The Canyon of Gjipe is an 800-meter long canyon formed by the Ionian Sea on the Albanian Riviera.

The coastal waters of the canyon are home to loggerhead turtles among other interesting flora and fauna. It’s also considered an important plant area thanks to some rare and endemic species found here.

Adrenaline junkies can have a go at canyoning or abseiling at Gjipe, and then finish up at the beach.

The canyon opens up at Gjipe beach which is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in all of Albania (and indeed the Balkan peninsula).

Gjipe Canyon beach
It’s an amazing beach!

As Gjipe beach is only accessible on foot or by boat, it doesn’t get anywhere near the same number of tourists as other famous beaches in Albania.

If you’re looking for translucent, turquoise waters and a quiet, sandy beach to relax on, then it’s worth the extra effort to get there. For sure one of the best places to visit in Albania!

To get to Gjipe you’ll need to take the SH8 (Llogara Pass) and turn off at a sign for the beach car park. From the car park, it’s a 45 minute walk along a rocky path down to the beach.