Jale Beach Albania: Tourist Travel Guide 2024

Why should you visit Jale beach in Albania?If you want an unforgettable summer vacation, consider visiting Jale Beach in Albania. Tucked away in the southern part of this stunning country, Jale Beach is famous for its clear blue waters, lovely natural surroundings, and stunning sunsets. Among all the beaches along the Albanian Riviera, Jale Beach stands out for its pristine and stunning waters. It attracts many tourists each year because it has everything needed for a perfect getaway. Now, let’s dive into what you need to know to make the most of your trip to this amazing destination.

Read also: How to get to Gjipe Beach: Travel Guide 2024

Why you should visit Jale beach?

Jale beach is well-known for its stunningly blue sea water. Words or photos can’t capture how beautiful the water really is—you have to see it yourself. Because the water is so clean and clear, Jale beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can see right to the bottom of the sea. Plus, there are big rocks just a few meters from shore that are great to explore while snorkeling.

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The beach’s location is gorgeous too. It’s in a bay that’s shaped like a half-moon, with hills on both sides covered in olive trees. Jale beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or going on a boat trip. By boat, you can reach some of the most beautiful untouched beaches in Albania. Gjipe beach is especially stunning but can only be reached by boat (or a long walk). There are many more hidden gems of beaches too.

Lastly, the view of Jale beach from the road is incredible. It’s worth parking and hiking up the hills on either side of the beach to take some beautiful photos.

How to get to Jale Beach Albania?

Jale beach is a small beach in southern Albania, part of the Albanian Riviera known for its beautiful beaches. To get to Jale beach, you’ll need to drive south. If you start from Tirana, head towards the coastal city of Vlore. From there, follow the coastal road for 40 kilometers to reach Jale beach. If you’re coming from the south, drive from Saranda to the village of Himare, then continue along the coastal road for about 12 kilometers to get to Jale beach.

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

There’s no public transportation directly to Jale beach, but you can take a bus from Vlore to Himare and ask the driver to let you off at Jale before continuing to Himare. This is common in Albania since the minibus drivers own their vehicles and don’t have strict schedules. Alternatively, you can go all the way to Himare by bus and then take a taxi to Jale, which is just a 20-minute ride.

Jale beach is near Vuno village, only 5 kilometers away, and is situated between Gjipe beach to the north and Himare beach to the south. Given the many small beaches along the coastal road, it’s helpful to note these landmarks for finding Jale beach.

Best Things to do at Jale Beach Albania

1. Explore the Hidden Aquarium Bay 

About 2 kilometers away from Jale beach, there’s a lovely spot called “Aquarium Bay” or “Plazhi I Akuariumit.” It’s one of the best-kept secret beaches near Jale beach. To get there from the main beach, you walk north past Hotel Nuanti. You can’t drive to Aquarium Bay; the only way is a 20-minute walk along a sandy path.

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Aquarium Bay is a pretty beach nestled in a small cove with rocks and cliffs around it. It’s named Aquarium Bay because it resembles a large aquarium. This spot is a hidden gem without crowds. Since there are no amenities here, remember to bring your own food and drinks. Aquarium Bay is one of those little-known beaches that only locals tend to visit. If you didn’t know about it, you might never stumble upon it!

2. Explore hidden spots by Sea Kayak

Jale Beach is a favorite place for people who enjoy kayaking. The waters are usually calm, and you get breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Experienced kayakers especially like this beach because there are lots of interesting rocky areas, caves, and other things to navigate around. However, if you’re new to kayaking, it’s best not to try it here since it can be tough.

If you’re not into kayaking, don’t worry. You can still go on small boat trips in the area and explore around. For those who want to give kayaking a try, you can rent a sea kayak for about 3 euros per hour.

3. Camping at Jale Beach 

Jale beach is a fantastic spot for camping. Just 100 meters away from the beach, there’s a camping area nestled among olive trees. Camping at Jale is a great way to enjoy the summer. You can easily walk from the campsite to the beach for a swim. Plus, there are lots of activities organized at the campsite, like volleyball, mini-football, water polo, and ping-pong. You can also arrange a trip from Jale beach to Gjipe beach at the campsite. Gjipe is a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs. From the campsite, you can sign up for different tours to Gjipe—by boat, bike, canoe, or hiking. You can even arrange diving or snorkeling lessons.

Staying at the Jale campsite is budget-friendly. You can rent tents there, suitable for individuals, families, or groups. There are weekly packages for 9,400 Lek (€77.00) or weekend packages for 5,000 Lek (€40.00), which cover transportation from Tirana, accommodation, meals, and access to recreational areas. The campsite has restaurants and a self-service bar. If you prefer to cook your own food, you can use the summer kitchen provided for campers. It’s like cooking at any other campsite.

4. Visit the Pirates Cave

The Pirates Cave at Jale Beach, Albania, is a popular spot for tourists and one of the country’s top attractions. Situated by the Adriatic Sea, it’s a natural wonder shaped by strong ocean waves over many years.

Inside the cave, there are various chambers to discover, featuring formations called stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also hosts sea creatures like crabs and fish. It’s perfect for snorkeling and exploring underwater life. You can reach the cave from Jale Beach by joining a boat tour.

5. Visit Gjipe Beach

Gjipe beach is one of the hardest beaches to get to in Albania because it’s surrounded by tall cliffs. You can’t drive there directly. The best way to reach this beautiful spot is by taking a boat from Jale beach. If you prefer not to use a boat, you can walk for about 35 minutes from Jale beach. At Jale beach, you can rent a kayak for around 400 LEK per hour. Paddle along the coast for 40 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Gjipe beach. The trip is definitely worth it because the views of the coastline are stunning. Alternatively, you can arrange for a motorboat to drop you off directly at Gjipe beach.

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Gjipe beach is like a remote island or a hidden paradise because you can’t reach it by bus or car. While other beaches in Albania can get crowded in the summer, Gjipe beach is always quiet. It’s very peaceful and natural, with no facilities nearby, so bring your own food and drinks. It might take some effort to reach this hidden gem, but it’s absolutely worth your time.

Is Jale Beach expensive?

Jale Beach is a reasonably priced spot, especially when compared to other beaches in Europe. When it comes to places to stay, you have options like budget hotels or luxury resorts. If you go for a 3-star hotel, you can expect to pay around €25 – €30 per room per night. Alternatively, you can stay at the Jale campsite, which is very affordable. They offer week-long packages for Lek 9,400 (€77.00) or weekend packages for Lek 5,000 (€40.00).

There are several restaurants and bars near Jale Beach offering seafood, pizza, and fast food. A meal at a local restaurant for lunch or dinner typically costs between €4 – €10. Of course, you could spend less if you buy food from the supermarket instead. For beach loungers and an umbrella for the day, it costs 400 LEK (€3.00) for two people. If you prefer to be in front of the popular beach club, the loungers will cost more. You can also rent a kayak for 400 LEK (€3.00) per hour and paddle to nearby beaches.

What is the weather like at Jale Beach Albania?

The weather at Jale beach is nicest from April to October. The warmest months for swimming are June, July, August, and September. If you come in June or September, you’ll avoid the busiest times and have more privacy. In April, it’s around 28 °C. The sea is still a bit chilly at 16 °C. By May and June, it warms up to about 30 °C outside. The sea is 19 °C in May and 22 °C in June.

July and August are the busiest months in Albania. It’s around 28 °C both months, and the sea is 26 °C. In September, it’s still about 28 °C outside, but the sea cools slightly to 24 °C. October is still warm at 26 °C, and the sea is around 21 °C.

Which beaches are close to Jale Beach Albania?

The beaches near Jale include Gjipe, Himare, Dhermi, and Llamani. If you drive from Tirana towards the Albanian Riviera, you’ll pass Vlore, then Dhermi, Gjipe, Jale, Himare, and finally Llamani.

Gjipe beach is surrounded by cliffs, so you can’t reach it by car. You can only reach this hidden spot by boat from Jale or by walking a narrow path for 35 minutes. It’s worth the effort because Gjipe is a secluded beach surrounded by nature, like being on a deserted island.

Himare is a charming village popular with tourists. You can stroll up the hill to see the old village and look out over the sea. There are also several beaches: the main one, Potami, and nearby Llamani.

Dhermi is a popular spot for young people, especially in summer when the village has many bars and restaurants along the beach. If you want to escape the crowds, you can walk to Drymades beach, recommended by Lonely Planet.

Llamani beach is 4 kilometers south of Himare, with a wide area and crystal-clear water.