The Ideal Guide to the Vibrant Unum Festival
Unum Festival is a five-day event featuring three venues and numerous performers. It’s characterized by amazing music, friendly and positive people, and a lively atmosphere.
As one of the most
popular festivals in Albania, the Unum Festival is the perfect summer vacation idea for tourists and locals alike. During the event, the village of Shëngjin turns into a
giant stage for talented singers and bands from all over the world who come to please the crowds.
Unum Festival and Albania’s Tourism
The first edition of Unum took place back in 2019, just when Rana e Hedhun Beach became open to the public. Since then, it has evolved into one of the biggest summer music festivals in Albania and many people keep looking forward to the first days of June.
Events like these heavily contribute to the country’s tourism and economy. They bring in tourists who come with the intention to explore and enjoy what summers in Albania have to offer—from the
stunning beaches to the
nicest restaurants and hotels.
Setting and Location of Unum Festival

The Unum Festival takes place in Rana e Hedhun, also known as the Casted Sand, close to the city of Durrës. It’s a very unique place with a pretty interesting landscape, thanks to its dune-like sand hills descending into the water.
The area became accessible to the public only
five years ago, and since then, it has attracted thousands of tourists each year. Having all this in mind, it’s no wonder that it’s considered the ideal venue for a
summer festival.
There are
three stages at Unum Festival—Main,
Pine, and
Beach Stage. The Main Stage is where most of the crowd at the festival is, with talented DJs and
performers spinning beats and providing great music.
The Pine Stage offers a more
intimate atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful pine trees and untouched nature. Lastly, the Beach Stage is a very
unique setting reserved for
dancing in the sand and enjoying the sea breeze while jamming to your favorite songs.
Music and Performances at Unum Festival

The music at Unum will introduce you to a fusion of different genres, ranging from electronic to pop, jazz, and Latin.
Some of the many artists that participated this year are:
- Andres Campo
- Cabanne
- Manda Moor
- Rhadoo
- Korolova
- Boris Werner
- Dungeon Meat
- Aline Brooklyn
- Ricardo Villalobos
The sound systems at Unum are also worth mentioning, as they make it possible for all the visitors on the beach to enjoy the best sound quality while at the festival.
What to Do at the Unum Festival
Music isn’t all that Unum Festival has to offer; thanks to Shëngjin’s great location, you’ll never have a dull day there. Here are some fun things you can do here during the event:
#1. Enjoy the Pristine Beaches
Shëngjin is home to a beautiful coast that is perfect for exploring during the summer. While you’re at Unum, you can head to the Cape of Rodon, which is surrounded by two amazing beaches, and enjoy marvelous views of the Adriatic Sea and the mountain backdrop.
Besides that, you can also check out the Rodoni Castle, a fortress built by National Hero
Skanderbeg that’s also nestled in the cape.
#2. Take a Boat Trip
For a small escape from the bustling festival grounds, you can also take a boat trip to the beaches nearby. There are countless boats to rent on Shëngjin Beach for a scenic ride along the coast.
You can explore the hidden
beaches, including Velipoja Beach and Tale Beach, or just enjoy a trip around. So, whether you’re looking to relax by admiring the landscape or keep the water party going on the boat, this type of activity would definitely be adelightful memory of your time at Unum!
#3. Hiking
For every adventurous tourist out there, there are tons of hiking trails starting from Shëngjin. The terrain isn’t too steep, so the trails aren’t too demanding, but you still have to be ready to walk quite a bit!
Make sure to take a bottle of water with you, along with snacks and light shoes. Moreover, hiking is always better with friends, so gather up your group and set off on your next adventure!
#4. Try New Foods
There will be tons of food trucks and stalls offering diverse dishes and drinks, so don’t be afraid to try new things! You can also enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in Shëngjin and other places nearby, such as:
- Detari i Vjetër
- Restaurant Guri
- Mrizi i Zanave
- Rapsodia
Most of these places boast delicious seafood mixes or traditional Albanian food you’ll definitely want to try. Some of the local favorites you can try include the lemon juice mussels and the seafood linguini.
Where to Stay during the Unum Festival
Unum gives you the opportunity to choose between three packages at each of the two
luxurious hotels near the location, depending on whether you’re staying for three, four, or five nights. Let’s see the available options:
#1. Mille Amici Hotel
Located just by the sea, Mille Amici Hotel offers the perfect blend of tradition and grandeur, providing modern amenities and top-tier accommodation. This five-star hotel is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a comfortable stay with access to free Wi-Fi, television, and parking.
It’s an amazing space, beautifully decorated and curated to the smallest detail. The rooms are spacious and neat, featuring big windows and balconies.
If you choose to stay for three nights, you’ll pay
€360 for three people; for four nights, you’ll pay
€480; and the price for five nights will be €500.

#2. Frojd Hotel
Frojd Hotel is a four-star accommodation option situated on the beachfront of Shëngjin. The hotel has a beautiful back garden, terrace, and shared lounge; breakfast is included in the price, along with Wi-Fi, television, parking, and 24-hour room service.
The rooms are beautifully furnished, featuring an elegant and chic style; you’ll have beautiful sea views from the balcony, where you can also enjoy your morning coffee.
If you choose to stay for three nights, you’ll pay
€240 for two people; for four nights, you’ll pay
€320, while the price for five nights would be
€400.

Why Go to the Unum Festival?
Here is a list of reasons why you should consider going to the Unum Festival next summer:
- Breathtaking nature. Being one of the friendliest towns in Albania, Shëngjin welcomes tourists who are eager to explore its amazing nature. The beaches of Shengjjin are uniquely beautiful and charming, surrounded by lush pine forests and picturesque hills.
- Great beats. At Unum, you’ll listen to numerous talented artists all in one place. The energy of the live performances and the enthusiasm of the crowd create an electrifying atmosphere you don’t want to miss! You’ll also get the chance to discover new artists and genres that you didn’t even know about, all thanks to this event that brings everyone together.
- Making new friends. The Unum Festival is sure to provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where people get together over a shared passion for music, dancing, and having fun. This creates the ideal setting to meet like-minded people, strike up interesting conversations, and even share festival tips with one another!