A COASTAL city you probably haven’t heard of is seeing a huge boom in demand from British tourists.
Sitting on the Adriatic Coast, Durres in Albania is a little-known gem that is way cheaper than your average European getaway.
Durres is Albania’s second largest city and is home to a long, sprawling beach[/caption]
And Love Holidays has just named it a top emerging destination[/caption]
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New data from Love Holidays suggests the city is an emerging destination, with bookings up by a staggering 224 per cent compared to last year.
Yet, the idyllic port city remains less crowded and more affordable than several European hotspots.
Dubbed “the eternal city on the Adriatic Coast” by Albania’s National Tourism Agency, Durres benefits from a Mediterranean climate and features a number of secluded bays with turquoise waters and golden sand.
One of the most popular spots in the city is Durres Beach, which stretches over 6.5 miles, making it the largest in Albania.
Littered along the promenade are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants to explore.
Cosmo Restaurant, which sits at the west end of the beach, is rated the best in the city and serves seafood dishes such as freshly caught lobster.
There are a number of hotels on the promenade too, many of which have direct beach access.
Guests can also hire two sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach for between £4.33 and £21.63.
If you don’t fancy sitting on the beach, then head to Hawaii Beach Club on the pier and grab a cocktail to enjoy on one of the club’s sunbeds looking out at the sea.
Across the bars and restaurants in Durres, a beer is likely to set you back £2.05 to about £2.40, and a glass of wine will cost around just £1.73 to £3.03.
For something more active, there are a number of watersports activities you can do from the beach as well, such as jet skiing and ‘flying fish’.
But it isn’t just all about the beach in Durres, as it is Albania’s second largest city meaning it has a wealth of different historic and cultural spots to explore.
One spot is the ruins of Durres Castle, which was originally built in the 5th century, and the Venetian Tower which was built in the 15th century and was used to defend the city from attack.
If you head to the top of the nine-metre tower, you will get to see stunning views of the city and the sea.
Durres Mosque, which sits in the centre of the city, is also free to visit.
There are many historic sites in the city as well, some of which are free to enter[/caption]
It opened originally in 1938 but since has seen a myriad of different uses including, at one point, being a youth centre.
Today, it is a religious centre and an active place of worship – so make sure to be dress appropriately and remove your shoes if visiting.
Another key spot to explore is the Roman amphitheatre of Emperor Hadrian, which has around 15,000 seats and is the second largest amphitheatre in the whole of the Balkans.
The amphitheatre was built in the early second century and was used to host social gatherings and gladiator contests with wild animals.
However, in the fourth century gladiator fights were banned and a Christian chapel was built in the centre of the amphitheatre.
It was later discovered in the 1960s after being buried for hundreds of years due to a number of earthquakes.
It costs around £2.60 to enter the amphitheatre.
Hotels are affordable too, with some seven-night last minute breaks available for less than £138 per night for two people[/caption]
Just outside of the city centre is the Abaia Winery and Vineyard, where visitors can go on a tour and see the site’s five different wines being made.
The experience is the top rated thing to do in Durres, with many guests enjoying the cellar visit and restaurant that serves local food to go with the wines.
The cost of a guided tour varies depending on the season and length of the tour, but prices start from £17 per person.
There are numerous hotels across the city, most of which are super affordable.
For example, you could stay at the Hotel Epidamn Boutique & Spa, which has a restaurant, bar and garden, for £69 a night for two adults.
Or, according to Love Holidays, you could grab a last minute seven-night package for two people, for around £138 per person, per night this summer.
Durres is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Tirana, the capital of Albania.
You can catch a direct flight from the UK to Tirana from a number of airports, including London Luton with Wizz Air for as little as £15 one-way and from London Stansted, with Ryanair from £15 one-way.
What is it like to visit Albania?
LOCALS have shared the best spots to visit in the country and their top tips…
Pristine beaches and secluded bays: Albania offers a mix of sandy and pebble beaches. The Albanian Riviera in the south is home to beautiful spots like Ksamil Beach, which locals describe as a “tropical beach in Europe,” and the more off-grid Gjipe, perfect for camping. Secluded, boat-accessible gems like Krorëz Bay and Dafina Bay provide a tranquil escape from crowds.
Diverse dining options: From budget-friendly street food to high-end restaurants, Albania’s food scene has something for everyone. For an authentic and cheap meal, look for a “Zgara” (grill) spot or grab a byrek (filo pastry) for as little as 40p. For a more formal experience, check out Tirana’s Arka Rooftop or the farm-to-table restaurant Mullixhiu, with main dishes for under £7.
Hidden natural gems: Beyond the popular tourist spots, Albania is full of natural wonders. Discover the breathtaking Grunasi Waterfall in Theth National Park or the lesser-known Shengjergji Waterfall near Tirana. The mysterious Haxhi Ali Cave is only accessible by boat, adding to its allure for adventurers.
Affordable attractions: Many of Albania’s most impressive sights are also budget-friendly. The Blue Eye Spring, a mesmerising underwater spring, costs just 40p to enter. Meanwhile, the historic Gjirokaster Castle offers panoramic views and a journey through Albania’s past for around £3.
Must-do activities: The country’s varied landscape allows for a range of activities. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Berat and Gjirokastra, or hike the stunning Accursed Mountains. For thrill-seekers, options include paragliding over the coast of Vlore or navigating the rapids of the Vjosa River.
Vibrant nightlife: Whether you’re in the capital or at the beach, Albania has a lively nightlife scene. Tirana’s exclusive Blloku area is known for its upscale bars and clubs. Meanwhile, coastal cities like Durres and Ksamil come alive in the summer. Don’t miss the unique experience of a drink at the rotating Sky Club.
Best bars for a drink: From trendy cocktail spots to classic pubs, there’s a bar for every mood. For unique craft cocktails, check out Nouvelle Vague in Tirana. For a simple and cheap drink, beer starts from around £1.50 at places like the newly renovated Sky Club.
Family-friendly options: For those travelling with family, Albania has many welcoming options. The coast from Kavaja to Zvernec offers affordable places to stay and eat. Destinations like Durres have plenty of family-friendly activities and hotels.
Albania has previously been noted as an underrated beach destination with cheap pints and short flights.
Plus, these are the best places to visit on the Albanian Riviera.
And you can fly direct from the UK from as little as £15 one-way[/caption]