An unbroken coastline of 450 km (including lagoons) washes the western shores of Albania, extending along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. It is easy to tell where the Adriatic ends and where the Ionian begins given the sandy shores and jaded waters of the former, and the rocky beaches and green-blue seas of the Ionian.
The sandy and shallow Albanian beaches of the Adriatic make them a natural choice for family holidays. They can also be very crowded in high season. The Adriatic coast of the Balkan country attracts ecotourists, as it is rich in lagoons and other bounties of nature The region's infrastructure includes restaurants, retail outlets and cafes.
Those who wish to explore the Adriatic coast have their pick among the well-known beaches of Velipoja, Shëngjin, Durrës, Golem, Spille, Divjakë, Fier and Vlorë, among others. In addition to beaches, visitors who are passionate birdwatchers, or interested in eco-tourism, can explore the Adriatic coast’s rich lagoons and other natural ecosystems.
Shengjin Beach
Shëngjin Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, and is a popular destination for families. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is also home to several cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious Albanian cuisine while taking in the stunning scenery.
Velipoja Beach
Velipoja Beach is the country’s northernmost and one of the largest beaches. With its shallow waters and soft sandy beaches, it’s the perfect spot for families with children. The beach is also home to several cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious Albanian cuisine.
Shëngjin beach: lies further south of Velipoja. Do not miss the wonderful Rana e Hedhun beach north of Shëngjin, with its sand dunes on the slopes of the mountainside, sheltered from the winds of the area by a crown of hills.
Anglezi Bay - Karaburun Peninsula
One of the most beautiful bays in Karaburun Peninsula. Inglezi (Anglezi) Bay can be accessed only by small speedboats. Normally, the bay is invisible to the eye and it can be reached with the help of local guides or fishermen.
Lalëzi Bay: With its white sands and turquoise waters, it is an enchanting area full of attractive beaches, dotted with strips of pine trees.
Durrës beaches: The country’s biggest and most frequented beach is only 39 km away from Tirana. Its shallow waters make it very safe for families travelling with kids. Durrës boasts several beaches, with three being most well-known.
Currila beach: north of Durrës. The beach is protected from the winds and the sea is deeper.
Golem and Mali i Robit beaches are south of Durres.
With their shallow waters and many family restors they are a good family destination.
Fier beaches: Fier offers a short coastline that includes beautiful beaches that have been untouched by urbanism. Enjoy Darzeza and Seman beaches, where you will also find many of the bunkers built under the direction of former dictator Enver Hoxha -- who feared imminent invasion by the United States, Soviet Union and China among others.
Vlorë beaches: The city of “sea and sun” has become one of the most exciting tourist areas of the country, its beaches having recently been revamped with modern hotels, bars, cafés, restaurants, and nightclubs. The beach area begins directly south of the city, along the small and rocky shores of the Bay of Vlorë, Albania. Further down from Uji I Ftohte, you will find the beaches of Radhime, Orikum etc. Restaurants along the coastline offer vast samples of local and international cuisine.
Zvernec Island
Zvernec Island belongs to the protected area of the Narta Lagoon, in Vlorë, and is one of the latter’s two islands. Accessible easily via a wooden bridge, its lusciously green cypress trees decorate an inspiring landscape with spectacular views of the lagoon. The Island is known for St Mary’s Monastery, a Byzantine church built around the 13th or 14th century and today a world heritage site.
