You can’t say you’ve explored Albania without having visited Gjipe Beach, one of Albania’s amazing—although not so accessible white sand beaches. If you still haven’t done it, this is the ultimate travel guide that will ensure you make the most of your trip to the west coast once you reach it. 

Gjipe Beach is well known for its crystal clear waters, interesting rock formations, breathtaking seascapes, and eye-pleasing land.  It’s a short drive from Dhermi (about 25 minutes), and then you need to hike down to get to the actual beach, but the road is worth it considering all the fun you’re going to have—we guarantee you!

To get to Gjipe Beach, you can go:

• By car
• By bus
• By boat
• On foot

 Let’s describe each of these options so that you can decide which one is more to your liking!

#1. By Car

Going to Gjipe Beach by car is probably the most common way of transportation used. The Gjipe Beach road to Dhermi is about 25 minutes, and most visitors leave their cars in the parking lot and walk down. The parking fee is 2 euros for the day, or 4 euros for overnight parking, as some people might prefer camping, but we’ll get into that later. 

To get to the beach, you will have to take a hike down a rather rocky and downhill road. Have a pair of comfy sneakers and sunscreen with you, though, as it can get quite hot, especially in the midday hours.

#2. By Bus

Going by bus is a convenient means of transport too, although it can get ridiculously hot during the drive if there are too many people in the vehicle. 

Every bus that drives from Dhermi to Saranda will pass through Gjipe—you just have to let the driver know that they should let you out at the turn. The timetables of the buses depend on the season, so you may want to ask around to know for sure. 

When you get off the bus, you have to walk about 2 km to get to the parking lot and then take a 45-minute walk down to the beach.

#3. By Boat

If you want to enjoy the panoramic view from the Ionian Sea and soak up the sun, going by boat is a perfect choice. You can easily go to Gjipe Beach from Himara, as several boats will bring you there or to other beaches that are close by as well.

The ride is enjoyable and worth it, considering you won’t have to walk like you do if you think of the other options. However, you should also note that it’s the most expensive option (around 17 euros per person), so keep that in mind when deciding on the preferred transportation method. 

If you’re looking for a more exciting way to get to the beach, you can also rent a kayak from Jala, which can take from 40 minutes to 1 hour. Still, unless you want an underwater adventure, kayaking is only recommended if there aren’t too many waves in the sea.

#4. On Foot

If you feel like you need to burn some extra calories, consider going to Gjipe Beachon foot. It’s not that strenuous of a walk, and there are various routes you can take:

• From Dhermi. This is the best one you can take. It’s a 4 km walk through a trail that starts just out of the town when you get to the main road.
• From the small village of Vuno. It’s a 5 km walk which can be tricky. The trail is not that obvious, and you may find yourself getting lost in the way unless you have someone who knows the area very well with you.
• Through Jale. The locals know the path quite well—all you have to do is ask them for directions.

Overall, it isn’t a difficult hike. Just consider the heat, as there is barely any shade along the way. What you will see, though, are several old bunkers from the communist era, but let’s talk about that later.

What To Do at Gjipe Beach?

Besides laying on the beach all day soaking up the sun and sipping cold drinks, we can suggest plenty of entertaining and interesting activities that will make your time in Gjipe Beach worth it. Let’s dive into all the fun possibilities you can choose from right away.



#1. Explore Gjipe Canyon and Waterfall

Exploring this magnificent canyon can be the perfect activity for everyone who leans toward  adventure. This place is located right behind the beach, and it will take you about 3 hours to hike all the way there. (Long time, we know, but nature will be your trusty companion all the way).

It’s rather rocky terrain, which means you should make yourself comfortable by wearing proper shoes. Also, make sure to pack snacks and water to have with you at all times—it can become brutally hot in the midday hours, although we wouldn’t suggest hiking during that time.

If you hike down, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a beautiful waterfall, which will definitely make the long Gjipe Beach road worth it. 



#2. Kayak by the Caves

 For all our water lovers, Gjipe Beach offers activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding. 

There are also some caves on the left side of Gjipe Beach that are more than open for exploration. You can rent kayaks near the beach for a price of about 10 euros/hour. Kayaking by the caves can get tricky, as there might be waves and the cave walls are too close, so you must be close to a pro to try that. 

Exploring the caves by swimming is also a fun option (when the sea is calm, of course). But if you want to just relax near the caves, you can rent a large float for about 6 euros per hour.



#3. Visit Bunkers by the Beach 

If you’ve chosen to go down the beach on foot, your eye will catch plenty of concrete bunkers along the coastline during the hike. They can also be found in many other locations on Albania’s coast, as they were built by the communists during the Cold War to protect the coastline. Them still existing there is a very interesting addition to the coast, adding to the rich history of Albania.



#4. Camping at Gjipe Beach 

Most visitors want to spend the night at Gjipe Beach to get the full experience. There is a small campsite there called ‘’Gjipe Eco Camping,’’ which offers basic facilities such as clean toilets, showers, and electricity. 

The tents are equipped with clean sheets and pillows, but you can bring your tent and bedding, too. The campground also provides a restaurant and bar, so everything you need for camping is in one place. Pretty convenient, right?



#5. Relax!

We got so caught up suggesting activities to spend time with that we almost forgot to advise you to relax and unwind while enjoying the beautiful landscape in front of you. There are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent in the nearby shops, so you can have your little set up at the beach and just enjoy yourself in the sun (don’t forget your SPF and plenty of water—the heat will stand no chance if you come prepared!) 

You’ll also be happy to know that there are various small artisanal shops along the beach, as well as cold water showers and bathrooms, which can definitely make your visit more convenient and enjoyable.



Travel to Gjipe Beach With Kalemi

Full Day Tour From Tirana to Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Saranda

Through this full day tour you’ll get to visit the beautiful city of Gjirokastra, along with The Blue Eye and Saranda. You’ll meet with your guide in the center of Tirana, and then head to the coastal city of Saranda, where you’ll see some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, including Gjipe Beach.

After a nice day at the beach, you’ll visit The Blue Eye, an amazing spring with crystal clear water and a depth of at least 50 meters. After The Blue Eye, you’ll get to Gjirokastra, which is a UNESCO-Listed town, thanks to its cultural and historical significance. The tour includes free entry to the museum of Zekate House in Gjirokastra and to The Blue Eye.