Durres, a popular seaside city on the Adriatic coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering an idyllic blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. As Albania’s second-largest city and a prominent port city, Durres attracts both locals and visitors, especially during the summer months.
Situated a short drive away from Albania’s capital, Tirana, Durres is a popular summer destination, boasting all the essentials for a fantastic holiday.
The city has a relatively good infrastructure, with easy access to the bustling capital, beautiful mountains and long sandy beaches with shallow waters.
Additionally, Durres offers a wide variety of beach bars and restaurants catering to various tastes, all at very affordable prices.
So if you are looking for beaches in Durres for your Albanian beach holiday, this article is for you.
In this article, you will read about the best beaches in Durres, and we will also give you a few extra suggestions on what else is worth visiting when you are on holiday in Durres.
List of the best beaches in Durres
The beaches of Durres are part of the Adriatic coastline of Albania and attract visitors from all over the world, especially during the summer season.
In Durres you will find huge, fine sandy beaches with all kinds of offers, facilities and entertainment. We have collected the most popular of these beaches.
So let’s see which are the best beaches in Durres.
Beach of Durres (Plazhi i Durrësit)
The longest beach in Durres is the Beach of Durres, which stretches for many kilometers southeast of the city.
It is Durres’ best known and most popular beach, easily accessible from the city center. The water is shallow, the beach is sandy and vast, with plenty of room for lots of visitors.
The Beach of Durres is also perfect for a beachside dinner, entertainment or water sports. You can hire jet skis, pedal boats and much more. Its long and wide promenade is lined with numerous hotels, bars and restaurants.
Golem Beach (Plazhi i Golemit)
Durres’ southernmost beach, the furthest from the city center.
Golem Beach is famous for its soft golden sand and crystal clear waters. One of the most beautiful beaches in the region, it is a must for beach lovers.
The Golem Beach offers perfect conditions for beach sports. With its long stretch of beach, Golem Beach provides ample beach area for sunbathers to bask in the sun and enjoy the beautiful beach.
Currila Beach (Plazhi i Currilave)
Currila Beach, close to the city center of Durres, is a less popular beach offering tranquility.
It has lovely beach umbrellas and nice clear water. There are only a few restaurants on the beach, so this is the place to go for a more relaxing break.
It should be noted, however, that although the beach itself is lovely, the road to get there is quite interesting, as it leads through a poor district via winding roads. So contrary to what is often said, Currila Beach is not about the journey, it’s about the destination!
Spille Beach
Spille Beach is located further south from the city of Durres, in a quiet area near the village of Spille. It is a well-developed beach in an idyllic setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with many facilities.
The beach is bordered by a pine forest, which enhances its natural beauty and offers the opportunity to relax in the shade.
Along the beach, you will find a variety of restaurants where you can sample traditional Albanian food, as well as a promenade along the beach, which offers the opportunity for a pleasant walk.
Lalez Beach (Plazhi i Gjirit te Lalëzit)
Lalez Beach is located north of Durres, outside the city. It is a well-developed, vast stretch of beach with plenty of sun beds, restaurants, apartments and leisure facilities. Its rural character makes it more recommended for those who are willing to drive a little further out of the city for cleaner water, a calmer atmosphere and proximity to nature.
So much for the best beaches in Durres. There aren’t that many, but in fact these few beaches add up to tens of kilometers in length. What’s more, they offer countless dining, accommodation and entertainment options.
What else is worth visiting in Durres?
Furthermore, here are additional attractions to explore beyond the beaches during your trip to Durres.
Amphitheater of Durrës (Amfiteatri i Durrësit)
The ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater are located in the center of the city of Durrës and are one of the most valuable Roman monuments in Albania. The imposing building was constructed in the 2nd century AD and originally had a capacity of 15,000-20,000 people. Nowadays, visitors can admire the ruins of the amphitheater by paying an entrance fee.
Venetian Tower of Durrës (Kulla e Durrësit)
The Durres Venetian Tower is a medieval fortress located in the city center. The tower was built in the 15th century and originally served defensive purposes.
It is possible to climb to the top of the tower for free via a staircase. From the observation deck at the top, a beautiful panorama of the city unfolds.
Next to it runs a castle wall dating back to the 5th century, which is worth exploring, along with several statues found in front of it.
National Archaeological Museum (Muzeu Kombëtar Arkeologjik)
The National Archaeological Museum in Durres is a vital cultural institution showcasing the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. It offers a captivating collection from ancient to medieval times. Exhibits present archaeological findings, providing insights into ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Ancient artworks, jewelry, ceramics, and artifacts portray daily life and societal structures.
These are just some of the things to see and do in Durres during your holiday.
Finally, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about holidays in Durres.
Where to stay in Durres
We recommend the following hotels in Durres:
Best time to travel to Durres
If you want to go to the beach, we definitely recommend the summer months. The water is warmest in July, August and September.
However, you should also be aware of the high temperatures, which can make other activities (such as hiking in the mountains or sightseeing) difficult.
In addition, you’ll find the highest prices in high season.
If you want a compromise solution, September is probably the best month, when prices are starting to fall but the weather is still pleasantly warm.
Is the seawater clean in Durres?
During our walk along several kilometers of Durres’ coastline, we found clear water in most places, with one exception: near the port, where we saw oil slicks in the water. Therefore, we advise bathers to go further away from the port and always check the water before taking a dip.
So, that was the introduction to Durres’ beaches. We trust that we’ve supplied you with helpful information and inspiration for your Durres vacation.
With its stunning beaches and historic landmarks, Durres is a popular destination that seamlessly blends relaxation with discovery.
Whether you want to bask in the sun on the shores of the Adriatic Sea or explore the historic sights, Durres has something for every traveler.
Plan your visit and embark on an unforgettable journey to this charming Adriatic coastal city.
