Albania’s coastline unfolds between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, offering a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves and small harbors shaped by centuries of maritime life. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a sailing route, or a quick beach stop, a clear list of bays makes it easy to compare locations and plan time on the water.
There are 27 Bays in Albania, ranging from Borsh Bay to Zvernec Bay. For each entry you’ll find below Local name, Coordinates (lat, lon), Notable features to help you compare swimming spots, anchorages and natural highlights; you’ll find below.
Which bays are best for swimming or family beaches?
Look for entries labeled with sandy shorelines and sheltered water in the Notable features column; southern bays near Borsh Bay tend to have longer sandy stretches and warmer, calmer water, while some central and northern bays are rockier and better for snorkeling than family swimming.
How accessible are these bays by car or public transport?
Many bays are reachable by paved or well-maintained coastal roads, but a handful—especially smaller coves and wetlands—may require gravel roads, short hikes or a boat; check the Coordinates (lat, lon) to plan routes and verify local transport options before you go.
Bays in Albania
| Name | Local name | Coordinates (lat, lon) | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shëngjin Bay | Gjiri i Shëngjinit | 41.79,19.62 | sandy beaches, ferry port, anchorage |
| Rodon Bay | Gjiri i Rodonit | 41.41,19.36 | rocky cape, lighthouse, secluded beaches |
| Durrës Bay | Gjiri i Durrësit | 41.33,19.45 | major port, long sandy beach, promenades |
| Lalëz Bay | Gjiri i Lalëzit | 41.66,19.60 | protected lagoon nearby, sandy shore, resort access |
| Karaburun Bay | Gjiri i Karaburunit | 40.36,19.22 | wild coastline, marine park access, anchorage |
| Vlora Bay | Gjiri i Vlorës | 40.47,19.48 | city port, ferry hub, island views |
| Orikum Bay | Gjiri i Orikumit | 40.35,19.56 | marina nearby, sandy coves, boat access |
| Porto Palermo Bay | Gjiri i Porto Palermos | 40.11,19.67 | castle, sheltered anchorage, snorkeling |
| Himarë Bay | Gjiri i Himarës | 40.07,19.74 | town harbor, pebble beaches, seaside promenade |
| Dhermi Bay | Gjiri i Dhërmit | 40.14,19.61 | pebble beaches, cliff backdrop, summer tourism |
| Jalë Bay | Gjiri i Jalës | 40.03,19.70 | small bay, beach bars, beach access |
| Gjipe Bay | Gjiri i Gjipës | 40.09,19.63 | canyon beach, remote anchorage, hiking |
| Borsh Bay | Gjiri i Borshit | 39.82,19.98 | long pebble beach, olive groves, quiet |
| Lukovë Bay | Gjiri i Lukovës | 39.85,19.95 | sand-pebble beach, cliff views, local village |
| Sarandë Bay | Gjiri i Sarandës | 39.87,20.00 | harbor city, promenade, ferry to Corfu |
| Ksamil Bay | Gjiri i Ksamilit | 39.83,19.98 | islets, turquoise water, popular beaches |
| Mali i Robit Bay | Gjiri i Mali i Robit | 40.55,19.46 | rocky headland, quiet coves, local fishing |
| Spille Bay | Gjiri i Spilles | 41.30,19.55 | sandy beach, wetlands nearby, family friendly |
| Palasa Bay | Gjiri i Palasës | 40.15,19.68 | small cove, cliff-backed beach, quiet |
| Qeparo Bay | Gjiri i Qeparos | 40.02,19.71 | traditional village, pebbly shore, scenic |
| Himara Harbor Bay | Gjiri i Portit të Himarës | 40.08,19.75 | small harbor, ferry stop, waterfront services |
| Palasë-Kaninë Bay | Gjiri Palasë-Kaninë | 40.17,19.67 | scenic cliffs, secluded beaches, hiking |
| Zvernec Bay | Gjiri i Zvërnecit | 40.49,19.45 | island monastery, tidal lagoon, birdlife |
| Cape of Gjuhëza Bay | Gjiri i Gjuhëzës | 40.06,19.77 | rocky headland, diving spots, secluded |
| Radhimë Bay | Gjiri i Radhimës | 40.48,19.48 | sandy beach, beach bars, nearby airport |
| Pashaliman Bay | Gjiri i Pashalimanit | 40.41,19.46 | deep harbor, naval history, protected waters |
| Bunë-Salmon Bay | Gjiri i Bunë-Salmonit | 41.78,19.65 | river mouth environment, birdwatching, sandy banks |
Images and Descriptions
Shëngjin Bay
Long sandy bay near Lezhë with a small port and popular beaches; easy road access, ferries to nearby islands, and sheltered anchorage suitable for small craft and family swimming.
Rodon Bay
Bay tucked by Cape Rodon north of Durrës; rugged shores, monastery ruins and quiet coves. Access by car and short hikes; good for sightseeing, anchoring in calm weather and coastal exploration.
Durrës Bay
Large bay fronting Albania’s busiest port city. Wide sandy beaches, waterfront promenade and ferries; urban access makes it popular for day trips, swimming near the shore, and easy provisioning for boaters.
Lalëz Bay
Coastal bay near Lalëz and Kune with long sandy beaches and nearby Kune-Vain lagoon reserve. Easy by road from Durrës; popular for swimming, sunbathing and birdwatching at the adjacent wetlands.
Karaburun Bay
Bay on the rugged Karaburun Peninsula partly inside a marine park; dramatic cliffs and clear waters. Best accessed by boat from Vlora for snorkeling, sea caves and sheltered anchorages away from crowds.
Vlora Bay
The broad bay by Vlorë city linking to the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Ferries and marinas make it a boating hub; easy access, good vistas of nearby islands and beaches, plus urban services.
Orikum Bay
Small bay south of Vlorë with Orikum marina and calm beaches. Road access from Vlora; popular for yachts, swimming and as a stopover before exploring Karaburun and southern bays.
Porto Palermo Bay
Picturesque, sheltered bay with the Ali Pasha fortress on its headland. Accessible by coastal road or boat; excellent anchorage, snorkeling, and a top photography stop on the Ionian coast.
Himarë Bay
Bay in front of the coastal town of Himarë with a small harbor and promenaded seafront. Easy car access, good swimming, restaurants, and a convenient stop for coastal cruises.
Dhermi Bay
Bay hosting the popular Dhërmi beach strip, with clear water and dramatic cliffs. Accessible by coastal road; lively in summer, great for swimming, seaside dining and boat trips to nearby coves.
Jalë Bay
Charming small bay with pebble beach and lively summer bars between Dhermi and Himarë. Walkable from the village or by boat; favored for swimming, beach parties and quick anchorages.
Gjipe Bay
Sheltered bay at the mouth of Gjipe canyon with a pebble beach. Reached by a short hike or by sea; quiet anchorage, excellent for swimmers and hikers, and favored by campers.
Borsh Bay
Extensive coastal bay near Borsh village dominated by long pebble beaches and rural scenery. Road access from the main coastal road; good for long swims, secluded stays and anchoring off the shore.
Lukovë Bay
Small bay near Lukovë with mixed sand and pebble beaches backed by cliffs and a traditional village. Easy coastal-road access; favored for quiet beaching, seaside taverns and local boat excursions.
Sarandë Bay
Bay in front of Sarandë city with a busy harbor and long promenade. Very accessible, with ferries to Corfu; excellent for sightseeing, urban amenities, and boat trips to Ksamil and Butrint area.
Ksamil Bay
Small, postcard bay near Ksamil village with tiny islets and exceptionally clear water. Walkable beaches and boat rentals; perfect for swimming, island hopping and snorkeling in shallow bays.
Mali i Robit Bay
Smaller bay north of Durrës near the Mali i Robit headland with rocky coves and fishing activity. Road access from nearby towns; quiet for boat anchoring and coastal walks.
Spille Bay
Bay with long sandy shore near the Spille area, close to wetlands and easy road access. Popular with families for shallow swims, beach facilities and birdwatching in adjacent marshes.
Palasa Bay
Small cove near the village of Palasë with a pebble beach beneath cliffs. Less crowded than neighboring beaches; reachable by coastal road or boat, good for calm swimming and relaxation.
Qeparo Bay
Bay by Qeparo village featuring a pebbly beach and terraced village above. Accessible by winding coastal road; offers authentic dining, swimming and an anchorage for small craft in calm conditions.
Himara Harbor Bay
The compact bay hosting Himarë’s harbor with boat moorings and ferry connections. Excellent for provisioning, easy town access, and short coastal hops to nearby beaches and coves.
Palasë-Kaninë Bay
Stretch of bay including Palasë and Kaninë with dramatic cliffs and small beaches. Access via coastal road and hiking tracks; popular with walkers, swimmers and boater seeking quieter anchorages.
Zvernec Bay
Small bay near Vlorë with the Zvernec Island monastery and adjacent lagoon. Reachable by road; noteworthy for sightseeing, calm waters and birdwatching rather than open-boat anchoring.
Cape of Gjuhëza Bay
Narrow, rock-fringed bay near the Gjuhëza cape south of Himarë, known for diving and snorkeling. Best accessed by boat; offers sheltered spots and dramatic underwater scenery.
Radhimë Bay
Bay with popular Radhimë beach located north of Vlorë city; accessible by road with beach bars and amenities. Good for swimming, sunbathing and quick stops from Vlora.
Pashaliman Bay
Deep, well-sheltered bay near Vlorë with historical naval facilities and calm waters. Offers secure anchorage and interesting military history sites; access by road through nearby towns.
Bunë-Salmon Bay
Bay formed near the Buna river mouth with sandy banks and rich birdlife. Best visited for nature and birdwatching; shallow waters limit larger-boat anchoring but great for kayaks and beachgoers.
