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The favourite summer getaway location for the former Communist government, Jali Bay is one of the best beach locations in the south, with clear waters, quaint villages, and a vibrant nightlife.
For a fascinating and fun summer adventure, head just a few kilometres south of Himara, to Jali Bay. Though fairly small, this particular bay certainly doesn’t lack in variety. To begin with, the road from Himara to Jali is breathtakingly beautiful! It takes you through an olive and sycamore tree-lined winding street, along to the picturesque Vuno village. The bay is a fairly quiet spot, with crystal-clear and permanently brisk waters. It has a recognisable semi-circular shoreline that almost looks too perfect to be real! In addition, the steep hill cutting into the sea provides an ideal level of seclusion from the main highway. In fact, this particular beach was the former communist government’s favourite retreat, and when you see it, you’ll understand why! It now continues to exert the same magnetic power over the general population and visitors who take the chance to go there.
Jali’s 300 metres of pebbled shoreline boasts perhaps the clearest sea on the Southern Riviera. Because of the bay’s currents, the underwater flora and fauna are rich and diverse, and close to the shore. Though you can effortlessly see the seabed, you may choose to dive into these inviting waters. At the end of the day, make sure you enjoy the spectacular sunsets here – thanks to the bay’s position relative to the sun, there’s few better locations to see out the end of a day.
Jali is the most famous camping site on the Southern Riviera. Established long before the camping trend made its way to Albania, camping in Jali has by now become something of a tradition. The younger generation in particular, who prefer an alternative and inexpensive beach experience, swoop in to invade Jali every summer! If you are on a budget or simply prefer a casual social setting, you should definitely try it out! For an entirely different atmosphere, in addition to guesthouses, hotels, and camping options near the beach, you can stay in the quaint village of Vuno, located right above Jali Bay. Entirely built from stone, it resembles the idyllic villages of Southern Italy, with beautiful old churches scattered throughout. Here, you’ll come into contact with the traditional Southern Albanian way of life, and meet the very friendly locals who reside here.
The vibrant nightlife in this small yet exciting bay is not to be missed! For more than a decade now, Jali has hosted one of the most happening summer clubs in the country, known as Folie Marine. During the day, this club gathers loyal visitors in its private, luxurious beach area, which serves some of the best cocktails in town. At night, the area transforms into party central! Every weekend, this club organises the greatest parties in town, where anything from reggae and electronic, to pop and rock beats, echo across the bay.
Last but not least, the secluded Jali Beach holds some fascinating sightseeing opportunities. On one of the hills that encircle the bay, you’ll spot a building from the 1970s. Once upon a time, this imposing structure hosted Communist government officials who retired to this spot for its seclusion, and breathtaking views of the sea. Today though, it houses senior officers of the Albanian army, and the building is also open to tourists. A massive stone stairwell takes you to the top, where you can enjoy one of the very best panoramic views on the Southern Riviera!
For a fascinating and fun summer adventure, head just a few kilometers south of Himara, to Jali Bay. Though fairly small, this particular bay certainly does not lack in variety. To begin with, the road from Himara to Jali is breathtakingly beautiful! It takes you through an olive and sycamore tree-lined winding street along the picturesque Vuno village. The bay is a fairly quiet spot, with crystal-clear and permanently brisk waters. It has a recognizable semi-circular shoreline that looks too perfect to be real! In addition, the steep hill cutting into the sea provides an ideal level of seclusion from the main highway. In fact, this particular beach was the former communist government’s favorite retreat. It now continues to exert the same magnetic power over the general population.
