Frequently asked questions
What are the dates for Kala 2023?
Kala will take place between the 31st May and 7th June 2023.
Are there tickets available for 2023?
Over 70% of tickets are sold out.
If you signed up before 2nd Feb, you have access to the presale Tier 3 tickets until Friday 10th Feb at 10:00. The remaining tickets will be released to the general public after then.
• 11th October: Returning customer presale SOLD OUT
• 13th October: Tier 1 SOLD OUT
• 29th November: Tier 2 SOLD OUT
• 2nd February : Tier 3 presale - live until 10th Feb 10:00
• 10th February : Tier 3 general sale
Sign up below to get tickets on the 10th Feb.
Do you sell tickets without accommodation?
No, all our tickets include accommodation and a festival wristband. This is to avoid overinflated rates during the festival week, ensuring sustainable prices for Kala for this year and beyond, and provide a smoother festival experience.
Can I buy a ticket from someone else?
Tickets for Kala are sold exclusively via our website. We have been made aware of attempts of fake tickets being circulated and sold. Do not buy tickets directly from people posting on social media as there are many scammers targeting popular events.
We will not send out e-tickets until the week before the event so anyone claiming to have one is definitely fake.
If you are concerned or suspicious please email our customer service team and they will be able to verify whether the ticket is legit. If you want to buy a ticket the best way is to join our ticket waiting list here.
When will I receive my ticket?
You will be emailed an e-ticket along with pre-trip information a few weeks prior to the event. Your e-ticket can be exchanged for a wristband when you arrive at the festival. Details of where to pick up your wristband will be sent to you in your pre-trip information email ahead of the event.
Can I stay for less than the full week?
The minimum stay is 4 days (3 nights). However, we recommend staying for the full week to make the most out of the Kala experience!
The main acts perform Thursday - Monday. There will be smaller venues open on the other days with opening and closing parties taking place.
Besides the music, we also offer wellness classes and holiday activities like kayaking and boat trips. Once you get there you won’t want to leave!
What is the accommodation like?
There are options for everyone, from cosy 3* hotels to exotic beach huts and fancy 5* hotels, all at excellent prices.
Having your own shower and a comfy bed to rest after a little too much dancing is one of the aspects that make Kala such a different festival experience.
Does any of the accomm come with a kitchen / cooking space?
Yes, we have a couple of options that have cooking facilities in the apartments. Check out the apartment descriptions for full info.
How big are the rooms?
Most of the accommodation options hold 2-3 people, with the largest accommodation having room for 8 people. We advise splitting larger groups across multiple rooms. You can always book a few rooms in the same hotel or hotels nearby to keep the group together.
Speak to your group and decide how you are going to split the rooms in advance so you know what to search for when tickets go on sale. Eg 3 rooms with 2 people in each room.
Are there any options for solo travellers?
Yes there are some options for solo travellers although these are very limited. We recommend booking as soon as tickets go on sale as these usually sell out quickly.
If you cannot find anything suitable, you can join the Kala shared trips Facebook group to team up with others to share accommodation.
How far is the accommodation from the festival?
There are 3 areas where you can stay: Dhërmi, Perivolos and Drymades. The festival takes place in Dhërmi which means you can simply walk to and from the festival area.
We operate a shuttle bus service between Dhërmi, Perivolos and Drymades so even if your accommodation is not within walking distance, it’s still easy to get to and from the festival site.
• Dhërmi: All the accommodation around Dhërmi beach is within walking distance from the stages, with some hotels located inside the festival area. Hotels here are in high demand and usually sell out quite quickly.
• Drymades: The neighbouring beach to Dhërmi is a short drive away from the festival and offers a great selection of shops, restaurants and beach bars during the day.
• Perivolos: The area in between both beaches, is only a 5-minute drive away from the festival site.
What happens if someone in the group can no longer make it?
Think of this as any other summer holiday. If someone can no longer make it, you can either find a replacement, or cover the cost between the remaining people in the group. In some cases it may be possible to change to a smaller accommodation, but this will always be subject to availability.
If I have an empty bed in my room can I add someone to the booking at a later date?
Yes, no problem! There are a few simple steps to follow to add a person to your booking if you have the space in your accommodation you will need to:
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Head to the ‘change my booking’ tab on your ‘managed booking’ portal.
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The system will then formulate a cost to add the new guest which includes the cost of the festival wristband.
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The new guest will then need to pay a deposit to secure their place on the booking.
Can I buy a ticket from someone else?
Tickets for Kala are sold exclusively via our website. We have been made aware of attempts of fake tickets being circulated and sold. DO NOT buy tickets directly from people posting on social media as there are many scammers targeting popular events.
We will not send out e-tickets until the week before the event so anyone claiming to have one is definitely fake. If you are concerned or suspicious please email our customer service team and they will be able to verify whether the ticket is legit.
If you want to buy a ticket the best way is to join our ticket waiting list here
Do you offer discounted tickets for residents of Albania and Kosovo?
Yes, we have a separate allocation of discounted wristband-only tickets that don’t include accommodation for residents of Kosovo and Albania.
This will be available closer to the event. You can join the local ticket waiting list here for local tickets and we will notify you when these go on sale.
Ticket information
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, if you book in October 2022 or November 2002 you can secure your spot with just a £75 deposit per person and pay the rest across multiple instalments and paydays. If you book in February 2023, the deposit amount will increase to £150.
The initial deposit must be paid by the person making the booking. Once the booking has been created, each person will be able to pay their balance separately.
Please remember to make the necessary arrangements so the lead passenger has everyone's deposits ready when tickets go on sale!
When do I have to pay the full amount by?
You can secure your spot with just a £75 deposit per person. You will then be given a payment deadline for when you need to pay 50% and 100% of your total balance. These dates will change depending on when you book and are outlined below.
Payment dates for each tier
If you book in October 2022 you must pay 50% of your balance by 1st December and 100% by 27th January. This means you can split the cost across 4 paydays.
If you book in November 2022 you must pay 50% of your balance by 27th January and 100% by 31st March. This means you can split the cost across 5 paydays.
If you book in February 2023, your deposit will be £150 and you have until 2nd May to pay your full balance. This allows you to split the cost across 3 paydays.
What is your cancellation policy?
As with any other holiday or hotel reservation, cancellation fees apply on a sliding scale, depending on how close to the departure date you decide to cancel.
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Before 50% payment deadline: You can cancel your booking and get a refund of any amounts paid so far, except the deposit.
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After the 50% payment deadline: You can cancel your booking and get a refund of any amounts paid over the 50% of the cost
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After the 100% payment deadline: At this point, the payments would have been made to travel and accommodation suppliers and we won’t be able to get your money back from them. However, we can offer a name change so if you find someone to take over your booking we can offer you the ability to transfer your booking to another person.
You can read our terms and conditions here
Can I change a name on my booking?
If you would like to change a name on your booking please contact us on hello@kala.al. Please note that a £25 administration fee per name change applies. Please notify us of the change no less than 30 days before the day on which the package starts.
What happens if the event cannot go ahead?
If the event can’t go ahead, you will be able to either roll over your booking to a rescheduled date or receive a refund so you can book with full confidence.
Payment plans
How do I get to Kala?
You can fly to either Corfu or Tirana. We offer transfers from both airports that will drop you at the nearest stop to your accommodation. You can add these when you book your ticket or at a later date via the manage booking portal.
Seats are limited. If you don’t book one of these you will have to make your own way to the festival.
How do I get from Corfu airport to the port?
The best option is to take a taxi from the airport to Corfu Port (Kerkira). It takes about 15 minutes. There will be taxis waiting in front of the airport.
Where do I get my transfer from Tirana airport?
Head out of the airport and you will find one of our reps in a pink hi-vis vest with ‘Mainstage’ written on the back. They will take your name and escort you to your minibus.
What are the arrival and departure dates?
You can arrive to Kala on Wednesday 31st May, Thursday 1st June, Friday 2nd June and depart on Monday 5th June, Tuesday 6th June or Wednesday 7th June.
Where can I find transfer times?
A full list of transfer times are here. Please make sure your flight times are compatible with your selected transfers.
I need to leave on Saturday or Sunday, how can I get to the airport?
You will need to make your own arrangements to get home if you need to leave over the weekend.
If you are travelling to Corfu, you can check the public ferry timetable here: https://ionianseaways.com/timetable or https://www.finikas-lines.com/lines
Please note: you will need to go to Sarandë and then on to Corfu. This will require arranging a taxi from Dhërmi to Sarandë costing approx. €100. Once in Sarandë, you can take the ferry to Corfu port.
What is Albania like?
When it comes to travel, there are few mysteries left in Europe. Albania, by contrast, is still almost unheard of as a destination, and probably the last short-haul European sunspot that hasn't become a beach-holiday stalwart (yet).
The Albanian Riviera is an unspoiled, naturally stunning Mediterranean setting with turquoise waters, sandy beaches and a rich archaeological and cultural heritage. It is more exotic and undeveloped than surrounding countries, which makes it the perfect destination for escaping the crowds.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Albanians are very hospitable to visitors and they have been welcoming us with open arms for the 5 years that we have been organising events in Dhërmi. The country was under a communist dictatorship for decades and has only recently started opening up to international tourism. They are very proud of their beautiful country and happy that we have decided to visit them.
Expect crystal clear waters, great hospitality, shockingly good food, and some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
Do I need a visa or travel permit to travel to Kala?
As our guests travel from all over the world, we recommend that you visit your own Government’s website, and research the visa requirements from your own country.
European, British and American citizens can enter the Republic of Albania as a tourist without a visa. However, some time limits may apply for some of them.
If you travel via Corfu, please check with your own Government if there are any requirements to enter Greece.
Can I still travel to Dhërmi after Brexit?
Since the 1st Jan 2021, tourists from the UK will be able to travel to countries in the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist. Which includes attending cultural or sports events.
If you are travelling to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
If you are flying straight to Albania, please note that British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania.
Do I need health insurance?
While we cannot recommend specific insurance companies or policies, we advise that all our customers do extensive research around their own insurance policies to ensure they have the appropriate cover.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend?
Entry to the event will not be dependent on having a vaccination but we are at the discretion of the various governing bodies involved, and what their requirements are in regards to travelling to the event.
At the moment, most countries seem to require either proof of vaccination or a negative test.
As stated in our T&Cs, we can only provide general information on the subject and would recommend you continue to monitor the ongoing updates provided before making a booking. If you fail to comply with the travel requirements set by the governments we won’t be able to offer you a refund and standard cancellation T&Cs apply.
As always, our booking policy remains the same and in the event of a full cancellation or rescheduled date, ticket-holders will be entitled to either transfer their ticket to a rescheduled show, or receive a refund on their package.
Travel
Festival information
When does Kala take place?
Kala is from Wednesday 31st May until the early hours of Wednesday 7th June.
How many people are expected to attend Kala 2023?
There are only 3000 tickets available this year. Kala is an intimate festival experience where quality means more than quantity.
Usually, this means that tickets are in high demand but if you join the waiting list and have your group ready to book as soon as tickets go on sale you should be able to join us on the sunny beaches of Dhërmi to enjoy the experience.
What kind of amenities are available in Dhërmi?
Dhërmi is a small coastal village, there are medical services, bars, restaurants and several small shops. There are very limited ATMs in Dhermi and Drymades. You will need cash for restaurants and local shops but the festival area (bars, festival market) are cashless. You can top up your RFID wristband via card payment and use your wristband to pay within the festival site.
What are the food/drink costs like at Kala?
Restaurants are relatively cheap and a meal will cost between 8-15 euros. Supermarkets are limited but do sell alcohol. Drink prices will vary from bar to bar ranging from 3 - 6 euros depending on the selected drink.
Besides the music, what else is available?
The festival program is designed to allow you to spend your days partying, relaxing and exploring the incredible surroundings. Besides the music events, we also offer a roster of fun-filled activities and well-being sessions, from yoga and beach massages to kayaking, snorkeling, paragliding and day excursions to explore the natural wonders of the Albanian Riviera.
Here are some of the places we recommend visiting:
• Gjipe: a secluded beachside forest that is only accessible by boat and hosts cherry-picked resident DJs on rotation. This is not only one of the most incredible party locations you will ever dance in but the perfect place to spend the day too. You can relax by the beach, dance in the forest or stroll along the canyon.
• Grama Bay: A stunning bay only accessible by boat. Due to the lack of facilities, this exotic beach is likely to be deserted on your arrival, and remain all yours for the day. We organise boat trips with optional BBQ.
Check out our beach guide to discover the stunning beaches that surround the festival area.
What is the easiest way to get to Kala from my accommodation during the festival?
Many hotels are within walking distance of Kala, there will also be a regular shuttle bus running to and from the festival for any guests staying in Drymades or Dhërmi town. Tickets for the shuttle bus can be purchased via ‘manage booking’.
Music
What kind of music can we expect at Kala?
Kala’s music program spans a wide range of genuinely good music. Reminiscent of the eclecticism of Balearic Beat, anything goes as long as it's danceable - be it Disco, House, Synth Pop, Rare Groove, Funk, Soul, Jazz or Techno.
Extended sets, fantastic sound systems and a carefully selected list of artists performing at incredible open-air seaside venues guarantee a truly unforgettable musical experience.
When are the main acts / headliners performing?
The festival takes place between Wednesday 31st May and the early hours of Wednesday 7th June. The main acts perform between Thursday and Monday. There will be smaller venues open on the rest of the days with opening and closing parties taking place.
We recommend staying the whole week for the full experience. The festival program is designed to allow you to spend your days partying, relaxing and exploring the incredible surroundings. There are plenty of stunning beaches so you will have time to relax, disconnect, and recharge your batteries before returning home.
What are the running times of stages?
Running times vary during the week. Some stages like Gjipe are open only during the day, while others will host sunset sets and some will run through the night till sunrise. The full schedule will be released closer to the event. Our main headliners play 5h sets so you will have plenty of time to check out a few acts every day.
Wellness
What kind of activities are available?
Our expert wellness team will host a variety of wellness sessions, from yoga to mindfulness, guided meditation to soundscapes, and gong baths that incorporate electronic music and ancient instruments. All levels welcome!
Are these included with the ticket?
There is a charity donation to join each session and all profits are donated to a local Albanian Charity. Places are limited, make sure to reserve your spot once the 2023 programme is announced!
How do I book?
Once the schedule is announced we will send all bookings an email with the link to book their chosen activities. This is usually a couple of months before the event.
Any more questions?
We hope the above answered most of your questions but if you're still a little stuck or unsure please feel free to give us an email on hello@kala.al. If you have a booking with us already, please make sure to include your booking ID in your subject line so we can get back to you faster!
Travel guide
We have created a handy travel guide that includes a load of information surrounding the festival. From getting here to currency, check it out to find out more about the festival.