Known in Albania as “Plazhi i Pasqyrave,” Mirror Beach is a real gem of the Albanian Riviera, waiting to be discovered by tourists. Sarande is known across the country as “the capital of the Albanian Riviera” since it’s home to some of the most amazing beaches.
As it’s so popular, it’s
pretty crowded during the summer, with tourists coming from all over the world to enjoy the mesmerizing nature. But some people also prefer
quieter places, where you can admire your surroundings without all the background noise.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll be talking about
Mirror Beach, a secluded beach in the Albanian Riviera.
Let’s start!
Nestled between Sarande and Ksamil, Mirror Beach, Albania, is the ideal spot for a private and serene beach day. It’s just a 15-minute drive away from Ksamil, and you have to do a bit of walking downhill to reach the exact location.
The best time to visit is obviously during the months of
May until September, with the peak of the season being the middle of
July until August. That’s when you’ll find the most people there, but the crowds still won’t be as overwhelming as on the other beaches of Sarande.
You can choose to go to Mirror Beach by car, bus, or taxi. Let us walk you through each option so you can see which one suits you best:
Now, let us walk you through some
accommodation options near Mirror Beach where you can stay should you decide to extend your stay:
Just 500 meters from Mirror Beach, Vila Zervo guarantees an enjoyable stay in Sarande, with cozy rooms, free parking, and a lovely terrace with stunning mountain and sea views. Each room has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom.
In addition to the regular rooms, you can also book an apartment, which is ideal if you’re with your family or a friend group. The hosts are super friendly and always make sure you have everything you need during your stay.
At Vila Zervo, you can book a budget double room for only €40 per night.
Another nice accommodation option near Mirror Beach is Santa Oliva Suites, the ideal place for a quiet and relaxing vacation. Every room is spacious and comfy, with seating areas, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and balconies overlooking the sea.
The sunsets from Santa Oliva are not to be missed, making your day even better. They have numerous accommodation options, from single rooms to suites with a terrace, to fit every budget and preference.
You can book the junior suite with a terrace for about €190 per night.
Another option is Hotel Loredano, a very chic hotel located on G’juhadol St. The rooms are pretty spacious and well-decorated, with every amenity you might need. The hosts are also very nice and welcoming, willing to help with anything you might need.
You’ll also get to enjoy a delicious breakfast every day, which you can have in the comfort of your room. You can book a double room for about €65 per night.
Even though there aren’t any big hotels or resorts around, you can find a few places where you can grab a bite near the beach, including:
You can find Pasqyra Bar Restaurant right by the beach, surrounded by wooden posts. Thanks to its amazing food and punctual service, this restaurant is usually packed with tourists. At Pasqyra Bar Restaurant, you can try the local cuisine, like seafood and other southern dishes, or traditional Albanian food, carefully prepared and brought to your table as quickly as possible.
Our second restaurant is located on Pulbardha Beach, which is just a few minutes away from Mirror Beach. The restaurant is nestled in a rock and has a large terrace overlooking the beach and mountains.
It is known for its
amazing views during the sunset, which go perfectly with a glass of wine and delicious food.
One of the best places around for trying traditional dishes, Eni Bar Kafe is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s an inviting and cozy place with a very kind staff. The menu is a combination of fresh seafood dishes and authentic Albanian meals made to fit every taste and preference.
Some customer favorites are the
squid
and
sea bass caught by the local fishermen. The restaurant is located on a small hill, providing
amazing views of the
Albanian Riviera.
Remaining relatively quiet even during the peak season, Mirror Beach is one of the best beaches in Albania for a relaxing beach day. You can rent an umbrella and sun chairs and enjoy the sun while listening to catchy tunes coming from the bars around you and sipping on a cold cocktail.
After sunbathing, you’ll get to jump in the crystal water, beautifully reflecting the sunlight, hence the name “Mirror Beach.” The shore also has a few rock formations, which you can jump from if you’re feeling extra adventurous!
Since the water is perfectly clear, it’s the perfect chance to give
snorkeling
or
diving
a try. You can rent scuba gear close to the beach and explore its rich underwater world.
Being more secluded than most beaches, Mirror Beach, Albania, can be explored much better by boat. You can also visit the other beaches around, like Pulebardha Beach or Shpella e Pellumbave Beach, nestled close to a mysterious cave.
Pasqyra Island is also close by, surrounded by turquoise waters and standing on rock formations. You can rent a boat in Ksamil or in the Port of Sarande.
If you’re still not totally convinced about visiting Mirror Beach, Albania, you’ll find a list of things you can look forward to below:
It’s also worth mentioning that the coastline is
unspoiled, with no big hotels and resorts like you’d see on most beaches on the Riviera.
It’s a great choice for
families
to spend a tranquil vacation away from all the loud-music bars and noise of the city.
Be sure to catch the beach during
sunset
or
sunrise, with the rays beautifully reflecting on the water as if it were a
mirror.
To sum up, you should definitely consider visiting Mirror Beach during your holiday in Albania for a stay filled with rejuvenation, sunny days, good food, and even better views.
Mirror Beach can be
directly accessed only by foot, as it’s located over a small hill, but you can approach the area by car, bus, or taxi. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from numerous options, like
Santa Oliva Suites or Vila Orizzonte Blue.
As soon as you get to the beach, you can simply
relax, have a nice
swim, go on an
underwater adventure, or explore the surroundings by
boat!