#436 European Rank
Gjipe Beach
Himarë, Albanian Riviera, Albania•Ionian Sea• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Vebjorl (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.46/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
24.8°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€26/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Gentle Wave Action
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces WSW (240°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Good Swimming
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces WSW (240°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
WSW (240°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 30°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the WSW-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Gjipe Beach: Light coastal break; family friendly with standard water awareness. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Himarë, Albanian Riviera, Albania
Ideal Swimming
Early August
24.8°C
Air ~34°C
Comfortable, prolonged bathing for all ages
Water temperature is well above the 20.0°C bathing threshold. Prolonged leisure swimming, snorkeling, and family wading are comfortable with zero thermal shock.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 24.8°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.4°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 14.8°C | 21°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 14.8°C | 23°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 15.9°C | 26°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 18.6°C | 29°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| June | 21.8°C | 32°C | Refreshing |
| July | 23.6°C | 34°C | Ideal Swimming |
| August | 24.8°C | 34°C | Ideal Swimming |
| September | 24.0°C | 32°C | Ideal Swimming |
| October | 22.1°C | 29°C | Ideal Swimming |
| November | 19.8°C | 25°C | Refreshing |
| December | 17.1°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Albania Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 7 Jun – 30 Oct (>21°C) · 145 days
Planning around peak water warmth (24.8°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Gjipe Beach for the optimal June–July–August–September swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Gjipe Beach (Himarë, Albanian Riviera, Albania)
🌊 Water temperature: 24.8°C
⛱️ Beach access: 95% free public sand • Sunbeds: €10–€20
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces WSW (sheltered from ENE winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/gjipe-beach-al/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Good
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.5 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.9 / 5
About Gjipe Beach
Hidden where a deep canyon meets the Ionian, Gjipe is the wild heart of the Albanian Riviera.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Located between Dhërmi and Vuno/Himarë; accessible only by boat or via a 25–30 minute walking trail descending from the parking area.
•Protected Status / Environment: Situated at the mouth of the spectacular 800-meter-deep Gjipe Canyon, a protected Natural Monument of Albania.
•Notable Feature: Untamed white pebble beach flanked by towering canyon cliffs, sea caves, and turquoise Ionian waters.
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Wide Open Public Sand
Free Public Sand (95%)Private Concessions (5%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
€10low season→€20August peak
Daily set (2 loungers + umbrella). Front-row loungers may command premium surcharges.
Towel Bather Guidance
Abundant unencumbered shoreline. Free towel placement everywhere with minimal commercial footprint.
Legal Shoreline Rights: Canyon-mouth beach with 95% free public space and a small cluster of rustic bamboo umbrellas near the tavern.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Typical Rate: ~€3/day
Cash-Only Attendant / GuardianFree Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Carry €5–€10 in cash coins; attendants in remote coves often lack POS card terminals.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Direct Sun Cutoff: ~16:30 in August
Limestone walls cast shade over the sand 2 to 4 hours before sunset. Arrive early morning for warm swimming light.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Recommended for Shingle / Pebbles
Pebbles and dark sand become scorching hot by midday and challenging under barefoot tread.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Between Dhermi and Himare. Accessible via regional coastal roads (40.139°N, 19.656°E).
Discreet Utility: Rough Road & Trail Access
Reaching Gjipe Beach involves dirt tracks or steep trails. Booking a rental SUV or 4x4 provides higher clearance for unpaved coastal roads.
•Deep and clear water.
•At the mouth of a dramatic canyon, reached on foot or by boat.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
TIA · 120m driveFly to Tirana (TIA) and drive south via the scenic coastal highway, or take the 30-min express ferry from Corfu (CFU) to Sarandë.
Ferry Connection: Port of Sarandë (30m hydrofoil from Corfu CFU)
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Gjipe Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gjipe Beach
What is the water temperature at Gjipe Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Gjipe Beach averages 24.8°C (77°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Gjipe Beach?
Gjipe Beach is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Himarë, Albanian Riviera, Albania.
Is Gjipe Beach good for families with kids?
Gjipe Beach has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Gjipe Beach?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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