Last updated on April 18th, 2025 at 09:33 am
If you’re planning an Albanian beach holiday and wondering which Albanian coastal town is best, you’re not alone.
Albania has become an increasingly popular European holiday destination with stunning scenery, affordable prices, and relatively low crowds compared to nearby Greece or Italy. But the question remains: what is the best coastal town in Albania for your ideal getaway?
To help you decide, this Albania travel guide compares three of the most popular Albanian Riviera towns – Durrës, Vlorë, and Sarandë – giving you a detailed breakdown of each.
We’ll cover where they’re located, the highlights and drawbacks of each destination, and ultimately recommend the best place to stay in Albania for sun, sea, and adventure.
Whether you’re searching for the best Albanian coastal town to visit, where to stay in Albania for a beach trip, or simply want a guide to the top Albanian seaside towns, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Don’t have time to read this whole article? Here’s the top-rated tour to experience the best of Sarande, which includes a UNESCO site, the Blue Eye, a historic castle, and Albania’s most beautiful beaches. Book a day trip to Corfu, Greece, and stay in luxury accommodation close to bustling Sarande Promenade.
Durrës: The Most Accessible Coastal Town in Albania
Located on the central Albanian coast, Durrës is the closest beach town to Tirana, Albania’s capital. If you’re flying into Tirana International Airport and want to reach the beach quickly, Durrës might initially seem like the best coastal town in Albania.
The distance from Tirana to Durres is 31 km/ 16 miles and will take 35 minutes, making it the most convenient option for those planning a short Albanian beach holiday or European weekend escape.
Durres Positives
Durrës is one of Albania’s oldest cities, rich in history with landmarks such as the Roman amphitheatre and ancient city walls. Its long, sandy beaches stretch along the Adriatic Sea, and the city is home to a bustling promenade lined with restaurants, beach bars, and shops.
For travelers looking for nightlife, a vibrant urban setting, and easy access from Tirana airport, Durrës checks a lot of boxes.
Durres Drawbacks
However, there are some cons to consider when deciding where to stay in Albania for a beach trip. Due to its proximity to Tirana, Durrës gets extremely crowded during weekends and peak summer months.
Additionally, while the beaches of Durres are accessible, the water quality and coastal scenery are not as stunning as those further south on the Albanian Riviera. If you’re looking for the classic turquoise waters and dramatic coastal cliffs that Albania is famous for, Durrës may fall short.
That said, it remains a popular choice for its convenience, and for many visitors, it still represents one of the best Albanian coastal towns to visit.
If time allows, consider spending a few days exploring Albania’s capital city of Tirana.
Find related links below:
- Rent a car in Albania for one of the best car rental deals you’ll ever see
- Take a Day Tour to Sarande from Tirana
- Best things to do in Tirana
- Where to stay in Tirana
Vlorë: The Meeting Point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
Moving further south along the Albanian coastline, Vlorë offers a different kind of beach town experience.
It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Tirana to Vlore (150 km/91 miles), and it marks the transition between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. This geographical feature makes Vlorë unique and increasingly popular among travelers asking which Albanian coastal town is best for a mix of beach and history.
We highly recommend renting a car in Albania for some of the best car rental deals you’ll ever see. However, if you choose not to rent a car, you can find out how exactly to get from Tirana to Vlore by bus.
Vlore Positives
Vlorë has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. Its newly built promenade, beautiful Vlore Old Town, and improving infrastructure are slowly transforming it into one of the most up-and-coming Albanian beach towns.
Vlore has cultural significance too – it’s where Albania declared independence in 1912. Travelers can enjoy a mix of sandy and pebbled beaches, nearby natural parks, and a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and luxury resorts.
We spent one month in Vlore and absolutely fell in love with this quiet Albanian coastal town. Check out all the best things to do in Vlore to help you make up your mind about where to stay during your Albania holiday.
Vlore Drawbacks
Despite its promise, Vlorë is still in transition. Parts of the town feel unfinished, with ongoing construction and uneven quality between different beach areas. Some travelers may find this off-putting when comparing their options for the best coastal town in Albania.
For those looking to avoid the long journey to the far south but still enjoy the Ionian coastline, Vlorë could be the answer to where to stay in Albania for a beach holiday.
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Sarandë: The Crown Jewel of the Albanian Riviera
Tucked away in southern Albania, Sarandë is often described as the shining star of the Albanian Riviera.
It’s located near the Greek island of Corfu – in fact, many visitors arrive via a short 30 minute ferry ride from Corfu rather than making the 4–5-hour drive from Tirana. Though remote, Sarandë may just be the definitive answer to the question: what is the best coastal town in Albania?
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Sarande Positives
Sarandë’s natural beauty is hard to overstate. The town is surrounded by rolling green hills and opens up to the stunning Ionian Sea. Sarande beaches are pristine, with clear, aquamarine waters and white pebbled shores.
But it’s not just the beaches that make Sarandë stand out. The town is also a perfect base for day trips to some of Albania’s top attractions: the mystical Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastër, the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park, and, of course, the iconic day trip to Corfu across the channel.
For travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and idyllic seaside relaxation, Sarandë offers the full package. It’s no wonder that when people search for the best Albanian coastal town to visit, Sarandë often tops the list.
Top-rated Sarande Tours to the Blue Eye:
- Best of Saranda: Blue Eye, Butrint, Ksamil & Lekuresi Castle – Best of Sarande
- Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour – Sunset Tour
- Sarande: Lekursi Castle, Blue Eye, and Gjirokastra Day Trip – Tour to include Albania’s UNESCO Heritage Town of Gjirokaster
Check out the top day trips from Sarande in the video below, and see for yourself exactly how we got on during our 2-month Albania trip from this Albania playlist.:
Sarande Drawbacks
The only real downside is the travel time – the distance from Tirana to Sarande makes it a bit of a trek. But many argue the journey is well worth it, especially for those planning a longer Albanian beach vacation.
During the summer months, Sarandë can get busy, especially in July and August. However, the town still retains a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, particularly in the quieter neighborhoods and surrounding villages like Ksamil.
For couples, families, and solo travelers alike, Sarandë is one of the best places to stay in Albania.
Check flight prices to Albania now while it is still a lesser-known travel destination in Europe and before it becomes more popular with tourists and prices rise.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Coastal Town in Albania?
Choosing the best coastal town in Albania depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.
If you want quick and easy beach access straight from Tirana airport, Durrës is your best bet. If you’re looking for a blend of quiet, convenience, and emerging Riviera vibes, Vlorë is a strong contender.
But if you’re after the full-on Albanian Riviera experience – with unforgettable landscapes, top Albania day trips, and access to some of the best attractions in Albania – then Sarandë is the clear winner.
Yes, Sarandë is a bit far from Tirana, but for those willing to make the journey, it rewards you with more than just a beach – it gives you an unforgettable Albanian coastal holiday.
*Don’t forget to check flights to Corfu – from there, it’s just a short and scenic ferry ride to Sarandë.
From the enchanting Blue Eye spring, the cobblestone magic of Gjirokastër, to hopping across the sea to Corfu, it offers the perfect base for exploring Albania.
If you’re asking yourself which Albanian coastal town is best, and your goal is to experience the very best of what the country has to offer, then Sarandë should be at the top of your list.
What do you think about this guide to the best coastal town in Albania? Have you ever been to Albania? If so, where’s your favorite place to stay in this underrated European gem?
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