The Adriatic, the Golden Paradise of the Mediterranean in Western Albania

The Adriatic Sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea, is one of two seas that wash the western shores of Albania, forming a maritime border that connects the country with Italy’s eastern coast and the south of Croatia. Its coast is predominantly sandy. The Adriatic Sea is fed by seven rivers flowing through Albanian lands, namely the White Drin, Black Drin, Vjosa, Buna, Mat, Shkumbin, and Seman.

The Adriatic coast boasts an unbroken 450 km coastline (including lagoons), ending at the Bay of Vlorë where the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera begin. The total length of the Adriatic coastline is approximately 274 kilometers (170 miles), 178 kilometers (111 miles) of which are sandy beaches, and the rest comprises various terrestrial lagoons along the seafront. The sandy, shallow beaches of the Adriatic are beautiful, natural oases perfect for family vacations.

For those passionate about tourism wishing to explore the warm shores of the Adriatic, they can choose from the beaches of Velipojë, Tale, Shëngjin, Durrës, Golem, Spille, Divjakë, Darëzezë, and the old beach of Vlorë, among Albania’s aquatic treasures.

Rare bird watchers and eco-tourism enthusiasts can find their research paradise in the rich lagoons of the Adriatic coast, as well as in protected natural ecosystems in the Divjakë-Karavasta area, the Godulla Lagoon, the Kune Vain Lagoon in Lezhë, Lake Shkodër in the north, and the Narta Lagoon in the south.

Velipojë Beach, the northernmost beach in Albania, located 22 km from the city of Shkodër, is most favored by locals and Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia. Velipojë has a 4 km stretch of quality sand, making it highly suitable for families with children.

South of Velipojë is Shëngjin Beach, another sandy shore located fifteen minutes by car from the historical city of Lezhë. With its fine sand and 200-300 sunny days per year, Shëngjin Beach is another popular spot in the area.

North of Shëngjin, sheltered from the area’s winds by a crown of hills, visitors will discover the wonderful beach of Rana e Hedhun, the seaside paradise of the Adriatic.

With white sand and crystalline waters, the Lalëzi Bay is an enchanting area full of attractive beaches, beautified by pine tree groves. Lalëzi is located between Cape of Palla’s Tail and Cape of Rodon.

Cape of Rodon is a natural masterpiece 7.5 km long, especially attractive for diving enthusiasts. The largest and most frequented beach in the country is Durrës Beach, just 39 km from Tirana, the capital of Albania.

Durrës Beach has shallow shores, where the sea depth increases very gradually. This makes the beach very safe for families spending time at the seaside with children. Durrës boasts several beaches, among which the most notable are: Currila Beach, north of Durrës, where the sea is slightly deeper and sheltered from the warm wind blowing from the land. To the south of Durrës, visitors can choose between two well-known beaches, Golem Beach and Mali i Robit Beach, both typical of the Durrës area.

The city of Vlorë is one of the most flourishing tourist areas in the country, with its revitalized beaches featuring hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, and modern clubs. Further south, visitors will also find the Orikum marina, which recently added a yacht port.

Restaurants along the Adriatic coastline will make your stay in Albania unforgettable, offering a variety of cuisines and dishes, including excellent Albanian recipes.

Along the Adriatic coast lies the Coastal Lowland, the country’s most important industrial and agricultural area. It hosts Albania’s major ports, Durrës, Vlorë, and Shëngjin, waters rich in various fish species, and abundant salt extraction resources.

The Adriatic coast has become one of Albania’s primary tourist destinations, thanks to its infrastructure and services, and especially its proximity to the capital city, Tirana.