Albania · BEACH TRIPS IN TIRANA

15 Beach Trips in Tirana to Build a Day Around

22 tours  ·  from $56 a head

Good beach trips in Tirana fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Gjirokastra UNESCO & Ksamil Beach - From Tirana/Durres/Golem - The early pickup from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem
Beach Trips in Tirana, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana, UNESCO Heritage Tours

Gjirokastra UNESCO & Ksamil Beach – From Tirana/Durres/Golem

1.Gjirokastra UNESCO & Ksamil Beach – From Tirana/Durres/Golem

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $58Our pick

Spend a long but rewarding day traveling from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem to Gjirokastër’s stone old town and Ksamil’s clear-water beaches. Guides such as Bledi, Klajdi, Ervin, and Antonio add local history, food tips, and humor. Expect air-conditioned transport, free time at both stops, and a great deal of road time.

“It was a really long day but definitely worth it. My guide, Bledi, was so knowledgeable about everything and kept us entertained with stories and information about not only the places we visited but also the history of Albania, things we passed along the way, and random facts about the country.”

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From Tirana/Durrës: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye Tour - Saranda, the port beside Corfu
Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

From Tirana/Durrës: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye Tour

2.From Tirana/Durrës: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 49 reviews · 12 hours · from $56Best value

Travel by air-conditioned van with an English-speaking AlbanianBus tour leader from Tirana or Durrës to Saranda, Ksamil, Lekursi Castle, and the Blue Eye. You get seaside views, beach time, castle panoramas, and a freshwater spring for $56, but expect a very long road day.

“Beaucoup d'heures de route pour peu de temps sur place, notamment deux heures à Ksamil où nous avons été déposés dans une crique excentrée entourée de club lounge privés avec musique a fond et eau pas limpide sans doute a cause du vent fort. Toutefois, une partie de la plage, bien remplie, était, heureusement, publique. L'oeil bleu était envahi de touristes, pas toujours respectueux du site. L'Albanie souffre déjà du surtourisme... Point positif : on a pu admirer de beaux paysages et se rendre compte de la vie locale au cours des trajets.”

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Semi - Private Tour of Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana - Saranda, Albania’s Ionian gateway
Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Private, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Semi – Private Tour of Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana

3.Semi – Private Tour of Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $235

You’ll leave Tirana early with an English-speaking guide and private transport, then visit Saranda’s Ionian waterfront, Ksamil’s beaches, and the Blue Eye spring. Guides including Sam, Ilir, Toni, Erik, and Xhonaton have led this route. Expect a scenic but demanding 10 to 12-hour day, with about four hours on the road.

“Toni was absolutely awesome with all the details, care, hospitality, facts and tips and history. Such a beautiful day of gorgeous landscapes, sites, beaches and fun. Highly recommended!”

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Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Ksamil & Saranda - Day Tour from Tirana - Ksamil offers the beach stop, with a crowded edge
Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Ksamil & Saranda – Day Tour from Tirana

4.Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Ksamil & Saranda – Day Tour from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $198

Start early from Tirana or Durres for a full southern Albania circuit. You’ll walk Gjirokastra’s Ottoman old town, visit its hilltop castle and the Blue Eye spring, then spend time in Ksamil before a Riviera drive through Saranda. Groups are limited to eight, with guides such as Daniel, Engjell, and Josef.

“Didn’t go ahead as only one who had booked this tour. Offered the chance to go to Kosovo instead for same price which I did. Great chance to visit a new country, thanks to the operator for sorting”

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Semi – Private Tour at Cape of Rodon; Hidden Beaches & History - Starting in Tirana at 9:00 am
Beach Trips in Tirana, Historical Tours, Private, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Semi – Private Tour at Cape of Rodon; Hidden Beaches & History

5.Semi – Private Tour at Cape of Rodon; Hidden Beaches & History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $170

Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Cape of Rodon from Tirana with hotel pickup, private transport, and an English-speaking guide. Walk past Skanderbeg’s 15th-century castle, Saint Anthony’s Church, communist-era bunkers, and white-sand beaches. The day includes about three hours for relaxing by the Adriatic, plus time for a moderate hike.

“This was an amazing experience! Erik was so patient and really took his time talking to us! It is a challenging hike but the views are so worth it. Would absolutely recommend to do”

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Ksamil Blue Eye and Saranda Day Tour from Tirana Durres Golem - Saranda brings the Ionian coast into view
Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Ksamil Blue Eye and Saranda Day Tour from Tirana Durres Golem

6.Ksamil Blue Eye and Saranda Day Tour from Tirana Durres Golem

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 34 reviews · 14 to 16 hours (approx.) · from $60

Travel from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem to Saranda, Ksamil, and the Blue Eye on an English guided day trip. You get hotel pickup, transport, site entry, and time at the Ionian coast. Guides such as Beni, Andreas, Artol, and Emiglend have earned strong praise, but expect a very early start, a large group, and up to 16 hours on the road.

“Kristi was a godsend. The tour was worth the time, and the blue eye is particularly special. For the beach it can be quite crowded… consider going to one of the private beach clubs Nextdoor…. Just don’t get left behind!”

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Full-Day Tour of Albania’s Bunkers and Beaches, from Tirana - From concrete bunkers to Cape Rodoni views
Albania Multi-Day Tours, Beach Trips in Tirana, Communist History Tours, Full-Day, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Full-Day Tour of Albania’s Bunkers and Beaches, from Tirana

7.Full-Day Tour of Albania’s Bunkers and Beaches, from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $144

Spend about nine hours with a private English-speaking guide exploring Albania’s bunker past and countryside near Tirana. Expect hotel pickup, the Albanian Trip collection in a 1927 house, local stories, wine and cheese, coastal views, and time to swim at Lalezi Bay. Guides may include Elton, Eridjon, or Ervin.

“Albanian Trip is fantastic! We had an amazing time on our trip! It was our first trip to Albania. We told Vilma at Albanian Trip what we were interested in, based on that she customized an incredible itinerary providing the perfect adventure around the country. Although we often plan our own trips, we would have missed a lot in Albania if we didn't have their assistance. We definitely plan to use Albanian Trip again.”

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Albanian Riviera in 3 Days;Semi–Private Tour with Tour Leader&Car - Ksamil and the four islands
3-Day Experiences, Beach Trips in Tirana, Private, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Albanian Riviera in 3 Days;Semi–Private Tour with Tour Leader&Car

8.Albanian Riviera in 3 Days;Semi–Private Tour with Tour Leader&Car

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $1,213

Travel from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera in a small group of up to 10, with a tour leader, private vehicle, two hotel nights, and breakfast. You’ll see Saranda, Ksamil, Himare, Dhermi, and Vlore, with time for seaside walks, swimming, local food, and Ottoman and independence-era sights. Guides have included Juli, Gireon, Artur, and Sokol.

“I recently had an incredible trip to South Albania, and the travel agency made it all seamless! From easy booking to great communication throughout the tour, I felt completely taken care of. The van was modern, comfortable, and equipped with air conditioning, perfect for the warm days.”

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Visit Vlore & Himare Beaches includes lunch - Vlorë and the first chance to swim
Beach Trips in Tirana, Lunch Experiences, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Visit Vlore & Himare Beaches includes lunch

9.Visit Vlore & Himare Beaches includes lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $215

Trade Tirana for Albania’s Riviera on an 11-hour trip with pickup, a group capped at six, beach time at Vlorë and Gjipe, lunch in Himarë, and a Llogara Pass viewpoint stop. Guides such as Erdi and Hertel add local history and an easygoing feel. Bring sturdy shoes for Gjipe’s short hike.

“We visited Vlorë and Himarë on a day trip, and it was truly the highlight of our Albania tour. The journey was quite long, so I would recommend making it a two-day trip if possible—or spending less time in Vlorë, as Himarë is definitely worth dedicating more time to. Our driver was excellent, very kind and attentive, always checking if we needed anything. He also shared interesting details about the local history, attractions, and monuments in Vlorë. Himare itself is absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear turquoise water at the perfect temperature for swimming and sandy clean beach. Be sure to come prepared! We were offered beach loungers, as well as access…”

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Blue Eye Ksamil Beach, Saranda day tour from Tirana Durres golem. - The Blue Eye: Albania’s most unusual natural stop
Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Blue Eye Ksamil Beach, Saranda day tour from Tirana Durres golem.

10.Blue Eye Ksamil Beach, Saranda day tour from Tirana Durres golem.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $155

You leave Tirana, Durres, or Golem early for Tepelene’s Cold Water Waterfall, the Blue Eye spring, and Ksamil Beach. The 10 to 12 hour trip includes an air-conditioned vehicle, water, parking, fuel, WiFi, and Blue Eye admission according to the inclusions, though the tour details conflict on that point. Guide Elvis has earned praise for being kind and helpful.

“Thanks to Elvis! He was so kind and helpful! I recommend this visit, which was beautiful. The stops were friendly and very beautiful.”

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4-Days UNESCO Towns and Albanian Riviera Tour - Day 3: Qeparo, Porto Palermo, and the Riviera road
Beach Trips in Tirana, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana, UNESCO Heritage Tours

4-Days UNESCO Towns and Albanian Riviera Tour

11.4-Days UNESCO Towns and Albanian Riviera Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $806

Travel from Tirana through Berat, Gjirokaster, Butrint, Saranda, Himara, Vlore, and Durrës in an air-conditioned vehicle. Guide Genci is praised for his relaxed, well-informed approach. Accommodation, some meals, site visits, and airport or port pickup are included, with groups capped at eight.

“We did the tour in October 2023. It was a pleasure. The tour loops through SW Albania, inland and coastal. We particularly enjoyed the town of Gyrokaster (inland) as well as the Albanian Rivera. Our guide, Genci, was knowledgeable, professional, and relaxed. It made for a very informative, low key 4 days.”

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Private Tour from Tirana, Gjirokastër , Saranda and South Riviera - Gjirokastër: stone streets and a hilltop fortress
Beach Trips in Tirana, Private, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Private Tour from Tirana, Gjirokastër , Saranda and South Riviera

12.Private Tour from Tirana, Gjirokastër , Saranda and South Riviera

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $156

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Tirana, Durrës, or Elbasan with a professional guide, often named Kevin. Visit Gjirokastër Castle, the Blue Eye spring, Saranda, Lukovë, and Porto Palermo. The day includes bottled water, coffee or tea, scenic coastal stops, and time for a seafood lunch.

“Kevin went above and beyond, he was very accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble. The tour was great, we managed to cover a 12 hour tour of southern Albania. I would definitely recommend to get in touch with Kevin if you ever visit Albania!”

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2 Day Tour of the Riviera, Gjirokastra UNESCO city and Blue Eye, - Gjirokastra Bazaar and the stone city
2-Day Experiences, Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana, UNESCO Heritage Tours

2 Day Tour of the Riviera, Gjirokastra UNESCO city and Blue Eye,

13.2 Day Tour of the Riviera, Gjirokastra UNESCO city and Blue Eye,

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $391

Travel from Tirana into southern Albania with a private guide and air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Gjirokastra’s bazaar and castle, walk to the Blue Eye spring, see the Ionian coast from Llogara Pass, and stop at Zvërnec Monastery. Ask about beach time, overnight arrangements, and whether Julio will guide your group.

“We had a wonderful time with Julio! He was an excellent tour guide and added personal stories from his experience living in southern Albania. The logistics were seamless and he really catered the tour to our preferences. The format of the expRead more”

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Small Group Tour of Albanian Riviera; Saranda, Ksamil & Dhermi - Ksamil and the four islands
Beach Trips in Tirana, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Small Group Tour of Albanian Riviera; Saranda, Ksamil & Dhermi

14.Small Group Tour of Albanian Riviera; Saranda, Ksamil & Dhermi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $1,292

Travel from Tirana down Albania’s Ionian coast in a group of up to 10. Your tour leader handles the driving, hotels, and daily route, while you visit Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh, Porto Palermo, Himara, Dhermi, and Vlore. Expect pebble beaches, clear water, castle views, village roads, and free time by the sea.

“We had a private tour that we developed w/the Choose Balkans team that included Tirana, Vlorë, Himare, Gjirokaster, Berat, Ohrid, and Skopje. Our tour guide Elton (Toni) was great! He let us set the schedule/pace, was an excellent driver, and shared his vast knowledge of Read more”

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Tirana/Durres: Full Day Shared Tour to Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye - Tepelena’s Cold Water Spring: a short first pause
Beach Trips in Tirana, Blue Eye Trips, Full-Day, Riviera & Beach Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tirana

Tirana/Durres: Full Day Shared Tour to Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye

15.Tirana/Durres: Full Day Shared Tour to Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $63

Travel from Tirana, Durres, Golem, or Lalez to southern Albania in a shared, air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll see the Cold Water Spring, Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle, Saranda, and Ksamil, with an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup. Expect 11 to 13 hours on the road, short stops, and about two hours at Ksamil.

“The castle is amazing, those views are impressive! The beach is nice but we couldn’t have so much time there, the distances are too much and is not possible to spend so much time. But it’s worth it! Every stop! The guide was so friendly and funny. Thank you so much! You made it really easy.”

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