Kala Festival and Albania’s Tourism

Being a rather small country, Albania’s tourism is a developing industry. However, in recent years, many investments have been made, with tons of new events and organizations for tourists and locals.

Kala Festival is one of them, attracting more and more curious travelers to Albania each year. The amazing nature of south Albania is the main reason tourists tend to visit, and that’s why Kala’s location on the beach of Dhёrmi is so strategic—to perfectly promote tourism in the country.

During its first years, the Kala Festival only had about 2,000 tickets available, whereas, in recent years, the ticket and visitor numbers have risen.

Setting and Location of Kala Festival

Kala Festival takes place on Dhёrmi Beach, right on the coast, with sun loungers and umbrellas to relax during the day. There is no better location for this festival, as the beach is an absolute summer paradise with its turquoise waters and soft sand.

There are multiple venues at Kala Festival, including the open-air stages with wooden dance floors, the yacht club, set on a small rocky hill, and the Cove, set just by the beach and in the water as well.

The sound systems are of the latest technology, making it possible for tourists to enjoy the music from every corner.

Music and Performances at Kala Festival

Kala Festival focuses more on electronic music, inviting some of the best Albanian and international artists to perform. You’ll spot tons of England’s underground collectives, like Secretsundaze, Stamp the Wax, and Feelings, as well as five-hour DJ sets by Palms Trax and Dan Shake.

The music and partying never stop at the Kala festival, with performances lasting until sunrise. You can choose to enjoy the music at one of the many venues, from Cove to Dhёrmi Beach, and you’ll have an amazing time either way!

Artists will be performing across four stages, spinning amazing techno and electronic beats and masterfully mixing them with funk, jazz, and disco.

What to Do at the Kala Festival

Other than listening to good music and dancing all day long, there are tons of other things you can do at the Kala Festival for a time to remember, including the following activities:

#1. Visit the Surrounding Beaches

The festival location is surrounded by countless pristine beaches where you can spend the day, like Grama Bay, Gjipe Beach, Empire Beach, and Splendor Beach. They all have the same crystal waters and beautiful shores, making it impossible not to jump in.

The festival also stretches across four venues, so you won’t miss the music anywhere you go. You can lay out a beach towel and relax in the sand or rent a sun lounger and an umbrella from one of the many beach bars around.

#2. Boat Trips

A great way to explore the beaches and amazing nature is a boat trip. There are countless boats to rent on the beach shores, varying in price and size. It’s a very scenic and memorable experience, allowing you to unravel the hidden gems of the Albanian Riviera while also relaxing under the warm sun and vibing to the festival’s music.

#3. SPA & Wellness Classes

Kala Festival wants to take care of its visitors, and that includes spa and wellness treatments. They offer massages, facial and body treatments, as well as wellness classes where you’ll learn to meditate, do yoga, and feel at peace with yourself and your body.

It’s the perfect opportunity to come into touch with nature and see the world with all its positivity and radiance.

#4. Enjoy a Meal by the Sea

Every foodie can enjoy delicious meals on the seaside catered by the many restaurants close by, with amazing sea views. The long table dinners are the perfect place to regroup with your new buds and taste amazing traditional Albanian food and wine.

The dinner consists of a six-course menu carefully put together to take you on an incredible gastronomic journey.

#5. Hiking

Albania is full of amazing hiking trails, fitting every difficulty range. You can hike to the Gjipe Canyon for amazing views of the coast or take the Southern Coastal Trail, which takes you along 74 kilometers of the mesmerizing Riviera.

Make sure to have water and comfortable shoes with you, and you’re sure to have a great time.

Throughout the way, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful forests and greenery, along with beaches and lively music in the background. It’s a great way to explore Albania’s untouched nature and exercise a bit as well!

Where to Stay during the Kala Festival

What’s great about the Kala Festival is that every ticket includes accommodation, so you won’t have to worry about that while planning your stay. They do this to avoid overinflated rates during the festival week and provide sustainable prices as well.

Every accommodation option suggested is at a reasonable distance from the festival site, so they’re easily accessible to all visitors.

There are many options to choose from, starting from cozy beach huts to the best beach hotels in Albania. The price options are as follows:

• Three-star hotel. This offer starts from €299/person for four people.
• Four-star hotel. This offer starts from €345/person for four people.
• Five-star hotel. This offer starts from €640/person for three people.

These Kala Festival ticket prices each include the festival wristband and accommodation for seven nights.

You can choose from the many hotels located in Dhёrmi, Drymades Beach, and Perivolos. The hotels in Dhёrmi Beach are closest to the festival site, while Drymades and Perivolos are only a five-minute drive away.

Some hotels where you’ll be able to stay during the festival are:

• Splendor Hotel & Spa
• Hotel Imperial
• Perivolos Apartments

At the end of the day, no matter what hotel you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time, thanks to the hospitality and warmth of the locals.

Why Go to the Kala Festival?

If you’re wondering why you should choose the Kala Festival for your next holiday, here is a detailed list of what you have to look forward to:

• Amazing nature. Set on the Albanian Riviera, Kala Festival has the perfect scenery, with the stunning coast and majestic mountains in the background. The beaches of the Riviera are listed as some of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania (and even Europe) by numerous prestigious magazines, like The Guardian or The New York Times.

• Great music. The rhythm of the amazing, lively music at Kala will fill all your days and nights, with artists from all over the world coming to perform their best beats. Even if you’re not a huge fan of electronic music, you’re sure to have a great time nonetheless.

• Making new friends. Music enthusiasts from all over the world come to have fun at Kala, so you’re guaranteed to make some friends along the way. There’s no better way to bond than having fun together, and you can do that all day, every day, at the Kala Festival!

• Chance to relax. Kala Festival is the perfect chance to escape from the hassles of everyday life and just relax by the sea and enjoy food, music, and good company. The festival encourages its visitors to take some time out, reenergize, and unwind.

Whether your idea of relaxing is dancing, sunbathing, swimming, or joining a wellness class, you can spend your time doing exactly that!

Kala Festival FAQ