Velipoja Beach

Just 30 km southwest of Shkodra city, Velipoja Beach offers visitors a golden stretch of sand along Albania’s northern Adriatic coast. Known for its wide shoreline, soft sand, and stunning sunsets, it’s one of the most popular seaside destinations in northern Albania — perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

How to Get There

Reaching Velipoja is simple. From Shkodra, take the SH27 highway through Bërdicë and Barbullush, then follow the road signs toward Velipojë. The journey takes about 40 minutes by car. Public minibuses also run regularly during the summer season, making it accessible for all travelers.

A Beach for Everyone

Velipoja Beach is famous for its 8 km of fine sandy coastline, where the sea is shallow and calm — ideal for families with children. The beach gradually deepens, making it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and even beach volleyball.

Along the shore, you’ll find both organized beach areas with sunbeds and umbrellas, and open public stretches for those who prefer a more laid-back setup. In recent years, Velipoja has grown to offer a lively summer atmosphere with seaside cafés, fresh seafood restaurants, and evening promenade strolls.

Nature and Adventure Nearby

Velipoja isn’t just about sunbathing. It borders the Buna River-Velipoja Protected Landscape, a haven for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to spot herons, flamingos, and other migratory birds. The Buna River estuary, where the river meets the Adriatic, is a peaceful spot for fishing or simply enjoying the unique landscape.

For the more adventurous, cycling routes and off-road paths stretch toward the surrounding wetlands, pine forests, and even the border with Montenegro.

Best Time to Visit

The official swimming season runs from June to September, when the water is warm and the town is buzzing with life. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, late May or early October offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Tips for Visitors

Sun protection is essential — the Adriatic sun can be strong in the afternoons.
Many restaurants serve freshly caught fish and seafood — don’t miss the grilled sea bream or mussels.
For a unique experience, take a boat trip along the Buna River to see both the sea and river ecosystems in one day.

🗺 Velipoja Beach – Quick Visit Guide

Distance from Shkodra: ~30 km / 40 minutes by car
Best for: Families, couples, nature lovers, and beach sports enthusiasts
Beach type: Fine golden sand, shallow warm water
Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, accommodations
Nearby attractions: Buna River estuary, Velipoja Protected Landscape
Best season: June–September (lively), April-May & October (quiet and mild)
Local specialty: Fresh Adriatic seafood — try grilled sea bream or mussels

📸 Photo idea: Wide aerial shot of the sandy coastline meeting the Adriatic, with the Buna River visible in the background.

Swimming

You've come to the right place! The sandy beaches of Velipoja are vast and healthy, because of their iodine content. Here you don't have to worry about tides, dangers or anything.

Volleyball

On the backside of the beach area, there are a lot of beach volley spots. Join the fun, by asking the locals for a spot on their team, or cheer on the sidelines for the better team, The matches usually start on the afternoon, when the sun is less intense.

Running / Jogging

Get up early in the morning and go for a jog/run along the coast. It's the perfect time, to enjoy the light sound of the waves and feeling the fresh air fill your lungs. You might be lucky and meet local fishermen and buy fresh seafood (lunch ideas maybe).

Fishing

The perfect meditation for anybody, that wants to see what our seas have to offer. Take your fishing gear and catch fish, if you can. We suggest early in the morning or late at night, since there is less people around and fish are more.