You’ve seen the headlines. Many of the beaches in Greece are suffering from unauthorized privatization and overcrowding, leading to complaints by locals and visitors alike. Some bars, restaurants, and hotels have even illegally expanded onto beaches due to inadequate enforcement, with row after row of loungers and umbrellas, often charging exorbitant prices to rent them.
That said, the Greek government has pledged to crack down with new legislation and increased inspections. And that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a more tranquil beach experience, if you know where to look, such as those we recently featured in Skip Santorini—These Greek Islands Are Just as Stunning (and Way Less Crowded).
But it’s also worth considering a beach destination you probably haven’t thought about. As the New York Times reports, the Albanian Riviera, stretched along Albania’s southwestern coast, has emerged as an ideal alternative. This fascinating Balkan country borders Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, with its coastline hugging the Ionian Sea in the south and the Adriatic Sea in the north.
Dhermi Beach
The New York Times cites Dhermi as one of the reasons it’s your go-to summer beach escape in Europe. Stretching just under a mile, it’s backed by a rugged mountainside and is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are areas with lounge chairs for rent, but you’ll also find rocky coves and more secluded, less developed spots where you can simply toss down a beach towel for free. Plus, the sunsets here are stunning, with the sky transformed into one of Mother Nature’s greatest works of art, with brilliant orange and fiery red hues.
This slice of paradise is also much more affordable for those looking for a budget-friendly beach vacation: less than $2 for a cold beer and as little as $30 a night for an ocean view hotel room.
That said, there are some big summer music festivals hosted in June, including the Kala Festival and Anjunadeep Explorations, so to enjoy it in a more tranquil atmosphere, you may want to avoid the first half of the month. Or, consider one of the other beaches along the Albanian Riviera.
The ‘Maldives’ of the Mediterranean
In 2023, TikToker @thetravelmum called Ksamil the “Maldives of the Balkans.” It didn’t take long before multiple publications picked it up, and suddenly it became one of the newest Instagrammable spots. Located at the southern end of the Albanian Riviera near the Greek border within Butrint National Park, it’s a breathtaking vision, but with the word out, it’s quite busy during the summer months.
Beyond Dhermi, you’ll find many other dreamy beaches where you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with sunbathers, at least for now. Gjipe is nestled in a canyon between Dhermi and Jale as a true hidden gem that can only be accessed by boat or on foot. Guma (also known as Gjiri Guma) is another secluded option that’s a bit easier to reach, about a 15- to 20-minute walk from Jale.
