Durrës Beach, also known as Plazhi i Durrësit, is one of the most popular and longest sandy beaches in Albania. Stretching for more than 10 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful coastal area attracts both local visitors and international travelers every year. It is known for its soft golden sand, warm shallow waters, beachside promenades, vibrant cafés, and lively summer atmosphere. Located just a short distance from the center of Durrës, the beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Albania.
Reaching Durrës Beach is very easy, thanks to its convenient location near the heart of Durrës city:
By Road: Durrës is well-connected by highways. If you are coming from Tirana, the capital city of Albania, the drive takes around 30–40 minutes. Public buses and minibuses frequently run between Tirana and Durrës, making it an accessible option for travelers without private transport.
From Durrës City Center: The beach is located close to the city center, and most parts of the beach can be reached on foot or by taking a short taxi ride. Many hotels and guesthouses in the city offer shuttle services to the beach as well.
By Train: Although Albania’s train network is limited, Durrës is one of the few cities with a functional railway connection from Kashar (near Tirana). From the Durrës train station, the beach is just a few minutes away.
By Sea: For travelers arriving by ferry from Italy (Bari or Ancona), the Durrës Port is located extremely close to the beach area.
Durrës enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate that makes the beach suitable for visits throughout most of the year. Summers (June to September) are hot, sunny, and ideal for swimming, with temperatures often between 28°C and 35°C. The sea temperature stays warm, making it perfect for relaxing in shallow waters.
Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures with fewer crowds, perfect for quiet beach walks or enjoying seaside cafés. Winter is cooler and sometimes rainy, but the beach still remains an attractive spot for peaceful views and photography, although swimming is less common.
Durrës Beach is accessible 24 hours a day, as it is an open public beach. However, the best time to enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, and watersports is during daylight hours, especially between early morning and sunset.
Peak season: June to August Shoulder season: April–May and September–October Quiet months: November–March
Durrës Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Albania for several reasons:
• It is the longest and most visited beach on the Albanian coast. • It offers shallow, calm, and warm water ideal for families and beginners. • The beach has a long promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, resorts, and entertainment venues. • Its proximity to Tirana makes it the easiest beach getaway for locals and tourists. • It combines modern beach facilities with the cultural and historical attractions of Durrës.
Durrës Beach is open to the public and free to access. Visitors can bring their own umbrellas, towels, or beach chairs. Many beachfront hotels and private operators also offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent during the summer season.
Public facilities such as showers, changing rooms, restrooms, and small kiosks are available in many areas of the beach. Parking areas are available along the coastline, especially near major restaurants and hotels.
The coastline of Durrës has been inhabited and used for maritime activities for over 2,500 years. Durrës itself was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers and became one of the most important ports in the Adriatic Sea during Roman and Byzantine times.
While Durrës Beach in ancient times was more focused on commerce and shipping, over the last century it transformed into a recreational beach destination. During the 20th century, it became a popular vacation area for Albanians, and after the 1990s, the beach saw major development with hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities. Today, it stands as one of the largest beach tourism hubs in the Balkans.
Durrës Beach offers a wide range of activities for all types of travelers:
• Swimming and Sunbathing: The calm, shallow waters are ideal for relaxed swimming and sunbathing.
• Water Sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, pedal boats, and banana boat rides are commonly available during summer.
• Beach Walks: The long coastline makes it perfect for early morning or evening walks.
• Dining and Nightlife: Beachfront cafés, seafood restaurants, and bars provide excellent dining options, while summer nights come alive with music and beach parties.
• Kids’ Activities: Shallow water, playgrounds, and amusement rides make it a family-friendly destination.
• Explore Nearby Attractions: The Durrës Amphitheatre, Durrës Castle, the Venetian Tower, and archaeological sites are all located close to the beach.
• One of the longest beaches in Albania, extending over 10 km.
• Very shallow and warm sea, making it ideal for families.
• Popular destination for both locals and international visitors.
• Close to Durrës Port, one of the oldest ports in the Adriatic.
• The beach sees its highest number of visitors in July and August.
• Many resorts, hotels, and beachfront apartments line the coastline.
• Known for spectacular sunsets over the Adriatic Sea.
1. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon in peak summer to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures. 2. If you prefer quieter areas, walk further south along the coastline where the beach is less crowded. 3. Carry sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water during summer months. 4. Many beachfront restaurants offer sunbeds for free if you order food or drinks. 5. Keep personal belongings safe, especially during peak tourist season. 6. If visiting with children, choose areas with lifeguards and shallow waters. 7. Combine your beach trip with sightseeing in Durrës city for a complete experience.
Durrës Beach is a vibrant, beautiful, and culturally rich destination that combines the charm of Albania’s historic city of Durrës with the relaxing atmosphere of the Adriatic Sea. Whether you want to unwind on golden sands, enjoy water sports, taste delicious seafood, or explore ancient heritage, Durrës Beach offers something for everyone. Its easy accessibility, long coastline, and lively environment make it a must-visit spot for any traveler exploring Albania.