Albania Holidays

Albania holidays are your one-way ticket to mega beaches, sizzling sunshine and pocket-friendly pints you'll want to write home about.

Holidays to Albania

• The Albanian Riviera – gorgeous white sands and turquoise waters that give Greece a run for its money.

• Scorchio summer weather – perfect for top-tier topping up of your vitamin D fix.

• Food for every mood – think delicious Mediterranean seafood mixed with hearty Balkan bites (and yes, the byrek is elite).

• Bargain-filled bazaars – historically cool towns where your holiday spending money goes miles further.

Good to know

• 🤩 Fun fact - in Albania, nodding your head means "no" and shaking it means "yes". Keep that in mind so you don't accidentally turn down an extra scoop of ice cream!

• 🏖️ Best beach - Ksamil Beach, in our humble opinion. It’s got the islands, it’s got the views, and it’s got water so clear you can see your toes perfectly. What more could you want?!

• 💶 Money Talk(s) - your moolah goes a seriously long way here. A local beer (ask for a Korça) is about £1.50–£2, a delicious trilece cake is around £1.50, and a fresh seafood meal for two right on the beach comes in around £20–£30. Total bargain.

Where is the best area to stay on your holidays to Albania 2026?

Albania’s coastline is packed with personality. Deciding where to set up camp can be a bit of a tricky one, but we've got all the goss below on where to touch down - from lively beach hubs to budget-friendly hidden gems. And don't worry, we've even thrown in options if you're on the hunt for something cheap too.

• Family holidays – for top-tier, kiddo-approved action, it's gotta be Saranda. It’s the main tourist hub, packed with beachfront promenades, ice cream spots, and easy access to calm water. Ksamil is another great option nearby if your kids are absolute beach bums.

• Squad goals – if you're looking to party with your pals on a great group holiday, Dhermi and Jale are where it's at. In the summer, these spots transform into open-air festival hubs with beach clubs and DJs playing right by the waves. Bring your dancing shoes.

• Coupling up – Himare or Vlore are the perfect spots for you and boo. Think romantic seafood dinners right on the water, historic castles to explore, and - most importantly - loads of local tavernas to wine and dine yourselves stupid at. Cheers to that.

The best beaches to visit in Albania

The best things in life are free, including beaches. And you don't even need to stress about the time of year - these beaches are bangin' whether you're booking a summer sizzler, a cheeky shoulder-season escape, or a last-minute getaway. Just pick your dates and get ready to jet off. Check out our faves in Albania:

• Ksamil Beach – the undisputed king of the Albanian Riviera. Picture three tiny islands you can swim or kayak to, ridiculously clear turquoise water, and white sand that looks straight out of a Caribbean postcard. True Insta-worthy stuff.

• Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave) – named because the sun reflects off the water like a giant mirror. It’s tucked away between cliffs and is a total sunbather's heaven.

• Dhermi Beach – a massive, sweeping stretch of pebbles and sand backed by dramatic mountains. It’s got a totally laid-back vibe by day and a buzzing beach bar scene by night, making it ideal for couples and groups alike.

• Gjipe Beach – one for the adventure lovers! Tucked at the end of a massive canyon, this hidden cove is top-secret. You can only reach it by a 30-minute hike or by boat, but it’s worth it for the untouched views.

• Himare Beach – a brilliant, family-friendly spot right in the heart of a charming fishing town. It’s got loungers, parasols, and beach bars galore, plus shallow waters perfect for a family holiday with the kids.

• Borsh Beach – size isn't everything, but this is Albania’s longest continuous beach (over 7km!). Nothing says 'couples' holiday' like a long, uninterrupted beachy stroll at sunset.

• Jale Beach – a cute, hidden crescent bay known for having some of the cleanest, most intensely blue water on the coast. Great for those beach selfies.

Albania All Inclusive Holidays

Albania holidays. The ultimate up-and-coming destination. There's flaky byrek pastry, ancient castles, absolutely insane beachfront hotels, AND miles of sandy stunners to chuck your towel on before you dash into the waves.

Add in that Albania is fantastic value for money (especially when you book with us... - whether it's one of our last minute holidays, something totes cheap OR you're looking to see what holidays 2026 has in store) and you're onto an absolute winner. Bring the fam, treat the other half or just jet off on your own for a luxury all-inclusive Albania holiday. Think non-stop fun without lugging the wallet around.

Best hotels to stay at on your holidays to Albania

Albania's hotel scene is booming, offering brand-new beachfront resorts, luxury boutique stays, and family-run apartments for prices that would barely cover a basic B&B in the traditional hot spots of Western Europe. Whether you're after a mega-resort with a massive pool for the whole family, a romantic hideaway for two, or a lively base for your mates, there's a cheap Albania holiday with your name on it.

Couples

• Bougainville Bay Hotel (Saranda) – a vibrant, artistic resort that is perfect for an eye-catching getaway with boo. It boasts a full-service spa for ultimate relaxation, two top-tier restaurants, and a seasonal outdoor pool overlooking the gorgeous Riviera coastline.

• 2 Kitarrat (Durres) – literally just a towel’s throw (20 metres!) from the sea. This boutique spot is ideal for couples who want a laid-back vibe, a swanky onsite cocktail bar, and an authentic spa centre for a zen-mode-on relaxing wellness session.

• Apollon Hotel (Saranda) – sleek, stylish, and modern. It sits just 50 metres from the shoreline and offers easy ferry access across to Corfu Island if you fancy a cheeky two-in-one holiday adventure.

Families

• Sol Tropikal Durres (Durres) – this is where beachside chill meets all-inclusive comfort. It's completely kiddo-approved, featuring a cracking kids' club, an outdoor splash zone, and a private sandy beach just 100 metres away. No soggy sandwiches here!

• Hotel Blue Sky (Saranda) – a fantastic-value family favourite. It sits just a short 100-metre stroll from the beach and features an à la carte restaurant to cater to fussy eaters, plus an airport shuttle to make travel day a total doddle.

• Epirus Hotel (Saranda) – perfect for a classic family jolly. It features a chilled bar and restaurant, lush garden spaces with a sun terrace to unwind on, and direct access to the local port for fun family boat trips.

Luxury & Premium

• Melia Durres Albania (Durres) – pure five-star glamour and our undisputed crown jewel. This sprawling resort throws down a premium beach holiday with a posh rooftop bar, six Mediterranean restaurants, four outdoor pools, a dedicated splash zone, and a luxury wellness spa.

• Palace Hotel & Spa (Durres) – blends swish modern design with high-end coastal comfort. Located a mere 20 metres from the waves, it features a luxury spa centre with premium treatments and an outdoor pool area built for all-day lounging.

Great Value Bases

• Hotel Alion (Durres) – your ticket to a cheap and cheerful beach escape without losing the perks. It comes with its own private beach strip where you can lounge like a celeb, plus air-conditioned chill-out rooms and an on-site restaurant.

• Hotel Vola (Saranda) – a brilliant budget-friendly base for groups or couples. Every single room rocks a private balcony for checking out those stunning Ionian sunsets, plus you get a complimentary buffet breakfast included every morning.

Local lingo

Throw these little gems into conversation - they might even help you find the best beachside table in town...

• Hello – Përshëndetje (per-shen-det-ye)

• Hi – Çkemi (ch-kem-ee)

• Bye – Mirupafshim (meer-oo-paf-sheem)

• How are you? – Si jeni? (see-yen-ee)

• Thank you – Faleminderit (fah-lem-een-deh-reet)

• You're welcome – Ju lutem (yoo-loo-tem)

• How much is it? – Sa kushton? (sah-koosh-ton)

• Where is the beach? – Ku është plazhi? (koo-esht-plah-zhee)

Albania holidays travel guide

Things to do for Families

• Explore Rozafa Castle – perched high on a hill in Shkodra, this massive ancient fortress has spectacular 360-degree views. Kids love exploring the old stone ruins and playing knights for the afternoon.

• Ride the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car – head up into the mountains right from the capital city of Tirana. It's the longest cable car ride in the Balkans and leads to a mountain playground with mini-golf, horse riding, and stunning views.

• Boat trips to the Karaburun Peninsula – hop on a pirate-style boat from Vlore and sail out to untouched marine parks and hidden caves. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spy a dolphin swimming alongside the boats!

• Splashing at the resort pools – Albania's newest resorts are pulling out all the stops, with custom splash zones, water slides, and kids' clubs to keep the little ones busy while you finish your book.

Things to do for foodies

• Byrek – the ultimate street food snack. Think flaky, golden filo pastry stuffed with either cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It costs pennies and is absolutely elite.

• Tave Kosi – the national dish! A comforting baked dish of tender lamb, rice, and a rich, seasoned yoghurt sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a clay pot.

• Fresh Mediterranean Seafood – down on the Riviera, you’ll get daily-caught sea bass, octopus, and prawns grilled to perfection with olive oil and lemon, for a fraction of what you'd pay in Italy.

• Trilece – a melt-in-the-mouth cake soaked in three types of milk and topped with caramel. Warning: highly addictive.

Things to do for culture vultures

• Butrint National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site right near Ksamil. It’s an ancient city buried in the jungle, featuring a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre and ancient temples.

• Berat (The City of a Thousand Windows) – a magical hillside town filled with white Ottoman houses crawling up the mountain to an ancient castle. It looks like something out of a fairytale.

• Gjirokaster – another stunning stone town with a towering fortress and cobbled streets where you can wander through centuries of Balkan history.

More places to stay in Albania

• Albanian Riviera

• Durres Area

• Tirana