Best Beaches In & Near Vlorë
The old city of Vlorë is not without its charms. Set on a wide bay at the base of the foothills of the Ceraunian Mountains, the city looks out over the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
As well as being Albania's fifth largest city it is also one of the most historically and culturally significant. Founded by the Ancient Greeks the city became something of a cultural hub in the 18th and 19th century. However, Vlore is best known within Albania as the place where independence from the Ottoman Empire was declared in 1912.
The Mediterranean climate here has become something of a draw to tourists looking for somewhere a little off the beaten track. Whilst Vlore itself has plenty going on and some fine beaches much of its appeal comes from its location as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Here you will find some of the finest beaches on this side of the Med with spots such as Dhermi, Himara, Palasë, Qeparo, Vuno, and Borsh within easy reach.
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1. Grama Bay
© Silva.arapi / CC BY Travel time from Vlorë: approx 0.5 hrs
Situated on Albania's Ionian Sea coast Grama Bay is a small but beautiful cove almost surrounded by high, rocky cliffs. This semi-secret little beach is one of the real gems of the Albanian coast and as of yet completely untouched or spoiled by mass tourism. If you do make it here you won't be disappointed; the crystal clear azure water rivals anything Greece has to offer and the colour is… read more »
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2. Gjipe Beach
© Ross Helen Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Gjipe beach is set along the same stretch of the Albanian coast as some of the other most popular, highly rated beaches on the Riviera. Located between the resort beaches of Drymades and Himara the beach at Gjipe has barely been touched by development.
Obscured by the mountainous terrain, the beach here sits at the end of the Gjipe Canyon, an impressive natural feature with the rock formations reaching up to 70… read more »
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3. Gjipe Beach
© Pudelek / CC BY Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Gjipe beach is set along the same stretch of the Albanian coast as some of the other most popular, highly rated beaches on the Riviera. Located between the resort beaches of Drymades and Himara the beach at Gjipe has barely been touched by development.
Obscured by the mountainous terrain, the beach here sits at the end of the Gjipe Canyon, an impressive natural feature with the rock formations reaching up to 70… read more »
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4. Dhërmi Beach
© Linda Saitos Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Dhërmi beach is often cited as the finest beach in Albania - hard to argue with this when this is where Albaninian prime ministers allegedly come to holiday! It isn't hard to see why. Set in a small bay, the village clings to the high sloping cliffs which rise up from the beach.
The beach here is everything you would expect from the Ionian coast. The water here is warm, crystal clear… read more »
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5. Vega Beach
Tomasz Lewicki Travel time from Vlorë: approx 0.5 hrs
Set on a short stretch of rocky coastline roughly 150 metres long by 15 metres wide, Vega Beach is a manmade creation close to the city of Vlorë. Access from its fine off-white gravel surface to the sea is via steps bypassing the rocks, which may make it a little tricky for some younger children. That said, a short pier creates a cove-like feel with some protection from incoming waves.
Lined… read more »
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6. Drymades Beach
© Yelena011 Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Drymades Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera. It is a secluded slice of paradise featuring a natural rock formation that divides it in half. One side is full of white pebbles and the other is brushed with silky golden sand.
Drymades Beach is located near the village of Dhermi on a small bay with incredible turquoise waters that are calm and still. It is the… read more »
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7. Livadi Beach
© AliceKeyStudio Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Albania is something of an underrated gem with many stunning locations along its coastline, with the crown in its jewel being Livadi Beach.
This luxuriant getaway is famed throughout the Mediterranean for its idyllic coastline, deep blue watery depths, and olive trees as far as the eye can see. Size matters, and Livadi beach is one of the biggest beaches on Albania's Southeastern Mediterranean coast, stretching more than 1.2 kilometers with… read more »
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8. Potami
© Yelena011 Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Looking for a an Albanian beach with something for everyone? Potami Beach is one of the biggest beaches in the Himarë area, offering a unique blend of Greek and Albanian culture beneath clear blue skies overlooking sun-kissed sand.
The name Potami translates as "river" from Greek and the water that runs through here is crisp, cold, and refreshing, springing up from exclusive underwater springs that flow year-round.
Potami Beach is also centrally… read more »
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9. Himarë Beach
goliveandtravel.com Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
One of Albania's most picturesque and glamorous beaches, Himarë enjoys some of the country's best beach weather. All year round, the temperature is warm, the sun is shining, and the long stretches of soft white sand seemingly stretch on into eternity. There's a real sense of timeless beauty here with the sapphire sky, deep turquoise sea, and an unrivaled fun beach vibe.
Pine groves and rows of olive trees… read more » -
10. Jalë Beach
Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Call it Jale, Jali or Jala - whichever you choose - this certainly was one of the finest little beaches along the Riviera coast. The water here is crystal clear with a vivid azure hue. In fact it is said that this is some of the clearset water on the coast owing to the bay's currents which makes it perfect for a spot of snorkelling or diving.
Beyond the bars and… read more »
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11. Llamani Beach
Ervisshishmani Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Looking for a an Albanian beach with something for everyone? Potami Beach is one of the biggest beaches in the Himarë area, offering a unique blend of Greek and Albanian culture beneath clear blue skies overlooking sun-kissed sand.
The name Potami translates as "river" from Greek and the water that runs through here is crisp, cold, and refreshing, rising up from exclusive underwater springs that flow year-round.
Potami Beach is also centrally… read more »
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12. Bunec beach
Albinfo Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Bunec Beach is a quiet, yet beautiful, spot near Saranda in Albania. With a backdrop of mountains it offers an opportunity to get in touch with the natural beauty of Albania.
Littered with white pebbles, the water at Bunec is crystal clear and the beautiful shade of blue-green you only find in the Ionian Sea. The remote location means visitors will have no trouble finding a quiet and secluded spot. A… read more »
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13. Qeparo Beach
Decius Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Situated on the magnificent Panormi Bay, Qeparo Beach is roughly 13 kilometres from Himara. It is backed onto by the small but relatively famous village of the same name, which is divided into old and new sections and hides a variety of surprises include a castle that once belonged to leader Ali Pasha.
The most notably addition to Qeparo Beach, however, has to be the line of Cold War domed… read more »
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14. Borsh Beach
© Joergsam / CC BY Travel time from Vlorë: approx 1 hr
Situated on the southern end of Albania's Riviera coast is the impressively long stretch of Borsh beach. There are around 7 kilometres of fine white pebbles facing into the turquoise-blue waters of the Ionian Sea.
read more »
