Most Albanian Riviera beaches are measured in meters. Borsh is measured in kilometers — seven of them, making it the longest beach on the Riviera and the longest on the entire Albanian Ionian coast. That length changes everything. Where beaches like Dhermi and Livadhi get packed shoulder-to-shoulder in August, Borsh absorbs the crowds and still has stretches where you're the only person for hundreds of meters. The north end has beach clubs and sunbeds. The south end has nothing but gravel, clear water, and silence. That combination of infrastructure and emptiness, all on one continuous shoreline, is what makes Borsh worth the 25-minute drive from Himara.
Quick Facts
| Location | 18 km south of Himara on the SH8 coastal road |
| Beach length | 7 km — longest on the Albanian Riviera |
| Beach type | Sand and fine gravel mix |
| Drive from Himara | ~25 minutes via SH8 |
| Water depth | Shallow, gradual entry — excellent for families |
| Sunbed rental | 700-1,000 ALL (~7€-10) per day |
| Parking | Free, beachfront lots |
| Facilities | Beach clubs, restaurants, bars (north end); minimal (south end). No ATMs at the beach. |
| Best time | June - September |
| Nearest village | Borsh (~2,500 inhabitants), 2 km inland |
Getting to Borsh from Himara
By Car (Recommended)
Drive south from Himara on the SH8 coastal road — the same highway that connects the entire Albanian Riviera. Borsh is 18 km south, past Porto Palermo and the bay at Qeparo. The road is paved and in good condition. The total drive takes about 25 minutes, though the mountain curves demand attention. Several signed turnoffs lead from the SH8 down to the beachfront.
Parking is free along the beach road. Plenty of space even in peak season — one of the advantages of a 7 km beach.
By Scooter
Works well for this distance. The coastal road is scenic with manageable curves. Scooter rentals in Himara run 15-20€ per day. The ride is one of the better stretches of the SH8, with views over Porto Palermo Bay on the way.
By Bus
Buses running the Himara-Saranda route pass through Borsh village. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around 200-300 ALL. Ask the driver to stop at Borsh — the beach turnoff is a short walk downhill from the main road. Buses run a few times daily in summer; schedules are irregular, so confirm times locally. See our practical info page for transport details.
By Taxi
A one-way taxi from Himara to Borsh Beach costs approximately 2,000-2,500 ALL (20-25€). Negotiate the price before departure, and consider arranging a round-trip rate if you want the driver to return for you. For general budget planning, see our Himara on a budget guide.
The Beach: North to South
Seven kilometers is a lot of beach. The character changes dramatically from one end to the other, and understanding the layout saves you from ending up in the wrong spot.
The North End (Developed)
The northern section is where the access roads from the SH8 reach the coast. This is Borsh's social zone — beach clubs, restaurants, sunbed rows, music, and a steady flow of visitors. If you want drinks brought to your lounger, food within walking distance, and other people around, set up here.
Beach bars line the shore, most offering sunbeds and umbrellas for around 700-1,000 ALL (~7€-10) per day, sometimes free if you order food and drinks. The atmosphere is relaxed but present — not the party scene of Dhermi's beach clubs, but not deserted either.
The Middle Section (Transitional)
Walk 15-20 minutes south from the beach bars and the infrastructure thins out. Fewer sunbeds, fewer restaurants, more space between groups. This is the sweet spot if you want proximity to facilities without sitting in the middle of them. The beach composition stays consistent — sand and fine gravel — and the water is just as clear.
The South End (Empty)
Keep walking south and eventually you leave everything behind. The southern stretches of Borsh Beach are some of the emptiest coastline on the Albanian Riviera. No beach bars, no sunbeds, no music. Just gravel, sea, and the mountains rising behind the coastal plain. This is where wild campers set up, where nudist sunbathers stake out space, and where the beach feels like it belongs entirely to you.
If solitude is the priority, drive or walk to the south end. Bring everything you need — there's nothing to buy down here.
Swimming & Water Conditions
Borsh has some of the most family-friendly water on the Riviera. The seabed slopes gently, creating a wide shallow zone where small children can wade safely. You can walk 20-30 meters from shore and still be waist-deep in many sections. Compare this to beaches like Gjipe or Llamani, where the depth drops off within a few meters.
The water is clear, warm from late June through September (typically 22-26°C), and usually calm. Borsh faces west into the Ionian Sea, so afternoon winds can create gentle waves, but nothing that disrupts swimming. Morning is the calmest time — flat water, best visibility.
Conditions to watch: The occasional strong west wind can kick up chop and push debris toward shore. After storms, the beach can collect seaweed and driftwood, particularly at the north end near the river outlet. This clears within a day or two.
Facilities & Services
Sunbeds and Umbrellas
Available along the north end. The standard rate is 700-1,000 ALL (~7€-10) for a sunbed and umbrella for the day, though some beach clubs include them free with a minimum food/drink order. Quality varies — some operations have proper cushioned loungers, others are basic plastic chairs.
Restaurants and Beach Bars
Several restaurants and bars operate along the northern beachfront in season (June-September). Most serve Albanian and Mediterranean staples: grilled fish, salads, fresh seafood, cold beer, and coffee. Expect to pay 800-1,500 ALL (8-15€) for a main course. Service is casual and unhurried — this is Borsh, not Tirana.
Parking
Free parking in several informal lots along the beach access roads. Space is rarely a problem, even in August. The lots are unpaved but flat.
Other Amenities
- Showers: Available at some beach clubs (for customers)
- Toilets: At restaurants and beach bars
- ATMs: None at the beach — the nearest ATMs are in Himara. Bring cash
- Mobile signal: Good coverage along the beach
- Shade: Bring your own or rent an umbrella. Natural shade is minimal
Beyond the Beach
Borsh isn't just a beach — the village and surrounding area have enough to fill a full day.
Borsh Castle
A 30-minute uphill hike from Borsh village leads to the ruins of Borsh Castle, a fortification with layers spanning from the Illyrian period through the Ottoman era. The walls and foundations reveal centuries of construction, repair, and reuse. Entry is free. The castle itself is partially ruined, but the coastal views from the top are the real draw — you can see the full sweep of Borsh Beach below and the mountains rising behind.
The trail starts at the upper end of Borsh village and is partially signed. Wear proper shoes; the path is rocky and unshaded. Morning or late afternoon is best to avoid the midday heat.
Borsh Waterfall & Ujvara Restaurant
In the center of Borsh village, a natural stream cascades down through the rocks and flows directly beneath Restaurant Ujvara — the Borsh Waterfall is literally built over the restaurant. The water is cold and clear, fed by mountain springs, and the setting is one of the most unusual dining spots on the Riviera. Even if you don't eat here, walk through the village center to see the waterfall. It runs strongest in spring and early summer; by late August it can slow to a trickle.
Olive Groves
Borsh village is centered on olive oil production. The hillsides above the village are blanketed with ancient olive trees — some centuries old — and the local economy revolves around the harvest. If you visit in October or November, you'll see families hand-picking olives using traditional methods, spreading nets beneath the trees and working branch by branch. Several families sell olive oil directly — ask in the village. It's excellent, and a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality in Italy or Greece.
Where to Eat
Restaurant Ujvara
The standout. Built over Borsh Waterfall in the village center, Ujvara serves traditional Albanian food — grilled meats, fresh salads, byrek, tavë kosi — with the sound of rushing water beneath your feet. Prices are reasonable (mains 600-1,200 ALL / 6-12€). The setting alone is worth the stop, but the food holds its own. Get there for lunch rather than dinner; the waterfall and surrounding greenery are best in daylight.
Beachfront Restaurants
The north end of the beach has several seasonal restaurants serving seafood, grilled dishes, and cold drinks. None stand out individually the way Ujvara does, but they're convenient if you don't want to leave the sand. Quality is generally decent, prices typical for the Riviera coast.
For a broader list of dining options in the area, see our restaurant guide.
Where to Stay
Borsh has a handful of accommodation options, mostly small guesthouses and apartments near the beach or in the village. This is not Himara or Saranda — don't expect branded hotels or resort complexes.
Budget options near the beach include family-run guesthouses and apartment rentals, typically 25-50€ per night in summer. Some beachfront properties offer rooms with direct beach access. Book ahead for July-August; availability is limited.
Borsh village has cheaper rooms (15-30€) but puts you 2 km from the beach. Fine if you have a car or scooter.
Staying in Himara is the most practical option if you want more choice. Himara has a wider range of hotels and apartments, restaurants, and nightlife, and Borsh is only 25 minutes away by car. Use Borsh as a day trip rather than basing yourself there, unless you specifically want the quiet village atmosphere.
For detailed accommodation advice, see our where to stay guide.
Camping at Borsh
Borsh is one of the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera for camping, particularly the undeveloped southern stretches.
Wild camping is tolerated on the south end of the beach, where there's no infrastructure and few people. Travelers set up tents directly on the beach or in the scrubby flatland behind it. There are no facilities — no water, no toilets, no electricity. Bring everything and pack everything out.
What to know before camping:
- Water supply: Carry all drinking water. The nearest shops are in Borsh village, 2+ km from the south end
- Shade: Minimal. Bring a tarp or position your tent for morning shade from the hillside
- Security: Borsh is safe, but don't leave valuables unattended in a tent on an empty beach
- Waste: Pack out all trash. No bins on the south end
- Wind: Afternoon winds off the sea can be strong. Stake your tent properly
- Duration: Multi-day camping is possible; some travelers stay a week or more
For more on camping along the coast, see our camping on the Albanian Riviera guide.
Best Time to Visit
| Month | Temperature | Water Temp | Crowds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 20-25°C | Cool (18-20°C) | Very few | Beach bars may not be open yet |
| June | 25-30°C | Warm (21-23°C) | Light | Ideal — warm, uncrowded, everything open |
| July | 28-32°C | Warm (24-26°C) | Moderate | Peak heat, busier north end |
| August | 28-32°C | Warmest (25-27°C) | Peak | Busiest month, still spacious vs other beaches |
| September | 25-28°C | Warm (23-25°C) | Light | Excellent — warm water, thinning crowds |
| October | 18-23°C | Cooling (20-22°C) | Minimal | Olive harvest season, some facilities close |
Best months: June and September. Warm enough to swim, few enough people to enjoy the space. July and August work too — Borsh handles peak season better than most Riviera beaches because there's simply more room.
Best time of day: Morning. The water is calmest, the light is soft, and the beach is at its emptiest. By early afternoon the west-facing shore gets full sun and afternoon breezes pick up.
For general timing advice, see best time to visit Himara.
Borsh vs Other Albanian Riviera Beaches
How does Borsh compare to the other beaches near Himara?
| Beach | Length | Type | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borsh | 7 km | Sand/fine gravel | Spacious, laid-back | Families, solitude seekers, campers |
| Dhermi | 1 km | Fine pebble | Upscale, social | Beach clubs, nightlife |
| Drymades | 800 m | Pebble-sand | Trendy, youthful | Atmosphere, sunset drinks |
| Gjipe | 100 m | Pebble-sand | Adventurous, remote | Canyon hike, dramatic setting |
| Livadhi (Himara) | 1.2 km | Pebble | Convenient, busy | Walking distance from Himara |
| Llamani | 200 m | Pebble | Secluded, pristine | Crystal-clear water, snorkeling |
Borsh wins on: Space, freedom, family-friendliness, camping, and the ability to find emptiness without hiking. No other Riviera beach gives you 7 km to spread out.
Borsh loses on: Nightlife (go to Dhermi), dramatic scenery (go to Gjipe), walking distance from Himara (go to Livadhi), and water clarity (go to Llamani or Porto Palermo).
Borsh is the beach for people who want room to breathe. If that's you, it's the best beach on the Riviera.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Borsh Beach?
Borsh Beach stretches 7 km along the Albanian Ionian coast, making it the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera. The north end is developed with beach bars and sunbeds; the south end is wild and empty. Walking the full length takes about 1.5 hours.
Is Borsh Beach sandy?
Borsh is a mix of sand and fine gravel. It's softer underfoot than the pure pebble beaches common elsewhere on the Riviera (like Dhermi or Livadhi), but it's not the powdery sand you'd find on Adriatic beaches further north. Water shoes aren't necessary but are comfortable for long walks.
Can you camp at Borsh Beach?
Yes. The southern end of Borsh Beach is one of the best wild camping spots on the Albanian Riviera. No facilities, no fees — just empty beach. Bring all water, food, and supplies, and pack out your trash. For more detail, see our camping on the Albanian Riviera guide.
Is Borsh Beach good for families?
Excellent. The water is shallow with a gradual slope, making it one of the safest swimming beaches on the Riviera for small children. The north end has restaurants, toilets, and sunbed rentals. The long flat shoreline gives kids room to run. It's a better family choice than steep-entry beaches like Gjipe or Llamani.
How do I get from Himara to Borsh Beach?
Drive south on the SH8 coastal road — 18 km, about 25 minutes. The road is paved and signed. Buses running the Himara-Saranda route also stop in Borsh village (200-300 ALL), from where it's a short walk to the beach. Taxis cost 2,000-2,500 ALL one way. See our day trips from Himara guide for route suggestions.
What is there to do in Borsh besides the beach?
Hike to Borsh Castle (30 minutes, free, Illyrian-to-Ottoman ruins with coastal views), visit the Borsh Waterfall in the village center, eat at Restaurant Ujvara (built directly over the waterfall), and explore the olive groves that blanket the hillsides. In October-November, you can watch the traditional olive harvest. For more ideas, see our day trips from Himara and Albanian Riviera road trip guides.
