16 of the Best Beaches in the Balkans
The top stretches of sand in Southeastern Europe
Are you looking for the best beaches in the Balkans? We've got you covered. We've compiled a list of the 16 best beaches in the Balkans and why you should visit them. From picturesque bays in Croatia to secluded coves in Albania, the Balkans are home to some of the best beaches in Europe.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, these 16 gorgeous beaches in the Balkans are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. So, if you're planning a trip to the Balkans, don't miss out on the opportunity to explore these stunning shores.
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Borsh Beach, Albania
The Borsh Beach in Albania is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a relaxing day of sunbathing. Located on the south coast of Albania, this picturesque beach is popular among locals and tourists alike.
The beach offers crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. For those looking for a unique experience, the nearby archaeological site of Orikum can be visited as well. Borsh Beach stands out from the other beaches in Albania due to its peaceful atmosphere and clean environment, perfect for a tranquil escape.
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Dhërmi Beach, Albania
Dhërmi Beach is one of the best beaches in the Balkans, located on the Ionian Coast of Albania. It’s known for its unspoiled beauty and pristine waters, making it a must-visit destination among beachgoers looking to relax and catch some rays.
The beach has shallow waters and white sand, with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby offering delicious local food and drinks. With plenty of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, visitors can spend hours soaking up the sun while enjoying the crystal clear waters.
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Saranda Beach, Albania
Saranda Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Balkans, located on the south coast of Albania. With crystal clear waters and lush palm trees, it is a great spot to relax and take in the stunning views of Corfu island in the distance.
The sun-soaked beach is great for swimming and you can even find some shallow waters for children to enjoy. The beach also offers plenty of activities such as jet skiing and parasailing. Visitors can also sample some delicious local dishes from nearby restaurants, making this one of the best beaches in Albania for a day of fun in the sun.
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Gjipe Beach, Albania
Located on the rugged and stunning Ionian coastline, Gjipe Beach is secluded and pretty in equal measure. With its turquoise waters and pristine white sand, it's a sight to behold after a bit of a hike to get there. You can relax under the shade of nearby olive trees or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
For those looking for a little adventure, the nearby canyon offers challenging hikes. Enjoy breathtaking views of this unique beach and experience some of the most beautiful nature in the Balkans. It's one of the best beaches in Albania and well worth a visit!
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Varna Beach, Bulgaria
Located on Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast, Varna Beach is one of the best beaches in the Balkans. It's a large beach with golden sands and crystal-clear waters - perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling.
There are several beach bars, restaurants, and cafes located nearby, providing a great spot to relax after a day of exploring the beach. Visitors can also take advantage of nearby attractions like Varna Aquarium and the Varna Zoo.
With its stunning surroundings and plethora of activities, Varna Beach is the perfect destination for beach lovers visiting the Balkans.
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Sozopol Beach, Bulgaria
One of the best beaches in the Bulgaria for tourists, Sozopol is a stunning and picturesque destination to visit. Located on the Black Sea, this beach features crystal-clear waters and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and fishing.
The area also boasts plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to enjoy your downtime. Sozopol Beach is a great option for those looking for an idyllic holiday destination that’s both tranquil and beautiful, with fun and nightlife on the doorstep.
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Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Located in the Balkan Mountains on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Sunny Beach is one of the best beaches in the Balkans. Here you can enjoy the sand, sun, and sea all in one place. The crystal-clear waters of the beach provide for swimming, water sports, and snorkelling opportunities, while the white sand allows for a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Other activities available at Sunny Beach include fishing, beach volleyball, and much more. With its stunning landscape and vibrant atmosphere, this beach is a great choice for families.
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Golden Sands Beach, Bulgaria
Located in the beautiful Black Sea region, Golden Sands Beach is one of Bulgaria's most popular and best beaches. This stunning beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby countryside, as well as the busy tourist town of Sunny Beach.
There is plenty to do here, from beach volleyball to jet skiing. The crystal-clear waters of the Black Sea provide ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling, while the lush greenery of the nearby forest provides a unique backdrop.
One of the top Balkans beaches, Golden Sands Beach is the perfect spot for a day of relaxation or adventure.
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Primorsko Beach, Bulgaria
Primorsko Beach is one of the best beaches in the Balkans and a great spot for swimming and relaxation. The beach is located on the Black Sea coast and features a stunning promenade lined with shops and restaurants. The sand is clean, white, and fine and the shallow waters are crystal clear.
Primorsko Beach is easy to get to, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or longer stay. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sights of this incredible beach!
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Trsteno Beach, Croatia
Trsteno Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia, located in the beautiful region of the Balkans. It is known for its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing beach day. The shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
There is also an area for snorkeling and scuba diving. Trsteno Beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, making it the perfect place to watch the sun go down. With its stunning beauty, Trsteno Beach makes it easy to understand why so many make their way to this secluded Croatian beach.
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Dubovica Beach, Croatia
One of the best beaches in Croatia is Dubovica. It's situated on the coast of the stunning Adriatic Sea and is the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach itself is made up of both pebbles and sand, making it a great place to relax.
Dubovica also offers stunning views of the nearby islands and its close proximity to Hvar makes it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. With crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery, Dubovica is one of the best beaches in the Balkans for unique Instagram shots.
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Lokrum Island Beach, Croatia
Located just off the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Lokrum Island Beach is one of the best beaches in the Balkans. This beach offers something unique with its mix of Mediterranean vegetation and rocky coastlines.
The sea water is crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The island isn’t inhabited, but daily boat trips ferry visitors over for a quiet and restful day away from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik.
Although sunbathing between the rocks is a possibility, visitors spend most of their trips exploring the old fort and wild garden. Whether you’re looking for a secluded getaway or a day filled with adventure, Lokrum Island Beach has something for everyone.
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Bacvice Beach, Croatia
Located in the stunning city of Split, Bacvice Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia and the entire Balkans. It has become a popular tourist destination due to its sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking scenery.
The beach is lined with restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy a range of food and drinks while taking in the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. There is also plenty of accommodation nearby for those looking for a place to stay close to the beach.
Whether you're looking for a fun day out or an idyllic vacation spot, Bacvice Beach should be on your list of top Balkans beaches!
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Zrce Beach, Croatia
Located in the picturesque town of Novalja on the island of Pag, Zrce Beach is one of the most renowned of all the Balkans beaches.
Popular with young people, it offers a mix of bars, clubs, and other activities including water sports, parties and concerts, making it one of the best beaches in Croatia to visit.
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Jaz Beach, Montenegro
Jaz Beach is one of the best beaches in the Balkans, located in Montenegro. It's a stunning beach with crystal-clear water and white sand fringed by lush green hillsides. The beach also offers plenty of activities, from boat trips and diving to nightlife and great restaurants. For those looking for more adventure, there are numerous hiking trails nearby too.
Jaz Beach is also a great spot for windsurfing, as well as sunbathing and swimming. Those seeking the best beaches in Montenegro should consider taking a trip to Jaz Beach.
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Velika Plaza, Montenegro
Located in the gorgeous Bay of Kotor, Velika Plaza is one of the best beaches in the Balkans. It is a stunning long sandy beach stretching 3km, with crystal clear blue waters perfect for swimming. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, such as snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing. Visitors can also enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine from the nearby restaurants. As one of the most popular beaches in Croatia, Velika Plaza is a must-visit when exploring the Balkans.
Conclusion
The best beaches in the Balkans offer something for everyone. From secluded coves to vibrant beachfronts, these eighteen beaches will give you a perfect getaway. Whether you're looking for a family beach vacation, an adventure-filled holiday, or a romantic break, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece have a range of stunning beaches to explore. With so many spectacular beaches to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect spot for your dream Balkan beach holiday.
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