Durres
Golem Beach Promenade
Grand Mosque of Durres
Sheshi Iliria Square
Pista e Re
Durres Beach
Durres Beach
CITY
Durrës is one of Albania’s oldest and most vibrant cities. Sitting on the Adriatic Sea just 35 km from Tirana, it mixes ancient Roman history with a lively beach-town vibe. Founded over 2,700 years ago, it was once an important Roman port, and you can still see ruins scattered around the modern city.
Today, Durrës is best known for its long sandy beaches, seafront promenade, and fresh seafood. It’s a favorite summer escape for locals from Tirana, yet it still hides fascinating cultural sites for those who want more than just sun and sea.
(Map of Durrës)
Below are the best places to visit in and around Durrës — from ancient landmarks to peaceful seaside spots.
This massive Roman amphitheatre is the largest in the Balkans. Built in the 2nd century AD, it once held up to 20,000 spectators. Parts of the stone seats, underground passages, and a small Byzantine chapel remain.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and see the site before tour groups arrive. Allow about 45 minutes to explore.
The palm-lined promenade runs along the beach with cafés, seafood restaurants, and street vendors. It’s the city’s main evening gathering place, especially in summer. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with seaside cocktail bars and beach clubs that stay open late into the night.
Tip: Visit at sunset when the air cools down, the lights reflect on the water, and live music starts at some bars. It’s also the best time to grab a seafront dinner table and try local dishes like grilled fish, calamari, or tavë kosi (lamb baked in yogurt).
Durrës has one of Albania’s longest beaches, stretching for several kilometers. The sand is soft, and the shallow water makes it great for swimming. Many beachfront taverns and bars offer sunbeds, snacks, and drinks, so you can spend the whole day here without leaving the sand.
Tip: Walk a bit farther south from the center to find quieter parts of the beach, especially in July and August.
This well-organized museum near the waterfront shows Durrës’ long history, from Greek and Roman times to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It’s small but rich in artifacts like mosaics, statues, and ceramics.
Tip: Combine it with a walk to the nearby Venetian Tower and city walls. Plan about 1 hour here.
The round Venetian Tower stands near the old city walls. It was built in the 15th century to defend the port. You can climb partway up for views of the square and sea.
Tip: After exploring, stop at one of the nearby cafés for a coffee or a glass of raki — it’s a great spot to watch daily life go by.
About 1.5 hours north of Durrës, this wild peninsula has dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and the ruins of Rodoni Castle. It’s perfect if you want nature and history away from the crowds.
Tip: Bring water, snacks, and good shoes — facilities are limited, and mobile signal is weak.
Durrës is only 35 km (about 40 minutes) from Tirana, making it easy to visit by car, bus, or taxi. Frequent buses run between the cities throughout the day. Parking is available near the beach and main landmarks.
Most attractions are within walking distance of the center, but having a car gives you more freedom for day trips like Cape of Rodon. Two days is enough to see the highlights, but many visitors stay longer to enjoy the beach and lively nightlife.
Summer (June–September) is lively and hot, while spring and early autumn are quieter and still warm. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and drinking water are recommended, especially when visiting outdoor sites like the amphitheatre or city walls.
