Jale Beach

Jale Bay is semicircular, roughly 400 meters long, flanked by two rocky headlands. The pebbles are white and fine; the water near shore is shallow and clear – you can see the bottom at 3–4 meters depth. On the southern headland sit abandoned military residences from the communist era; the northern end connects to hiking trails toward Aquarium Beach and Livadi.

In summer, most of the beach is occupied by private sections with sunbeds. A designated public zone exists. Along the shore you'll find restaurants, bars, campsites, and small guesthouses. Folie Marine club at the southern end is the coast's main party spot, operating July through September. The bass carries across the entire bay.

For those seeking quiet – kayaks and SUP boards let you paddle along the coast to secluded coves inaccessible by land. A hiking trail south over the headland leads to Gjipe Beach – one of the Riviera's most beautiful spots (2 km, 40 minutes). Northward, the trail goes to Aquarium Beach (20 minutes) and onward to Livadi.

Water – Ionian Sea, visibility up to 3–4 meters, turquoise hue

Surface – white fine pebbles with a gentle slope into the water

Nightlife – Folie Marine club with DJ events from July through September

Trails – hiking routes to Aquarium Beach (20 min) and Gjipe (40 min)

History – former restricted holiday zone for military elite under Hoxha's regime

During Enver Hoxha's communist rule (1944–1985), the entire Himara coastline was a restricted military zone. Jale Beach served as a holiday spot for high-ranking officers and their families. Residences were built on the southern headland, along with Hotel Jale, originally constructed as a summer retreat for party leadership in the 1970s.

After the regime fell in 1991, the beach became accessible to all. Backpackers and campers were the first to arrive – Jale remained a wild spot with tents on the shore for years. The construction boom began in the 2010s, bringing bars, guesthouses, and beach clubs. By 2024–2025, development had become controversial – construction continues right in the bay, with parts of the shore occupied by building sites.

From Himara (12 km, 20–30 minutes by car):

– By car via SH8 highway north, turn at Vuno village – 5 km switchback to the beach

– Taxi – from 2,000 ALL (≈ $20)

– Water taxi in summer – from 2,000 ALL (≈ $20) round trip

– On foot via the coastal trail through Aquarium Beach – about 1 hour from Livadi

From Dhermi (12 km, 20 minutes by car):

– By car via SH8 south, same turn at Vuno

– On foot via coastal trail – 2–3 hours

From Tirana (230 km, 4–5 hours):

– Bus to Himara (1,200–1,500 ALL), then taxi to Jale

– Rent a car – most convenient option

Without a car:

Any bus on the Vlora–Himara route will stop at the SH8 turnoff. From there, 5 km downhill on foot (1–1.5 hours). Hitchhiking is common practice on this stretch.

Season: June–September for swimming. July–August is peak: parties, crowds, construction. June and September offer the best balance of weather and crowds. Off-season (October–May), bars and restaurants are closed.

Time of day: Morning for peaceful swimming. Evening for bars and sunsets. Night for Folie Marine parties.

Duration: Half-day to full day. With hiking to Aquarium or Gjipe – a full day.

Avoid: August weekends – infrastructure overload. Active construction may detract from the experience.