Discover the Ancient and Modern Wonders of Durres

Durres, Albania's second-largest city and principal seaport, is a captivating blend of ancient history and modern beach culture. With over 3,000 years of history, stunning Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture, Durres offers travelers an authentic Albanian experience away from the typical tourist trail.

Top Historical Attractions

1. Durres Amphitheatre (Amfiteatri i Durrësit)

The crown jewel of Durres and one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans! Built in the 2nd century AD during Emperor Trajan's reign, this incredible structure could seat up to 20,000 spectators.

What Makes It Special:

• Size & Scale: One of the largest amphitheatres in the Roman Empire outside Italy
• Hidden Chapel: Unique early Christian chapel with stunning Byzantine mosaics discovered beneath the arena
• Urban Setting: Surrounded by modern buildings, creating a dramatic contrast between ancient and contemporary
• Archaeological Significance: Ongoing excavations continue to reveal new discoveries

Visitor Information:

• Location: City center, near Aleksander Moisiu Street
• Entry Fee: 300 Lek (~€3) for adults, 100 Lek for students
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter)
• Time needed: 1-2 hours
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat

2. Venetian Tower (Kulla Veneciane)

This iconic circular tower stands proudly along Durres waterfront, serving as the city's most recognizable landmark. Built in the 15th century by the Venetians, it was part of the city's defensive fortifications.

Highlights:

• Architecture: Well-preserved medieval stone tower with thick defensive walls
• Location: Waterfront promenade, perfect for photos
• Sunset spot: Popular location for evening walks and photography
• Nearby cafes: Surrounded by restaurants with views of the tower

Visit Details:

• Entry: Free to view from outside; interior sometimes hosts exhibitions
• Best for: Photography, especially at golden hour
• Combine with: Waterfront walk and harbor area exploration

3. Durres Archaeological Museum

Albania's largest archaeological museum showcases thousands of artifacts spanning from ancient Greek and Roman times through the Byzantine and medieval periods.

Museum Collections:

• Roman Artifacts: Statues, busts, pottery, and jewelry from ancient Dyrrhachium
• Greek Heritage: Items from the Greek colony founded in 627 BC
• Byzantine Treasures: Religious artifacts and decorative pieces
• Numismatic Collection: Extensive collection of ancient coins

Practical Information:

• Location: Near the waterfront, Taulantia Street
• Entry: 200 Lek (~€2)
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Note: Check ahead as the museum occasionally closes for renovations

4. Roman Baths (Termat Romake)

Recently excavated and partially restored, these 2nd-century Roman baths offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life in ancient Dyrrhachium.

What You'll See:

• Caldarium: Hot bath room with underfloor heating system (hypocaust)
• Tepidarium: Warm room for relaxation
• Frigidarium: Cold bath area
• Intricate Mosaics: Beautiful floor decorations depicting geometric patterns
• Heating System: Visible remains of the ancient heating infrastructure

Visit Information:

• Location: City center, near the amphitheatre
• Entry: Usually free or small donation
• Status: Ongoing archaeological site; access may vary

5. Byzantine Forum and City Walls

Scattered throughout the city center are impressive remains of Byzantine fortifications and the ancient forum, testament to Durres' strategic importance throughout history.

Key Sites:

• City Walls: Sections of 5th-6th century Byzantine walls still visible
• Forum Ruins: Ancient marketplace and gathering place
• Gates: Remnants of defensive gates and towers
• Columns: Standing columns marking the ancient forum area

Religious & Cultural Sites

6. Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque of Durres)

Also known as the Grand Mosque, this beautiful Ottoman-style mosque was rebuilt in the 1930s and is an important religious and architectural landmark.

Features:

• Architecture: Classic Ottoman design with distinctive minaret
• Interior: Beautiful prayer hall with traditional decorations
• Active worship: Functioning mosque, respectful dress required
• Cultural significance: Important center for Durres Muslim community

Visiting Tips:

• Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring headscarf
• Remove shoes: Before entering prayer areas
• Timing: Visit outside prayer times (check locally)
• Respectful behavior: Quiet and respectful at all times

7. Orthodox Church of St. Paul and St. Apostle

This modern Orthodox church is a striking example of neo-Byzantine architecture and serves as an important spiritual center for the Orthodox community.

8. Catholic Cathedral (Katedralja e Shën Luçisë)

Dedicated to Saint Lucy, this church represents Durres' Catholic heritage and features modern religious art.

Beaches & Waterfront

9. Durres Beach (Plazhi i Durrësit)

Albania's most popular beach stretches for kilometers along the Adriatic coast, offering sandy shores, warm waters, and lively atmosphere.

Beach Features:

• Length: Over 10 km of sandy beach
• Facilities: Beach clubs, sunbed rentals, water sports
• Accessibility: Easy access from city center
• Season: May to September, peak July-August

Beach Sections:

• City Beach: Most accessible, busiest, full facilities
• Currila Beach: Quieter, more local atmosphere
• Golem Beach: Further south, newer resorts and hotels
• Spille Beach: North of city, less crowded

Beach Activities:

• Swimming: Shallow, safe waters perfect for families
• Water sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats
• Beach volleyball: Courts available at beach clubs
• Dining: Numerous beachfront restaurants and bars

10. Durres Waterfront Promenade (Lungomare)

The newly renovated seaside promenade is perfect for evening strolls, offering beautiful sunset views, cafes, and people-watching opportunities.

Promenade Highlights:

• Length: Several kilometers of paved walkway
• Cafes & Restaurants: Dozens of options with sea views
• Bike paths: Dedicated cycling lanes
• Playgrounds: Children's play areas
• Events: Occasional concerts and cultural events

Modern Attractions & Entertainment

11. Vollga Beach Club

Popular beach club offering a full-service beach experience with modern amenities, DJ sets, and party atmosphere.

Amenities:

• Sunbeds & Umbrellas: Premium beach setup
• Pool: Swimming pool overlooking the beach
• Restaurant & Bar: Full menu and cocktails
• Events: DJ parties, themed nights
• Price: €10-20 for sunbed; food and drinks extra

12. Durres Harbor & Port

One of Albania's most important commercial ports, the harbor area offers insight into the city's maritime heritage and modern shipping industry.

Harbor Experience:

• Ferry Terminal: Connections to Italy (Bari, Ancona)
• Fishing Port: Traditional fishing boats and fresh fish market
• Yacht Marina: Modern marina facilities
• Waterfront dining: Fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor

Parks & Nature

13. Durrës Waterfront Park

Green spaces along the coast perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying nature within the city.

14. Pine Forest (Pisha e Durrësit)

Coastal pine forest offering shade, walking trails, and escape from the beach crowds. Popular with locals for picnics and outdoor activities.

Day Trips from Durres

15. Cape of Rodon (Kepi i Rodonit)

Just 30 km north of Durres, this scenic peninsula features:

• Skanderbeg Castle: 15th-century fortress ruins
• St. Anthony's Church: Historic seaside church
• Wild beaches: Pristine, less-developed coastline
• Nature: Protected area with diverse flora and fauna
• Access: 45-minute drive; worth half-day trip

16. Kavaja

Neighboring coastal town 20 km south, known for:

• Wine production: Traditional Albanian vineyards
• Local markets: Authentic Albanian shopping experience
• Quieter beaches: Alternative to crowded Durres beaches

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit Durres:

• June & September: Perfect weather, fewer crowds, better prices
• July-August: Peak season, hot weather, busy beaches, lively atmosphere
• May & October: Mild weather, historical sightseeing, some beach facilities closed
• November-April: Off-season, focus on historical sites, many beach venues closed

Getting to Durres:

• From Tirana: 35 km, 40-minute drive; buses every 30 minutes (€2-3)
• From Tirana Airport: 45 km, 1-hour drive; shuttle buses available (€5-10)
• From Italy: Ferry services from Bari (8 hours) and Ancona (16 hours)
• By car: Well-connected highway from Tirana and other cities

Getting Around Durres:

• Walking: City center and main attractions are walkable
• Taxis: Affordable (€2-5 for most trips within city)
• Local buses: Very cheap (50 Lek/€0.50) but routes confusing for tourists
• Bike rentals: Available along the promenade
• Rental cars: Useful for day trips to surrounding areas

Where to Stay:

• Beachfront hotels: Best for beach vacation, €40-150/night
• City center: Close to historical sites, €30-80/night
• Budget hostels: €10-25/night, mostly near center
• Beach resorts: All-inclusive options €60-200/night
• Airbnb: Many apartments available, €25-70/night

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Tour (4-5 hours):

1. Start at the Amphitheatre (1.5 hours)
2. Walk to Roman Baths (30 minutes)
3. Visit Archaeological Museum (1 hour)
4. Stroll waterfront promenade to Venetian Tower (1 hour)
5. Lunch at harbor restaurant

Full Day Tour (8-10 hours):

1. Morning: Amphitheatre & Archaeological Museum (3 hours)
2. Coffee break at waterfront cafe (30 minutes)
3. Explore Byzantine walls & Roman Baths (1 hour)
4. Lunch at traditional restaurant (1.5 hours)
5. Afternoon: Beach time & water activities (3 hours)
6. Evening: Sunset walk on promenade & dinner at harbor (2 hours)

Weekend Itinerary (2 Days):

Day 1 - History & Culture:

• Morning: All major historical sites (Amphitheatre, Museum, Baths)
• Afternoon: Religious sites (mosques, churches)
• Evening: Waterfront promenade, dinner with sea views

Day 2 - Beach & Nature:

• Morning: Beach club experience with water sports
• Afternoon: Day trip to Cape of Rodon OR relaxing at beach
• Evening: Fresh seafood dinner at harbor, drinks at beach bar

Dining Recommendations

Traditional Albanian Restaurants:

• Restorant Piazza: City center, authentic Albanian cuisine (€€)
• Vila Lili: Family-run, traditional recipes (€€)
• Taverna Durrsake: Local favorite, grilled meats & seafood (€€)

Seafood Restaurants:

• Restorant 2 Kitarrat: Harbor location, fresh fish daily (€€€)
• Aragosta: Upscale seafood dining with views (€€€)
• Porto Romano: Waterfront, excellent seafood mezze (€€)

Casual Dining:

• Pizza e Pasta: Italian-style, beachfront location (€)
• Fast Food Syla: Local fast food, qebapa & byrek (€)
• Kolonat Restaurant: Mixed menu, popular with locals (€€)

Local Food to Try

• Fresh Seafood: Grilled fish, octopus, calamari caught daily
• Tavë Kosi: Baked lamb with yogurt, Albanian specialty
• Byrek: Savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach
• Fergese: Peppers, tomatoes, and cheese baked dish
• Qofte: Albanian meatballs, grilled or fried
• Baklava: Sweet pastry dessert

Shopping

Souvenirs to Buy:

• Albanian wine: Local varieties from nearby vineyards
• Raki: Traditional Albanian spirit
• Olive oil: High-quality local production
• Honey: Mountain honey from Albanian highlands
• Handicrafts: Traditional textiles, woodwork
• Antiques: Shops near amphitheatre selling historical replicas

Shopping Areas:

• Tregja e Durrësit: Main city market for local products
• Currila area: Boutiques and souvenir shops
• Beachfront promenade: Tourist shops and stalls

Safety & Practical Tips

Safety:

• Generally safe: Durres is tourist-friendly with low crime
• Beach safety: Lifeguards present in peak season
• Pickpockets: Rare but watch belongings in crowded areas
• Traffic: Be cautious crossing streets; drivers can be aggressive

Money:

• Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL); €1 ≈ 100 Lek
• ATMs: Widely available in city center
• Cards: Accepted in hotels and larger restaurants
• Cash: Preferred in markets and small establishments

Language:

• Official: Albanian
• Tourism areas: English widely spoken
• Italian: Commonly understood (historical ties)
• Useful phrases: "Përshëndetje" (Hello), "Faleminderit" (Thank you)

Local Customs:

• Dress code: Casual fine; modest dress for religious sites
• Tipping: 5-10% appreciated in restaurants
• Greetings: Handshake common; locals very friendly
• Hospitality: Albanians are warm and welcoming to tourists

Photography Tips

Best Photo Spots:

• Amphitheatre: Early morning light, fewer tourists
• Venetian Tower: Sunset, golden hour
• Waterfront promenade: Blue hour for city lights reflecting on water
• Beach panoramas: From elevated positions looking down coast
• Harbor area: Fishing boats and traditional scenes

Events & Festivals

• Durres Summer Festival: July-August, music and cultural events
• Durres Film Festival: September, international cinema
• Independence Day: November 28, celebrations throughout city
• Beach parties: Weekends throughout summer season

Why Visit Durres?

Unique Selling Points:

• Authentic Albania: Real Albanian experience, not over-touristed
• History meets beach: Rare combination of ancient ruins and beach resort
• Value for money: Very affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations
• Accessibility: Easy to reach from Tirana and Italy
• Local culture: Genuine interactions with friendly Albanian people
• Undiscovered gem: Before it gets too popular!

Final Tips

1. Start early: Visit historical sites in the morning before heat and crowds
2. Combine history and beach: Cultural morning, beach afternoon
3. Try local food: Albanian cuisine is delicious and underrated
4. Learn basic Albanian: Locals appreciate the effort
5. Bargain respectfully: In markets, gentle negotiation is normal
6. Stay hydrated: Summers are hot; carry water
7. Respect history: Don't climb on ancient ruins
8. Ask locals: They're friendly and give great recommendations
9. Take day trips: Surrounding areas offer even more to explore
10. Come with open mind: Albania is developing; embrace the authentic experience

Durres offers a perfect blend of ancient history, beach relaxation, and authentic Albanian culture. Whether you're exploring the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, relaxing on sandy beaches, or enjoying fresh seafood by the harbor, Durres provides an unforgettable experience at incredible value. This coastal gem is Albania's best-kept secret – discover it before everyone else does!