Albania has recently popped up on the not-so-touristy trail as a place for those looking for immaculate Mediterranean beaches without the crowds. The Albanian “riviera” might not boast the levels of service and luxury you’d expect the likes of the Côte d’Azur or the Cinque Terre to provide but – for a fraction of the cost – it has a coastline that feels new and exciting (even if the Albanians have been trying to tell us this for the past 20 years), with a plethora of hard-partying beach clubs that are drawing the attention of intrepid European explorers looking to let their hair down.
Havana Beach Club, Dhërmi
Situated on a beautiful ellipse of white sand in the town of Dhërmi in Southern Albania, Havana Beach Club is the OG of Albanian beach clubs. Founded in 2001, it set the bar for seaside hedonism, drawing in crowds that were a who’s who from the capital, Tirana. It regularly throws massive parties (DJ Tiësto headlined one in 2009 that saw 7,000 people going wild on the beach) and its Sunday sessions are legendary.
Mango Beach Club, Sarandë
Reinforcing the Albanian riviera’s reputation as a party coastline is Mango Beach – a stunning beach club in the unofficial “capital” of the riviera: Sarandë. Tucked in the corner of the bay, this vibrant beach club is a great spot for families during the week, boasting an excellent Italian restaurant, but the weekend is when it really comes to life. With live DJs playing sets all day and through the night, expect top-notch cocktails and a young, fun vibe. The fact that its web address is discomango.com tells you all you need to know.
Poda Lounge Bar, Ksamil
Part of the Poda boutique hotel, featuring stunning views of Ksamil Beach, Poda Lounge Bar has long been one of Ksamil’s more upmarket beach clubs thanks to its highly rated restaurant serving up the freshest seafood dishes (and probably some of the best food in Albania, to be honest). Through the day, it’s all about the laid-back vibes, but Albanians love nothing more than a party once the sun goes down, so expect nothing less than firebreathers and stilt-walkers. August here is rammed, much like the rest of Europe, but it sure as hell makes for an atmosphere in the evenings.
Sanur Beach House, Dhërmi
If we were to go merely on aesthetics alone then the Bali-inspired Sanur Beach House in Dhërmi could take all the plaudits. Part of the adults-only Empire Beach Resort, Sanur Beach House is a haven set within one of the prettiest parts of Dhërmi, with crystal-clear sea punctuated by a breathtaking mountain range behind you. The club itself is a chilled affair during the day, hosting Tirana’s beautiful people with sumptuous food and cocktails. By night, Sanur turns into a party destination, with live DJs playing throughout the weekend. It’s definitely more glam than the others, so pack accordingly.
Nazar Beach Club, Palasë
Nazar Beach is part of the Green Coast Resort in Palasë, a small seaside town situated about 8km from Dhërmi. It wasn’t that long ago that there was virtually nothing here, but a huge residential property has drawn in locals looking for a pitch on the Ionian coast. With the impressive Ceraunian mountains as a backdrop, Nazar Beach Club is ideal if you want a chic beach club away from the madding crowds. If you want even more seclusion, the stunning white shingle beach of Drymades is only a short walk away.
Pepperon The Beach, Dhërmi
If we have to pick favourites then maybe, just maybe, Pepperon The Beach gets the nod. A super relaxed bohemian atmosphere through the day mean you can unwind with a late-morning coffee followed by a swim in the Ionian Sea before an afternoon of gentle cocktail loading to a sumptuous musical canvas of deep house. Then come evening, Pepperon turns into a club on the beach, replete with awesome visuals and décor, as well as a sound-system to match.
Ryan Thompson is a UK-based menswear and lifestyle writer, whose work has appeared in, among others, the Financial Times, Mr Porter, The Rake and Ape to Gentleman
