The Best Beaches in Albania near Tirana
If you’re curious about the best beaches near Tirana, this blog post has great suggestions. Albania has a long coastline, but the focus here will be on the best beaches near Tirana. These beaches are a 45-minute to 3-hour drive away, depending on how far you’re willing to travel.
What are the best beaches near Tirana?
- Durres beach (45 min drive)
- Golem beach (60 min drive)
- The Cape of Rodon (2-hour drive)
- The Bay of Lalzi (45 min drive)
- Rana e Hedhun or Thrown Sand beach (1 h and 20 min drive)
- General’s beach (1.5-hour drive)
- Spille beach (1.5-hour drive
- Vlore beach (3-hour drive)
1. Durres Beach
Durres is a large city by the sea, close to the country’s capital, Tirana. It’s only about a 45-minute drive from Tirana to Durres. Because of this proximity, Durres is very lively and busy during the spring and summer.
Durres beach is one of the best beaches near Tirana, offering a vibrant atmosphere with lots of hotels, apartments, places to eat, shops, and cafes.
During the busy summer months, the beach is full of chairs for sunbathing and umbrellas, making Durres a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s a lively and active beach city just a short drive away from Tirana.
Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)
If someone is staying in Tirana, it is a good idea to take a one-day trip to Durres or Golem Beach, which is mentioned later. These beaches are the closest to Tirana, so it takes less time to get there. This means there’s more time for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and eating out.
Getting to Durres Beach is easy:
One can take a direct bus from Tirana International Airport. If driving, there’s a direct highway from Skanderbeg Square in Tirana right to Durres Beach. A taxi ride from Tirana will cost between 21 and 29 euros, depending on the taxi company; Speed Taxi and City Taxi both charge 21 euros.
Another option is to take a bus from the Regional Bus Terminal to Durres. However, this is less convenient since one needs to first get a taxi to the bus terminal, which is outside the city center.
Might not be the prettiest beach in Albania, with more stunning beaches like Jale, Gjipe, or Ksamil along the Albanian Riviera in the south, Durres is still an excellent choice for a day trip from Tirana. It only takes about 45 minutes to travel there, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the beach.
Does Tirana Albania have a beach?
Tirana, Albania does not have a beach. However, it’s just a 45-minute drive or taxi ride to the closest beach, which is Durres beach.
How far is the beach from Tirana Albania?
The nearest beach, Durres beach, is about 45 minutes away by car, taxi, or bus from Tirana.
2. Golem Beach
Golem Beach, located a little south of Durres Beach, is one of the best beaches near Tirana. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to drive there from the capital city. Many people from Tirana prefer Golem Beach over Durres Beach because it boasts exceptionally beautiful sandy shores. Additionally, Golem Beach offers convenient amenities, including resorts and small hotels situated right by the sea, making it an ideal coastal destination near Tirana.
3. The Cape of Rodon (Kepi i Rodonit)
Is very different from Durres beach and Golem beach because it is wild, untouched, and natural. The Cape of Rodon is a rocky area that stretches out into the Adriatic Sea. It is also a protected nature park, which means that no buildings like hotels, restaurants, or bars are allowed. This keeps the Cape of Rodon completely natural and undisturbed. If someone enjoys exploring less known places and loves discovering hidden treasures, they would definitely love the Cape of Rodon.
The Cape of Rodon, one of the best beaches near Tirana, is close to the city, but it takes about 2 hours to drive there because there’s no highway. Instead, you’ll wind through smaller local roads. The drive itself is scenic. You start on the Tirana-Durres highway and exit at Maminas. Then you’ll pass through the charming Maminas village with its lovely houses and gardens before reaching the cape.
Once you arrive, expect a 30-45 minute hike through the hills. The view from the trail’s end is breathtaking—wild nature on the rocky cape and the crashing waves below. At the end of the trail, you can visit the ruins of Rodoni Castle. On the return journey, you can walk along the coastline, where you’ll find untouched, wild beaches. The Cape of Rodon is ideal for adventurous types who love nature. There aren’t amenities like restaurants or bars, but the natural beauty and views are worth it.
Tip: The road to Cape of Rodon connects to Bay of Lalzi. It's a good idea to visit Cape of Rodon in the morning and then return along the same road to stop at Bay of Lalzi. This makes for a great day trip from Tirana, especially for those who want to avoid crowded beach spots like Durres and prefer a more natural and wild coastal setting.
4. The Bay of Lalzi (Gjiri i Lalzit)
The Bay of Lalzi is one of the best beaches near Tirana if you want a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Tirana, similar to Durres beach, but offers a more serene and natural setting. Surrounded by pine trees, the Bay of Lalzi boasts a tranquil atmosphere, contrasting with the busy environment of Durres. Here, you’ll find only a small wooden restaurant, adding to the secluded charm of this coastal spot.
The Bay of Lalzi has a nice sandy beach. Even though you’ll find beach chairs and umbrellas, it’s quieter and not as crowded. It’s a favorite spot for locals and not very touristy. There are some basic facilities like showers, toilets, and one restaurant near the beach, but overall, it’s peaceful.
The Bay of Lalzi pairs well with the Cape of Rodon because they’re along the same road. You could visit Cape Rodon in the morning and then relax at the Bay of Lalzi in the afternoon.
5. Rana e Hedhun
Rana e Hedhun, also known as Thrown Sand Beach, is located north of Albania. It’s a lovely beach close to the town of Lezhe. To reach it from Tirana, one must drive for about an hour to Lezhe, then another 20 minutes to the beach. The nearest major coastal area to Lezhe is Shengjin Beach, but it’s worth going a bit further to visit Rana e Hedhun Beach, which is a hidden gem in northern Albania.
The name “Thrown Sand” comes from a large sand dune on the mountain that slopes down to the sea, creating the appearance of sand being tossed onto the mountainside. Rana e Hedhun features a beautiful sandy shore with a gentle slope into the water. The sea here has calming waves, and there are attractive restaurants with lounge chairs along the beach.
If you’re visiting Tirana or northern Albania for your holiday, Rana e Hedhun is worth a stop. If you plan to see the Albanian Alps or take the Lake Koman Ferry, passing through Lezhe makes it convenient to visit Thrown Sand Beach.
6. General’s Beach
General’s Beach, also known as Plazhi i Gjeneralit, is a peaceful spot that’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Tirana. If someone doesn’t enjoy bustling coastal cities, they might want to skip Durres and Golem beaches and opt for quieter spots like the Bay of Lazli or General’s Beach. Keep in mind, General’s Beach is farther south than Durres, so it takes longer to get there by car.
General’s Beach is a lovely natural bay with a mix of rocks and sand along the shore. The beach is surrounded by mountain cliffs covered in green trees, so there are no tall buildings or apartment complexes around.
At General’s Beach, there are some amenities available. There’s a small promenade with a few restaurants, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas on the sand. Additionally, there’s a cozy restaurant located on the water, accessible via a walking bridge. However, it’s much quieter here compared to large coastal cities like Durres, Golem, or Vlore.
7. Spille Beach
Spille Beach is considered one of the best beaches near Tirana, making it an ideal spot for families visiting the area. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive there from Tirana. Many families prefer Spille Beach because of its shallow waters and the presence of a sandbank, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for young children to play in the water while parents relax on their sunbeds.
The beach itself is long and wide, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. It’s sandy and surrounded by pine trees. Along the coastline, there are restaurants that serve simple meals like pizza and fresh local food.
8. Vlore Beach
Vlore Beach is about a 3-hour drive from Tirana, the capital city of Albania. It marks the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, which is the coastline in the southern part of Albania. The Albanian Riviera starts here and stretches all the way down to Saranda Beach. The most beautiful beaches in Albania are found further south near the Greek border, with Ksamil Beach being a highlight near Corfu Island and the Greek border.
Read also: Best Beaches to Visit in Vlorë (2024 Guide)
If time is limited and you can’t travel far south, a day trip to Vlore Beach is a good option. Vlore Beach is located in a large bay and is a sizable coastal city. It features beautiful white sand. The beach area has a pleasant promenade along the water with restaurants and bars, as well as a range of hotels and dining spots.
Compared to Durres, Vlore is generally considered more attractive with a charming Mediterranean feel. However, since Vlore is a 3-hour drive from Tirana, you’ll need to decide if the journey is worthwhile for you.
A day trip to Vlore Beach from Tirana can be enhanced by including three nearby attractions:
- Apollonia archaeological park
- Zvernec island
- Vlore beach itself.
Begin your journey from Tirana around 7:30 AM and make a stop at Apollonia archaeological park on the way to Vlore. This park features the remains of an ancient Greek and Roman city and is worth exploring for 1-2 hours.
Later in the day, head to Vlore beach for some relaxation and seaside fun.
Before returning, take a detour to the charming Zvernec island near Vlore. You can reach this picturesque spot via a long wooden footbridge and explore the small monastery located there, while capturing some beautiful photos of the surroundings.
How to get from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera?
You can get from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera by taxi, by car or by bus. There are two big coastal towns in the Albanian Riviera: Vlore beach and Saranda beach. Vlore beach is the starting point of the Albanian Riviera. From Tirana, it takes 3 hours to drive by taxi, by car or by bus to Vlore.
A taxi from Tirana to Vlore will cost you between 74 euros – 107 euros.
- Merr Taxi charges 107 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Vlore
- UPs taxi charges 11867 Leke (98 euros) for a taxi from Tirana to Vlore
- Speedtaxi charges 9500 Leke or 80 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Vlore
- City Taxi charges 9000 Leke (74 euros) for a taxi from Tirana to Vlore
- Euro Taxi charges 90 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Vlore
The bus from Tirana to Vlore departs from the Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania. This bus terminal is located outside the city centre of Tirana. So you must take a short taxi ride to the bus terminal. The bus from Tirana to Vlore departs every 30 minutes between 5:00 AM and 17:30 PM.
A taxi from Tirana to Saranda costs between 134 euros – 191 euros.
- Merr Taxi charges 191 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Saranda
- UPs taxi charges 21502 Leke (177 euros) for a taxi from Tirana to Saranda
- Speedtaxi charges 16000 Leke or 134 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Saranda
- City Taxi charges 16000 Leke (134 euros) for a taxi from Tirana to Saranda
- Euro Taxi charges 130 euros for a taxi from Tirana to Saranda
If you want to travel from Tirana to Saranda, it will take you 5-6 hours. Because Saranda is all the way in the South of Albania, near the Greek border. There are two routes from Tirana to Saranda, the inland road is slightly shorter at about 5 hours, but less pretty. And the coastal road from Vlore to Saranda is absolutely stunning, but it will certainly take you longer, estimate 6-7 hours with time for some stops along the route.
The bus from Tirana to Saranda also departs from the Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania. Take a taxi from the city centre to get to the bus terminal. The bus departs at 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, 12:30 PM and 16:00 PM. A bus ticket from Tirana to Saranda costs 12-14 euros for a one-way journey.
Read also: The Best Things to do in Dhermi, Albania 2024
Best beaches in the Albanian Riviera
Without a doubt, the Albanian Riviera in the South of Albania is the area with the best beaches in the country. However, the Albanian Riviera is not very close to Tirana. You can drive to Saranda in the south in 5 hours via the inland road. But a 1-day return trip from Tirana is not really possible, as it won’t allow you time to swim or visit any sights. Therefore, you will need at least 2 days and 1 night or more time to visit the Albanian Riviera if you are starting from Tirana.
The best beaches in the Albanian Riviera are:
- Ksamil beach and islands
- Gjipe Beach
- Jale Beach
- Drymades beach
- Mirror and Monastry beach
- Dhermi beach
- Vlore beach
- Himare beach
- Borsh beach
- Saranda coastal city
If you have limited time, the best way to visit the Albanian Riviera is a 1 day trip to Vlore beach, which is the closest Albanian Riviera beach to Tirana.
Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024
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