This dazzling strip of the Ionian coast is one of the longest
beaches in Albania, where pale pebbles are lapped by deep blue
waters and bands of age-old stone houses protrude out from the
chalky white cliffs above. A favourite among Victorian poets
including Lord Byron, Dhermi’s population unsurprisingly skyrockets
during peak season, but, thanks to its size, you’ll still likely
find pockets of quiet if you look hard enough further along the
shore.

Approached from a dramatic coastal road that’s worth the trip in
itself for the view – an unbroken stretch of caramel sand that
curls below rolling hills – this eponymous town and beach has
somehow managed to stay largely under the tourist radar, despite
its significant size and renowned olive oil production industry.
Head there now, but don’t tell your friends: we want to keep this
one under wraps.

While this isn’t a beach in the traditional sense, we couldn’t
omit Syri Kalter’s shimmering blue waters and surrounding nature
reserve from our list. Sheltered by towering oak and sycamore trees
on all sides, this spectacular natural spring draws in healthy
handfuls of water babies in search of a break from the waves
without forfeiting a swim. Known by foreigners as “The Blue Eye”
for its brilliant turquoise hue, these waters bubble up from over
50 metres underground – even divers have never touched the
bottom.

This sleepy pocket of the southern Albanian coast has been
rising up the international beach charts in recent years, although,
luckily, it has managed to retain its charm – something it has in
bucketfuls. Home to the largest community of Greeks in the country,
this town gets our vote for its linen-white sands and crystal-clear
water.

Just an hour’s drive east from the Albanian capital of Tirana,
Golem’s beach is a firm favourite among city dwellers looking for
an accessible slice of sun and sea. Considerably more built up than
its neighbours, this spot draws in the crowds for its laid-back
beach bars and gentle waves that lap the powdery, palomino-coloured
shoreline.

As the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, Saranda is a
popular springboard for most visitors who seek sand and sea. Topped
by a crumbling castle offering bird’s-eye views of the gulf below,
this spot is just perfect for picnics. Stuff your tote bags with
fresh, organic fare from the local market, then hightail it back to
the castle for a morning feast. Next, hop on the local bus to
Pulëbardha Beach for fresh seafood and sun lounging minus the
crowds.

Known by locals as the “Ionian pearl”, this sun-bleached stretch
of sand is Albania’s closest point to the Greek border. Within
striking distance of Corfu and the Unesco World Heritage Site of
Butrint – an ancient city with a unique archeological backstory –
Ksamil is the spot for history buffs looking to attach some
cultural pursuits to their beach break.