Planning a holiday in Golem or Durrës and wondering how much money to bring? The good news is that this part of Albania remains one of the most affordable seaside destinations in Europe. Compared to Croatia, Italy or Greece, you will often pay less for accommodation, restaurants and everyday shopping.

You can find many articles online about prices in Albania, but most of them mix together Tirana, Golem, Durrës, Ksamil and Sarandë. However, prices in southern Albania are usually much higher during the peak summer season. This article focuses exclusively on Golem and Durrës, where prices can differ significantly from the popular resorts in southern Albania.

Updated: August 2026

Euro prices are approximate and are provided to give you a better idea of the costs. For simplicity, we use an exchange rate of 100 ALL = €1. The actual exchange rate may vary.

What currency is used in Albania?

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL).

Most larger restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations accept card payments. However, it is still a good idea to carry some cash when shopping in smaller stores, bakeries or local markets.

Many tourists exchange only a small amount of money before travelling and withdraw the rest from an ATM after arriving in Albania.

Are prices in Golem expensive?

No.

Compared to most European seaside resorts, Golem is a very affordable destination. You can save the most by staying in an apartment with a kitchen and preparing some of your own meals.

Another advantage is the large number of supermarkets, bakeries, fruit stalls and restaurants. Thanks to strong competition, prices remain reasonable.

Restaurant prices

There are plenty of restaurants in Golem. You'll find traditional Albanian cuisine, Italian restaurants, pizzerias, steakhouses and restaurants specialising in fish and seafood.

Approximate prices:

☕ Espresso – 100–150 ALL (≈ €1–1.5)

☕ Cappuccino – 150–250 ALL (≈ €1.5–2.5)

🍵 Tea – 150–250 ALL (≈ €1.5–2.5)

🍕 Pizza – 700–1,200 ALL (≈ €7–12)

🍝 Pasta – 700–1,200 ALL (≈ €7–12)

🍔 Burger with fries – 900–1,500 ALL (≈ €9–15)

🍗 Chicken with a side dish – 900–1,500 ALL (≈ €9–15)

🥩 Grilled meat – 1,200–2,000 ALL (≈ €12–20)

🐟 Fish or seafood – 1,500–3,000 ALL (≈ €15–30)

🥗 Greek salad – 350–600 ALL (≈ €3.5–6)

🍦 Ice cream – 100–250 ALL (≈ €1–2.5)

🍺 Draft beer (0.5 l) – 250–400 ALL (≈ €2.5–4)

🥤 Coca-Cola – 200–300 ALL (≈ €2–3)

💧 Bottled water (1.5 l) – 70–120 ALL (≈ €0.7–1.2)

🏖️ Two sunbeds and an umbrella – 700–1,000 ALL (≈ €7–10)

🚌 Bus from Golem to Durrës – 100 ALL (≈ €1)

Dinner for a family of four with drinks usually costs around 5,000–8,000 ALL.

Supermarket prices

Golem has several larger supermarkets, such as Conad, SPAR and Big Market. There are also many smaller grocery stores that stay open until late in the evening.

Approximate grocery prices:

🍞 Bread – 80–150 ALL (≈ €0.8–1.5)

🥛 Milk (1 litre) – 180–230 ALL (≈ €1.8–2.3)

🥚 Eggs (10 pcs) – 250–400 ALL (≈ €2.5–4)

🧈 Butter – 300–450 ALL (≈ €3–4.5)

🧀 Cheese (1 kg) – 700–1,200 ALL (≈ €7–12)

🍗 Chicken (1 kg) – 700–1,000 ALL (≈ €7–10)

🍝 Pasta – 120–250 ALL (≈ €1.2–2.5)

🍚 Rice – 120–200 ALL (≈ €1.2–2)

🍌 Bananas (1 kg) – 180–250 ALL (≈ €1.8–2.5)

🍅 Tomatoes (1 kg) – 120–250 ALL (≈ €1.2–2.5)

🥒 Cucumbers (1 kg) – 100–200 ALL (≈ €1–2)

🍑 Peaches (1 kg) – 150–250 ALL (≈ €1.5–2.5)

🍉 Watermelon (1 kg) – 60–120 ALL (≈ €0.6–1.2)

If you enjoy cooking, an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen can save you several thousand Czech crowns during a one-week holiday.

🚌 Bus from Golem to Durrës – 100 ALL (≈ €1) per person

🚖 Taxi within Golem – from 500 ALL (≈ €5)

🚕 Taxi to the centre of Durrës – 1,500–2,000 ALL (≈ €15–20)

✈️ Transfer from Tirana Airport to Golem – 3,500–5,000 ALL (≈ €35–50) per vehicle

Bakeries

Albanian bakeries are definitely worth visiting.

Every morning you can buy freshly baked bread, chocolate croissants, burek or muffins. Prices are very reasonable, and locals visit bakeries every day. One bakery is just a few minutes from the apartment, making it the perfect place to pick up a fresh baguette, bread or something sweet for breakfast.

How much do sunbeds cost?

Most beaches in Golem are well maintained and offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.

Typical prices for two sunbeds and one umbrella:

🍂 September – 500–700 ALL (≈ €5–7)

🏖️ Peak season (July–August) – 700–1,000 ALL (≈ €7–10)

🌞 June – 500–700 ALL (≈ €5–7)

Prices may vary depending on the beach and beach bar. On public beaches, you can of course use your own towel or umbrella.

Transport

One of Golem's biggest advantages is its affordable public transport.

🚌 Bus from Golem to Durrës – 100 ALL (≈ €1) per person

🚖 Taxi within Golem – from 500 ALL (≈ €5)

🚕 Taxi to the centre of Durrës – 1,500–2,000 ALL (≈ €15–20)

✈️ Transfer from Tirana Airport to Golem – 3,500–5,000 ALL (≈ €35–50) per vehicle

How much does a one-week holiday cost?

For a family of four staying in an apartment:

☕ Coffee, ice cream and small daily expenses – 3,000–6,000 ALL (≈ €30–60)

🏖️ Sunbeds – 5,000–7,000 ALL (≈ €50–70)

🍽️ Restaurants – 15,000–25,000 ALL (≈ €150–250)

🛒 Groceries for one week – 12,000–18,000 ALL (≈ €120–180)

Most families spend approximately 35,000–55,000 ALL on everyday expenses during a one-week holiday.

How to save money

• Shop in larger supermarkets.
• Buy fruit and vegetables from local market stalls.
• Take the bus to Durrës instead of a taxi.
• If you are travelling with children, an apartment with a kitchen is often the most economical option.
• It is worth comparing the prices of sunbeds on different beaches, as they may vary from one beach bar to another.

Is Golem worth visiting?

If you are looking for wide sandy beaches, a gentle entrance into the sea, restaurants within walking distance and reasonable prices, Golem is one of the best destinations in Albania. The combination of affordable prices, a long sandy beach and the proximity of the historic city of Durrës attracts more and more visitors from around the world every year.

Planning a holiday in Golem? Take a look at Rehati Apartment, located just 200 metres from the sandy beach. With two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious terrace, it is an ideal choice for families and groups of friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Golem expensive?

No. Compared to most European seaside resorts, Golem is an affordable destination. You can save the most by staying in an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen.

Can I pay in euros in Albania?

The official currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Some hotels, shops and restaurants accept euros, but everyday payments are usually made in Albanian Lek.

Can I pay by card in Golem?

Yes. Most restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations accept card payments. However, it is advisable to carry some cash in the local currency for smaller shops and markets.

How much do sunbeds cost?

During the peak season, two sunbeds and an umbrella usually cost 700–1,000 ALL. Prices are generally lower in June and September.

How much money should I bring for a one-week holiday?

A family of four typically spends around 35,000–55,000 ALL on food, restaurants, sunbeds and everyday expenses during a one-week holiday.

Is it better to withdraw money from an ATM?

Albanian Lek (ALL) is not commonly available in exchange offices in many countries, so it is usually best to bring euros in cash and exchange them after arriving in Albania, or withdraw cash directly from an ATM. If you choose to use an ATM, withdrawing larger amounts at once is usually more cost-effective because it reduces withdrawal fees.