If you like the idea of visiting a vastly underrated destination with 300 sunny days per year, welcome to the Green Coast in Albania!
The Albanian Riviera stretches for around 280 miles, and offers access to more than 120 sun-drenched beaches lapped by warm southeastern European waters. But more specifically, it’s Palase beach I want to draw your attention to. Before the crowds discover it and descend in their masses.
Coastal Palase on the Ionian Sea is relatively unknown – for now. It’s where locals flock to when they want to enjoy a more luxurious beach experience. With a broad sweep of pale pebbles and turquoise waters, a vacation here offers stunning views, superb hotels, and local activities, including water sports, hiking, and historical attractions. Let’s dive into Green Coast Albania.
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Suppose you happen to be in the market for a vacation home or investment opportunity. In that case, real estate is available for purchase at the Green Coast resort, a development headed up by the Balfin Group. With seven hotels plus spas and a great range of shops and restaurants planned, shorter stays will also be very well catered for.
However long you want to spend at this Green Coast village in Albania, read on to find out all the details to know before you go.
What is the Green Coast in Albania?
Simply put, the Green Coast is a mega real estate project in Palase, on the Albanian Riviera. Breathtaking Palase beach here made this location a no-brainer for the property developer involved.
The Green Coast forms part of the sunny, 280-mile Albanian Riviera. As such, you can expect modern accommodations, luxury spas, stylish stores, deluxe dining venues, and access to one of the area’s finest beaches. These are currently in development, with some already open and operating fully.
Albania’s Green Coast is in southern Albania, almost directly north of the Greek island of Corfu, close to where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. In this article, I’m specifically referring to the Green Coast development in Palase as described above, rather than the Green Coast in general, which is a wider area.
Palase beach is sometimes also known as Palasa beach.
Why go to the Green Coast?
Lovely Albania offers 300 days of sunshine per year. There is lots to explore, and the area also offers impressive investment opportunities. The standard of accommodation and amenities here is high, from high-end hotels to luxury spas and upscale shopping and dining venues.
Hospitable Albania is rich in culture and history, as well as offering a wealth of natural attractions. The active types among you will also savor the chance to go hiking, or to sample a range of water sports. You can choose between the likes of diving and snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, and windsurfing.
Albania also tends to be more affordable than Western Europe, and busier nearby destinations like Greece and Croatia. Also check out Is Albania Safe? And Ksamil vs Saranda.
How to get to the Green Coast in Albania
Before making any commitment, one of the first things you’re going to want to know about the Green Coast is how to get there.
NEW Vlora International Airport
At the time of writing, the brand-new Vlora International Airport will soon be serving the Green Coast Village via commercial flights. Having successfully completed its first certification flight in May 2025, the airport is intended as a hub for southern Albania. While it was hoped that commercial flights would commence in the summer of 2025, this has been delayed, and at present it’s not clear when this will happen.
When the airport is fully operational, it will only take around 35 minutes to reach the Green Coast Palase area from there.
From Tirana International Airport
Presently, Tirana International Airport is the closest to the Green Coast village offering commercial flights. The trip from the airport to the resort takes around three to three-and-a-half hours.
Private transfers are available if you’re not renting a car. There are no direct routes via public transport. Driving in Albania is generally only recommended for those tourists who are confident and experienced drivers. Road traffic accident levels are among the highest in Europe.
The route between Tirana and the Green Coast is very scenic, and therefore the view from the car window is best enjoyed during the daytime if possible.
Green Coast Helipad
If you plan to arrive on site by air, then there is a helipad at the Green Coast village.
How close is Palase to Dhermi beach?
Palase is only around three miles from DhermiBeach.. By road, it takes around ten to 15 minutes to travel between the two. It’s located around a mile and a quarter from Dhermi town center.
Dhermi Beach offers crystal-clear water, ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, and kayakers. There’s also an appealing palm-lined promenade providing local bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
To me, the atmosphere at Dhermi beach strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and vibrant. This is one of the most popular beaches in Albania, and deservedly so.
Palase beach amenities
Palase beach offers a good range of facilities to help you enjoy your stay. There are both public and private areas.
Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented to ensure a comfortable day, and there are places to grab drinks, snacks, or even your sporting fix on the TV. The beach is also a popular place to try water sports.
This is the only Blue Flag beach in Albania, with high standards of cleanliness. You’ll also find toilets, showers, and a lifeguard service here.
Resort facilities
The modern Green Coast development also has a range of amenities in progress. There will be a European-style central square with eateries and shops; La Vista with boutiques, a kids’ zone, and a nightclub; the Galeria by TEG for art and foodie attractions; a beachfront promenade with an open theater; and the Mediterranean Retreat incorporating fitness facilities, swimming pools, and a spa for that exclusive beach club vibe.
Beach Clubs in Palasë Beach
Palasë Beach may be quieter than its more famous neighbor Dhërmi, but don’t let that fool you—this stretch of the Albanian Riviera knows how to turn up the volume when it comes to beach clubs. Here, the vibe is laid-back during the day, with plenty of loungers and cocktails to go around, then slowly morphs into a lively scene as the sun dips behind the Ionian Sea.
The beach clubs dotting Palasë offer a mix of chilled-out luxury and just the right amount of buzz. Most spots balance cushioned sunbeds, Mediterranean bites, and DJ-curated playlists that carry you from morning swims into late-night drinks.
Sin Beach Club
During our trip, we ended up at Sin, and let’s just say the name fits—this is where indulgence feels mandatory. The setup is sleek, with white sunbeds lining the shore and attentive staff making sure your spritz is never empty. The food menu leans into Mediterranean classics—think fresh seafood platters, grilled meats, and salads that actually taste as good as they look.
What makes Sin stand out, though, is the crowd it draws. It’s a mix of locals and travelers, giving the place energy without feeling overhyped. By afternoon, the music picks up, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger for sunset, drink in hand, toes still sandy.
If you’re deciding between Palasë and Dhërmi for your beach club fix, Sin proves Palasë more than holds its own.
Best things to do in the Green Coast village area
If you want to venture beyond the beaches, the good news is that there are already plenty of attractions in this part of Albania to keep you entertained and stimulated.
The Julius Caesar hiking trail
In the immediate vicinity, you can follow in Julius Caesar’s footsteps by following the picturesque “In the Footsteps of Caesar” hiking trail, which connects the Palasa Stream Delta and Llogara National Park.
Llogara National Park
Llogara National Park offers incredible unspoiled landscapes. The variety of terrain includes lush alpine meadows, densely-packed forests, and towering cliffs.
Around 100 species of fauna can be spotted within the park, including chamois, deer, chamois, red foxes, European wildcats, golden eagles, and griffon vultures.
Head up to the Llogara Pass to see the views from over 3,350 feet above sea level. There are some lovely little local restaurants up here, too.
Butrint National Park
UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park is about 55 miles from Palase. The range of ruins here can take you back in time, transporting you to the Greek, Ottoman, and Roman glory days. The ancient city of Butrint is at the center of the park, and among all the historic monuments, the Roman Triconch Palace has to be the highlight.
The park’s natural setting also includes tranquil wetlands and lush green landscapes, so you can encounter nature as well as human history here. Plenty of trees provide welcome shade on a hot day, too, and the park is also dotted with ponds, some of which contain turtles.
Lekursi Castle
Photogenic Lekursi Castle in Saranda is under 45 miles from Palase. While admiring the stunning coastal views, you might even spot Corfu from the hilltop fortress.
The castle also holds architectural and historical interest, plus a very scenic drive to reach it. Within, you’ll also find a restaurant with a sunny outdoor terrace, plus local cultural live performances. If you like, you can also venture beyond the castle to discover the ruins of Lekures village, or a range of 20th-century artillery and Cold War bunkers.
Shopping at Green Coast Albania
Green Coast isn’t just a luxe place to stay—it’s also shaping up as a stylish mini-hub where you’ll find more than just vacation essentials. Here’s what stands out:
What You’ll Find
- Galeria by TEG: This is the Albanian Riviera’s first true mall, tucked right into Green Coast. It’s a lifestyle blend of art, food, and retail, featuring bistros, coffee shops, a food court, and rotating art exhibitions.Green Coast Resort and Residences
- La Vista Lifestyle Center: Think “chic coastal shopping.” This swanky zone offers luxury boutiques, artisanal shops, a nightclub, Mediterranean and traditional restaurants—and all with sweeping sea views and direct access to the promenade.Green Coast Resort and Residences
- Supermarket Brand: Yes, there’s even a SPAR in the mix—great for grabbing groceries or essentials, and conveniently located at Galeria by TEG.TripadvisorFacebook
Why It Feels Special
It’s not about global giants like Zara or H&M—yet. What Green Coast aims for instead is a curated resort atmosphere where you pick up resort wear, sunhats, artisanal souvenirs, or last-minute beach gear. Boutiques here cater to a relaxed coastal luxe vibe—not high street homogeny.
Quick Reference Table
| Localização | What You’ll Discover |
|---|---|
| Galeria by TEG | Art-filled shopping, cafés, food court, SPAR supermarket |
| La Vista Lifestyle Center | Luxury boutiques, artisanal flair, Mediterranean bites, nightlife |
| Beachfront Promenade | Casual shopping with scenic ocean views |
Plug into the Vibe
You’ll love wandering this area. After a sunny beach day, grab a gelato by the water, browse local boutiques as the light softens—and maybe wind down with a laid-back dinner while the sea breeze carries the evening in. It’s relaxed, elevated, and unmistakably charming.Salt Luxury Dining Experience
Salt Luxury Dining Experience
Once the sun starts to dip and the sky turns shades of orange and pink, head to Salt for a dining experience that goes beyond just food. This is one of those places where atmosphere, flavors, and presentation come together for a full sensory journey.
The menu blends Mediterranean freshness with modern flair—think delicately plated seafood, creative twists on Albanian classics, and seasonal ingredients that let the dishes shine. Every plate feels curated not just for taste but for aesthetics, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your palate.
And then there are the cocktails. Salt’s mixologists take their craft seriously, shaking up drinks that rival any rooftop bar in Europe. Whether you’re into bold, smoky flavors or light and refreshing spritzes, you’ll find a cocktail that pairs perfectly with the sea breeze and live DJ beats that often set the backdrop.
Dining here feels like slipping into a different rhythm of the Riviera—one where indulgence is encouraged, and every detail is meant to linger with you long after the night ends.
Where to stay in Green Coast Palase
There will be seven five-star hotels in the new development at PalaseBeach.. These include Grand Melia, Hyatt Regency, and MGallery by Accor properties.
Green Coast Hotel MGallery Collection
The gorgeous Green Coast Hotel MGallery Collection is already open for business, and offers a range of room types from 279 square foot classic rooms to the 1,302 square foot presidential suite. All are decorated using neutral hues and natural materials.
The hotel offers a range of dining options, including the beach restaurant Mosaic which serves flame-grilled international specialties. You can also indulge your senses at the luxurious on-site spa.
Though the facilities at Green Coast Hotel MGallery Collection are world-class, the hotel prides itself on using local, sustainable, materials and native plants, and the architecture is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Locally-sourced seafood and olive oil also feature heavily on the menus, with the latter even used to add goodness to the range of spa rituals and treatments available.
Real estate in Green Coast Palase
If an investment or longer stay is on your mind, there is a selection of real estate available to suit various requirements and budgets. These range from one and two bedroom or duplex apartments to the secluded Elite villas, with ocean-facing terraces, an infinity pool, and spacious gardens. All apartments and villas come with their own dedicated parking spaces.
Apartment and villa owners can be supplied with all the services they need to keep life running smoothly. From electricals and plumbing to cleaning, laundry, landscaping, pool care, front desk and event planning, Green Coast staff can arrange it all. The development also has a health care center and helipad, where emergency services can land quickly and efficiently when required.
Green Coast in Albania | Final thoughts
The new Green Coast village in Albania is a real game-changer – whether you fancy a stylish five-star stay; want to delve deeper into local culture, history, and nature; or wish to find a second home or sound investment property.
While in some ways it certainly makes sense to wait until the development is complete before you visit, there are also compelling reasons to go now. Visit sooner rather than later and although it will take you longer to get there, you can benefit from fewer crowds. And if real estate is on your mind, then you can take your pick of the properties on offer before everyone else even sees the place.
Do you want to wait any longer, anyway, to experience the crystal clear waters of the only Blue Flag beach in Albania? To visit beautiful Dhermi beach, discover the Caesar trail, explore local national parks, see the amazing Blue Eye, head to historic Lekursi Castle, or spend time in charming Gjirokaster? I know I don’t!
