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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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!
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!
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Here is a list of reasons why you should consider going to the Unum Festival next summer:
The Unum Festival is organized by a team of experts from Kosovo and other countries in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania.
The dates of the festival may vary each year, but it usually takes place at the beginning of summer, on the first days of June.
The Unum Festival ticket prices start at €79, granting you unrestricted access to the event with unlimited re-entries. The ticket categories are divided into three: local citizens tickets for €79, VIP tickets for €296, and international visitors tickets for €316.
At the Unum festival, they play mainly electronic and techno music but also mix in a bit of pop and Latin.
The first edition of the Unum Festival was held in 2019, one year after Rana e Hedhun was opened as a public space.