Family Holiday in Golem – Beaches, Day Trips and Tips for Families
Golem is one of the most popular destinations for a family holiday in Albania. It is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Durrës, and its main attraction is a long sandy beach with a gentle entrance into the Adriatic Sea. The area offers restaurants, bakeries, cafés, supermarkets and plenty of entertainment for children, so you can easily find everything you need without travelling far.
If you are looking for a seaside holiday where you do not need to drive every day, Golem is an excellent choice for families with children. Before you travel, it is worth knowing what the beaches are like, when the area is busiest and what you can do besides swimming.
Why Visit Golem with Children?
The greatest advantage of Golem is its combination of a sandy beach, excellent facilities and its relatively short distance from Tirana International Airport. The drive from the airport takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Families especially appreciate:
- the long sandy beach,
- the gentle entrance into the sea,
- restaurants and shops within walking distance,
- a promenade ideal for evening walks,
- nearby water parks and swimming pools,
- day trips to Durrës, Tirana and the Albanian countryside,
- accommodation in an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine.
Golem is a lively seaside resort. During July and August, expect more visitors, a busier promenade and heavier traffic. June and September are generally quieter, while still offering plenty of restaurants, cafés and a pleasant holiday atmosphere.
What Is the Beach Like in Golem?
Golem is home to one of the best-known sandy beaches on Albania's Adriatic coast. The beach has soft sand and shallow water, making it especially popular with families.
The gentle entrance into the sea is ideal for families with children. Children can safely play in the shallow water under their parents' supervision, while parents can relax on the beach and keep an eye on them at all times.
Along the beach you will find both private sections with sun loungers and parasols and free public beaches. During the summer season, renting one parasol and two sun loungers usually costs between €7 and €10.
The sand can become very hot during the day, so lightweight beach shoes are recommended for children. Don't forget hats, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
What Can Children Do Besides Swimming?
A holiday in Golem is not only about spending time on the beach. The area also offers water parks and hotel pools with water attractions. One of the water parks is about a five-minute walk from Apartment Rehati, while another is located towards the Mali i Robit area.
The water parks are not part of the accommodation. Entrance fees are charged separately and usually range from €10–14 for adults and €5–7 for children.
Another pleasant activity is a walk along the promenade. Along the beach you will find restaurants, cafés, small stalls and places to stop for an ice cream or a snack. The atmosphere is at its liveliest in the evening, when the hottest part of the day has passed. There are also amusement attractions for both children and adults.
Every Wednesday you can also visit the local market in Golem. Fresh fruit, vegetables, clothing, shoes, household goods and many other products are sold here. The market is open only in the morning, and by around 11:00 a.m. most vendors begin packing up their stalls. The earlier you arrive, the more you'll see.
Where to Go on a Day Trip with Children
Durrës
One of the easiest trips from Golem is to the city of Durrës, one of the oldest cities in Albania. Here you can visit the Roman Amphitheatre, the Venetian Tower, archaeological sites, the seaside promenade, as well as numerous restaurants, cafés and shops.
If you do not have a car, you can easily travel to Durrës by local bus. The bus stop is just a few minutes' walk from Apartment Rehati. The fare is 100 LEK per person and is paid directly to the conductor on the bus. There is no need to tell anyone where you are going – the bus terminates in the centre of Durrës.
For the return journey, simply board the bus at the same stop where you got off. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, so there is no need to follow a strict timetable.
Tirana and the Dajti Express Cable Car
For older children and adults, a trip to Tirana combined with a ride on the Dajti Express Cable Car can be a wonderful experience. The approximately fifteen-minute journey takes you up the slopes of Mount Dajti, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Tirana and the surrounding landscape. At the top, you can go for a walk, relax in a restaurant or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and panoramic scenery.
Just a short walk from the lower cable car station is Bunk'Art 1 – a huge underground nuclear bunker that has been transformed into a museum. During your visit, you can explore dozens of authentic rooms and learn more about Albania's communist history. Its impressive size and unique atmosphere make it one of the country's most fascinating attractions.
Before your trip, we recommend checking the current opening hours of both the cable car and the museum, as well as the weather forecast, so you can enjoy the best possible views.
Divjakë–Karavasta National Park
Families looking to combine the beach with nature can visit Karavasta Lagoon in Divjakë–Karavasta National Park. The park is home to the Kulla 360° Observation Tower, which offers beautiful views of the lagoon, forests and surrounding countryside.
You can find more inspiration in our Trips from Golem guide.
Restaurants, Shops and Dining with Children
Golem offers a wide selection of restaurants, pizzerias, cafés and bakeries. You will commonly find pizza, pasta, grilled meat, fish, seafood and simple meals suitable for children.
There are also supermarkets such as Conad, Spar and Big Market, as well as smaller local shops and a traditional bakery. Accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen is especially practical for families with young children or for guests who prefer preparing their own breakfasts and simple meals.
We recommend drinking bottled water. You can find more information in our article Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Golem and Durrës?
What to Pack for Children
In addition to your usual beach essentials, we recommend bringing:
- sunscreen with a high SPF,
- a hat or cap,
- a reusable water bottle,
- lightweight beach shoes,
- any medication your child regularly takes,
- a basic travel first-aid kit,
- mosquito repellent,
- lightweight clothing for the day and one warmer layer for the evening,
- a favourite toy or beach toys.
During the peak summer season, it is best to spend time outdoors in the morning and later in the afternoon. The hottest part of the day is ideal for relaxing back at the apartment.
Family Accommodation in Golem – Just 200 Metres from the Beach
Apartment Rehati in Golem offers 97 m² of space for up to six guests. It features two bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a washing machine, and a spacious 19 m² terrace with a sea view.
One bedroom has a double bed. The second bedroom offers two single beds and a bunk bed, making it ideal for families with several children. Every room is equipped with air conditioning, and the apartment also provides Wi-Fi and a Smart TV.
For families with young children, a baby cot can be prepared on request. A high chair, step stool, potty and children's toilet seat are also available. The fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare breakfasts and meals for children, while the washing machine is especially useful during longer stays.
The sandy beach is approximately 200 metres away, just a two to three-minute walk from the apartment. Free private parking is available at the building.
You can find the latest prices on our Accommodation Price List. If you already know your travel dates, you can check the apartment's availability without obligation using our reservation form.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Family Holiday in Golem
Is Golem suitable for young children?
Yes. Thanks to its sandy beach, gentle entrance into the sea and the wide range of shops and restaurants, Golem is a popular destination for families with children.
Is the beach in Golem sandy?
Yes. The main beach in Golem is sandy. The water near the shore is usually shallow, and the entrance into the sea is mostly gentle.
Do we need a car in Golem?
You generally do not need a car for trips to the beach, restaurants or local shops. For longer excursions, you can use your own or a rental car, a taxi, an airport transfer or local buses. If you wish, we can also help arrange car rental.
Are the water parks included with Apartment Rehati?
No. The nearby water parks and swimming pools are not part of the apartment. Their opening hours, admission prices and conditions are determined by the individual operators.
How far is Golem from Tirana International Airport?
The drive from Tirana International Airport to Golem takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
How far is Apartment Rehati from the beach?
The apartment is located approximately 200 metres from the wide sandy beach, just a two to three-minute walk away.