Staying overnight in Durrës is essential if you want to truly immerse yourself in both Durres’ rich historical sites and its beautiful beaches. You have the option of staying in the city center or right on the beach, where you can find everything from cozy hostels to elegant boutique hotels and luxurious accommodations. During our exploration of Durrës, we discovered several outstanding places to stay that we’re eager to share with you. Keep reading this blog to learn about the best places to stay!
It’s also good to note that Albania generally offers very reasonable prices. This means you have the opportunity to stay in a fantastic luxury hotel for the same price—or even less—than what you would typically pay for a hotel room in other parts of Europe.
Booking.comHow to get to Durres in Albania
Durrës is naturally positioned along its namesake coastline as a seaside city. It stands as one of the northernmost coastal towns in Albania. The capital, Tirana, is conveniently close, being less than forty-five minutes away by car.
Durrës ranks as the second-largest city in Albania after Tirana and was briefly the capital following Albania’s independence. Today, it serves as a crucial port city and offers ferry services to Italy. It’s important to remember that the city center and the beaches are separated by the port, so while they are not far apart, you can’t easily walk from the beach to the city center or vice versa.
How many days do you need for Durrës?
You can cover the main attractions of Durrës in just one day, but that doesn’t include time spent on its lovely beaches. The city center is relatively compact, so a day or even just a morning or afternoon should suffice for exploring it. However, if you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches, you should plan for at least a full day, although the ideal length of stay might vary depending on your overall itinerary in Albania.
The best areas to stay in Durrës
In Durrës, you have the choice of staying either near the beaches or in the city center. These two areas are divided by Durrës’s large port, so deciding whether to stay by the beach or in the city center is crucial.
We recommend opting for a hotel on the beach. Most of Durrës’s hotels are located there, and while the city center has its charms, the beaches are truly the highlight of any visit to the city.
The best hotels in central Durrës
#1 Ventus Harbor Hotel occupies the most stunning location in the heart of Durrës, right on the pier. This iconic building is a standout feature along the boulevard, and you can even stay there. The rooms offer unparalleled views that are more beautiful and unique than any other lodging in the city.
#2 Hotel Epidamn is housed in Durrës’s most beautiful building. This grand, historic edifice provides rooms that exude a sense of history and intimacy, making it one of the most distinctive places to stay in the city.
#3 Hotel Kloest is an excellent choice near the boulevard, praised consistently by guests for its prime location, attractive rooms, and friendly service.
The best beachfront Durrës
#4 Hotel Villa Pascucci stands out as the finest luxury hotel on Durrës Beach, complete with a wellness center, a seasonal outdoor pool, a bar, a restaurant, and complimentary parking. The hotel occupies a beautifully building where every detail is carefully curated.
#5 Bel Conti Hotel is notable for its private sandy beach and beautiful rooms with balconies that offer sea views. It also boasts an onsite restaurant, swimming pool, and rooftop terrace.
#6 Palace Hotel & Spa features not one, but two swimming pools, alongside a bar and wellness center, making it a luxurious beachfront retreat.
#7 Albanian Star Hotel impresses with its private sandy beach equipped with sun loungers and showers, a swimming pool, a bar, and luxurious accommodations.
#8 Adriatik Hotel & Spa is a recently renovated luxury establishment that features a large swimming pool (both indoor and outdoor) and a beachfront location. It also offers amenities like a private bar and restaurant.
Wild camping in Durrës
We visited Durrës twice with a camper and found the city very accommodating for this mode of travel. We parked for free on a parking lot along the boulevard, right behind a KFC, where we also spent several nights. While staying in a parking lot might not sound idyllic, the views of the sea and the bustling boulevard more than made up for it, providing a memorable experience.
