaus Freudenberg in Shirokë, southwest of Skadar. These ruins are apparently the foundation of a hotel that was never finished. This is a must visit place in the area, to give you the best Instagram posts from the area. It’s built on a little peninsula on the lake, offering possibilities to capture images unlike anywhere else.
The entry costs 100 Lek. It’s uncertain if it’s legally administered by anyone, regardless you should pay as it is not a big sum and means undoubtedly a lot to the person collecting the fee and granting you access.
Lake Koman
This is truly a must-visit you should try to make time for during your trip to Albania or Shkodër. The reservoir lake is experienced on a scenic ferry ride taking you through narrow gorges and towering mountains, offering some of the most amazing landscapes in Albania. Additionally, if you plan to visit Valbona Valley National Park from Shkodër, this is the quickest way. It’s advised to book ahead of time during the busiest season, and you should be advised that the ferry trips take around 3 hours one way, so plan accordingly.
Southern Beaches: The Albanian Riviera
If you’re visiting Albania from Tirana, I suggest you spare this stunning coastline destination for its own designated trip next time – unless you’ve got plenty of time to visit the country. The Albanian Riviera is located in southern Albania, and travelling from Tirana’s area and back will set you back for two days in practice, which is not ideal. If you want to visit the most popular attractions such as Saranda and Ksamil, I suggest you to fly to Corfu, Greece and take a short ferry to Saranda, and dedicate your trip entirely for the southern part of Albania. Unless again, you have plenty of time to visit. By the way, during my stay in Albania, I did indeed not have the time to visit both north and south properly, which is why I’ll undoubtedly make my way back to Albania, this time to explore the southern part.
Let’s dive into the must-know about the southern region.
Saranda
Saranda is located at the southern end of the Albanian Riviera. This charming coastal city is just a short ferry ride away from Greece’s Corfu, making it a convenient gateway to the region. Saranda comes to life in the Summer, starting from May, and it draws tourists to its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Saranda beach is essentially the main beach of the Albanian Riviera. It’s a great location to stay in and visit smaller beaches and attractions in the southern region, such as Ksamil, and the UNESCO sites of Butrint and the Blue Eye Spring. Read my post about Albania’s top attractions, to learn more about these.
ksamil
Even though the Albanian Riviera boasts many pretty beaches, Ksamil is often considered as one of the best. You can enjoy the feeling of being in Southern Asia, without the long flights, and more importantly, a lot cheaper. Ksamil is originally been the go-to beach village for locals, but in the recent years it has started to attract more foreign tourists also. Fear not – Ksamil is still pretty quiet and allows you to enjoy the turquoise crystal-clear water. The town is well equipped with restaurants and bars, ensuring you can fully enjoy your perfect beach day.
Blue Eye spring
While exploring the southern region of Albania, make sure not to miss out on the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër), a stunning freshwater spring, known for its unreal blue color and clear water. It’s a perfect day trip from Saranda, easily reachable by a 30-minute bus ride.
conclusion
From the lively atmosphere of Durrës to the relaxing vibe of Golem, and the outstanding beauty of the Albanian Riviera, Albania’s coastline offers something for every kind of traveler. Durrës impresses with its rich history and lively beach scene, making it suitable for families and couples in equal measure. In contrast, Golem provides a quieter, authentic beach experience but the area offers less attractions besides beaches.
Going south, Albanian Riviera is a paradise of crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches. The most interesting places include Saranda and Ksamil, which boast breathtaking scenery and plenty of activities. Saranda is a perfect gateway city to continue the exploration of southern wonders, including the magic Blue Eye Spring.
To the north, Shkodër combines historical depth with natural beauty, acting as a gateway to the Albanian Alps and the scenic Lake Koman. The Albanian side of Lake Shkodër is less developed than the Montenegrin one, but it still represents a peaceful retreat.
Whatever destination you might choose, Albanian beaches are sure to guarantee unforgettable memories and unique experiences. So pack your luggage, embrace the adventure, and discover the diverse treasures this beautiful country has prepared for you along its coast.
Happy travels! Below, you can find my other posts about Albania!
Top attractions in albania: best cities, nature sights and UNESCO sites explained
Learn about Albania’s northern and central gems, from Tirana’s vibrant energy to Berat’s Ottoman charm and Durrës’ coastal allure. Discover UNESCO sites, natural wonders like Lake Ohrid, and the stunning Albanian Alps.
Getting around in Albania: Albania transportation made easy
Everything you need to know about getting around in Albania
unsure what to pack? Feel like you are forgetting something?
I’ve put together a packing list to help you travel easier.