Jale, part of the Albanian Riviera, is one of the most exotic and striking beaches in Albania. Jale, also known as Jal, or Jala, is near Vuno Village, which is located at a short distance of 5 km.
The beach sits between Gjipe Beach and Himare Beach, hence giving you access to a plethora of things to do and see.
How to Get to Jale Albania, the Country’s Riviera
As Jale is part of the Albanian Riviera, you can go by car by driving to the country’s southern region. If you are coming from Tirana, continue driving south to Vlore, a coastal town of Albania. From Vlora, the beach is 40 km.
If you are coming from the country’s southern region, you need to go from Saranda towards Himare Village. From the village, the beach is 12 km. You will have to hire a taxi or rent a car as no public transport goes to Jale Beach.
If you’re travelling from Vlora, you can take a bus heading towards the town of Himare. Since Jale Beach will come first, you can ask the bus driver to drop you there. If you want to explore Himare, you can get off there and then hail a taxi to travel to Jale, which is a 20-min ride.
Jale Beach — Things To Do
Before Jale beach became a tourist stop, it used to be the home of the country’s armed forces and their families who would visit each summer. They stayed in Hotel Jale, which sits on a small hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea.
According to locals, the hotel was originally constructed for Albanian rulers as a summer residence during the communist rule in the 70s. Enver Hoxha, the former ruler, is credited for transforming the residence into a hotel.
Here are a few things to do in Jale Beach, Albania:
Aquarium Bay from Jale
Located 2 km from the beach, Aquarium Bay is only accessible by road on foot. It’ll take you 20 min to reach the bay. The bay is a beach in a cave with cliffs and rocks encircling it. It doesn’t have any facilities, so bring food and drinks with you.
Kayak or Boat from Jale to nearby Beaches and Caves
Rent either a kayak or boat from Jale to explore the sea and its surroundings. Take the 10-km path along the shore. You will see two secluded and sandy beaches. Visit Gjipe Beach, and the three popular caves in that part of Albania — Pirates, Figs, and Mermaids.
Pirates’ Cave
The Pirates’ cave, which is reachable by boat or kayak, features limestone rocks over the turquoise seawater in the cave. Pirates used to stay in the cave during strong winds, hence the name.
You can swim and also dive in the cave. Visit the cave in the summer, not winter, as the unruly waves make it difficult to enter it.
How to Get to Albania’s Untouched Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach, set along the same stretch of Albania’s coast, attracts several people to its shores every year. The beach is a stunning sight with small white pebbles and warm azure water.
The beach has maintained its natural beauty because it remains untouched by development. Although people visit the beach each year, you still won’t find this beach as packed as the other beaches on the Albanian Riviera.
Reach Gjipe Beach by Car
You can rent a car in Albania. You need to rent a 4-wheel drive, as the road leading to the beach is sandy, unpaved, and has several hairpin turns.
If you don’t plan to drive to the beach, there is no need to rent a 4-wheel drive and you can just park your car in the main parking lot for a small fee.
From there, you need to hike 2 km down to the beach. This will take you around 30 min to 1 hour. It can take longer if you stop to take pictures, which you will, as you’ll come across many perfect backdrops.
Reach Gjipe Beach by Boat
Although going by boat is a fabulous option to view the scenery from the sea, it’s also the most expensive option. If you want to go by boat, you can book a boat ride to Gjipe Beach from Jala Beach. Since all the boat drivers charge a different rate, you can ask around to get the best price.
You can hire either a proper boat service or ask a local with a boat to take you there. Additionally, you can kayak too. It will take around 40 min to 1 h to reach the Gjipe beach.
Reach Gjipe Beach by Bus
Numerous mini buses run along the coastal road. You can take a bus that travels between every major city. Do check the schedule, as they continually change. You can also ask the receptionist at the hotel for the timetable. Usually, a bus leaves early morning, mid-morning, and afternoon. The hike up the hill to reach the beach is easy in the summer heat versus hiking down.
Reach Gjipe Beach by Hiking
If you’re coming from Dhermi Beach, it’ll take you 4 km to reach Gjipe Beach. If you are travelling from the Vuno Village, it’ll take you 5 km to reach Gjipe Beach. In case you want to hike, it will take you around 2 to 3 h to hike both ways.
Once you have reached Gjipe beach, you can choose to camp, swim and discover the caves, eat seafood, and explore the Gjipe Canyon. Another beach with a campsite is Jale Beach.
Have a Jale Beach Party with Folie Marine
Folie Marine provides some wild parties hosted by Folie Marine club. The club organises beach parties with foam, live concerts, pool parties, along with seaside parties with world famous DJs. You will come across the parties all day and night over the weekends. Have fun!
Where to Eat in Jale, Albania
There are a couple of places at Jale beach where you can dine and drink. Aruba Beach Bar is right on the beach where besides drinking your coffee, juice or whatever ice drinks, you will get a free sun lounger as well. Nearby is Soleil restaurant with excellent seafood menu and service, where you can dine-in or take away.
The other restaurant where you can rely on good food in Jale is Kapiteni restaurant. The family-friendly restaurant is known for their fresh simple but deliciously prepared seafood and one of their best items is mussels. Restaurant Kapiteni offers scrumptious food and a great picturesque view of the sea.
Folie Marine Restaurant has become a popular spot for both tourists and locals in the summer, so it’s advised to make a reservation beforehand. The restaurant Folie Marine offers a variety of food such as grilled fish, bread biscuits, but be aware prices are on the higher side for the region. The restaurant’s location is just 400m away from Jale beach.
Where to Stay in Jale, Albania
In Jale you can choose between booking a hotel, B&B, and a campsite. If you are camping in Jale, Albania you can book either a bungalow or a tent. If you are staying in a hotel in Albania, we have a selection for you from the resort in Jale.
Hotels in Jale, Albania
Here is a selection of Jale hotels in Albania:
Jale Albania Folie Marine Hotel
Folie Marine Jale Beach hotel is a complex featuring three restaurants, an outdoor pool, a bar, and a private beach. The beachfront hotel provides free parking and W-Fi. The hotel is 13.5 km from Dhermi, 7 km from Himare, and 65 km from Sarande. Some of the rooms come with a balcony and sea view. Folie Marine hotel also organises cool parties with DJs, live concerts, and pool parties.
Soleil Village and Villas
Soleil Village and Villas is a beachfront complex of three bars and a hotel. Situated along the beach of Jala, it offers mesmerising sea views and relaxing vibes. Having said that, the complex also offers live music events with famous DJs. During the day you will be resting on a sea deck and sunbathing on the front Soleil beach.
If staying in a hotel is not your cup of tea, find where to park your van, sleep in a tent, or book a bungalow in Jale resort.
Jale Albania — Camping for Enthusiasts
Jale Beach is a great camping ground for outdoor enthusiasts. The campsite in Jale, located in the centre of the olive groves, is only 100 m from Jale Beach. You can easily walk between the campsite and the beach. Go for a swim, partake in a variety of fun outdoor activities planned at the campsite or go to the party events organised by the nearby Folie Marine Club.
The campsite offers tents for rental, ranging from family-size, individual-size, and group-size tents. Additionally, you can play mini-football, volleyball, ping-pong and water polo.
You will get free Wi-Fi and the signal is excellent.
Campsite’s Costs at Jale Albania
It will cost you 72€ per night if you want to book a bungalow with four beds, whereas for a tent it will cost you €13 per night per person. One bungalow is for four people, while the tent is for two people.
Additionally, you will find several restaurants, including a self-service bar at the campsite. You can also prepare your own meals in the kitchen at the campground.
In case camping in Jale isn’t for you, you can stay in a hotel in Jale.
Himare’s close proximity makes it a major tourist destination for those staying at Jale.
Himare Albania
Himare (also known as Himari or Himara) is a town in Southern Albania with an illustrious history due to its strategic location on the Ionian Coast.
The town offers everything from fine dining, historical landmarks, remarkable architecture, as well as vibrant nightlife. Their Mediterranean and seafood cuisine is delicious and flavourful. Try their locally-grown products and you might acquire a taste for something new.
There are also several outdoor activities you can partake in such as hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, paragliding, and swimming. Yes, that’s a lot of water activities because Himare is known for its beaches, especially Himare Beach.
Himare Beach
Himare is one of the best beach resorts in Albania. Although you’ll find several beaches in Himara, the beach that gets the most traction is Himare Beach. Situated in the town centre, you can easily walk to it from your hotel.
You’ll find locals and tourists on the pebbled beach, swimming and wading in the deep turquoise water. The picturesque beach has rows of olive trees and pine groves that give off a calming vibe. The beach’s ideal location gives you access to seafood restaurants, hillside cafés, and nightclubs. You won’t run out of things to do in Himari Beach.
Here are a few things to do in Himare:
Boat Ride in Himare
You can take a boat ride to appreciate the sea from up close. You’ll find several companies advertising boat rides on the beach. They will take you to visit smaller coves, swimming, and snorkelling. You can book a private boat tour as well as a group boat tour.
Coastal Hike in Himare
With Himare having several beaches, you can hike up the cliffs and go down to visit the beaches that are a little further away such as Livadhi Beach. If hiking from the town centre, it’ll take less than an hour to reach it. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most captivating views.
Freshly Caught Seafood
Several seafood restaurants are located up along the cliffs of Himare. The restaurants catch fresh seafood each day. After your beach excursion, you can eat tasty seafood as you watch the sunset.
Visit Porto Palermo near Himare
Himari is a hit with tourists because it’s near numerous wonderful sites such as Porto Palermo. Its eye-catching bay and assortment of smaller beaches will draw you in. Its location is near the village Qeparo. While you’re there, check out Porto Palermo Castle.
The 19th-century castle features a lighthouse, star fort, and well-persevered architecture. Before there was a castle, it was inhabited by Greek settlers. Later, the Ottomans discovered the land in the mid-17th century. Therefore, Himare displays a unique blend of three cultures — Albanian, Greek, and Turkish.
Himare — Places to Stay and Where to Eat
Himare is a quaint village and an amazing tourist destination with striking monuments and churches. It’s a wonderful place to stay while in Albania, as it’s close to Jale Beach, Himare Beach, and Gjipe Beach. The best part is the number of Himare hotels you can choose from.
You will find budget-friendly accommodation in the area with private accommodation cost starting from £35 per night, three-star hotels starting from £50 per night, four-star hotels starting from £65 per night, and five-star hotels costingturquoise around £120 per night. However, the prices may differ depending on the method you choose to book the hotel.
If you’re looking for the best month to book a Himara hotel, come to Albania in September, as the price is expected to decrease by 50%. The price is expected to increase in July.
Most travellers choose to stay in Himare for two nights on average. This is mostly because they intend to see more of Albania on their holiday and often, travel in between several cities. The peak season to visit Himare is during July and August.
In the summer, expect large crowds and the temperature to exceed 30C (86F). If you prefer a quiet holiday, then visit Himare in May or October. Outside of the months mentioned, don’t visit Himare because you may lose beach days because of the weather.
You can also book a hotel in Jale, Albania before coming.
Where to Stay in Himare?
If you are travelling to Himare, Albania, perhaps you are looking for a hotel as well? Here we’ve selected for you a couple of beachfront hotels in Himare:
Rea Boutique Hotel, Himare
The Rea Boutique Hotel is a beachfront hotel in Himare near several beaches such as Prinos, Potam, Spile, Maracit, and Livadhi beach. You can go on foot to Spille Beach as it’s very close to the hotel. The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport. The hotel offers an airport shuttle, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
Sea View Hotel, Himare
The Sea View Hotel in Himare is at an ideal location with Prinos Beach a short walk away. Other nearby beaches you can visit include Potam, Spille, Maracit, and Gjiri beach. The hotel provides free parking and Wi-Fi. The Sea View hotel comes with a bar and a swimming pool. The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport.
ARXONTIKO, Himare
ARXONTIKO hotel in Himare is located steps away from Maracit Beach. You can walk a little further to reach Spille Beach. Prinos, Potam, and Gjiri Beach are a few other beaches near the hotel. You can dine in at the Maistro seafront restaurant in Himare.
Rondos Hotel, Himare
Rondos hotel in Himare has an on-site bar and restaurant called Rescue. Take one step out of the beachfront hotel and find yourself staring at the beautiful Prinos Beach. Local main bus station is 800 m away and a bus stop to Himare is only 200 m away. You can also travel to Sarande and Vlore.
Miamar Hotel, Himare
Miamar Hotel in Himare overlooks the sea and Livadhi Beach. You will find two outdoor swimming pools, a breakfast buffet, a bar, and an in-house restaurant. Perhaps you will want to explore other beaches such as Akuariumit Beach, Maracit, Prinos, and Spille Beach or visit Himara’s Castle, Porto Palermo Castle, and Sarande. Himare is just 5 km away. Free parking and an airport shuttle is offered.
Where to Eat in Himare?
Here’s where to eat in Himare:
Lefteri’s Tavern
The family run taverna in Himare has a good dinner and lunch menu. They serve mouthwatering seafood where the octopus is a must-have.
To Steki sti Gonia
The Greek restaurant in Himare is known for great customer service and good food. The restaurant “To Steki” serves grilled meat with salad and pita, barbecue, and different traditional food each day.
Where to Drink Coffee in Himare?
Here’s where to drink coffee in Himare:
Pasticeri Delight
The Pasticeri café in Himare serves coffee and a variety of sweet dishes. Some of their popular items include pudding, pastry, and ice cream. Click on the map to see the cafe’s location.
Mojo Cafe Bar
The Mojo Cafe Bar in Himare has a little bit of everything on its menu, from coffee, food, to drinks. You can drink your coffee at the Mojo Café in the morning as you take in the gorgeous view before you.
Jale Albania — a Beach Lover’s Dream Destination
There’s bar hopping and then there’s beach hopping! In Albania, you’ll find Jale Beach, Gjipe Beach, and Himare Beach all in one place. You can live out your dream of hopping from beach to beach by choosing to stay in Albania’s Riviera with its crystal-clear turquoise water and spectacular views.
