Pist e re pier Durrës
Durrës Promenade
Durrës Promenade
The Great Mosque of Durrës
Durrës Amphitheatre
Venetian Tower Aerial View
Venetian Tower in Durrës
Durrës Aerial View
Golem Beach Promenade
Durrës Beach
Durrës Beach
CITY
Durrës is one of the oldest cities in Albania and a great place to visit if you like a mix of history and beach life. The city sits on the Adriatic Sea and is known for its long sandy beaches, sunset views, and relaxed atmosphere. It was once an important Roman port called Dyrrachium, so the old town still has many historic sites that show how important the city was thousands of years ago.
One of the best things about Durrës is how easy it is to explore on foot. The Amphitheatre, the Venetian Tower, the Archaeological Museum, and the Great Mosque are all close to each other. After visiting these places, you can walk straight to the promenade to enjoy fresh sea air, cafés, and a peaceful view of the water.
This guide shows the 7 best things to do in Durrës and gives clear, simple information about each place. You will find out what each site is, why it is important, how long to stay, and what makes it worth a visit. Whether you come for a day trip or several days, this list will help you see the best of Durrës.
To make planning easier, here is an interactive Map of Durrës Attractions.
It shows the main places from this guide, including the amphitheatre, promenade, beach, museums, and other central sights. The map also includes several recommended restaurants where you can try traditional Albanian food, as well as a convenient parking area near the port. It gives you a clear overview of where everything is located and helps you understand the layout of the city. The interactive map is embedded below.
Since the main attractions in Durrës are located close to each other, it’s easy to plan your route. The list below will guide you through the best places to visit, with clear descriptions and practical advice for each stop.
The Durrës Amphitheatre is the most famous historic site in the city and one of the largest Roman structures in Albania. It was built in the early 2nd century CE and was used for big public shows, including gladiator fights and other entertainment events. The size and design of the amphitheatre show how important Durrës was in Roman times.
Today, visitors can walk inside the arena, explore the underground passages, and see a small early Christian chapel with mosaic decorations. The mix of Roman architecture and Christian art makes the amphitheatre a unique place to explore. Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes here. It is located in the city centre and is very easy to reach on foot.
Tip: Come early in the day or late afternoon to avoid strong sun.
The promenade is one of the nicest places in the city for walking and relaxing. It is a long seaside path with palm trees, benches, and cafés where you can enjoy food and drinks with a sea view. The area is wide and easy to walk, making it comfortable for families and visitors of all ages.
The promenade is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sky turns orange and pink and the sea becomes calm. Many people enjoy evening walks here because the atmosphere is peaceful and the temperature is cooler. It connects well to the city center and is close to many restaurants.
Tip: The best photo spots are near the middle section of the promenade.
Durrës Beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in Albania and a popular place for swimming and relaxing. The water is shallow and calm, which makes it a good choice for children and anyone who prefers easy swimming. The beach has many cafés, sunbeds, restaurants, and places to enjoy cold drinks during hot days.
The main season is from June to September, when the weather is warm and the beach is lively. If you prefer a quieter visit, May and October also offer warm temperatures with fewer crowds.
Tip: Walk a little farther from the center for a quieter and cleaner part of the beach.
The Archaeological Museum is the largest museum of its kind in Albania and shows the long history of the city. Inside, you can see objects from Illyrian, Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. There are statues, pottery, mosaics, and items from everyday life that help explain how people lived in ancient Durrës.
The museum is a great place to visit if you want to understand the city’s past before or after seeing the Amphitheatre. Most visitors spend 45–90 minutes here. The museum is located near the seaside, so the area around it is very pleasant.
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for a calm and quiet experience.
The Venetian Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Durrës. It dates back to the 15th century, when Venice controlled the city and strengthened its defensive walls to protect the harbor. The structure is a round stone tower built with strong masonry, showing the mix of Venetian military style and local craftsmanship of that time.
The tower is located in a small open square near the centre of Durrës. The area has a quiet atmosphere, with only a few cafés and small eateries around it. The tower is easy to approach, and many visitors come here for photos because it is well-preserved and looks especially striking when lit in the evening.
Tip: Visit around sunset or early evening to see the tower with warm lighting.
The Great Mosque is an important religious and cultural landmark in the centre of Durrës. It was first built in the 1930s and later restored after the communist period, when many religious buildings were damaged or closed. The mosque has a bright exterior and a peaceful, modern prayer hall inside, reflecting simple Albanian Islamic design. Visitors are welcome as long as they dress modestly and avoid entering during prayer times.
The mosque stands on Sheshi Liria, the main city square. This area is open and spacious, with a few small cafés and shops nearby. It feels calm and easy to walk around, making the mosque a pleasant place to stop and explore while moving through the centre.
Tip: Ask before taking photos inside, as rules can change. The area around Sheshi Liria is great for pictures too.
The Royal Villa was built in the 1920s for King Zog I and sits on a hill above the city. Even if the inside is sometimes closed, the outside area is open and offers one of the best views of Durrës. From here, you can see the beach, the port, and the city center.
Many visitors come to the villa at sunset, when the light is soft and the view is at its best. It is a short drive or an uphill walk from the center, and the effort is rewarded with a beautiful panorama.
Tip: Bring water if you visit during the hottest hours of the day.
Yes. Durrës has long sandy beaches, historic sites, good food, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. It is one of the easiest cities in Albania to visit.
One day is enough for the main sights. Two or three days are better if you want time for the beach, the promenade, and slow walks by the sea.
The city is known for the Roman Amphitheatre, the long coastline, the promenade, and its history as an ancient port called Dyrrachium.
You can reach Durrës by car, bus, or taxi. Buses from Tirana run often and are affordable. Taxis are faster and easy to find at Tirana Airport or in the city.
Yes. The city center, promenade, and beach areas are safe and busy, especially in the evening during summer.
The best time is from May to October. July and August are hottest and most crowded. Spring and early autumn are great for walks and sightseeing.
The city is about 30–40 minutes from Tirana by car or bus, depending on traffic.
Durrës is not the most traditional Albanian city, and it does not have the same historic look you find in Berat or Gjirokastër. Its beaches are also simpler than the famous turquoise spots in Ksamil Islands. However, the city still offers a helpful mix of coastline, culture, and easy access, which makes it a good stop on an Albania itinerary. Many visitors choose Durrës because it combines seaside views with interesting archaeological sites and a relaxed atmosphere.
Thanks to its location close to Tirana, the city works well for a short break, a weekend visit, or a comfortable first stop in Albania. With good planning, you can enjoy both swimming and sightseeing, making the experience feel balanced and easy. Even if Durrës is not the most traditional destination, it still offers enough things to do for travellers who enjoy simple beach days, historical stories, and easy walks around the centre.
