Where to Stay in Durrës – The Best Hotels

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This blog post will guide you on where to stay in Durrës, recommend the optimal number of nights to spend, and introduce you to the best hotels in the area.

A big city and a five-star beach holiday at a fair price? This is possible in Albania, for example in the harbour city of Durrës. For most travellers to Albania, other cities are on the bucket list. However, Durrës not only offers the longest beach in Albania, but also several historical attractions.

In Durres, you can choose between staying in the city centre or right on the beach, where you can find everything from cozy apartments to elegant boutique hotels and luxurious accommodations. Depending on whether you are coming to Durres for a city trip or for a beach holiday, you should pick the right accommodation in the right location. During my time in Durrës, I discovered several great places to stay that I will share with you. 

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Where to stay in Ksamil

How to get to Durres in Albania

Getting there to Durres: The good ferry connections from Bari and Ancona to Durres are the reason many travellers especially from Italy start their albania road trip here.

The driving distance on road between Tirana (airport) and Durrës is 38 km. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive from Tirana to Durrës. The cheapest way to get from Tirana to Durrës is by bus, which costs €4.

How many days do you need for Durrës?

Travellers staying in hotels in Durrës spend 6 days there on average. If you are using Durres as your first or last stop in Albania and just wish to explore the old town, staying 2 days will be enough.

Do you like it really quite hot? Then the height of summer and especially the month of August is a good time to travel to Albania and Durrës. More moderate Mediterranean bathing temperatures can be found in May and June, as well as in September. I recommend avoiding the months of July and August, as it just gets too busy in those.

Tip: I recommend booking your accommodation early. The best Hotels with good reviews and affordable pricing usually book up quickly.

The best areas to stay

The city centre of Durres around the port offers easy access to all major sights and attractions in the (fairly small) old town of the city. Staying there means you will be able to reach most of those places walking.

If you have chosen Durres for a beach holiday, I recommend Golem (the classic) with its kilometre-long beaches in the south, or if you prefer it more quiet and less busy, Lalzi bay or Kallmi Beach to the north.

The best beachfront hotels in Durrës

Many accommodations and hotels in southern Durres are ideal for a beach holiday, with all amenities in close proximity.

Volmar Hotel: The hotel located centrally right on Golem Beach offers tastefully furnished rooms with amazing views of the Adriatic Sea. The newly opened property also features a private beach area with sun loungers and private parking. You will find friendly staff and a delicious breakfast served daily.

Klajdi Resort & Spa: A great hotel further south on Golem beach with very friendly staff, good value for money. The breakfast buffet is incredible. The larger rooms are very spacious making it a place also perfect for families.

If you are looking for a chil-friendly option, Hotel Adriatik is also a worth having a look at.

Meliá Durrës Albania: For those seeking to stay away from the rather busy beaches in the south, this hotel located in Lalzi Bay (Gjiri i Lalezit) north of town is the best choice. A large new and modern hotel with spacious rooms, a great pool area with pool bar.

The best hotels in central Durrës

Choosing a central hotel in Durres means you will be close to attractions and experience the vibrant energy of the city. From the centre, you can also easily reach other beaches in Durres.

Hotel Kloest: If you are looking to stay centrally located near the city centre, Hotel Kloest is a safe choice. It has perfect location, close to the seafront and Ventus harbour, near the city centre and just 10 minutes walking to the amphitheatre. It comes with nice, large rooms and comfortable beds.

Hotel Nais: A budget friendly family-run hotel with a long tradition, right on the centrally located Bulevardi Epidamn. You feel at home immediately here. The breakfast is plentiful and very tasty.

Agroturizem Gjepali, Shijak: Looking for something a little different? Why not stay on a farm all in nature while enjoying some amazing local food and wine? The Nature and Hotel​​ In Gjepali Agrotourism offers you exactly that, while you will also enjoy the quietest sleep you’ve ever had. The food here is sourced all local, driving from Durres takes about 30 mins.

Is Durres in Albania worth visiting?

There are certainly more beautiful beaches in Albania than in Durres. I really like the beaches on the Albanian Riviera, where I discovered a few real hidden gems in the area around Ksamil and Sarande. Nevertheless, Durres is not without charm.

What is the beach like in Golem, Albania?

This seaside town attracts visitors who want to enjoy the authentic Albanian beach life. The beaches of Golem stretch for miles and are ideal for beach holidays. The soft, golden sand and calm, clear waters invite you to relax and sunbathe.

What is there to see in Durres?

The most famous attractions in Durrës are the amphitheatre, the Great Mosque and the Venetian Tower. But the best thing about the city is its 10-kilometre-long beach.