I have always believed that the best secrets in the world are the ones that people still think are scary or hard to reach. For a long time, Albania was one of those places. People thought of it as a post-communist spot that was far behind the rest of the world. However, I can tell you from my own two-week adventure that this is simply not the truth anymore. This country is a land of untouched natural beauty with a history that goes back to the ancient Greeks and Illyrians. It is now a favorite for travelers who want to see a beautiful place without spending all of their money. If you want the beaches of Croatia and the food of Greece but at a much lower price, you need to visit the Budget Friendly Beaches in South Albania.
I started my journey with a lot of nerves because I had heard stories that the transport was impossible to figure out. People said there were no schedules and that you would be stuck if you did not have a car. Plus, the internet is full of mixed reviews about how the coast is changing fast. Some people call it the “Maldives of Europe” while others say it is too crowded and full of half-finished buildings. I wanted to find the truth for myself. I split my time between the busy streets of albania beach cities like Sarandë and the quiet olive groves of Borsh. What I found was a mix of wild, hidden coves and lively party towns.
First of all, I must tell you about the money. While people say Albania is the cheapest country in Europe, it is not as cheap as it was a few years ago. Prices in 2025 have gone up by fifty to one hundred percent in some areas. I spent about eighty euros a day on average while staying in budget guesthouses and eating local food. Additionally, you must know that cash is the only way to pay for almost everything. I had to visit the ATM constantly, and the fees are quite high. Most machines charge between five and eight euros for a single withdrawal. Therefore, you should bring a good amount of euros with you to exchange or get a large amount of local lek at once.
Borsh Beach Albania
The bus from Sarandë took me around a sharp turn, and suddenly I saw it. Seven kilometers of white pebbles and clear blue water stretched out before me. This is borsh beach albania, the longest beach in the entire Riviera. At that time, I realized that this was the perfect place for people who hate crowds. Even in the middle of the hot summer, you can walk for an hour and still find a patch of sand all to yourself. It is a very peaceful spot compared to the busy beaches further south.
Borsh is more than just a place to swim. It is a window into the local rural life where people still make olive oil the old way. I stayed at a small place called Tony Home for only fifteen to twenty-five euros a night. It was a bit of a walk to the water, but the views of the mountains were amazing. Additionally, the food here is very affordable. I ate at a village tavern where I just pointed at what looked good, and the bill was less than ten euros. Plus, there is a waterfall in the middle of town that flows right under a restaurant called Ujëvara. It is a cool place to escape the heat.
Himarë (Spile and Prinos)
I found Himarë to be my personal favorite town on the coast. It feels like a real place where people live, not just a resort for tourists. The town has many public beaches that are free to use. However, you should know that the main town beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. There is a nice promenade lined with cafes and bars where you can watch the sunset with a cheap drink. I enjoyed the vibe here because it was quiet and did not have the crazy nightlife of other cities.
One of the best things to do in Himarë is to explore the old town on the hill. The ruins of the castle offer a view of the whole coast that will take your breath away. On top of that, the locals are very friendly. I met a family that took me on a boat tour to hidden caves for a very fair price. Himarë is one of the top 10 beaches in albania because it is a great base for day trips. You can reach many other beaches from here by boat or a short drive.
Gjipe Beach
The most beautiful beach I saw was Gjipe. It is hidden at the end of a deep canyon and you cannot drive right up to it. I had to walk for about thirty minutes down a rocky path to reach the shore. The terrain is very rough, so you must wear good shoes. However, the effort is worth every step. The water is so clear that it looks see-through near the edge.
There are almost no buildings at Gjipe. You will find a few small huts that sell fruit and cold drinks, but that is all. I suggest that you bring your own snacks and a towel. At that time, I felt like I was on a desert island. If you want a quiet morning, you should arrive early. By the afternoon, more people arrive by boat and the beach gets a bit more lively. Therefore, a morning visit is best for peace and quiet.
Ksamil Islands
Ksamil is often called the “Maldives of Europe” on social media. It has very white sand and water that is a bright turquoise color. Though it is incredibly beautiful, it is also very crowded. Most of the beaches are private, which means you have to pay for a sunbed to sit down. I paid about twenty to twenty-five euros for a chair and an umbrella for the day. On some of the more fancy beaches, the price can go as high as seventy euros.
To save money in Ksamil, I took a small boat out to the islands. This cost me about ten to twenty euros, and the islands were much less crowded than the main shore. Additionally, I stayed in a budget apartment for around twenty-five euros a night. For lunch, I found local spots that sold sufllaqe for about two euros. Similarly, a fresh byrek from a bakery cost less than one euro. Ksamil is one of the best beaches in albania for families because the water is very shallow and safe for kids.
Sarandë City Beach
Sarandë is the main hub of the south. It is a medium-sized city with a lot of shops, restaurants, and a long promenade. The city beach itself is okay, but it is often full of boats. I used Sarandë as a base to explore other places because the bus connections are better here. At that time, I found the city to be a bit too busy with half-finished hotels and lots of trash. However, it is a convenient place to stay if you do not have a car.
There is a castle called Lëkurësi on a hill above the city. I walked up there at sunset and saw the whole bay and even the island of Corfu in Greece. It is free to walk around the area, and the view is one of the best in the country. Sarandë is one of the most famous albania beach cities and it is great for people who like to be near the action. Plus, you can take a ferry to Corfu from here in just thirty to forty-five minutes.
Dhërmi Beach
Dhërmi is a very stylish spot that caters to a more upscale crowd. The beach is long and covered in smooth white stones. Gradually, this town has become a place for boutique hotels and fancy beach clubs. While it is more expensive than Borsh, the quality of the stay is often much higher. I found the old village of Dhërmi to be very charming with its stone houses built into the side of the mountain.
If you want an albania beaches resort experience, this is the place to go. I saw some very nice resorts like the Empire Beach Resort that had pools right next to the sea. Though the prices are high for Albania, they are still lower than what you would pay in Italy or Spain. I recommend Dhërmi for couples who want a romantic and beautiful setting. Just be ready to pay a bit more for your meals and drinks compared to the smaller villages.
Bunec Beach
I found Bunec when I was looking for a quiet place near the village of Lukovë. It is a very peaceful beach that is far away from the loud music of Ksamil. There are only a few hotels and restaurants here. At that time, I stayed at Hotel Vila Kafe which had an amazing view of the sea for a very cheap price. The location is unique because it is on a plateau above the water.
Bunec is a great choice for those who want to avoid the north albania beaches and find something more natural in the south. The water is warm and the beach is never over-crowded. Additionally, it is close enough to drive to the ruins of Butrint in about forty minutes. I think this is a hidden gem for travelers who just want to relax and read a book. Therefore, you should add it to your list if you need a break from the busy tourist spots.
Livadhi Beach
Livadhi is just north of Himarë and it is much larger than the town beaches. I hiked there from the center of Himarë, which was a very nice walk. The beach has a lot of space and the water is a deep blue color. There are several beach bars, but they are more relaxed than the ones in Ksamil.
I found the prices for sunbeds to be very reasonable here. You can find a spot for about five to ten euros. Plus, there are several campsites near the water if you are traveling on a very tight budget. Livadhi is a good mix of comfort and nature. Finally, it is easy to find a quiet corner even in the middle of the day.
Jale Beach
Jale is known for having some of the clearest water in the whole Mediterranean. It is a smaller bay that is very popular with young people and those who like a bit of a party vibe. I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere here, but it can get quite loud in the peak summer months. At that time, I saw many people camping right on the edge of the beach.
If you want to find albaniabest beach resorts that are not too expensive, Jale has a few good options. However, I think the best way to see this beach is to visit for a day trip from Himarë. The drive is only about ten kilometers and the views from the road are stunning. similarly, you can take a boat tour that stops here for a swim.
Filikuri Beach
Filikuri is a true secret that most people never see. You cannot reach it by car or by walking easily. I had to take a kayak from Himarë to reach the shore. Another option is to take a boat taxi, but that costs more. Because it is hard to reach, the beach is often empty.
There are no shops or bars at Filikuri, so you must bring everything with you. I spent a whole afternoon there and only saw two other people. The cliffs around the beach make it feel very private and safe. If you love adventure and want a beach that feels like your own, Filikuri is the place for you. Therefore, it is the perfect end to a list of the best hidden spots in the south.
How to Get Around on a Budget
Transport in Albania can be a bit of a headache. The most common way to travel between cities is the furgon. These are small minibuses that do not have a set schedule. They leave when they are full. I found them to be very cheap, usually costing between three and twelve euros for a trip. However, you must be patient because the drivers often stop to pick up people or run errands.
If you have a bit more money, I highly recommend that you rent a car. You can find a small car for about twenty-five to forty euros a day. This gave me the freedom to stop at all the little beaches I saw from the road. At that time, I found the main roads to be in good condition, but the drivers can be very aggressive. Additionally, parking in towns like Sarandë can be very difficult. Therefore, you should get a small car that is easy to park.
Eating Well for Less
You do not have to spend a lot of money to eat well in Albania. Local food is filling and usually very cheap. I loved the byrek, which is a flaky pastry filled with cheese or spinach. It costs less than one euro and is the perfect breakfast. For lunch, I often had sufllaqe, which is like a gyro with meat, fries, and sauce inside a pita. These are sold on almost every corner for about two euros.
If you go to a sit-down restaurant, you should look for the “Menu of the Day”. This is a fixed-price meal that usually includes a soup, a main dish, and a salad. I paid about seven to ten euros for this in Sarandë. On top of that, the seafood is very fresh and much cheaper than in other countries. I ate a whole plate of grilled fish for about twelve euros. plus, the local wine is very good and only costs a couple of euros for a glass.
The Best Time to Visit
I suggest that you never visit Albania in July or August. The beaches are small and the towns get very over-crowded. Everything becomes more expensive and you will have to wait for everything. I went in September, and it was perfect. The water was still warm, but the crowds were gone.
The spring months of May and June are also very good. The weather is mild, and the prices are much lower than in the summer. Plus, the flowers are blooming and the mountains look very green. If you are looking for the best beaches in albania close to tirana, you might look at Durrës or Vlorë. However, I think the extra drive to the south is worth it for the clear water and quiet bays.
Staying Safe as a Traveler
Albania is generally a very safe country for visitors. Violent crime is rare, and the people are very proud of their hospitality. However, I did experience some petty issues like pickpocketing concerns on crowded buses. I kept my bag in front of me at all times. Similarly, you should be careful when walking near busy roads because the driving can be very reckless.
For women traveling alone, I have some extra advice. I felt very safe in the smaller towns like Himarë and Borsh. However, I did have some uncomfortable moments in Sarandë and Ksamil with men who were too persistent. It was never dangerous, but the staring and hassling were annoying. Therefore, I recommend that you stay in more relaxed towns if you are traveling solo. plus, always read reviews of hotels and restaurants before you go.
FAQ
Is Albania budget friendly?
Albania is affordable compared to places like Italy or Greece. However, prices have gone up by fifty to one hundred percent in some areas recently. You can still travel well on a budget of about eighty euros per day.
Is southern Albania worth visiting?
Yes, it is 100 percent worth the trip. The beaches have crystal clear turquoise water. Pure magic.
What is the prettiest beach in Albania?
Many people think Gjipe Beach is the most beautiful because it is hidden. A quiet paradise. Ksamil is also famous for having water as clear as the Maldives.
Which is better, Ksamil or Sarandë?
Sarandë is a large city and a great base for day trips. On the contrary, Ksamil is a smaller town. The Maldives of Europe.
What can 100 Lek buy in Albania?
You can buy a fresh, tasty byrek for about sixty to eighty lek.
Are there any areas to avoid in Albania?
Some travelers feel Tirana and Durrës are not worth the time. Also, solo female travelers might find Sarandë and Ksamil uncomfortable. A bit chaotic.
Is north or south Albania better?
The south is the winner for beaches and clean Ionian water. Later, you might visit the north if you want to see the Albanian Alps.
What is the best city to stay in southern Albania?
Sarandë is the main hub with the most services and transport links.
What is southern Albania called?
This beautiful stretch of coast is known as the Albanian Riviera.
Is Dhërmi or Himarë better?
Dhërmi is perfect if you like boutique hotels and fancy beach clubs. However, Himarë is better if you want a more authentic and local vibe.
Where to stay in Albania for beaches?
You should stay in Ksamil for the sandiest shores or Borsh for the most space.
What is the nicest coastal town in Albania?
Himarë is a top choice because it combines local charm with good food.
Are beaches in Sarandë free?
New rules in 2025 mean thirty percent of the coast must be free public space. Though, you might still see many boats at the main city beach.
What are the top five beaches?
The top five favorites are usually Ksamil, Dhërmi, Gjipe, Jale, and Borsh.
Is Vlorë or Sarandë better?
Sarandë is often seen as the better beach city compared to Vlorë.
What is not polite in Albania?
It is not polite to skip learning basic words like hello or thank you.
Should I bring Lek or euros to Albania?
You should bring Euros to exchange. However, you must have Lek for small shops and buses. Cash is king.
How much does a meal cost in Albania?
A meal at a local grill house costs about seven to ten euros.
Concluding words
Albania is a land of clear water and low prices. You can find peace on the long pebbles of borsh beach albania. On top of that, you can join the party in Ksamil. Therefore, your trip can be exactly what you want it to be. Plus, the food is cheap and the people are friendly. Finally, you should visit the south to see the best of the Riviera before everyone else finds out about it.
