The decision has been made – we’re going to Albania. But where exactly? Which region should you choose? Where to go when your priority is either lounging on the beach or exploring and hiking? We’ll cover your options today so that you may hopefully have a clearer picture of where you want to go.
The Adriatic Coast
The best-known resorts on Albania’s northern coast are: Shëngjin, Durrës, Golem and Spille. What awaits us there? In Shëngjin, you have sandy beaches with a gentle descent to the sea and proximity to amazing nature. Not far away is the Kune Vain reserve and the Albanian part of Lake Shkoder. It can be crowded in the high season, as the town is quite popular.
Durrës and the nearby Golem have wide and long beaches and numerous cafes, restaurants and shops. It is worth mentioning that Durrës is Albania’s main port and the country’s second largest city. From here, it is less than an hour’s drive on the motorway to Albania’s capital, Tirana. However, it has to be said that the beaches in this area are not the best in the country and are often littered.
Spille, on the other hand, is a quiet village for those who don’t like crowds. It’s known for its nice sandy beach with a very gentle descent. Though, the trade-off is that you won’t find any fancy monuments or lively pubs here. It’s just a place to relax.
The meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
In the central point of the coast, you have Albania’s biggest tourist destination: the city of
Vlorë. You’ll find many pebbly beaches in the area, often hidden in incredibly beautiful coves. There’s also no shortage of long sandy beaches with pleasant warm waters, ideal for snorkelling.
Vlorë is also famous for its great restaurants. Choices include delicious meats, fresh seafood, fish and fantastic coffee.
You can also drive up to the Llogara Pass from Vlorë. It’s a great vantage point offering views of the Ionian Sea spread out below you, the white beaches of Palasë and the Greek islands visible in the distance. The downside of Vlorë is, of course, the crowds and the huge traffic jams.
For those of you who would rather have something more chill in that area, we recommend the village of Borsh. It’s a tiny resort located in the town of Himarë with beautiful pebbly beaches.
The Albanian Riviera
The Riviera is sometimes referred to as the Ionian Sea’s ‘paradise coast’. You’ll find plenty of beautiful secluded beaches and picturesque villages located in the hills here. On the coast, you have the resort of Ksamil, a popular spot for tourists. For those who prefer exploring, there’s the Butrint Archeological Site, an ancient settlement on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most popular resort in the Riviera is certainly Saranda, though. There are plenty of well-organised hotels, private villas and flats for rent. The beaches in the area are generally rocky but incredibly charming nonetheless. There are many great restaurants here as well, though they’re on the pricier side for Albania. There are hydrofoils and ferries from Saranda to the Greek island, Corfu. The area is also plentiful with beautiful bays surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, numerous vineyards and citrus plantations. Check out our list of the best beaches in Albania for more!
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