Borsh Albania – A Charming Riviera Beach Village

Albanian Riviera › Borsh Albania – A Charming Riviera Beach Village

Borsh Beach is located on the south-west coast of Albania, on the Ionian Sea, with a breathtaking backdrop of the Albanian hills. The sunsets are particularly beautiful and invite you to savour the view. The Beach town of Borsh itself is a small village in the south-western part of Albania, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water.

Borsh is located on the Albanian Riviera, an hour north of Saranda or 70 kilometres south of Vlore.

Imagine the most breathtaking ultramarine and turquoise colours a sea can have. Surround this shimmering seascape with olive groves. Listen to the sound of the waves gently lapping against the pebbles on the shore. Breathe in deeply and smell the calming scent of sea salt… you are on one of the most idyllic beaches in Albania: Borsh, on the southern coast of the Albanian Riviera.

Like the rest of the southern settlements, the village of Borsh has remained authentically Albanian. No chain shops, no fancy, recognisable names, no glamour. Just simple, old-fashioned beauty and comfort. The very affordable prices of the hotels and restaurants, where delicious fresh seafood is served daily, make this beach a favourite of the locals. During the day you can sail, canoe, kayak and water ski here. At night, you’ll always find surprising, harmonious groups of locals and tourists gathering under the stars with music and bonfires.

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Directions & Weather for Your Beach Holiday

Best time to visit

Travel to Borsh in the dry season between June and September to enjoy pleasant temperatures. It can get more crowded during the peak season of July and August and considerably more expensive. Before and after those months, you will enjoy great weather and reasonable prices.

How to get there

By Car: The most convenient way to reach Borsh is by car. The journey from Albania’s capital Tirana takes around 5 hours. Don’t worry, if you don’t have your own car, you can easily rent one in Tirana. It’s a long drive, but the roads are in good condition and there aren’t many bends. Now that the Llogara tunnel is completed, you will reach your destination even faster. If you are travelling via Corfu, you can hire a car in Saranda.

By bus: If you decide to take the bus to Borsh Beach, you need to plan more time to travel. The bus journey from Tirana to Saranda costs around 12 euros per person, and the ticket from Saranda to the beach costs another 5 euros.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Luna Mare Seaside Suites Perfect location directly opposite the beach. Beautiful modern bungalows, well-equipped. Good breakfast buffet and friendly staff.

Sole Luna Hotel The Sole Luna Hotel is another fantastic choice, with friendly staff, clean and comfortable rooms and beautiful facilities, right on the waterfront. You can enjoy a quiet evening in the outdoor bar, with a stunning view of the mountains and the sea. The food is fantastic, and the hotel is located at the beginning of the promenade, right next to the beach.

Hotel Beach Restaurant Fabio Hotel Beach Restaurant Fabio is located less than 5 minutes from the beach and offers great facilities and service, an outdoor pool and a great restaurant. It also has a beautiful garden and free parking.

Borsh Beach – The largest in the South of Albania

The beach here is about 30 meters wide and an incredible 7 km long, so there is plenty of space. From the main road in the village it’s about 1 km to reach the beach on mainly unpaved roads.

It is surrounded by olive groves and high mountain peaks and despite its beauty, it is one of the least visited beaches in the country. The sea is turquoise blue and clean and invites you to swim. The beach is not very crowded and you have plenty of space to sit back and relax.

Along the promenade you will find several hotels, restaurants and beach bars, but because of the amount of space it never feels overcrowded.

If you fancy a trip to one of the neighboring towns, take a look at these beaches close by:

Best Beaches near Borsh

• Gjiri Blu
• Qeparo Beach
• Buneci Beach
• Lukove Beach

Things To Do & Places Of Interest

Here’s a list of popular attractions in Borsh, Albania, with brief information about each:

Borsh Castle

Borsh Castle (also known as Sopoti Castle) is a medieval fortress built in the 4th century and was originally constructed as a fortification by the Chaonians in the 4th century BC. The castle is an important part of Albanian history and culture and is a must-see for history buffs.

• Location: The Castle of Borsh

Since the castle is located around 500 meters above sea level, you have spectacular views over the coastline and Ionian Sea. The hike up the hill is definitely worth it, just bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Waterfall of Borsh

The Borsh Waterfall (Ujëvara e Borshit) flows below a restaurant in the centre of town. Natural water from the mountains is an essential source of water for many villages in Albania.

• Location: Borsh Waterfall (Restaurant)

The waterfall in Borsh is a stream of water that comes from the hills behind the town not far from the castle and flows down into the Ionian Sea. A restaurant has been built on top of the waterfall, which makes it a special place where you can sit on the terrace above the water and enjoy the natural sounds of the flowing water.

Shpella e Pëllumbasit Cave

Shpella e Pëllumbasit is a beautiful cave located near Borsh. It is known for its underground waterfalls, stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors can explore the cave on a guided tour.

Things to Do and See Around Borsh

Here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Borsh, Albania:

Porto Palermo

This picturesque seaside fortress, also known as Ali Pasha Castle, is located about 45 minutes from Borsh and is a great place for history and nature lovers. You can explore the ruins of the fortress, enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and swim in the clear waters.

Visit Saranda

The beautiful coastal town is just an hour’s drive from Borsh and is known for its pristine beaches, stunning sea views and archaeological sites such as the ancient city of Butrint.

Visit Himara

This coastal town is just 20 minutes from Borsh and is known for its idyllic beaches, charming old town and lively nightlife. You can explore the castle, relax on the beaches and enjoy fresh seafood in the local restaurants.