What Palasa Beach Is
Palasa Beach (Albanian: Palasë) is the northernmost beach on the Albanian Riviera — a pebble shoreline tucked between dramatic cliffs at the southern foot of Llogara Pass. The beach sits about 17 km north of Himara by sea, immediately north of Dhërmi.
Palasa marks a transition: south of it is the developed Riviera coast (Himara, Dhërmi, Jale, Drymades). North of it the road climbs into Llogara National Park and the coast becomes the wild Karaburun Peninsula. From the boat, Palasa is the last beach with road access before you commit to the open Karaburun coast.
Why It's on the Boat-Tour Itinerary
Most Himara → Grama Bay tours pass directly along Palasa's shoreline. Treatment varies:
- Grama Bay full-day — pass-through photo stop, ~5 min from the boat
- Dedicated coastline tour — possible 20-min swim stop
- Sunset cruise — sometimes anchors offshore for evening swim
Palasa's appeal from the water is the framing: white pebbles, turquoise water, dramatic Llogara cliffs rising behind. It photographs particularly well when sunlight catches the upper pass.
Position
Approximate coordinates: 40.234°N, 19.482°E — about 17 km north of Himara by sea, at the southern end of the Karaburun-facing coast. By road, Palasa is accessible from the SH8 coastal road, about 25 minutes' drive from Himara.
What the Stop Is Like
If your operator stops at Palasa for a swim:
- The boat anchors offshore in deep water
- Swimmers reach the pebble shoreline
- Fewer crowds than Dhërmi or Jale (Palasa is generally less busy than its more central neighbours)
- The Green Coast resort development is visible on the hillside above
If your operator passes through, you get 5 minutes of photography and the framing of Palasa cliffs against Llogara — which is its own appeal.
Green Coast and Modern Palasa
A note on Palasa's character: the beach is no longer a sleepy fishing cove. The Green Coast development on the hillside above has brought significant resort tourism, including beach clubs and hotels. The shoreline still photographs well from the water, but ground-level impressions vary depending on which section of the beach you reach.
If you want the wilder, less-developed northern beach experience, the boat angle remains the better view — and you can continue further north toward the still-undeveloped Karaburun coast.
