Nestled along the pristine shores of the Albanian Riviera, Borsh Beach is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for an amazing off-the-beaten-path beach destination, this place deserves to be on your list.
I first visited Borsh Beach in 2015 and came here again last year. It looked pretty much the same last year as when I first visited and I was really happy to see that the area hasn’t (yet) become over-developed or spoilt.
With its crystal-clear waters, clean white pebbles, and dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s one of the most picturesque beaches in southern Albania.
About Borsh Beach
Borsh Beach is the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera, at a whopping 7 kilometres long. Despite being popular with locals, it’s so big that it never feels crowded, and it’s always easy to find a quiet spot away from other people.
Borsh Beach offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and tranquility. The azure waters of the Ionian Sea make it an idyllic place for windsurfing, kayaking, and other watersports.
The water is clean and incredibly clear. Bring a snorkel (or rent one from one of the beach vendors), and you’ll be amazed by the hundreds of fish and other marine animals you see underwater.
Originally more of a hit with backpackers and budget travellers, in the last few years a number of smarter places have started popping up here too.
However, thankfully, Borsh Beach has so far managed to avoid falling victim to over-tourism. There’s a refreshing lack of beach clubs pumping out loud music, and people taking millions of photos of themselves for the ‘Gram.
It’s one of my favourite beaches in Albania, along with Gjipe Beach and Jale Beach.
Where is Borsh Beach?
Borsh Beach is located on the southern coast of Albania. It lies between Himare and Sarande, about 70 kilometers south of the city of Vlorë, on the picturesque Albanian Riviera.
This is a fairly remote and tranquil area, making it a peaceful and idyllic spot to come and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
Check out this handy guide to simple Albanian phrases.
How to Get to Borsh Beach, Albania
Borsh Beach is relatively accessible from most parts of southern Albania. There are a few different ways to get there.
From Saranda (and Himara), regular buses run along the coast, linking up most of the coastal towns and villages. These are very cheap (less than €1), although in my experience you do sometimes end up waiting around for a while.
You could also take a taxi. Be sure to agree on a fare in advance. I’d say €30 from Saranda (or €20 from Himara) is a fair price for a one-way trip.
The nearest airport is on the island of Corfu, in Greece. From here, you can get a ferry to Saranda and then make your way to Borsh.
Another option is to fly into Tirana, the Albanian capital, and then make your way from there.
If your budget allows it, I’d highly recommend hiring a car during your time in Albania. This means you don’t have to rely on (sometimes erratic) public transport. Hiring a car is also likely to work out cheaper than taking lots of taxis.
The best deals on car hire in Albania are usually found on localrent.com. They compare the prices of local car rental companies, which tend to be significantly cheaper than the big international hire companies.
The drive to Borsh Beach offers scenic views of the Albanian Riviera, with winding roads passing through picturesque villages and some truly spectacular scenery.
See this post for my detailed guide on how to plan the perfect Albanian road trip.
Many countries’ driving licenses are recognised in Albania, so you probably won’t need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, I always travel with one anyway, just in case. They’re very cheap and easy to get.
See also: 10 Best Restaurants in Tirana
Facilities at Borsh Beach
Borsh Beach offers a decent range of facilities, although it’s still not been massively developed – which is one of the reasons I like it.
Some areas of the beach have toilet and shower facilities. There are vendors offering beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. You can buy drinks, snacks, and other food from one of the many stalls and kiosks.
You can rent various aquatic equipment, including snorkels, kayaks, and even jet skis from various places along the beach.
It’s also possible to take a boat tour from Borsh to discover the many hidden coves, caves, and inaccessible beaches along the coastline. To arrange this, just speak with one of the boat guys on the beach itself.
There are also large sections of the beach without any facilities at all. These are perfect if you prefer your beaches untouched and natural.
Parking is never an issue here – there’s loads of space!
Where to Eat and Drink Near Borsh Beach
Once you’ve spent a day soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Borsh Beach, you’ll probably be hungry.
Luckily, there are several great places to eat and drink in the area. These offer a variety of local and international cuisine and include seafood restaurants, traditional Albanian taverns, and beachfront cafes.
For a taste of traditional Albanian cuisine, be sure to try some of the local restaurants that line the shore. These simple places offer a range of traditional dishes, including byrek, qofte, baklava, and (of course) plenty of freshly grilled fish and seafood.
Some of my favourite restaurants near Borsh Beach include Bar Cafe Restaurant New Paradise, Luna Mare, and Blue Heaven.
For a drink or two while you watch the sunset over the sea, head to Aral Bar on the beach itself or Sunset Boulevard Cocktail Bar in neighbouring Qeparo.
Where to Stay near Borsh Beach
There’s a good selection of places to stay in Borsh, with a range of options to suit all budgets.
Many hotels provide stunning views of the beach and allow easy access to the beach. For those travelling on a tighter budget, there are lots of guesthouses and holiday apartments available for rent.
Here are a few places that I’d recommend:
- Budget: Vila Ari
- Mid-Range: Hotel Erviliano
- High-End/Luxury: Villa White Pearl
Alternatively, try searching using this handy tool:
There’s an even larger selection of places to stay in Dhermi which also has an incredibly beautiful beach. Alternatively, I’ve written another article on the best hotels in Ksamil.
You can even camp on Borsh Beach. If you have your own tent and camping equipment, just find a secluded spot away from other people (it’s not difficult – the beach is 7 kilometres long!) and you should be fine.
For those who want to camp, but with more amenities, there are a few maintained campsites with facilities such as toilets, showers, and electricity. Jungle Camping is one of the best ones.
Here’s a collection of camping quotes and captions for Instagram.
Other Beaches Nearby
Borsh Beach is just one of the many stunning beaches to visit on the Albanian Riviera. There are many other beaches that are equally worth exploring.
Some of my favourites include:
- Gjipe Beach
- Jale Beach
- Potami Beach
- Livadhi Beach
- Dhermi Beach
Other Things to See and Do Nearby
There are many other great things to see and do in the area. The village of Borsh is known for its traditional homes and cobbled streets, as well as its picturesque coastal views.
The ruins of Borsh Castle are perched 500 meters above sea level on a nearby hill, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The castle dates back to the early Byzantine period (around 500 AD) and is a spectacular place to explore.
Some of my other favourite places to visit near Borsh Beach include:
- The famous Blue Eye – a mesmerizing and beautiful natural spring that’s definitely worth seeing.
- Llogara National Park – a spectacular stretch of wild, rugged mountains and thick forests with epic views down along the Riviera.
- Porto Palermo Castle – an impressive fortress in the bay of Porto Palermo, just south of Himara.
- Castle of Himara – a maze of ancient narrow, winding streets overlooking the modern-day town of Himara.
- Butrint National Park – a nature reserve and archaeological site made up of a network of lagoons, freshwater lakes, islands, wetlands, and salt marshes.
- Gjirokaster – the “Stone City”, an atmospheric and historical Ottoman town full of unique architecture and surrounded by dramatic mountains.
If you have your own car, these are all very easy to reach from Borsh.
Alternatively, this is a great full-day guided tour of the Albanian Riviera and includes many of the top sights, including Borsh, Himare, Porto Palermo, Vuno, Dhermi, and Llogara National Park.
FAQs: Borsh Beach
When is the best time of year to visit Borsh Beach?
Due to its location in the southern part of Albania, Borsh Beach benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate. It’s an amazing destination for beach lovers throughout the year.
However, the summer months (especially July and August) can get very hot. Personally, my favourite months to visit are May–June or September. It’s still warm then, but not too hot, and you’ll avoid the worst of the summertime crowds.
Which part of Albania has the best beaches?
The best beaches in Albania are in the south of the country, on the Albanian Riviera. This is where Borsh is located.
How far is Borsh from Saranda?
Borsh is 36 kilometres from Saranda by road.
Is Albania cheap or expensive?
Albania is very affordable, especially compared with other Mediterranean destinations. Prices here are much lower than in neighbouring Greece, and it’s every bit as beautiful.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Borsh Beach Albania
Whether you’re looking for an active beach holiday, a gentle swim in the calm waters of the Ionian Sea, or just to sit and relax in beautiful surroundings, Borsh Beach has something for you.
With its breathtaking natural beauty, clear turquoise waters, good range of facilities, and wealth of things to see and do nearby, it’s a perfect place for an alternative beach getaway.
The scenic backdrop of towering mountains, lush greenery, and relative lack of other visitors, also give this coastal paradise a really special atmosphere.
Don’t forget to explore the surrounding areas too. Albania is a wonderful country that’s full of friendly people, jaw-dropping scenery, and surprises at every turn.
