Albania is unique in that it enjoys a coastline that spans two different seas: the Adriatic in central and northern Albania, and the Ionian to the south.
With so many incredible top beaches in Albania to choose from, many people find themselves confused when planning their Albania trip: should I head to Saranda beaches, or Durrës beaches?
Each one of these regions has distinct advantages and disadvantages that you should take into consideration when planning your Albania beach holiday. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to pick which area to spend your beach holiday.
We’ve also written at length about the top beaches in Durrës and the best beaches in the Albanian Riviera, so make sure to explore those once you’re done learning about the differences between the two main Albanian beach destinations!
Durrës Beaches
The beaches in Durrës are beautiful, close to Tirana and offer plenty of value for your money. These Albanian beaches are ideal for families and budget travelers:
Durrës Beaches Advantages:
- Close to Tirana and Tirana International Airport – it’s easy to get to Durrës for a day trip from Tirana, where, if you’re spending a night, you won’t want to miss out on the Albanian night dance and music show. It’s even faster to get to Durrës from the airport – you can rent a car at the airport and drive directly to the long expanse of beaches in under thirty minutes.
- Affordable Prices – Hotels, sun beds and umbrella rentals in Durrës are budget-friendly and far more affordable than in many locales in the south, making it an attractive beach holiday destination for value seekers.
- Infrastructure & Easy Access – Infrastructure between Tirana and Durrës is well-developed, making getting to Durrës quick and easy. Once there, you’ll find plenty of peaceful boardwalks, promenades, shops and restaurants along the water.
- Family-Friendly – The waters of the Adriatic Sea are shallow and calm, which makes a day at the beach in this part of Albania ideal for those traveling with children.
Durrës Beaches Disadvantages:
- Not as Scenic – While Albania’s coastline is beautiful, the south certainly takes the cake when it comes to gorgeous beaches. The waters in Durrës are clean and great for swimming, but aren’t as crystal-clear or turquoise as the Ionian coast.
- Can be Crowded – Durrës is very popular with locals, especially on weekends and holidays. During the week, however, you’re likely to have the beach all to yourself.
- Urban/Industrial Backdrop – Some Durrës beaches are near the port and city center, which can feel less like a “seaside getaway” and more like a “city beach.” Some people prefer this for its proximity to modern amenities, though, so it depends on what you’re looking for!
- Limited “Hidden Gems” – Most beaches are long and sandy, lacking the dramatic coves and cliffs you see all over the south of Albania.
Saranda Beaches
The best Albanian beaches Saranda has to offer, on the other hand, will transport you to another world, making you feel like you’ve been transported to a Greek island.
Saranda Beaches Advantages:
- Stunning Scenery – This region of southern Albania is where you’ll find crystal-clear Ionian waters, dramatic cliffs and beautiful coves that look like they’re AI-generated or came straight out of a fairy tale. You won’t want to leave once you’ve experienced the Albanian Riviera!
- Lots of Small Beaches – The south of Albania is home to tiny, intimate beaches like Ksamil, Mirror Beach and Pasqyra Beach that feel cozier.
- Ideal for Snorkeling & Diving – Underwater visibility in the Ionian Sea is excellent, making it the perfect place to snorkel in Albania or go diving.
- Close to UNESCO sites – Once you’re done hitting the beach, you’ll be able to enjoy Albanian culture easily with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like nearby Butrint National Park and Gjirokastër, the Stone City.
Saranda Beaches Disadvantages:
- Far from Tirana – Unless you land in Corfu airport and take the ferry over, the drive from Tirana International Airport or the capital can take between three and three and a half hours, making this part of Albania less accessible (though the drive south is beautiful!).
- More Expensive – Especially in peak summer, the south can get more pricey. You’ll find that accommodation and restaurants are generally cheaper in Durrës and central Albanian beach towns than they are in Ksamil, Dhërmi and other small towns, although you will have plenty of more affordable options in Saranda itself.
- Limited Sandy Beaches – This one is a question of personal taste – beaches along the Ionian are generally pebbly, which may not be ideal for everyone. Many people love the soft feeling of a sandy beach, which is more common in central Albanian beaches rather than in the south.
- Harder to Reach Without a Car – Public transport exists to Saranda and the main beach towns, but it’s harder to reach the more exclusive small beaches without your own car rental.
Albanian beaches are some of the best in the world, offering jaw-droppingly beautiful scenes and a wide range of experiences, whether you’re after convenience, affordability or unspoiled natural beauty. The long, sandy shores of Durrës and the turquoise coves of Saranda are guaranteed to leave you with a memorable summer on the Albanian coast.
