Durres Albania Travel Guide
Morning: Arrive from Tirana International Airport (TIA) and check into your accommodation. Head directly to the city center. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the Balkans' largest. Afterwards, explore the Durres Archaeological Museum to understand the city's ancient its heritage through its artifacts. Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood or a traditional Albanian meal near the port or inside the city center (try "Tavë Kosi" if available).
Afternoon: Explore the remnants of the Durres Castle walls and the iconic Venetian Tower. Take a leisurely wander down the length of the main beach promenade (Lungomare), soaking in the Adriatic atmosphere. Evening: Have dinner at a beachfront restaurant along the Plazhi, enjoying the sunset over the Adriatic Sea. Sample area seafood cuisine.
Durres offers adaptable experiences for various trip lengths, from a brief visit to an immersive extended stay.
Day 1: Immerse yourself in Durres's ancient history. Visit the Amphitheatre, Archaeological Museum, and city walls. Explore the bustling city center, stopping at local cafes. Spend the late afternoon relaxing on the most popular beach (Plazhi), perhaps savoring a swim.
Days 1-2: Thorough exploration of Durres – Amphitheatre, Museum, Venetian Tower, Roman Forum. Beach time, local dining, and evening nightlife. Day 3: Full-day trip to Tirana – cultural landmarks, colorful architecture, modern vibrancy, Dajti cable car. Day 4: Full-day trip to Kruja – Albanian history at Skanderbeg's Castle and traditional crafts at the Old Bazaar.
Combine the Durres-centric week with an extended journey through other zones of Albania.
Long-term Stay Recommendations: For stays longer than two weeks, renting an apartment in the Plazhi area or a quieter residential neighborhood is useful. This enables an immersion into local life, exploring nearby villages in a relaxed manner, and enjoying the relaxed rhythm of coastal living.
Option 2 (Historical & Mountain): Combine Durres with the historic cities of Berat and Gjirokastër, then venture into the dramatic landscapes of the Albanian Alps (Theth, Valbona) for hiking and nature. Option 3 (Regional Combination): Consider a ferry trip from Durres to Bari or Ancona in Italy for a combined Balkan-Italian adventure, or extend your trip to neighboring Montenegro (e.g., Kotor, Budva) or east into North Macedonia (e.g., Ohrid).
Explore Berat, Gjirokastër, and hike in the Albanian Alps (Theth, Valbona).
Ferry from Durres to Italy (Bari/Ancona) for a diverse regional trip.
Travel to Montenegro (Kotor, Budva) or North Macedonia (Ohrid).
Shape your Durres visit around your passions, be it history, food, adventure, or art.
Start by thoroughly exploring the Roman Amphitheatre and the Durres Archaeological Museum. Walk along the old city walls and visit the Venetian Tower.
Explore Durres's local eateries for fresh seafood, traditional Albanian dishes like Tavë Kosi and Fërgesë, and various types of Byrek. Visit the local market (Pazari i Ri) for fresh fruits and vegetables and local cheeses.
Enjoy marine sports such as water scootering, paddleboarding, or banana boat rides on Durres beach. Take long coastal walks or bike along the Lungomare. For serious adventurers, consider extending your trip northward to the Albanian Alps (Theth, Valbona) for multi-day trekking in stunning mountain landscapes.
Prioritize time at the beach at Plazhi i Durrësit. Its shallow, calm waters are ideal for children. A lot of accommodations and beach clubs offer family-friendly amenities. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre; its scale often impresses children. The relatively contained nature of the site makes it manageable. Enjoy local parks and playgrounds. Durres has many restaurants accommodating to families, often with alfresco seating. Consider renting an apartment having a kitchen for convenience.
Durres offers a range of options, making it accessible for every budget, from backpackers to travelers seeking luxury.
Accommodation: Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses, selecting dormitory beds or basic private rooms. Transportation: Rely heavily on very cheap local city buses for getting around Durres. For intercity travel, use long-cross-country buses. Food: Prioritize street food like byrek, visit local bakeries, or purchase groceries from local markets to self-cater in apartment rentals or hostels with kitchen facilities.
Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable stays in mid-range hotels or well-appointed apartments. Look for places offering breakfast. Transportation: Utilize a mix of affordable public buses for regular commutes and occasional taxis or Bolt rides for convenience or direct routes. Food: Patronize local dining spots and cafes, sampling a variety of Albanian and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy a few nicer meals.
The season of your visit significantly influences the activities and ambiance you experience in Durres. Plan accordingly to match your preferences.
This is the season for cultural immersion and exploring historical sites without the crowds. It has a chance to experience local life plus culinary arts during the quieter season. Anticipate a tranquil and authentic local atmosphere. Many beachfront businesses will be closed, and the focus shifts to the central area.
If you have a particular interest in heritage events, plan your visit around specific festivals held during the summer or the Durres International Film Festival. These events present unique insights into Albanian arts and culture. Check official tourism office websites or local listings for specific dates, as they vary annually.
