Gjipe Beach

Gjipe is where a dry limestone canyon comes down to the Ionian between Dhermi and Himara, leaving a short beach of white pebble at its mouth with cliffs closing it on both sides and the gorge running inland behind. There is no road to it: the approach is a rough track from the coast road followed by a walk of twenty to thirty minutes down, or a boat from the nearby resorts, which is why it stayed empty long after the beaches either side filled up. The canyon behind is walkable for a couple of kilometres and is used for climbing and canyoning. Camping on the beach is the traditional way to stay, and a small bar and campsite operate in season. There is no shade and no supply beyond that.

What you actually see

• The canyon mouth - a limestone gorge opening directly onto the beach.
• No road access - reached only on foot or by boat.
• Cliffs closing the bay - rock walls on both sides of the pebble.
• The gorge walk inland - a couple of kilometres up the dry canyon.

When to go

June to September. A day, or overnight camping which is the point for many. Early or late in the season for space. The walk down is easier than the walk back up, which is a long climb in heat.

Honest expectations

The walk down and back is steep and hot with no shade, and the track to the trailhead is rough. Facilities are one seasonal bar and a campsite. There is no shop, no reliable water and no shade on the beach. Litter from campers is a problem.

Nearby

Dhermi is north; Jale and Himara lie south.