Borsh & the Southern Riviera Coves 2026: The Quiet Beaches

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Between the crowds of Ksamil in the south and Himarë in the centre lies the Riviera’s quietest stretch — long, uncrowded beaches and hidden coves that stay calm even in August. Borsh’s 7 km sweep is the headline, but the villages and bays around it hide some of the most beautiful, empty water in Albania. Here’s the quiet southern Riviera for 2026.

Southern Riviera stays → Rent a car →

Quick Answer

For space and calm, head to Borsh — the Riviera’s longest beach, quiet even in peak season. Around it, Bunec, Qeparo and Lukovë offer more quiet clear-water coves, and for the most beautiful hidden beaches in Albania, the boat-or-track bays of Kakome and Krorëz are unbeatable. Bring a car; trade beach clubs for solitude.

The Best Southern Riviera Beaches

1. Borsh

The longest beach on the Riviera — around 7 km of fine pebble and coarse sand, gently shelving into clear water, backed by Albania’s largest olive grove and the hillside Castle of Borsh. Quiet even in August, simple facilities, and excellent value. The place to come for space. Full detail in our Borsh destination guide.

Stay at Borsh →

2. Bunec

A small, pretty cove just south of Borsh — clear water, a couple of tavernas, and a relaxed local feel. One of the nicest quick stops on this stretch.

3. Qeparo

Below the atmospheric old stone village of Qeparo, a long quiet pebble beach with a laid-back scene and good tavernas — a favourite for travellers who want calm without going fully off-grid.

4. Lukovë & Krorëz

Lukovë village overlooks a string of quiet coves; nearby Krorëz is a beautiful, near-empty beach reached by a steep track or boat — clear water and almost no one. For a genuine escape.

5. Kakome (the hidden gem)

South toward Ksamil, Kakome bay is widely called the most beautiful undeveloped beach in Albania — a flawless crescent of clear water reached only by boat or a rough track, with no development at all. The ultimate quiet-beach reward.

Southern Coves at a Glance

Beach	Access	Vibe	Best for
Borsh	Coastal road	Long, quiet, simple	Space, families, value
Bunec	Coastal road	Small, pretty	A relaxed stop
Qeparo	Short drive	Calm, village charm	Low-key beach days
Lukovë / Krorëz	Track or boat	Quiet coves	Getting away from it
Kakome	Boat / rough track	Wild, pristine	The ultimate escape

Getting to the Beaches

These beaches line the SH8 coastal road between Sarandë and Himarë, with limited buses — a rental car is the practical way to explore them, and the hidden coves (Kakome, Krorëz) need a track or a boat. It’s one of the most scenic drives on the coast. See the Borsh destination guide for getting there.

Rent a car → Riviera boat tours →

Where to Stay

This stretch is guesthouse and small-hotel country — simple, friendly and excellent value, especially in Borsh, Qeparo and Lukovë. See the Borsh destination guide.

Browse southern Riviera stays →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Borsh beach worth visiting?

Yes — Borsh is the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera at around 7 km, and one of the quietest even in August. Backed by Albania's largest olive grove and with clear, gently shelving water, it's the antidote to Ksamil's crowds: space, calm and low prices. Facilities are simple, which is part of the appeal.

Where are the least crowded beaches on the Albanian Riviera?

The stretch between Himarë and Sarandë — Borsh, Bunec, Qeparo, Lukovë and the coves toward Kakome and Krorëz — has the quietest beaches on the Riviera. They trade beach clubs and facilities for space and clear water, staying calm even in peak season. A car (and sometimes a boat) is needed to reach the best of them.

What is the most beautiful hidden beach in Albania?

Kakome bay, south of Ksamil, is widely considered the most beautiful undeveloped beach in Albania — a perfect crescent of clear water reached only by boat or a rough track, with no development. Krorëz nearby is similar. Both reward the effort with near-empty, pristine coves.

Is Borsh sandy or pebble?

Borsh is a mix of fine pebble and coarse sand — gentler underfoot than the pure-pebble beaches further north, and gently shelving, which makes it good for families and long walks. The clear water and 7 km length are its defining features.

Do you need a car for the southern Riviera beaches?

Effectively yes. Borsh, Bunec, Qeparo and Lukovë are strung along the SH8 coastal road with limited public transport, and the best hidden coves (Kakome, Krorëz) need a car plus a track or a boat. A rental car is the practical way to explore this quiet southern stretch.