Authentic beach experiences, fewer tourists, and a welcoming atmosphere. No, this isn’t the perfect travel recipe, but it could very well be: Albania’s coastlines await visitors with these qualities, especially those who’ve had enough of mainstream European destinations and want to escape the occasionally suffocating crowds of tourists.

When it comes to European beach experiences, most people typically think of the Dalmatian, Spanish, or Italian coastlines. However, these destinations have often become so overcrowded that the sheer number of tourists has made enjoying the natural beauty nearly impossible. (For comparison, while Albania hosted 7.5 million tourists last year, Spain saw 71.6 million.) This is far from the case for Albania’s coastlines, which not only prove to be more budget-friendly than established tourist hubs but also offer breathtaking scenery for ocean lovers.

Undiscovered Albania

The officially 450-kilometer-long Albanian Riviera (or locally referred to as the “Bregu”) lies in the northeastern part of the Ionian Sea. It stretches from Vlora to Saranda and all the way to the Butrint National Park, reaching the Greek border. The Bregu hosts some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches, as well as numerous other attractions, including natural wonders like caves and underwater springs, charming coastal villages, olive groves, stunning viewpoints, ancient ruins, and even a few disused atomic bunkers for those curious enough to explore.

Although there are direct flights from Budapest to Tirana, Albania’s only international airport, it’s worth considering flying to Corfu, Greece, and then taking a boat to your destination. You don’t have to worry about the weather in the fall either: Albania typically enjoys temperatures around 28°C in September and 22-25°C in October.

Albania’s coastlines: Gjipe Beach

While Gjipe Beach can’t be considered one of the easily accessible beaches (a rough dirt road leads to one of Albania’s hidden gems, so consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle for this section), the effort is worth it. Gjipe remains untouched even among the average Albanian beaches.

Gjipe is a pebble beach with warm, crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent in the area during the summer, but it’s a good idea to bring your umbrella. While a few cafes offer delicious Albanian snacks on the beach, the number of dining establishments is not as high as on other European coastlines, ensuring a more peaceful experience. Gjipe Beach is approximately a 1.5-2-hour drive from Vlora, and you can park nearby for 2300 lek (around 1,085 HUF).

Dhërmi Beach

Dhërmi Beach, located just north of Gjipe, welcomes beachgoers with a similar ambiance and is often referred to as the most beautiful part of Albania. While Dhërmi’s shoreline is not sandy, the smooth white pebbles and turquoise waters provide an unforgettable visual experience for visitors.

Since Dhërmi Beach is more easily accessible than Gjipe, families can confidently choose this location for a relaxing day by the sea. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent on this beach, and there are more restaurants and cafes catering to both tourists and locals than on the Gjipe section. An interesting fact is that nightlife on Dhërmi Beach doesn’t stop at nightfall: as the sun sets, the beach transforms into a vibrant party scene. Dhërmi Beach is approximately a two-hour drive from Saranda and a 1.5-hour drive from Vlora.

Potam Beach

Potam Beach, located at the northern end of the Albanian Riviera, gives off a much more secluded vibe as it lies nestled between mountains and lush greenery. The beach is mostly shaded during the day, thanks to its location, which can be a welcome relief from the heat.

Potam Beach, like Gjipe and Dhërmi, also features a pebble shoreline, though here, you can expect larger, rounder stones. You’ll find a wide range of seaside bars and restaurants at Potam Beach, where you can comfortably enjoy some delicious Albanian bites and cold drinks while taking in the extraordinary views. Potam Beach is a 5-minute drive from Himara, making it a worthwhile place to stay if this beach captures your heart.

You can read the original article here.