Beaches of Tirana

Tirana is not a coastal capital, but there is an artificial lake nearby and plenty of beach destinations along the Adriatic that are easily accessible from the city. So there are plenty of places to swim in and around Tirana!

General information about beach vacations in Tirana

There are no official beaches in Tirana, because there are no suitable bodies of water within the city. Most often locals relax by the artificial lake in the Grand Park of Tirana, especially on hot days. But this is more of a place for picnics, walks and relaxation on the shore, rather than a full-fledged beach vacation.

The best beaches near Tirana are on the coast - Durres, Golem, Lalzi Bay, Cape Rodon - all within a 45-90 minute drive from the capital. This part of the Adriatic boasts soft sand, clear and warm Mediterranean water and developed tourist infrastructure.

Albania's Adriatic coastline has moderate and dry summer winds, calm waves and golden sand, sometimes with flecks of small pebbles. The water is more often clear and blue, especially in areas away from major ports.

The period of active vacation - from the end of May to the beginning of October. Average water temperature during the season:

The best beaches near Tirana do not have an official Blue Flag, but are maintained by the municipality, so they are mostly clean and beautiful. There are almost no jellyfish or dangerous marine life. As for drones, barbecues, smoking and other restrictions - you have to find out at the specific beach.

The most popular beaches

We tell you what the best beach on the coast near Tirana is worth visiting and what are some good places to note for the future!

Durres Beach

Durres is the country's largest and longest beach with golden sand and surprisingly spacious coastline, despite the popularity of the place. It is located about 45 minutes from the center of Tirana, near the port city of Durres.

The coastline stretches for about 10 km and the beach is about 30-50 meters wide. The covering is fine golden sand, the entrance to the water is gentle and safe, and the bottom is flat. Along the embankment there are many cafes, restaurants and bars. There are paid sun beds and umbrellas, showers, toilets. Wi-Fi can be found in cafes, and in hotels there are lockers.

The beach of Durres offers vacationers water activities: jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and boat rentals. You can just stroll along the promenade and admire the sunset. The beach is suitable for everyone - families, companies and couples.

Entrance is free in public areas, but you will have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach itself is round-the-clock, and cafes and rentals are open from about 09:00 to 20:00. Within walking distance are ancient sights and the Archaeological Museum of Durres.

Golem Beach

Golem is not as crowded as Durres. It is more cozy, atmospheric, with fine pleasant sand under pine trees. It is located a little south, about an hour drive from Tirana. The most convenient way to get there is by shuttle bus - it goes directly to the city. It is an ideal place for families with children and couples who want a quiet place.

The beach stretches for 3-4 km and is located in an arc-shaped bay. The width of the sandy strip is about 30 meters, the bottom is gentle, the entrance to the water is pleasant and suitable for children. There are beach clubs, restaurants near the pine forests, toilets, rent of sun beds, umbrellas, showers, sometimes in the coastal institutions works Wi-Fi. In addition to the standard water activities, a diving tour can be booked nearby.

Lalzi Bay

A region with a wild but well-maintained sandy beach surrounded by pine forest, without the hustle and bustle of the city and mass tourism. The drive from Tirana takes about an hour by car. The beach stretches for several kilometers, the sand is light, and the depth is gained gradually. The water is clear and turquoise.

There is only very basic infrastructure - wooden cabins, a tavern near the forest, simple toilets and showers, sun beds and umbrellas for a fee, Wi-Fi is almost nonexistent. But you can relax, swim, have a forest picnic, do yoga in the fresh air or walk along the shore.

Spille beach

A marvelous place near Durres with golden sand, pine strip and peaceful atmosphere. Located about 1.5 hours drive from Tirana, south of Lalzi Bay. The coastline is about 1-2 km long and 30 meters wide. The surface is soft sand and the bottom is flat and smooth.

There is minimal infrastructure - a few sun beds, wooden benches, cafe, toilet, seasonal shower. Entertainment is minimal - rest, walking, swimming and fishing. Spille beach will appeal to those who want to relax in silence - couples, singles and nature lovers. There are few shuttle buses, so you can get here by car, cab or organized tour.

Currila Beach

Another beach in the Durres area and one of the favorite places of the locals. It is located about 50 km from the center of Tirana. It is small, covered with fine sand, with a nice and safe descent into the water. The infrastructure is simple - rent sunbeds, umbrellas, a small cafe, toilets, but with showers and internet will be problems. There are no special activities and entertainment. Suitable for those who want to lounge on the beach in peace and quiet.

Cape Rodon

Cape Rodon is located far from Tirana - 2 hours drive, but its visit is a good opportunity to combine bathing and excursion. It is a wild sand and pebble coastal peninsula with Skanderbeg Castle and St. Anthony's Church. A real paradise for lovers of nature and history.

The local beach is hard to call the cleanest. It is also very small and covered with a mixture of sand and pebbles, and the bottom is stony. But the water is very beautiful, clear and cool - just for refreshing while exploring the surroundings.

Travel Tips

Have you decided which is the best beach in Tirana to visit? Do it before 11:00, while it's still not too hot and there are fewer people. Peak hours on TOP beaches like Durres or Golem are from 13:00 to 16:00 in July and August, especially on weekends. The most aggressive sun is between 12:00 and 15:00. SPF 30+, headgear and sunglasses are a must during this time.

Bring a towel or beach blanket, a change of clothes, water, light snacks, slippers and a garbage bag. Bring cash, because it is often possible to rent sun beds or buy something in beach cafes only with cash.

It is forbidden to swim outside the authorized areas, especially where there are strong currents. It is simply dangerous. For convenience, we advise you to download the Albania Bus Timetable app, so that you don't make a mistake with your return to Tirana from the beach.