Top 10 Beaches in Durres, Albania (Updated January 2025)

1. Kallm Beach (Plazhi i Kallmit) – Best for Scenic Beauty & Tranquility

Why Visit: Kallm Beach offers Durres' most picturesque setting, where lush green hills cascade down to pristine sandy shores. This northern gem combines natural beauty with convenient amenities, creating an ideal balance for travelers seeking peaceful beach days with full services.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Fine golden sand with minimal pebbles

• Water Depth: Gradual slope, safe for families

• Crowd Level: Low to moderate (significantly quieter than central Durres)

• Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers

• Activities: Scenic cliff hiking trails with panoramic coastal views, swimming, snorkeling

Best For: Couples, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility away from urban beach crowds.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Nais Beach: Beachfront property offering sea-view rooms starting at €45/night. Features include direct beach access, on-site restaurant, and complimentary breakfast.

• Aragosta Hotel & Restaurant: Upscale option with private beach section, pool, and Mediterranean cuisine. Rooms from €80/night.

Dining Options:

• Restaurant Kallmi: Fresh seafood specialists serving traditional Albanian dishes including grilled fish, octopus salad, and local wine. Average meal: €12-18.

• Bar Restorant Pizzeri Joel: Mediterranean fusion with excellent wood-fired pizzas. Budget-friendly with meals €8-15.

How to Get There: Located 7 kilometers north of Durres city center (10-minute drive). Taxis cost approximately €5-7 one-way. Local minibuses (furgons) run regularly from Durres central station for €1.

Insider Tip: Arrive before 10 AM during July-August to secure prime sunbed positions and enjoy the beach before peak crowds.

2. Golem Beach (Plazhi i Golemit) – Best for Families & Social Atmosphere

Why Visit: Golem Beach ranks as Durres' most developed beach resort area, offering comprehensive facilities, shallow waters perfect for children, and vibrant social energy. The 6-kilometer stretch accommodates numerous beach clubs, each with distinct character.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Wide sandy beach with some pebble sections

• Water Depth: Very shallow for first 30-50 meters (ideal for young children)

• Crowd Level: High during summer peak, moderate in shoulder seasons

• Facilities: Full service with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, food/drink service

• Activities: Beach volleyball, jet skiing, paddleboarding, water skiing, banana boat rides

Best For: Families with children, groups, water sports enthusiasts, and social travelers seeking lively beach atmosphere.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Oaz: Modern beachfront resort with pool, kids' club, and restaurant. Family rooms from €65/night.

• Prestige Resort: Luxury four-star property featuring private beach access, spa services, and multiple dining options. From €120/night.

Dining Options:

• Restaurant Kapiteni: Seafood and Mediterranean cuisine with beachfront terrace. Specializes in fresh catch of the day and risotto dishes. €15-25 per meal.

• Ujvara Restaurant: Traditional Albanian tavern serving homestyle cooking in relaxed garden setting. Try the tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt) and byrek. €10-18.

How to Get There: 12 kilometers south of Durres (20-minute drive). Frequent minibus service from Durres costs €1-2. Rental cars recommended for flexibility.

Insider Tip: Visit beach clubs like Lori or Rafaelo for organized entertainment, DJs on weekends, and cocktail service directly to your sunbed.

3. Lalzi Bay Beach (Gjiri i Lalzit) – Best for Luxury Beach Resorts

Why Visit: Lalzi Bay represents Durres' upscale beach destination, featuring exclusive resorts, pristine sandy shores, and comprehensive recreational facilities. The protected bay creates calm swimming conditions ideal for families.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Excellent fine sand, regularly cleaned and maintained

• Water Depth: Shallow with gentle grade

• Crowd Level: Moderate (controlled by resort access)

• Facilities: Premium amenities including beach clubs, pools, water sports centers

• Activities: Windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, beach tennis, kids' programs

Best For: Families seeking resort amenities, honeymooners, and travelers prioritizing comfort and service quality.

Where to Stay:

• San Pietro Resort: Five-star luxury with private beach, spa, tennis courts, and multiple restaurants. All-inclusive packages available. From €150/night.

• Lura Resort: Villa-style accommodations with apartment options for families. Beach access, pool, and playground. From €90/night.

Dining Options:

• OASIS Bar Restorant: Upscale beachfront dining specializing in Mediterranean fusion and fresh seafood. Sunset views. €20-35.

• Restaurant Gjiri i Lalzit: International and Albanian cuisine in elegant setting. Known for grilled meats and seafood platters. €18-30.

How to Get There: 18 kilometers north of Durres (30-minute drive). Taxi costs €10-15. Many resorts offer airport transfer services.

Insider Tip: Book mid-week for better rates and less crowded beaches. Consider all-inclusive packages for best value at luxury resorts.

4. Portez Beach (Plazhi Portëz) – Best for Peaceful Relaxation

Why Visit: Portez Beach delivers understated elegance with its straight coastline, golden sands, and relaxed atmosphere. Less commercialized than Golem or central Durres, this beach attracts travelers seeking peaceful seaside days.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Clean golden sand with minimal stones

• Water Depth: Moderate gradient, suitable for all swimming levels

• Crowd Level: Low to moderate

• Facilities: Beach clubs with sunbeds, umbrellas, changing facilities, showers

• Activities: Swimming, jet skiing, beach reading, sunset watching

Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking relaxation without excessive crowds or loud music.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Luisi: Comfortable three-star hotel within 200 meters of beach. Clean rooms with balconies. From €40/night.

• Hotel Restaurant Reardi: Family-run property with on-site traditional restaurant. Affordable at €35/night.

Dining Options:

• Portez Beach Bar: Casual beachfront spot perfect for refreshing drinks, light snacks, and lunch. Affordable with meals under €10.

• Restaurant Porta e Detit: Seafood specialists with ocean-view terrace. Fresh fish grilled to perfection. €12-20.

How to Get There: 8 kilometers north of Durres (15-minute drive). Limited public transport; rental car or taxi (€6-8) recommended.

Insider Tip: The beach becomes particularly beautiful during sunset hours. Arrive around 5 PM for golden hour photography and comfortable temperatures.

5. Shkëmbi i Kavajës Beach (Plazhi i Shkëmbit të Kavajës) – Best for Adventure & Water Sports

Why Visit: This distinctive beach combines sandy shores with dramatic rock formations, creating unique coastal scenery. Water sports enthusiasts particularly appreciate the favorable conditions for jet skiing and paddleboarding.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Mix of sand and pebbles with rocky areas

• Water Depth: Varies; deeper sections near rock formations

• Crowd Level: Moderate

• Facilities: Basic amenities with sunbeds and beach bars

• Activities: Jet skiing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, cliff hiking, photography

Best For: Adventure seekers, water sports fans, and travelers who appreciate dramatic coastal landscapes.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel As: Modern hotel with sea-view rooms and contemporary amenities. From €50/night.

• Hotel Bella Vista: Beachfront location with comfortable accommodations and friendly service. From €45/night.

Dining Options:

• Restaurant Shkëmbi: Albanian home cooking with emphasis on fresh seafood and local recipes. €10-18.

• Bar Restorant Miranda: Cozy Mediterranean restaurant offering varied menu and cold beers. €12-20.

How to Get There: 10 kilometers south of Durres near Kavaja town (15-minute drive). Local buses run regularly; taxi costs €7-10.

Insider Tip: The rock formations provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. Bring snorkel gear to explore small fish populations around underwater rocks.

6. Currila Beach (Plazhi i Currilave) – Best for Convenience & City Access

Why Visit: Currila Beach's proximity to Durres city center makes it ideal for travelers wanting beach access without leaving urban convenience. The beach combines natural beauty with easy access to restaurants, shops, and historical sites.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Sandy with some pebbled sections

• Water Depth: Gradual shallow area

• Crowd Level: Moderate to high (easily accessible from city)

• Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, nearby cafes and restaurants

• Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, beachside dining, cliff trail walks

Best For: City-based travelers, those without rental cars, and visitors combining beach time with cultural exploration.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Nais: Comfortable rooms near beach and city attractions. From €45/night.

• Amfiteatri Boutique Hotel: Modern hotel with sea views, close to Roman amphitheater. From €65/night.

Dining Options:

• Vertigo Bar Restorant: Contemporary restaurant with Mediterranean menu and excellent cocktails. Sea views. €15-25.

• Beach Club Currila: Casual beachfront venue serving grilled seafood, salads, and refreshing beverages. €10-18.

How to Get There: 3 kilometers from Durres city center (5-10 minute drive or taxi for €3-5). Easily walkable from central hotels.

Insider Tip: Combine beach time with visits to nearby Durres Amphitheater and Archaeological Museum, both within 15 minutes' walk.

7. Spille Beach (Plazhi i Spillesë) – Best Hidden Gem

Why Visit: Spille Beach remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, offering pristine conditions and authentic Albanian coastal atmosphere. Perfect for travelers seeking peaceful beach experiences away from resort crowds.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Clean, fine sand

• Water Depth: Gentle slope

• Crowd Level: Low (hidden gem status)

• Facilities: Basic amenities available (sunbeds, umbrellas)

• Activities: Swimming, relaxing, nature appreciation, local food exploration

Best For: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, peace-seekers, and budget-conscious visitors wanting quality beach experiences.

Where to Stay:

• Hotel Spille: Simple, clean beachside accommodation. Very affordable at €30/night.

• Guesthouse Anila: Family-run guesthouse offering homely atmosphere and home-cooked breakfasts. From €25/night.

Dining Options:

• Spille Fish Restaurant: Traditional seafood restaurant with daily fresh catch. Authentic Albanian preparation. €10-15.

• Bar Restorant Spille: Laid-back Mediterranean cuisine in relaxed beachside setting. €8-14.

How to Get There: 25 kilometers south of Durres (40-minute drive). Public transport limited; rental car strongly recommended.

Insider Tip: This beach offers the best value in Durres area. Sunbed rental costs only €3-5 for full day versus €10-15 at popular beaches.

9. Mali i Robit Beach – Best for Long Stretches

Why Visit: This extensive beach south of Durres offers kilometers of sandy coastline with developing resort infrastructure. Ideal for long beach walks and less congested swimming areas.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Good sandy beach

• Water Depth: Shallow

• Crowd Level: Moderate

• Facilities: Growing number of beach clubs and facilities

• Activities: Swimming, beach walking, windsurfing

Best For: Travelers seeking newer resort areas with more space and development potential.

How to Get There: 15 kilometers south of Durres (20-minute drive). Regular minibus service available.

Insider Tip: This area is rapidly developing. Visit now for good value before prices match more established beaches.

10. Karpen Beach – Best for Nature Lovers

Why Visit: Karpen Beach combines sandy shores with pine forest backdrop, creating unique natural environment. The protected trees provide natural shade and pleasant microclimate.

Beach Characteristics:

• Sand Quality: Natural sandy beach

• Water Depth: Gradual

• Crowd Level: Low to moderate

• Facilities: Basic beach services

• Activities: Swimming, nature walks, bird watching

Best For: Nature enthusiasts, families wanting natural shade, eco-conscious travelers.

How to Get There: 20 kilometers north of Durres (25-minute drive). Best accessed by car.

Insider Tip: The pine forest offers shaded picnic spots perfect for midday breaks from the sun.

Best Time to Visit Durres Beaches

Peak Season (July-August):

• Water temperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)

• Air temperature: 28-32°C (82-90°F)

• Pros: Warmest water, liveliest atmosphere, all facilities operating

• Cons: Highest prices, most crowded beaches, difficult parking

Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October):

• Water temperature: 19-23°C (66-73°F)

• Air temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)

• Pros: Lower prices, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures

• Cons: Some facilities closed, occasional cooler days

Best Overall: June and September offer optimal balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.

What to Bring to Durres Beaches

Essential items for optimal beach experience:

• Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen (Albanian sun is intense June-August), hat, sunglasses

• Beach Towel: Hotels provide pool towels but not beach towels

• Water Shoes: Useful for rockier beaches like Shkëmbi i Kavajës

• Cash: Many small beach bars don't accept cards

• Snacks & Water: Prices higher at beachfront (bring from city)

• Waterproof Phone Case: For swimming with phone

• Light Cover-up: For walking to/from beach through town

Safety & Etiquette

Water Safety: Durres beaches are generally safe with lifeguards at major beaches during summer. Swimming flags indicate conditions:

• Green: Safe

• Yellow: Caution

• Red: No swimming

Valuables: Use hotel safes; don't leave unattended on beach. Theft is rare but better safe than sorry.

Appropriate Attire: Beachwear is fine at the beach, but cover up when walking through town or entering restaurants.

Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up bills or leave 10% for good service.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Beach Visits

Durres Amphitheater: Balkans' second-largest Roman amphitheater (€3 entry)

Archaeological Museum: Extensive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts (€2 entry)

Venetian Tower: 15th-century fortification with city views (free)

Durres Promenade: Evening stroll along waterfront with cafes and restaurants

Cape of Rodon: 30 minutes north - historic castle and secluded beaches