How to get to Gjipe Beach: Travel Guide 2024

You can’t say you’ve fully explored Albania without a trip to Gjipe Beach. It’s one of Albania’s stunning beaches, though not the easiest to reach. If you haven’t been yet, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the west coast once you arrive.

Gjipe Beach is famous for its clear water, unique rocks, beautiful views, and attractive landscape. It’s a short drive from Dhermi, about 25 minutes, then a hike down to reach the beach itself. But the effort is worth it for all the enjoyment you’ll experience—we promise!

Read also: Best Beaches to Visit in Vlorë (2024 Guide)

Where Is Gjipe Beach Located?

You can locate Gjipe Beach in the Albanian Riviera, nestled between Dhermi and Himara. It’s approximately 2 hours south of Vlorë, a big city, and about 4 hours away from Albania’s capital, Tirana. If you’re staying in Dhermi, Himara, or even Saranda, you can easily visit the beach for a day.

Read also: Best Things to do in Himare, Albania (2024 Guide)

How To Get to Gjipe Beach?

Because Gjipe Beach is situated in a remote location, the most convenient ways to reach it are by car, boat, on foot, or by taxi from the nearby towns of Dhermi or Himara.

1. How To Get to Gjipe Beach By Car

Getting to Gjipe Beach by car is the usual way people go there. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Gjipe Beach road to Dhermi. Once you arrive, most folks park their cars in the parking lot. It costs 2 euros for the day or 4 euros for overnight parking if you plan to stay longer, maybe for camping. To reach the beach, you’ll need to walk down a rocky road that slopes downhill. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, especially since it can get really hot, especially around noon.

2. How To Get to Gjipe Beach By Bus

Taking the bus is also an easy way to get around, but it can be really warm inside if it’s crowded. If you’re heading from Dhermi to Saranda, every bus will go through Gjipe, just tell the driver you want to get off there. The bus schedules change with the seasons, so it’s a good idea to check with locals to be sure. Once you hop off the bus, you’ll need to walk about 2 km to reach the parking area, then it’s a 45-minute stroll down to the beach.

3. How To Get to Gjipe Beach By Boat

If you want to see the beautiful view from the Ionian Sea and enjoy the sun, going by boat is a great idea. You can easily reach Gjipe Beach from Himara by boat, and there are also boats to other nearby beaches. It’s a fun ride and saves you from walking long distances. But keep in mind, it’s the priciest option at around 17 euros per person. If you want a more exciting way to get there, you can rent a kayak from Jala, which takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. However, kayaking is only recommended if the sea isn’t too wavy, unless you’re up for an underwater adventure.

4. How To Get to Gjipe Beach On Foot

If you want to burn some extra calories, think about walking to Gjipe Beach. It’s not a tough walk, and there are different paths you can take:

From Dhermi: This is the easiest route, about 4 km long. The trail starts just outside the town where you reach the main road.

Through Jale: The locals know this path well. Just ask them for directions.

From Vuno: This is a bit trickier, about 5 km long. The trail isn’t very clear, so you might get lost unless you have someone who knows the area well with you.

Accommodation at Gjipe Beach

Now that we’ve covered what you need to know, let’s discuss where to stay.

If you prefer luxury and comfort, there are some great hotels near Gjipe Beach:

• Ipsos Di Mare Hotel
• Bougainville Bay Hotel
• Maritim Marina Bay Resort
• Delight Hotel
• El Primero Hotel
• Empire Beach Hotel

For more budget-friendly options, consider guest houses or apartments:

• Villa Rita 2
• Eleni’s Holiday Rooms
• Amphora Guesthouse
• Apollon’s Apartments

No trip is complete without good food, and we’re here to ensure you enjoy every bite. Since you’ll be near the sea, seafood is a must-try, but there are also cozy bars and cafes nearby.

You might enjoy visiting:

• Restaurant Kapiteni: Offers a variety of delicious seafood straight from the sea.
• Vangelis Restaurant: Embraces a Greek ambiance and cooking style.
• Mojo Cafe Bar: Perfect for a refreshing drink or snack, especially in the summer.

What To Do at Gjipe Beach?

Apart from just relaxing on the beach all day, enjoying the sun and sipping cold drinks, we have lots of fun things to do at Gjipe Beach. Let’s explore some exciting activities you can try right now!

1. Visit Gjipe Canyon and Waterfall

Exploring this stunning canyon is great for those who love adventure. It’s located near the beach, and the hike takes about 3 hours. (Yes, it’s long, but you’ll have nature with you).

The terrain is rocky, so wear good shoes. Bring snacks and water too—it can get really hot, especially around midday, so avoid hiking then. If you go down, you’ll see a lovely waterfall, making the trek to Gjipe Beach totally worth it.

2. Kayaking Near the Caves

If you enjoy water activities, Gjipe Beach is perfect for you. You can try kayaking or paddle boarding there. On the left side of Gjipe Beach, there are caves you can explore. You can rent kayaks near the beach for around 10 euros per hour.

But kayaking near the caves can be challenging because of waves and the narrow cave walls, so it’s best to have some experience. If you prefer, you can also swim to explore the caves when the sea is calm. And if you just want to relax near the caves, you can rent a big float for about 6 euros per hour.

3. Explore Beach Bunkers

If you stroll along the beach, you’ll spot lots of concrete bunkers scattered along the coast. These bunkers, built by the communists during the Cold War, were meant to defend the coastline. They’re still there today, adding an intriguing layer to Albania’s history.

4. Camping at Gjipe Beach

Lots of people like to stay overnight at Gjipe Beach for the complete experience. There’s a cozy campsite named “Gjipe Eco Camping” with simple stuff like tidy bathrooms, showers, and power.

They provide tents with fresh linens and pillows, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Plus, there’s a restaurant and bar right there, making camping super easy. Handy, isn’t it?

Remember!

Even though it’s in a quiet spot, lots of tourists go to Gjipe Beach.

You can reach it by car, bus, boat, or walking.

There are a few restaurants and cafes where you can eat and drink.

You can go kayaking, explore caves, the canyon, and a waterfall, see bunkers, camp, or just relax in the sun.

It’s best to visit in the morning or early afternoon. If you stay until sunset, leave before it gets too dark or you might have trouble finding your way back!

Read also: The Best Beaches in Albania near Tirana