Ask travellers about their favourite beach on the Albanian Riviera and Gjipe comes up again and again. It is a small cove between Dhërmi and Himarë where a limestone canyon opens onto the Ionian Sea: towering cliffs on both sides, pebbles and sand underfoot, and water that turns from turquoise to deep blue only a few strokes from the shore.
The walk down
Part of the magic is that you have to earn it. There is no road to the sand — most people leave the car above the bay and walk down a dirt track of about 2.5 km, passing old bunkers, with the sea opening up below. Going down takes 30–45 minutes; coming back up in the afternoon heat feels a lot longer, so visitors always say the same thing: bring more water than you think. In summer a local jeep shuttle and boats from Himarë make it easier — a favourite plan is to arrive by boat and hike out.
Into the canyon
Behind the beach the Gjipe canyon cuts inland between vertical walls. The first few hundred metres are an easy, cool walk in the shade; further in it becomes a real scramble over boulders. Never go in after rain — flash floods are possible — and watch your step, as snakes are not unusual.
Good to know
- Simple cafés, sun-lounger rental and a campsite open in summer; many travellers love camping here for the sunsets and the people they meet.
- Café taps are not drinking water — bring bottled water and snacks.
- June and September are the sweet spot: warm sea, fewer people. In July–August arrive early.
- Rocks and sea caves at the edges of the cove are great for snorkelling.
Shqip
Gjipe është një nga gjijtë më të bukur të Rivierës Shqiptare, mes Dhërmiut dhe Himarës, aty ku një kanion gëlqeror del në detin Jon. Plazhi arrihet në këmbë nga parkimi sipër gjirit (rreth 2.5 km) ose me varkë nga Himara gjatë verës. Merrni ujë me vete dhe mos hyni në kanion pas shiut.
