Borsh is Albania longest uninterrupted beach: seven kilometres of pale pebble and coarse sand backed by olive terraces that produce some of the country finest oil. It never feels crowded even in August because there is simply too much shoreline for the number of visitors who make it this far south. The water shelves gently, making it one of the safest Riviera beaches for families with small children.
The village sits roughly 20 kilometres north of Saranda on the SH8 coastal road, past the military ruins of Porto Palermo. Unlike Dhermi or Ksamil, Borsh has resisted the all-inclusive resort creep. Sunbeds cost 300 to 500 LEK for the day and are clustered in small, family-run patches. The rest is empty space.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Long quiet beach days, family swimming, olive-oil tasting |
| Accessibility | Paved road, parking directly behind the beach, no stairs |
| Ideal Months | June to September; water warmest August to September |
| Cost Tier | Budget |
| The Secret Factor | Drive 5 minutes up to old Borsh village for a 4th-century mosque ruin and views across the entire bay |
How to Get There
From Saranda, drive north on the SH8 for roughly 25 minutes. The road hugs the coast and is fully paved. Park anywhere along the dirt strip behind the pebbles. No paid parking as of 2026. From Vlore, the Llogara Pass is the main artery; once past Himare, Borsh is 20 minutes further south. Public furgons run from Saranda to Borsh for about 150 LEK but are irregular. Confirm the return time with the driver before leaving.
What to See and Do
- Swim the length: Walk south toward the river mouth where the water is slightly cooler and the pebbles turn to sand. The northern end near the olive groves has the best shade.
- Old Borsh village: A steep but driveable road climbs to the hillside settlement with a crumbling mosque and unrestored fortress. Almost zero tourists.
- Borsh Waterfall: Fifteen minutes inland by car, a 20-metre cascade hidden in oak forest. The trail is unmarked. Ask locals at the petrol station for directions.
- Eat at Ujevara: A roadside restaurant on the main SH8 serving slow-roasted lamb and grilled qofte. Cash only.
The Insider Checklist
- Bring cash. No ATM in Borsh. Nearest is in Himare 20 minutes north or Saranda.
- Sunbeds 300 to 500 LEK. Umbrella included. No aggressive hawking.
- Arrive before 10 AM to claim a spot near the olive trees. The only natural shade on the beach.
- Local olive oil sold in unlabelled plastic bottles at roadside stands is legitimately exceptional. 500 to 800 LEK per litre.
- The beach faces west. Sunsets over the Ionian are unobstructed and free.
