Beaches in Durrës

Durrës is not only Albania’s second-largest city but also a bustling seaside resort that is immensely popular among locals and foreigners alike. The local coastline is characterised by long beaches and a large number of hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Apart from Durrës, you’ll find all this in more southern Golem as well. Litter problems have been on the wane in recent years, yet Durrës‘s beaches aren’t exactly known for being clean. If you’re looking for more calmness, head to Cape Rodon or General’s Beach.

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Cape Rodon

The pebble beach on Cape Rodon is located close to the medieval church of St. Anthony. Its charm only adds to the overall magical atmosphere of Cape Rodon. The abandoned bunker is home to a modest restaurant in the summer. The beach has clear water, but trash from the adjacent Drin Bay occasionally washes up.

Lalëz Beach

The Lalëz Beach is a several-kilometre-long sandy beach that can be found south of Cape Rodon. It has become very popular in recent years, especially among Albanians. Several large hotel complexes have sprung up here, as well as many bars and restaurants. The sea tends to be murky near the shoreline. The beach also struggles with litter.

Portez Beach

A small beach with relatively clear water is located by the cliffs on the western coast of Cape Pal (Kepi i Palit), about 15 kilometres north of Durrës. There is a nice restaurant above the beach. Overall, a good alternative to the crowded beaches at Durrës or Golem.

Curillë and Kallm Beaches

These two smaller beaches are located a short distance apart on the western end of Durrës. Currilë is busier and lies practically still in the urban area. It also suffers from a similar affliction to the main beach in Durrës: litter. Kallm is located on a surprisingly wild coastline that stretches from Durrës to the northwest, characterized by steep slopes and boulders scattered in the shallow water. The water here is much clearer than in Durrës itself.

Durrës Beach

The largest and most visited beach in Albania, it stretches for 10 kilometres south of Durrës. Albanians from the northern part of the country, as well as those from Kosovo and Northern Macedonia, are the most frequent visitors. Frankly, it’s best to avoid it – it tends to be overcrowded in summer, not entirely clean and the water is murky.

Golem Beach

The several kilometres long sandy beach of Golem has a crescent shape and is a southern continuation of the Durrës Beach. In recent years it has become one of the most popular beaches in Albania. Its surroundings have been the site of an unprecedented building boom, with dozens of hotels, apartment blocks and restaurants springing up here alongside pine groves. The beach has a very gentle slope and the water is shallow and relatively calm. Ideal for families with children.

Karpen Beach

Another of several wide sandy beaches south of Durrës is located at the emerging resort of Karpen near Kavajë.Families with small children will especially value the softly sloping bottom. The water here is also cleaner than at beaches further north. A popular campsite here is Pa Emër (Without a Name, in English), whose main attraction is an artificial island.

General’s Beach

General’s Beach (Plazhi i Gjeneralit) is one of the most beautiful beach in northern and central Albania, situated in the so-called Kryevidh Riviera south-east of Kavajë. It is well maintained and the sea is clean, unlike other beaches in the area. There is a restaurant and bungalows for overnight stay next to the beach. The only drawback is the relatively long way you have to take to get to the beach.

Spille Beach

Spille Beach is a tranquil spot known for its long stretches of golden sand and shallow waters. It’s popular mainly among locals, though it also attracts international visitors. The beach offers a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with the busy beaches around Durrës. Pine trees line the shore, providing natural shade and creating a picturesque setting ideal for leisurely picnics or a peaceful day by the sea. Although Spille is relatively quiet, it offers basic amenities like sunbeds, small cafes, and restaurants with fresh seafood. There are also several hotels, guesthouses, and campsites nearby.

Divjaka Beach

Another of the many long sandy beaches between Durrës and Vlorë is located in the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park. It is several hundred metres wide and almost completely lacking in tourist infrastructure. You can stay in guesthouses on the edge of the pine forest that separates the sea from the vast Karavasta Lagoon. The bottom slopes only gently and you have to walk tens of metres before you can swim. It can be reached by car, including motorhomes.