There are a ton of things to do in Durres, Albania’s oldest city on the Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re into beaches or history, Durres has something for everyone.
I spent more than 2 months exploring Albania, including plenty of time in Durres, also known as ‘The Eternal City.’ Today, Durres is not only Albania’s largest seaport but also a major tourist hub with stunning beaches, architecture, and culture. It’s definitely a top destination in Albania.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Durres, here are my top 15 activities to help you create your itinerary. Durres, with its rich history, offers numerous enjoyable activities. Here are some of my favorite attractions to make the most out of your visit.
Durres is rich in Roman and Byzantine architecture, highlighting its historical significance to Albania and the Balkans. The Roman amphitheater, built in the 2nd Century BC and accommodating up to 20,000 spectators, is a must-see. It’s conveniently located in the city center.
One of the best activities in Durres is taking a wine-tasting tour in the surrounding region, known for its winemaking traditions, scenic views, and local vineyards. You can enjoy some of the best wines and traditional local dishes.
Although Durres is mainly a commercial port, its beaches offer a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The beaches extend for over 10 kilometers, with plenty of amenities, including water sports.
The Durres Archaeological Museum, the largest in Albania, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Located near the waterfront, it houses artifacts from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
A walking tour is an excellent way to explore Durres and its rich history. The 3-hour tour includes main attractions such as the Roman Amphitheater, the archaeological museum, and the Venetian Tower.
If you love hiking, the Via Egnatia trail is a great option. Starting in Durres, this 475-kilometer trail passes through multiple countries and offers some of the best scenery in the Balkans.
A tour to Kruje, about an hour from Durres, is another fantastic activity. You’ll explore the Kruje Bazaar, Skanderbeg museum, and Kruja Castle, learning about Albania’s rich history and culture.
For a quieter beach day, head to Spille Beach, about 40 minutes south of Durres. It’s great for families, featuring calm, shallow waters and a less crowded atmosphere.
The Grand Mosque of Durres, also known as Xhamia e Madhe, is a beautiful historical site built in 1931. Despite the damage from an earthquake and the communist regime, it stands as a testament to Albania’s rich history.
The Byzantine Forum is a remarkable monument from the Roman and early Byzantine eras. Located near the newly renovated central square, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Berat, just 90 minutes from Durres, is one of Albania’s most popular destinations. A day tour can include visits to Berat Castle, the Ottoman bridge, and the famous neighborhood of Mangalem.
Gjirokaster, about 3 hours from Durres, is another must-visit, especially if you can spend a night there. Key attractions include Gjirokaster Castle and a family winery offering delicious vegetarian food and wine.
Durres Castle, also known as the Venetian Tower, is an ancient fortress dating back to 400AD. Recently converted into a bar with a rooftop terrace, it offers excellent views and a romantic setting.
Walking along the Durres promenade, especially at sunset, is a delightful experience. Grab a coffee in the morning or enjoy a drink at Posh Lounge in the evening while taking in the colorful sunset.
For a day trip, consider visiting Budva and Kotor Bay in Montenegro. The tour includes exploring Sveti Stefan, Kotor Bay, and Budva Old Town, giving you a taste of Montenegrin culture.
Suggested itineraries for different lengths of stay:
– If you have one day, focus on the walking tour, a visit to the amphitheater, and the castle, finishing with a sunset stroll along the promenade.
– With a couple of extra days, add a day trip to Berat or Kruja and spend some time on Durres or Spille Beach.
– For a week-long stay, you can include most of the activities listed above along with some relaxing beach time.
Best neighborhoods in Durres include:
– Durres Beach: Ideal for families, close to the beach and amenities. Stay at EKA luxury apartment.
– Old Town: Best for first-timers, near historical sites and excellent food options. Consider Hotel Giulia Albergo.
– Rruga Curilla: Perfect for a luxurious stay, offering great cafes, bars, and restaurants. Hotel Hillside Beach is recommended.
Top places to eat in Durres:
– Olivia’s Fish House for seafood
– Artur Restaurant for a mix of seafood and Italian cuisine with sunset views
– Patarella for fresh pasta and a view of the sea
– Meison Bistro for reasonable prices and a sea view
– Pista E Vogel Iliria on Durres Beach for fish and Italian dishes
Getting to Durres from Tirana:
– It’s about a 45-minute trip. Taxis cost around 2500 LEK ($20), while buses, costing about 150 LEK ($1.50), run every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
– Renting a car is also an option, especially useful for day trips around Durres. The city itself is very walkable.
FAQs:
– Durres is known as Albania’s most ancient city, offering great historical sites.
– The best time to visit is during the summer months; May and June are warm but less crowded.
– Durres is worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in history.
– A couple of days or a long weekend is enough to see the main attractions.
– Durres and Albania are very safe, but be cautious of pickpockets.
– Top activities include visiting Durres Castle and the beach, and enjoying the local seafood.
Durres is more than just a commercial port. It offers fantastic attractions, a rich history, and serves as a great base to explore more of Albania and even Montenegro. Enjoy your trip!
