Borsh is a small and quiet coastal village on the Albanian Riviera, with about 2,500 inhabitants. It stretches out from the beach up to the hills, where the old part of the town is located. Its popularity is growing among tourists due to its location on the largest beach on the Ionian coast, which is about 7 kilometres long. Below you can find everything you need to know when visiting Borsh.
How To Get To Borsh
Borsh is located on the Albanian Riviera and can be reached via the coastal road (SH8) that goes all the way from Saranda to Vlora.
When traveling from abroad, the best way is to fly to Corfu first, and then take the ferry to Saranda. You can rent a car directy from the Ferry Terminal in Saranda and from there it’s a 36 kilometer drive, which takes around 50 minutes. Any mini-bus (furgon) from the centre of Saranda in the direction of Himara, Dhermi or Vlora will also be able to drop you off in Borsh.
Alternatively, you can fly to Tirana and rent a car from the airport, or take any bus to Saranda that is following the coastal route.
What To See And Do In Borsh
Despite its enormous beach, the coastline at Borsh is one of the least developed in Albania, making it a very pristine and tranquil area. The authenticity and natural environment are what attract more people every year, but there is enough space to accommodate everyone without spoiling the authenticity. Here’s what you can see and do in and around Borsh.
Borsh Beach
Borsh Beach (Plazhi i Borshit) is the largest beach in the south of Albania. It is about 30 meters wide and around 7 kilometers long, so there is plenty of space. From the main road in the village it’s about 2 kilometers to the beach where you can find many things to do.
Along the beach are several hotels, restaurants and beach bars but because of the amount of space it usually never feels very crowded. If you want you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or find your own space to put your towel down. You can also rent sports equipment, jet skis or go on a boat trip.
The beach is very clean and the water amazingly clear. From the beach you have amazing views at the Ionean Sea, the coastline and the surrounding mountain range.
With such a lengthy coastline it’s also great to make a long beach walk. Especially during sunset this can be very rewarding as the beach is facing east, which means you can see the sun go down in the sea.
Bunkers At Borsh Beach
Like in many other places alongside the Albanian Riviera, you can find a couple of concrete bunkers on Borsh Beach as well. The bunkers were built by the communist regime during the Cold War to protect the coastline.
Borsh Castle
Above the village of Borsh, on the top of a hill you can see the Castle of Borsh. From the village there is a small and steep road leading to the castle. The 2 kilometers long road is in a very bad condition, so we recemmend to go by foot.
Borsh Castle, also known as Sopoti Castle, was originally built as a fortification by the Chaonians in the 4th century BC. It was later heavily damaged in the 5th and 6th centuries AD before being rebuilt during the middle ages. This is when the name Sopot Castle was adopted, before later changing to Borsh Castle. In the 18th century the Haxhi Bendo Mosque was added under the rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelena. Parts of the old village and castle have been destroyed during later fights but the mosque has remained in a relatively good condition.
Since the castle is located around 500 meters above sea level, you have spectacular views over the coastline and Ionian Sea from here. So the hike up the hill is definitely worth the effort, but do bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Waterfall Of Borsh
From the mountains there is a water stream flowing down with a small waterfall in the centre of the village. From the Waterfall of Borsh (Ujëvara e Borshit) the water is actually flowing under a restaurant where you can sit outside and watch and hear the water falling down and flowing around you The restaurant is called also called Ujëvara e Borshit and is directly located on the main road SH8.
Things To Do Around Borsh
Borsh might only be a small town, but you don’t have to go far from there to see other interesting places. Here are a few things worth visiting that are very close by.
Qeparo
Right next to Borsh is the village of Qeparo. The town consists of two parts: the modern part near the beach, with restaurants and hotels, and Upper Qeparo, the charming old town, which after being abandoned recently started to relive its old days.
Porto Palermo
Just after Qeparo you will drive around the bay of Porto Palermo, where you can visit Ali Pasha’s Porto Palermo Castle and the Porto Palermo Tunnel or go for a swim at Porto Palermo Beach.
Himara
About 16 kilometers north of Borsh you can find Himara. Here you have several nice beaches and you should definitely stroll around the old town on the hill where Himara Castle is located as well.
Tours To Borsh
Are you staying in Saranda and don’t have your own transportation? Then you can easily visit Borsh on a tour from Saranda. There are several tours showing the highlights of the riviera that include Borsh in their itinerary.
Where To Eat In Borsh
- Restaurant Ujëvara: The is the restaurant that is located on top of the Waterfall of Borsh in the center of the town. If you sit outdoors, you can sit right in between the different streams of the waterfall.
- Vamos Republic: Located on Borsh Beach, this is one of the highest rated restaurants in Borsh and specializes in fresh fish and seafood.
- Solymar: This is another popular hangout on Borsh Beach, serving seafood, pastas and other dishes as well as great cocktails.
Hotels in Borsh
Despite being relatively less developed, there are still plenty of hotels, guest houses and there is also a camping in Borsh. A night’s stay in Borsh is generally somewhat cheaper that in the larger towns in the Albanian Riviera. Nevertheless, we highly recommend to book well in advance during the summer months.
Search below or have a look at our recommendations:
- Sole Luna Hotel: The Sole Luna Hotel is very centrally located at Borsch Beach so you can jump right into the sea. It’s a modern hotel with a restaurant serving great mediterranean food.
- The Olive Grove: The Olive Grove has bungalows of different sizes and is centrally located at a private beach at Borsch Beach.
- Villa Mimoza: The highly rated Villa Mimoza offers modern apartments in the town centre of Borsh. Villa Mimoza is not located at the beach, but due to it’s location higher up in the town you have a beautiful view at the Ionian Sea.
- Borsh Beach Apartments – BBA: Lovely apartments located directly at a quiet part of Borsh Beach. There is also a restaurant with a bar.
Other Practical Info About Borsh
Emergencies
There is a small hospital in Borsh, located on Rruga Plazhi and for emergencies you can always call the following numbers:
General Emergencies – 112
Ambulance – 127
Fire – 128
Police – 129
You can also read more about staying safe in Albania on our Health & Safety page.
Banks And ATMs
There is no bank in Borsh but you can find an ATM on Borsh Beach.
Post Office
The post office in Borsh is located on the main road in the town center.
Shopping In Borsh
There are a few small grocery shops for your basic needs in the town center and on Borsh Beach. For larger supermarkets and more shopping options you can best go to Saranda or Himara.
Related Activities
Nearby Things To See
