Durrës.
Flight from TLV
2h 44m
Best season
יונ–ספט
Avg temp
22°
Currency
L ALL · 1=₪0.038
Time zone
שעה אחת פחות מת״א
Language
אלבנית; אנגלית נפוצה במלונות ובאזורי התיירות
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום
Safety
יעד נוח ובטוח יחסית; בחופים ובטיילות עמוסות מומלץ להישמר מכייסות, ובכבישים לנהוג בזהירות
Overview
🇦🇱Durrës
🇦🇱Albania
Durrës is Albania’s accessible Adriatic escape, pairing a long coastline and good-value hotels with a short flight from Tel Aviv to Tirana Airport, roughly an hour away. Israeli families and groups usually choose the broad beach and lively promenade around Plazh, while couples seeking clearer water and a calmer resort atmosphere continue south to Golem and Mali i Robit. Between swims and sunsets, explore the Roman Amphitheatre and Venetian Tower, then join the evening stroll along Vollga Promenade. It is an easy, affordable summer break, ideal for four or five nights with a day trip to Tirana or Krujë.
What are you looking for?
Everything for Durrës, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Durrës
Each area and who it suits best.
Vollga Promenade and the Historic Center
This is the best base for experiencing Durrës proper: walks along the Vollga promenade, sunset by Ventus Harbor, and easy access to the Amphitheatre, Venetian Tower, and Illyria Square. Hotels such as Hotel Epidamn Boutique & Spa provide an elegant urban stay, but the area lacks the broad sandy beach of Plazh and tends to cost a little more.
Durrës Beach, along Rruga Pavarësia
The long hotel and apartment strip at Plazhi i Durrësit is the classic family choice, with shallow water, sunbeds, restaurants, and shops lining Rruga Pavarësia. Hotel Dyrrah and Hotel Villa Pascucci are well-known options; value is strong, but in July and August the road is congested, the beach crowded, and music can continue late.
Iliria and Shkëmbi i Kavajës
At the southern end of the urban beach, Iliria and Shkëmbi i Kavajës offer larger hotels, sand-side bars, and more of a resort atmosphere. Adriatik Hotel and Premium Beach Hotel suit guests who want pools and beach service in one place; the trade-off is a 20 to 30-minute drive to the old center when traffic is heavy.
Golem and Mali i Robit
South of Durrës, Golem and Mali i Robit provide a long sandy beach, pool hotels, and a café-filled promenade, especially along Bulevardi i Pishave. Klajdi Resort and Flower Hotels & Resorts are popular for self-contained resort stays; the downside is summer traffic and a 25 to 40-minute trip into central Durrës.
Karpen
South of Golem, Karpen is quieter and less developed, with coves, sunsets, and a secluded feel around Karpen Beach. It is a strong base for couples seeking a peaceful boutique stay or seaside apartment and willing to drive; dining choices are limited and a car is close to essential.
Lalëz Bay and Hamallaj
North of Durrës, Gjiri i Lalëzit combines broad beaches, pine forest, villas, and polished developments such as San Pietro Resort. It suits families and couples seeking privacy and a cleaner-feeling beach than the urban strip; prices are higher, there is no walkable city life, and central Durrës is about 35 to 50 minutes away.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Durrës
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
13°
6°
Cool
פבר
14°
5°
Cool
מרץ
16°
9°
Recommended
אפר
18°
10°
Recommended
מאי
22°
15°
Excellent
יונ
28°
20°
Excellent
יול
31°
22°
Excellent
אוג
31°
22°
Excellent
ספט
27°
19°
Excellent
אוק
22°
14°
Excellent
נוב
17°
10°
Recommended
דצמ
14°
6°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): יונ · יול · אוג · ספט. July and August are the Israeli peak thanks to the school holiday, warm sea, reliable sunshine and fully operating beach facilities, although hotels and beaches are busier. June and September still offer excellent swimming with fewer crowds and better prices, particularly for couples and families not tied to school dates.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Durrës · Open-Meteo
This week in Durrës
Measured in Durrës
20°
Sunny
Next 7 days
Tap a day for hourly detail
Seasonal averages · loading live forecast…
Things to do
Things to do in Durrës
On the map
Durrës on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Durrës itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Ancient Durrës and the Vollga Promenade
Begin at the Roman Amphitheatre before 10:00, then continue to the Byzantine walls and Venetian Tower before exploring Illyria Square and Bulevardi Epidamn. Choose a promenade restaurant for grilled fish, salad, and vegetables at lunch, noting that its kitchen is not kosher. Near sunset, walk the Vollga promenade to Sfinksi and Ventus Harbor, two of the city's best evening viewpoints. Finish with coffee or a cocktail by the marina; central Durrës excels more at relaxed evenings than major clubbing.
- 2
Day 2
Beach Day in Plazh and Iliria
Reach Plazhi i Durrësit by 09:00 to secure front-row loungers and an umbrella before the beach fills. Families will appreciate the shallow entry, and it is easy to walk south along Rruga Pavarësia toward Iliria and its sand-side cafés. Retreat to the hotel during the hottest part of the afternoon, then return to the water between 17:00 and 19:00. In the evening, young travelers can find music and beach bars around Iliria and Shkëmbi i Kavajës, while families can keep to the promenade and ice-cream stops.
- 3
Day 3
Krujë and the Ottoman Bazaar
Leave at 08:00 by car or private driver for Krujë, roughly 75 minutes from Durrës, and arrive ahead of day-tour groups. Visit Krujë Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum, then browse rugs, silverwork, and souvenirs in the Old Bazaar. For lunch, choose simple Albanian dishes such as stuffed peppers, salad, cheese, and bread, while remembering that no certified kosher restaurant operates here. Stop for a view across the plain on the return journey, then reach Durrës in time for sunset on Vollga.
- 4
Day 4
Lalëz Bay and Cape Rodon
Drive north early to Gjiri i Lalëzit for a morning swim on a broader, quieter beach than the city strip. Continue to Cape Rodon and walk toward St. Anthony Church and the remains of Skanderbeg Castle, wearing closed shoes and carrying water and a hat because parts of the route are exposed and unpaved. Eat a packed picnic or stop at a beach venue back in Lalëz Bay. Return before dark, as rural roads are narrow and lighting is limited.
- 5
Day 5
Tirana, Market, and Shopping
Set aside a full day for Tirana and depart before 08:30 to get ahead of traffic. Begin at Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, and Bunk'Art 2, continue to Pazari i Ri, then walk to Blloku for coffee and its youthful atmosphere. For international brands, visit Tirana East Gate or QTU on the way back; prices are not always lower than in Israel, so focus on promotions and regional labels. Kosher-observant travelers should arrange food collection or a Chabad visit in advance rather than relying on the market.
- 6
Day 6
Golem, Mali i Robit, and a Final Beach Day
Finish at a relaxed pace on the beaches of Golem and Mali i Robit, arriving by 09:30 to park and secure a good spot near Bulevardi i Pishave. Spend the morning between the sea, pool, and café promenade, or book resort day access if offered on your date. After an afternoon break, return to Durrës for the Archaeological Museum if it is open, as hours and renovation closures can change. Devote the final evening to sunset at Sfinksi and a farewell meal overlooking the sea.
Quick game
Not sure yet? Find your travel type
30 fun seconds, then personal picks of the best spots for you here.
Quick game
What's your Durrës travel type?
Question 1 of 5
Your perfect vacation morning?
Budget
How much does Durrës cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪650-1,500 (summer: ₪1,800+)
4–5-night package
₪1,900-3,900 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪220-450 per room
Five-star hotel nightly
₪500-1,050 per room
Restaurant meal
₪35-85 per person
Local beer
₪8-15
Coffee
₪5-10
Short taxi ride
₪18-35
Rental car daily
₪110-240 (before insurance)
Two loungers and umbrella
₪25-55 daily
Krujë and Tirana tour
₪170-330 per person
Daily budget per person
₪220-450 (excluding hotel)
Family, five nights
₪7,500-13,500 (total)
Good to know
Good to know before Durrës
Getting around
From the airport
Tirana International Airport, TIA, is roughly 35 km from Durrës. An official taxi to central Durrës generally costs ₪95-140 and takes 35 to 50 minutes; Golem is about ₪120-170 and can take an hour in summer, while a hotel transfer or MerrTaxi booking provides clearer pricing. A direct Adis Travel Tours airport bus generally operates several times daily, costing about ₪20-30 and taking around one hour, but schedules should be checked; outside those times, traveling via Tirana costs about ₪20-35 and takes close to two hours. There is no useful airport train, while a private family shuttle normally costs ₪130-220 depending on destination and time.
Need a car?
A car is unnecessary in central Durrës and Plazh: most places are walkable and short taxi rides avoid parking and congestion on Rruga Pavarësia. For families staying at a Golem resort, a car is optional if most days revolve around the pool and beach. A rental is highly useful for Karpen, Lalëz Bay, Krujë, Cape Rodon, Berat, and winery trips; a private driver is the easier choice for travelers uncomfortable with local driving.
Tips
Use MerrTaxi or Speed Taxi and prefer an in-app or agreed fare before departure; Uber and Bolt are not reliable foundations here. Rruga Pavarësia and the approaches to Golem become heavily congested from about 17:00 to 21:00 in summer, so leave generous buffers for flights and tours. Central parking is limited, and at private beaches or hotels it is worth confirming that parking is included and leaving nothing visible inside the car.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Durrës has no permanent Chabad house, daily minyan, or kosher grocery. The nearest Israeli-oriented address is Chabad of Albania in central Tirana, roughly 40 to 60 minutes from Durrës; it hosts pre-arranged Shabbat and holiday meals and sometimes minyanim, but advance registration is essential because activity and venue details can change. Shabbat-observant visitors should consider spending Friday night in Tirana rather than relying on transport from Durrës.
Kosher food
Durrës has no certified kosher restaurant, and venues serving fish or vegetarian food are still not kosher because of shared kitchens and utensils. SPAR, Conad, and Big Market may stock imported products carrying kosher symbols, typically tuna, crackers, pasta, sauces, and sometimes plant milk, but selection is inconsistent. Kosher-observant Israelis generally book an apartment with a kitchenette, bring sealed bread, snacks, and meals from Israel, and coordinate supplies in Tirana with Chabad before heading to the coast.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Durrës 🇦🇱
A hospital day in Durrës can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
3.82
1 ALL
₪0.04
100 ALL
₪3.82
1,000 ALL
₪38.2
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Durrës 🇦🇱
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Durrës
- 💶The currency is the Albanian lek, and while major hotels accept cards, cash is preferable at Kallmi Beach, in taxis, and at bakeries; Credins or BKT ATMs are usually straightforward, and you should always decline any terminal conversion into shekels or euros.
- 🚕The journey from Tirana International Airport to Durrës takes roughly 35 to 50 minutes, and a pre-booked taxi should cost about ₪100 to ₪140; confirm that the quote is for the whole vehicle rather than per passenger.
- 🏨For couples wanting restaurants and evening walks, I choose Vollga or the area near Rruga Epidamn; families prioritizing an easy sandy beach are better off in Plazh, while Golem or Mali i Robit suits travelers willing to trade city access for a resort-style beach stay.
- ⏰Visit the Durrës Amphitheatre close to opening time or after 4:00 p.m., as there is very little shade at midday and tour groups from Tirana commonly arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- 🏖️In July and August, reserve front-row loungers in advance at Golem’s beachfront hotels, but at Kallmi it is better to arrive before 11:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. and confirm exactly what is included before paying an attendant.
- 🎶At Cinco Cavalli Summer Club, the night starts genuinely late, usually after midnight, and weekend tables may require minimum spending; smart evening clothes and closed shoes can prevent unnecessary trouble at the door.
- 🥙Durrës has no dependable permanent kosher infrastructure, so kosher-observant travelers should bring supplies or arrange meals with Chabad Albania in Tirana; even with a kosher fish such as sea bream, request a separate grill, knife, and utensils rather than assuming kosher preparation.
- 🤝At restaurants along Vollga, rounding up or leaving about 5 to 10 percent for good service is customary, but check whether service has already been added and never leave a passport as a deposit for beach equipment.
- 🛡️Durrës generally feels safe in the evening, but at crowded Plazh and along the promenade keep phones and wallets in a closed bag, and never leave anything visible in a rental car, even during a brief stop.
- 📱A Vodafone Albania or One Albania SIM is easy to buy with a passport at Tirana International Airport, but for a short trip an eSIM activated while still in Israel saves time and provides navigation immediately upon landing.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Durrës is not a polished resort town, and that is precisely its charm: coffee beside the fishing boats in the morning, a swim at Kallmi Beach in the afternoon, and an evening stroll along the Vollga promenade with the entire city. My favorite moment comes when the sun drops behind the Sphinx sculpture at the end of the promenade and turns the Adriatic orange. Israelis quickly fall for this mix of an affordable holiday, generous food, long beaches, and relaxed nightlife with no need to dress up. Choosing the right area matters, though, because central Durrës, Plazh, and Golem offer three very different vacations."
Loves
My local secret is to leave busy Plazh behind for Kallmi Beach, about a ten-minute drive from the center, arriving on a weekday around 4:30 p.m. as the heat eases and locals begin to gather. I order an iced coffee, stay for sunset, and return to town only after the promenade lights come on.
Skip
I would not automatically sit at the first restaurant opposite the Venetian Tower just because a waiter waves you in; around Iliria Square, some places charge mainly for the location. Check the menu and prices first, and at fish restaurants confirm both the weight and the price per kilogram before ordering.
Boutique pick
I begin at 9:00 a.m. with cheese byrek and Albanian coffee near Rruga Epidamn, continue at 10:00 to the Roman Amphitheatre and Venetian Tower, and at 12:30 have a whole grilled sea bream at a restaurant willing to prepare it with suitable utensils upon request. At 3:30 p.m. we head to Kallmi for a swim and sunset by the Sphinx, then return to Vollga at 8:30 for dinner and gelato. Anyone still awake can continue after 11:30 p.m. to Cinco Cavalli Summer Club, with a table booked ahead on July and August weekends.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Durrës
"We started the morning by the sea at Currila Beach and spent the afternoon exploring the Roman Amphitheatre and its surrounding lanes. That evening we had drinks at sunset on the Vollga promenade, and Durrës felt like an easy Mediterranean escape at a refreshingly reasonable price."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 3 nights · June
"The children refused to leave the water at Golem Beach, and the pools at Grand Blue Fafa made the family holiday effortless. On our final day we visited the Venetian Tower, then continued for ice cream and a long walk along the Vollga promenade."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 5 nights · August
"We spent an entire day on sunbeds at Plazh Beach and danced late into the night at Cinco Cavalli. Durrës is not a mega-club or casino destination, but it works brilliantly for friends seeking sea, drinks and affordable fun."
Omer, Daniel and Shahar, Rishon LeZion
Friends · 4 nights · July
"The Archaeological Museum surprised us with its excellent collection, and at 2 Kitarrat we sat in the garden enjoying live music and a cheerful local atmosphere. We especially loved being able to discover central Durrës slowly and on foot, without racing between attractions."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 3 nights · September
FAQ
Common questions about Durrës
Do Israelis need a visa for Durrës?
Israelis do not need a visa for a tourist visit to Albania of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, so Durrës can be visited with a valid Israeli passport. Before flying, make sure the passport remains valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from Albania.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Durrës, and how long is the flight?
Durrës has no airport, so travelers fly from Tel Aviv to Tirana, sometimes on a seasonal nonstop flight of about three hours, followed by a 35 to 50-minute drive to Durrës. Nonstop availability varies by season, and a connection is required when the direct route is not operating.
When is the best time to visit Durrës, and when is peak season?
For a beach holiday in Durrës, the best period is late May through September, while July and August are peak season, with crowded beaches, higher prices and livelier nights around Plazh and Golem. June and September offer warm seas, fewer crowds and better hotel value.
How many days should you spend in Durrës?
Two to three nights are enough for the beach, the Vollga promenade, the amphitheatre and Durrës Old Town. For a relaxed family resort holiday in Golem or Mali i Robit, four to six nights work better.
How do you get around Durrës, and is a rental car necessary?
Central Durrës is walkable between the amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and Vollga promenade, while taxis and local buses serve Plazh and Golem. A rental car is unnecessary for a city break but useful when combining Durrës with Cape of Rodon, Krujë, Berat or the Albanian Riviera.
How much does a holiday in Durrës cost?
A four-night Durrës holiday generally costs about ₪1,900 to ₪3,800 per person sharing a room, including flights to Tirana, a good hotel and transfers, with sought-after Golem beachfront hotels costing more in August. A casual meal is usually ₪30 to ₪55 per person, two sunbeds cost roughly ₪20 to ₪45, and a taxi from Tirana to Durrës is about ₪100 to ₪170 per car.
Is Durrës safe for Israeli tourists?
Durrës is generally considered safe and welcoming for tourists, including Israelis, particularly downtown, along Vollga and in the hotel zones of Plazh and Golem. Keep phones and wallets secure on crowded beaches, arrange taxis through the hotel and avoid walking along poorly lit sections of the coastal road at night.
What should not be missed in Durrës, and what are its nightlife and casino scenes like?
Durrës essentials include the Roman Amphitheatre, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Tower, Vollga promenade and Currila Beach, while evenings revolve around promenade bars and seasonal nights at Cinco Cavalli. Durrës has no significant casino scene or major casino worth planning a trip around, with drinks, music and beach venues being the real nightlife draw.
Is kosher food or Chabad available in Durrës?
Durrës has no permanent kosher restaurant or active Chabad house, so kosher-observant visitors should book a kitchenette and stock up at larger supermarkets in Plazh or the city center. Chabad Albania is based in Tirana, and advance contact is recommended regarding meals, Shabbat and supplies before continuing to Durrës.
Is Durrës better for families or couples, what should you pack, and what can it be combined with?
Families will appreciate the resorts, pools and shallow shoreline in Golem and Mali i Robit, while couples may prefer central Durrës, Currila and the Vollga promenade; pack water shoes, sunscreen, a hat and a light evening layer. Durrës combines easily with a night in Tirana and day trips to Krujë or Berat, or with Vlorë and the Riviera on a longer journey.