Aquarium Beach: The Most Beautiful Beach in Albania
Wondering how to visit Aquarium Beach in Albania? This was our favorite beach on the Albanian Riviera, which can easily be combined with nearby beaches. Although still a hidden gem, it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists.
You can easily get to the beach from Himare or Dhermi and spend a few hours relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.
This ultimate guide to Plazhi I Akuariumit includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect during your visit, and practical information.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
Best Time to Visit the Albanian Riviera
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Albania is from May to October. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
We visited Himare and Dhermi beaches at the end of May, and although the weather was warm, the water was still a bit cold.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Himare
How to Get to the Aquarium Beach, Albania
The Aquarium Beach is a small, secluded pebble beach with crystal clear water in a small cove among the rocks. It is located about a 20-minute drive from Himare, 35 minutes from Dhermi, and 1.5 hours from Saranda. The beach is open all day, and there is no entrance fee.
You can access the beach from two sides, one from Jale Beach and the other from Livadhi Beach. The beach can be reached by car, boat tour, kayak, or on foot.
Although it is technically accessible by car, the road is unpaved, rocky, and very bumpy. Access to the beach is only recommended by a 4×4 car. If you are coming from Livadhi Beach, leave your car around the beach, and from there, it is about a 20-25 minute walk to the Aquarium Beach.
Read our → Ultimate Albania Itinerary
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
Car Rental in Albania
The best way to get around Albania is by car, as you can easily reach the best places and hidden gems. We did our Albania Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. Once you arrive at Tirana International Airport (airport code TIA), you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.
Buy an eSIM and data package for Albania.
The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Albania in high season (June to September) or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. You will spend around 30-50 EUR daily for a standard car with full coverage.
Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
How to Visit Aquarium & Jale Beach in Albania
We first went to Gjipe Beach in the morning, another beautiful beach on the Albanian Riviera. Then we visited the Jale and Aquarium Beach. When we visited Jale Beach, there were road closures due to a building construction nearby, and we couldn’t park directly near the beach.
We decided to leave our rental car parked after the Hotel Nuanti. There was no parking fee.
Take care of your valuables! Always lock your car and keep your belongings in the car boot or your hotel room safe when parking.
Spend a few hours on the stunning Jale Beach and then head to the Aquarium Beach. On the way, you will first reach Guma Beach, which is also beautiful, although very rocky in our opinion. From there, it’s a short walk to Aquarium Beach. The beach is about a 30-minute walk from Hotel Nuanti.
See also → Best Beaches in Himare
During our visit, we saw two drivers trying to get to the beach in a normal car, but both ended up turning back. This option is only recommended if your car is 4×4. Avoid the unnecessary stress of your car hitting the ground repeatedly, park nearby, and walk to the beach instead.
The beach is very small, so arrive early in the morning and avoid weekends. We were lucky as we were there at the end of May and there were few tourists. But during the peak summer season, this small beach fills up quickly. The beach is ideal for swimming, cliff jumping, and snorkeling.
You cannot rent a sunbed or umbrella at the beach. But there is a small kiosk where you can buy cold drinks, snacks, and beer.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
- Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
- Quick-dry towel
- Swimsuit
- Hat and sunglasses
- Flip-flops, Water shoes
- Camera gear
- GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
- Snacks
- Water
- Local money
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
Where to Stay near the Beach
The Aquarium Beach is just a 20-minute drive from Himare and 35 minutes from Dhermi. Both towns have some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Himare
- Luxury: Miamar Luxury Hotel & Spa or Rea Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Oniro in Sea & Sun
- Budget: Alex Boutique Hotel
Recommended post → Best Himare Hotels
Best hotels in Dhermi
- Luxury: La Brisa Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Nassau Hotel or Splendor Hotel
- Budget: Sofo Hotel Dhermi
Recommended post → Dhermi Beach Hotels & Resorts
We hope you found our guide to Aquarium Beach useful and will inspire you to visit Himare, Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
Where to Stay in Albania: 8 Best Towns + Map
Valbona Valley National Park, Albania: Complete Guide
