Best Beaches in Albania 2025 (And Which to Avoid)

Albania’s coastline is one of its greatest asset, but if you’re planning to swim, not all beaches are created equal.

This year, we went a step further. Using data from 120 monitored beach locations across the country, we aim to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date beach rankings in Albania for 2025.

Each beach was ranked from Excellent to Poor, based on official water quality data collected throughout 2024. We’ve filtered through all this data to help you find the best spots to swim and avoid the ones that don’t meet safety standards.

Here’s a breakdown of the best (and worst) beaches across the Albanian coast.

The Best Beaches in Albania (Based on Water Quality Data)

Jalë Beach

Jala is one of the most popular beaches on the Albanian Riviera, a beautiful small pebbly bay located between Himarë and Dhërmi, renowned for its crystal-clear blue water, which has been rated ‘Excellent’ by the 2024 water quality rankings.

Once a hidden gem, Jalë has grown in popularity; now, in peak summer it transforms into a lively party spot with beach bars, loud music, and famous beach clubs like Folie Marine. Despite the buzz, the atmosphere is friendly and fun, attracting a younger crowd.

In the off-season, however, Jala is peaceful and quiet. The beach is reachable via a steep road and offers basic amenities: a few hotels, campsites, and beach bars.

Related: Discover Albania’s Most Exclusive Luxury Real Estate Development, Folie Village

Palasë (Himara Region)

Palasa Beach lies just south of the Llogara Pass and marks the northern start of the Albanian Riviera. This is a long, wide beach of white sand and smooth pebbles set against dramatic mountains, reputed as one of the cleanest in the country.

Palasa is known for its unspoiled natural beauty. A newly developed resort complex and a few beach restaurants have introduced modern comforts. The vibe is relaxed: families, couples, and friends looking for sun, space, and sea.

Livadhi Beach (Himara Region)

Livadhi Beach is the longest stretch of beach in the Himarë area, located in a wide bay below the old village. With turquoise waters and a mix of sand and pebble shorelines, it’s a great alternative to more popular beaches on the south. The beach has some bars, family-run restaurants, hotels, and campsites. It’s spacious enough to avoid crowding, even in summer.

Dhërmi Beach

Dhërmi Beach is one of Albania’s most famous destinations. It’s a long stretch of pebble beach with dazzling water, a vibrant summer scene, and nightlife that draws younger crowds. While it’s busy in summer, there are still peaceful spots along its 1.5km length. The area is well-equipped with restaurants, hotels, and sunbed zones.

According to the 2024 official water quality rankings, Dhërmi’s beaches are listed as both “Excellent” and “Good,” depending on the exact location, confirming that the area continues to maintain high environmental standards.

Lukovë Beach (Near Saranda)

Lukovë Beach sits below the small village of Lukovë and offers a quiet escape. The beach is less visited. A few beach restaurants and guesthouses operate in summer, but it remains natural and quiet. Reaching it involves a narrow road from the village, adding to its off-grid charm.

Gjiri i Lalzit

Gjiri i Lalzit, also known as Lalëz Bay, is a long sandy beach north of Durrës and one of the cleanest in central Albania. According to 2024 data, this beach earned an “Excellent” rating for water quality, which is reassuring given its growing popularity.

It’s a family-friendly beach with soft sand, shallow entry points, and easy road access from Tirana. The area is seeing more development, with beach bars, new resorts, and private residences rising along the shore, but much of the beach remains spacious and natural.

Vlora (Some of the beaches)

Vlorë has one of the longest and most diverse coastlines in Albania and while the water quality can vary from beach to beach, at least three monitored sites in the area received an “Excellent” rating in 2024.

These stretches of beach are especially appreciated by locals looking for a clean swim without leaving the city. Not all parts of Vlorë meet this standard, but if you know where to go, you’ll find some of the cleanest waters in the country.

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Himara

Himarë is known for its traditional villages and stunning beaches, and based on 2024 data, at least two of its coastal bathing areas received an “Excellent” water quality rating. These monitored spots likely cover parts of Livadhi Beach and nearby smaller coves.

What makes Himarë special is its variety: you’ll find quiet, pebbly inlets, sandy stretches, and clear, turquoise waters, all within a short drive. While the town gets busier in summer, many of the best beaches around Himarë are still calm and naturally beautiful.

The Worst Beaches in Albania (Based on Water Quality Data)

Durrës (Some Sections)

Durrës is one of Albania’s most visited summer destinations, but not all areas offer clean swimming conditions. According to 2024 data, multiple parts of the coastline were flagged for poor water quality. Still, with proper local advice, you can find cleaner spots nearby.

Vlorë (Some Areas)

While Vlorë is home to some of Albania’s cleanest and most loved beaches, not all areas meet the same standard. According to 2024 data, some beaches close to the port and industrial zones, particularly north of the city, were marked as having poor water quality. If you’re planning to swim, we recommend heading further south to spots like Radhimë, Orikum, or Uji i Ftohtë, which performed much better in the same report.

These poor-rated locations are closer to:

• The Port of Vlorë
• Areas near the city center
• Possibly affected by urban or industrial runoff

Shëngjin

Shëngjin is another beach destination that saw one of its bathing areas listed as poor in the latest report. This doesn’t apply to the whole coastline, but it’s still something to be aware of, especially if you’re heading to the more built-up sections close to the city.

Pogradec Lakeshore (Lake Ohrid)

The town of Pogradec has a lovely lakeside promenade, but half of its bathing areas tested poorly in 2024. While it’s scenic, the lakeshore near the town isn’t ideal for swimming. Still, it’s a pleasant place for walks and local dining.

Kavaja

In Kavaja, the 2024 water quality report showed that nearly the entire stretch of coastline tested in the area was rated as poor. This includes multiple beach spots around Golem, a popular summer destination for both locals and tourists.

While the beaches here are easily accessible and lined with resorts, bars, and restaurants, the water quality data suggests they might not be the best choice if you’re looking for clean, swimmable waters. If you’re headed this way, it may be worth checking updated local conditions or opting for less crowded areas nearby.

Conclusion and Further Reading

Water quality in Albania can be amazing or problematic and it all depends on where you go. Most of the cleanest beaches are in the south (Himarë, Lukovë, Palasa), where tourism is growing but still hasn’t overwhelmed nature.

On the other hand, urbanized and industrial areas, especially (a few beaches) around Durrës and Vlorë, are still struggling with pollution and poor water management.

So if you’re planning your next trip to the coast make sure you’re not just chasing pretty pictures. Check the data.

We hope this helped you pick your next beach stop!

You may also be interested in reading:

• Budget-Friendly Beaches in South Albania
• A foodie’s journey in Albania
• Essential safety tips when traveling in Albania
• What we love about Albania: our team tells it all

Sources

SDI Datashare