Gjipe Beach: How to Visit Albania’s Best Beach
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Planning a stop to Albania’s most scenic beach? Here’s everything to know about how to visit Gjipe Beach.
If you haven’t heard, the Albanian Riviera is a gold mine when it comes to impeccable beaches. Sitting among the stunning coastline filled with crystal clear waters is Gjipe Beach.
The iconic and arguably the most remarkable beach in Albania is marvellously located in the canyon of Gjipe. The untamed location of the beach is one of its highlights along with a web of caves, enchanting bay and the exciting trek to get there.
In this guide, you’ll find everything to know about visiting Gjipe Beach and how to reach it.
Where Is Gjipe Beach Located in Albania?
Gjipe Beach is located in the middle of two popular coastal towns, Dhërmi and Himarë. It sits on the beautiful Albanian riviera, in southern Albania. To avoid confusion, it’s useful to know that Himarë is the overall region which Dhërmi village and the town of Himarë belong to. Zooming out even further, both Dhërmi and Himarë are part of Vlorë County.
By car, Gjipe Beach is 1.5 hours (65 km /40 mi) south of the third most populated city in Albania of Vlorë. Reaching Gjipe Beach from Tirana takes nearly 4 hours as the capital city is 221 km north (137 mi) of the beach.
From the popular port city of Igoumenitsa in Greece, you can get to Gjipe Beach in under 3 hours by driving north for 129 km (80 mi).
What Makes Gjipe Beach So Special?
It’s no question that Albania’s southern coastline offers many outstanding beaches. All which are defined with crystal clear water and dreamy turquoise hues. So, why is Gjipe Beach in particular known to be so special?
Gjipe Beach’s highly admired status primarily derives from the beach’s astonishing location and unspoiled remoteness.
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You see, you have to make somewhat of an effort to visit Gjipe Beach. It’s not the type of beach you drive right up to, pop open a beach chair and enjoy immediately. No, Gjipe Beach makes you work for it and for those who do, are deservingly rewarded with one of the most idyllic beaches in Europe.
Gjipe Beach is for the most part, a wild beach. This means it’s not lined with restaurants or resorts and relies on visitors to take care of it. The beach is extraordinarily situated at the mouth of a canyon, thus establishing its prominent yet secluded location.
Being quite literally off the beaten path is another major reason that Gjipe Beach is so loved. Opposed to the easily accessible and crowded beaches of Saranda, Gjipe is an unsuspecting slice of paradise along the Albanian Riviera.
Essential Information About How to Reach Gjipe Beach
There are only a few ways to reach Gjipe Beach and driving directly to it is not one of them. The only road (a path, really) which leads to the beach is unpaved and very rocky which limits your possibilities. Before planning a visit, you should be aware of your options so you fully know what to expect.
Parking at Gjipe Beach
If you’re driving, you can reach Gjipe Beach on foot after parking your car at the top of the canyon. First, you’ll turn onto a narrow road from the main road (SH8) which leads to the beach parking lot here.
It’s not known who really has the right to monitor this lot. However, if you park here, you don’t have any other option besides paying or getting into an argument in Albanian. Parking costs less than €2 for the entire day so it’s really nothing to complain about.
From the designated parking lot, you’ll begin the 30 minute walk down the rugged dirt path. The hike down is not challenging but you will need to keep in mind that you’ll have to walk back up.
If you’re not training for a triathlon, the hike back up should take around 45 minutes. It is a doable and safe hike for kids, but may take a few extra minutes. During your hike to the beach, do not miss the opportunities of the best views of Gjipe Beach from above.
Off-Roading
For those in a 4WD/AWD capable vehicle, you may be able to reach Gjipe Beach directly by off-roading on the dirt road. Full disclosure, this is completely at your own risk and own assessment of your vehicle. Most of the cars that are trekking up and down this path are in 4×4 overland vehicles, specifically designated for off-road terrain.
We merely mention this as an option to reach Gjipe Beach because Albania in general is a popular overlanding destination. If you’re not confident, absolutely do not risk it because receiving roadside help on a cliffside isn’t exactly convenient.
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Take an Unofficial Taxi
If you drive to the Gjipe Beach parking lot with your own car but do not want (or physically cannot) walk down, there is still hope. We saw many unofficial 4×4 vehicles which served as a taxi between the parking lot and the beach.
Expect to pay a fee between €5 – €10 per person if you wish to take advantage of this opportunity. After a long day in the sun, getting a ride up the cliff doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
The parking lot attendant or beach camp staff will likely be able to tell you when you’re able to hitch a ride. The only downside to utilising the 4×4 taxi is its unpredictability.
Arrive by Sea
Departing from the beaches of Dhërmi, Himarë and Jale are tour boats regularly headed to Gjipe Beach. There is no official water ferry system or schedule but it doesn’t mean you’ll have any issues finding a boat.
The easiest way to arrange boat transportation to Gjipe Beach is by booking a tour package online or asking your host/hotel for recommendations. For a direct boat ride from Dhërmi or Himarë, you can expect to pay less than €20 per person.
Along the walkways of Dhërmi and Himarë Beach, you’ll also see kiosks which arrange Gjipe Beach transfers.
Larger tour packages which include multiple beaches along the Albanian Riviera, meal services and more can range up to €250 per person. For not having to worry about logistics of getting from one attraction to another, these types of tours are ideal.
Hitchhiking or Hiking to Gjipe Beach
Contrary to what we’ve been told as kids who grew up in the U.S., getting in a car with strangers is a common occurrence in Albania. Whether you’re backpacking or simply don’t have a plan for transportation, you can reach Gjipe Beach by hitchhiking.
The main coastal road is your best bet for finding a ride. Or, if you’re staying in one of the seaside towns in the Himarë region, there is bound to be a car headed towards that direction.
However, it’s not recommended to hitchhike solo. Particularly as a female traveller, steer away from hitching a ride without a buddy.
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If you’re an avid hiker or walker, it’s possible to walk the entire way to Gjipe Beach. From the nearby town of Jale, it’s a three hour walk.
The more common and easier hiking route to Gjipe Beach begins in the village of Dhërmi. The path crosses through the trees and spits you out at the Gjipe Beach parking lot. From there, you’ll continue down the rocky path to the beach.
Getting to Gjipe Beach by Public Transportation
Public transportation in southern Albania is somewhat non existent. However, if you’re travelling without a car, on a budget or don’t feel comfortable hitchhiking, it’s still possible to get around Albania with furgons.
A furgon typically comes in the form of a minibus, is not owned by the state and has no official timetable. If you’re travelling from a country built on schedules (*cough* Switzerland), this may sound like madness to you! It kind of is, but it works and it’ll get you from point a to point b in one piece.
The easiest way to ride on a furgon is to ask your host, hotel or a friendly local for guidance. Albanian hospitality is hugely underrated and local people are always interested in foreigners, let alone lending a hand. Once you actually know where and when to hop on a furgon, the rest is simple.
You’ll be able to find a furgon departing from any of the major towns. Even small villages along the SH8 are included on a furgon’s route. After all, you’re not the only one commuting up and down the coast.
Gjipe Beach FAQs:
Is There a Toilet at Gjipe Beach?
As one of the most practical tips you should know, yes, there are toilets at Gjipe Beach. They’re located by the campsite and are technically paid. If you catch staff on a good day, don’t have enough cash or are experiencing an emergency, you can get away with using the bathroom for free.
In addition to toilets, there are showers available. Both “amenities” cost 100 lek or €1 if you’re not staying at the campsite.
Is There Food and Drinks at Gjipe Beach?
There is a restaurant with table seating and a smaller cafe/bar establishment directly on the beach. You can find full meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner which are all reasonably priced. The food is not mind blowing but after working up an appetite from swimming, the restaurants get the job done.
Food options include seafood, quick bites such as fries and cold beverages. If you are not situated under your own shade on the beach, grabbing a beer and hanging out on the restaurant deck is a good way to hide from the sun.
Is There Camping at Gjipe Beach?
As the only accommodation located directly on the beach, Gjipe Eco Campground is another one of Gjipe Beach’s unique traits. The location is pristine and within a stone’s throw of the sandy cove with the Gjipe canyon in the background.
It is not a luxury stay by any means but for those who understand what camping is truly about, it’s heaven!
With such a prime location, it should be expected that camping prices are higher than other parts of Albania, particularly inland. You can bring your own camping gear or you can rent an entire set for the night.
During the summer, you can expect to pay between €30 – €40 for a tent which includes sleeping bags and access to showers. If you know that camping at Gjipe Beach will be part of your Albania itinerary, it’s highly recommend to book reservations in advance.
What to Bring to Gjipe Beach
Whether you are taking a boat directly to Gjipe Beach or hiking down from the parking lot, you should not bring a lot of stuff with you. There are some crucially important things to not forget but it’s recommended to leave anything “extra” behind.
- Water – Water bottles are expensive at the beach’s cafe. As comfortably as you can, bring enough drinking water for the amount of time you plan on spending at the beach. Collapsible water bottles are great for these occasions as they’re lightweight.
- Snacks – If you don’t wish to pay for food, bring your own snacks to the beach. Items like nuts, crackers, granola bars or sausage sticks will keep well during your hike and time in the sun.
- Sunscreen – You’ll likely be coming in and out of the water frequently which means you should be reapplying often. Ocean friendly sunscreen is best!
- Beach Blanket – Once you’re in the water, the beach is sandy. However, the areas which are for laying out are mostly comprised of fine and small pebbles. A padded yet compact beach blanket is the key to a perfect beach day.
- Shade – There is little shade at Gjipe Beach unless you pay for an umbrella which should cost under €5 per person. You could also bring your own umbrella which is bound to not stay put in the sand or worse, blow away. An alternative option is to bring a compact pop up beach tent, which are great when travelling with kids or pets.
- Wet Wipes or Toilet Paper – It’s not guaranteed that the beach facilities will have toilet paper so it doesn’t hurt to bring a pack of tissues or some wet wipes.
- Hand Sanitiser – If you do use the toilet, soap is also not guaranteed. By now, you should always have a small hand sanitiser in your bag at all times.
- Cash – You’ll need cash for everything! Paying for parking, a boat, taxi, furgon, beer and more is only possible with cash.
Plan Your Trip to Gjipe Beach in Albania
Flying to Albania
For those looking to fly to Albania, visiting Gjipe Beach is possible by taking a flight to Tirana. Albania doesn’t have many airports so Tirana’s international airport is really left as your only option.
Direct flights to Tirana are frequent from other major European cities, particularly during the summer months. It’s not uncommon to find nonstop one-way flights to Tirana within Europe for under €50.
From Tirana, you can reach the Himarë region by bus, taxi or a rental car. Taking the bus will take around 6 hours but will only cost between €10 – €20. If you plan on taking public transportation, it’s recommended to book a bus ride with a travel agent like Tisa Travel.
A taxi ride from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera can cost up to €150 which can be cost effective if travelling with a small group.
Renting a car in Tirana and driving along the coast to reach Himarë is definitely the most scenic and adventurous option. Rental cars can cost as little as €200 for one week and allow for the most freedom when visiting southern Albania.
🇦🇱 Read More: Albanian Road Trip Guide
Driving to Albania
Visiting Gjipe Beach during a grander Balkans road trip is a phenomenal itinerary item and easy to do, no matter which direction you’re coming from. For example, if you’re driving from Greece, you can cross the border into Albania at the Mavromati border point.
If you’re driving from Montenegro’s southern coast to Albania, you’ll enter here which based on our experience, was the easiest and most casual border crossing we’ve ever encountered.
It’s important to be mindful of the borders’ opening hours which tend to be during the day and not in the middle of the night.
Taking a Ferry to Albania
An alternative and quirky solution to getting to Albania is by taking a ferry from the Greek island of Corfu to Saranda in southern Albania.
🚢 Read More: How to Take the Corfu to Saranda Ferry
However, this route only makes sense in two scenarios. If you are already planning on visiting Corfu, a ferry ride over to Saranda and journey to Gjipe Beach is very manageable.
Or, if flights to Corfu are cheaper than combining a flight to Tirana in addition to the cost of getting from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera. This solution requires a bit of creativity but can pay off in lower costs and added experience.
Where to Stay While Visiting Gjipe Beach
Amphora Guesthouse & Apartments – Check prices with Agoda
Aphrodite Garden Rooms & Apartment – Check prices with Booking.com
Roots Dhermi – Check prices with Booking.com
Find Hotels in Albania
Check accommodation prices with Booking.com.
Gjipe Beach Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
