First a short introduction for this beautiful small country in southern Europe. Albania is part of Europe, west of Balkans with a surface of 28.748 m2 and a population of 2.838 million habitants. In Western side the country has a very beautiful coastline that stretches from North all the way over to the South. Therefore are founded a lot of beaches mainly for exploring, hiking and of course sunbathing !!! The Adriatic Sea on the North creates sandy beaches till Vlora and further South by the Jonian Sea are located the most beautiful albanian pebble beaches. We have visited a lot of these places and in the following you can find the most unique albanians beaches.
You will find below for each albanian beach photos, location, how to access, private/public and the reason for their uniqueness.
Rana e Hedhun (Thrown Sand)
The beach is located North of Shëngjin city, Lezhë District and it is only 15 km from Albania-Montenegro border. The main part of it is private and further North you can rest with your own umbrella. The private part is accessible with any type of car but further to the public part where the famous Thrown Sand is, you will need an off-road vehicle.
The dune of sand is the most unique part of the beach and it is the only one in Albania.
It is is right in the shore and reaches a high of approximately 100 m. The dune is immense and quite steep but it offers a spectacular view on the top as it is shown at the photo above.
The following albanian beaches are located at the southwest of albanian coastline right after the Karaburun Peninsula
Drimadhë Beach
Drimadhë Beach is the second beach after Llogara National Park. During the road thought the Park, at the highest point, is Panorama Llogara where you can enjoy a fascinating panorama of the Albanian Reviera. The beach has a length of 2 km and is mostly a private beach however the most beautiful part of it is close with Palase beach.
The beach has small rocks that creates a perfect location for photos.
To reach the beach in this part go through the rocks. Then in front of you is a wonderful color of blue water, which I just love it !!!
Gjipe Beach
This beach is as beautiful as challenging because a part of the road. Firstly from Drimadhë Beach it is 15 min by car. In addition 1.5 km of the road is a path of medium difficulty, so an off-road vehicle is needed. Afterwards, as almost all beaches in Albania it has his main private part and at the edges you can take your own umbrella (public part).
This bay offers a beautiful beach and after it gives the opportunity to explore the Gjipe Canyon.
Gjipe beach would make a perfect weekend itinerary. Therefore, a lot of people in Albania choose to camp one night at the beach during summer season.
Akuarium Bay
Cute and petite Akuarium bay is so picturesque.
It is only 5 min by car from Jala beach then a 30 min path connect Akuarium Bay with Livadhi Beach . The beach is between the rocks and it is just pure beaty and nature. It is public and pretty favorable for a ride with boat.
Filikuri Bay
Filikuri Bay was quite suprise for us too. Filikuri Bay is not to known even in Albania. We went there and it did not disappointed us.
Filikuri bay is a quite beautiful albanian beach right at the cliffs.
The easiest way to go there would be by boat or canoe from Himara, the biggest city at the area. For rock climbers it would be a easy adventure to reach Filikuri Bay. Take umbrella and sunscream and enjoy the Mediterranean sun and crystal water at this awesome beach.
Mateus Beach
Mateus Beach is definitely the least visited albanian beach that we ever went to. It seems a challenge to go there and we said to it yes.
Mateus Beach is a little isolated paradise with crystal water to enjoy
The beach is 8 min ride from Himara. After leaving SH8 road there is a parking lot. The rest of it can be done only with off road car. We decided to hike but it seems like walking at the middle of nowhere because the beach can not be seen. Only at the end of the road before you is Mateus Beach and ready to enjoy it after 1.5 km hiking. Be aware that there are no shadows and so an umbrella is much needed.
In conclusion these are the most unique albanian beaches to enjoy. Sunbathing, swimming and diving are some of the activities at this area. Riviera of Albania is diverse so it would be perfect for a two week vacation.
