The short-term rental platform, Airbnb, has named one Albanian city a “White Isle dupe” – offering resplendent and pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife at a fraction of the cost of Ibiza
Airbnb has named this city a ‘White Isle dupe’ in a report detailing the UK’s top travel trends for summer 2025. Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget.
“Brits are increasingly seeking vibrant fun-filled settings that offer the same bohemian charm and buzzing nightlife as Ibiza’s White Isle – but without the hefty price tags,” according to Airbnb.
Durrës, Albania is one such gem. Airbnb confirms that searches for the city situated on the Adriatic Coast are “booming” at the moment as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations. But Durrës is more than a destination dupe, it has a rich history that is ready to be unpacked by tourists.
READ MORE: Underrated EU beach just 22-miles from party town looks just like the Caribbean
Durrës is one of the oldest and most significant port cities in the Balkans, with a history that dates back nearly 3,000 years. Its impressively storied history has earned Durrës the title “eternal city” on the Adriatic Sea.
One of the biggest draws to the area are undoubtedly its sandy beaches. Durrës is home to some of Albania’s most stunning beaches, equally equipped for water sport enthusiasts and lazing sunbathers.
The most popular beach in the city is its namesake beach: Durrës Beach. The golden arc of sand has been compared to the French Riviera and is defined by shallow water and soft sand. Keep in mind though that there are hidden rocks that lurk in port-adjacent areas so you may want to pack water shoes.
Travellers looking for a bit of adventure can rent jet skis or try parasailing on Durrës Beach. Beach volleyball is also commonly found on the north end, as are yoga sessions hosted by the bigger beach clubs.
Heading north from Durrës Beach, travellers will arrive at another local gem: Golem Beach. Located 20 kilometres south of Durrës’ city centre, Golem beach is worth a visit with about 3.5 kilometres of soft, golden sand and turquoise waters. There are plenty of other beaches – both hidden gems and hotspots – that are fairly easy to reach from the city centre.
Beaches near Durrës
- Spille Beach
- Portez Beach
- Kallmi Beach
- Cape of Rodon
- Kavaja Cliff
- Currila Beach
If you’re looking for a more cultured experience, there are also numerous galleries, theatres and museums to explore within Durrës. One of the most frequented is the Archeological Museum showcasing artifacts spanning multiple eras.
If you’re looking for more modern amenities and cultural enrichment, the southern side of the city is the better bet. Here, you’ll find buzzy restaurants and resorts, as well as the much-raved about nightlife scene.
In its list of White Isle destination dupes, Airbnb also names Tivat, Montenegro and Agadir, Morocco as places to keep on your radar. Tivat is tagged as a “Monaco-meets-Ibiza” coastal city and its pier recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar makeover.
Contrastingly, Agadir in North Africa promises laidback charm and surf-friendly shores for those interested in hitting the waves.