Durres Albania: The Ultimate Travel Guide (Things to Do, Where to Stay & Best Beaches in 2025)

Durrës (or Durres, if you’re skipping the accents) is Albania’s second largest city, sitting right on the Adriatic Sea. It’s only about 40 minutes from the capital, Tirana, and manages to be both an ancient city with a rich history and a resort town with some solid beaches.

That’s exactly why we really enjoyed our time here—despite it being one of Albania’s busiest hubs, thanks to its important port. I know this might sound a little cheesy, but Durrës does have a bit of everything. You’ve got beaches with great resorts and hotels, tons of ancient sights and museums for sightseeing, incredible food, and wine country right around the corner. I mean, come on—there’s a lot to like here.

We recently visited Durrës and personally had a great time. I know opinions on the city can be mixed, and I get it. No, the beaches aren’t as stunning as those down south on the Albanian Riviera, and no, the town isn’t as overwhelmingly historic as Berat or Gjirokastër. But if you know where to go, what to do, and what to expect, Durrës can be an awesome stop on your Albania itinerary.

So, let’s get right into it—here’s everything you need to know before visiting Durres Albania.

A Brief History of Durres Albania

Ok y’all, I personally think it’s always nice to get a little head start when visiting a historic place. You’ll definitely learn a lot from tours and museums, but having a general idea of where you are and what’s going on history-wise makes everything way easier to follow—and honestly, more interesting.

Durrës, Albania, has been around for a long time—like, really long (Durrës’ ancient names were Epidamnos and Dyrrhachion).This ancient city was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and has been an important hub ever since. Thanks to its prime location on the Adriatic Sea, it became a major trading post, drawing in everyone from the Romans to the Byzantines and even the Venetians.

During the Roman period, Roman Catholics left some of the most impressive marks on the city, including the Durres Amphitheater, which remains one of the largest and most significant ancient ruins in the Balkans. In the Byzantine era, Durrës continued to serve as a key port and military stronghold, with the addition of the Byzantine Forum. Later, both the Venetians and Ottomans left their own distinct influences on the city’s architecture and culture.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and Durrës played a major role in Albania’s modern history, from Italian and German occupations during World War II to its time under communist rule. Today, it’s a lively mix of old and new—where crumbling ruins sit next to busy streets, and ancient history meets modern beach life.

💡Planning a roadtrip through Albania? That’s what we did and we loved it, so come and check out our Albania roadtrip itinerary.

Things to Do in Durres Albania (Our Favorite & Not so Favorite Activities)

Durrës might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Albania, but there’s actually a surprising amount of cool things to do here. Whether you’re into history, beaches, or just exploring and seeing what you discover, there’s plenty to see and do if you know where to look.

Here are some of our personal favorites and the best things to do in Durres Albania:

1. Explore the Durrës Amphitheater

If you do one historical thing in Durrës, make it this. The Durres Amphitheater is one of the largest and most important Roman ruins in the Balkans, and it’s right in the middle of the city. Built in the 2nd century AD, this roman amphitheater once held up to 20,000 spectators—now, it’s a fascinating (and slightly crumbling) reminder of Albania’s ancient past.

The Durres Amphitheater is right next to the new mosque, close to the promenade, so it’s super easy to walk to, which is nice. The place, though, isn’t in the best shape (probably due to funding issues). There’s no museum or exhibition here—it’s just open for people to walk around on. That’s cool for free access, but it would be amazing if they turned it into a proper museum!

2. Walk Along the Durres Promenade

The waterfront promenade is one of the best spots in town for an easy stroll, especially in the evening. It’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars, so you can grab a drink and watch the sunset over the Adriatic Sea. Locals love coming here to hang out, so it’s a good way to get a feel for everyday life in Durrës.

One of the restaurants we visited was Il Pirata Tur Fosa, and we definitely recommend it. It was a fantastic local experience—affordable and authentic. Their kofte was incredibly tasty, and they also serve frog legs, which are their specialty. It might sound crazy, but they’re absolutely worth trying!

3. Visit the Archaeological Museum

If you want to dive deeper into the city’s history, the Archaeological Museum is the place to go. It’s packed with artifacts from ancient Illyrian, Greek, and Roman times, including statues, mosaics, and everyday objects that give you a glimpse into what life was like here centuries ago.

Price: 300Lek (US$3)

Opening Hours: 9am-3pm

4. Climb the Venetian Tower (Durrës Castle)

This old tower is one of the few remaining parts of the medieval city walls, and it’s worth checking out. It’s not super tall, but you still get a nice little view of the city and the Adriatic coast from the top. It’s right near the promenade, so it’s easy to fit into your walk around town.

5. Relax at the Beach

Durrës has a long stretch of sandy beach, and while it’s not as jaw-dropping as the ones in the south, it’s still a great place to relax for a bit. The main city beach (Durres Beach) can get crowded in the summer, but if you head a little further out—toward Golem or Lalëzi Bay—you’ll find quieter spots with clear water.

💡The beaches in Durres are totally fine but if you want to see some spectacular beaches then you should definitely head down to Ksamil!

6. Try the Local Food & Wine

Durrës has some great seafood restaurants, thanks to its location on the Adriatic coast. Definitely try the grilled fish, fresh mussels, and local specialties like byrek (savory pastry) or tave kosi (baked lamb with yogurt). Also, Albania has some seriously underrated wine, and the Durrës area is surrounded by vineyards—so if you get the chance, visit a winery or at least try some local bottles at dinner.

We went to a place called Meison Bistro for dinner, and we have to say they serve the best seafood we’ve had in a while. It’s definitely a bit upscale by Albanian standards, but the prices were fair, and the food was delicious.

7. Take a Day Trip to Cape of Rodon

If you have an extra day, head out to the Cape of Rodon, located about an hour north of Durrës. It’s a stunning destination featuring a rugged coastline, an old church, and the ruins of a castle built by Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.

We spent a day there and found some hiking trails and beaches, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a morning outdoors. If you visit in the afternoon, you can catch the beautiful sunset, which is definitely worth seeing.

There’s also a small, local bar/restaurant where you can enjoy dinner and beers while watching the sunset—a great way to end your visit.

8.Visit one of the many Vinyards

The region around Durres is well known in Albania for its vineyards. Thanks to the hilly countryside and Mediterranean heat, the conditions here are perfect for growing some seriously good wine.

We spent a night at a winery called Agroturizëm Gjepali, and it was such a great experience. The property itself is beautiful, with a historic estate building that gives it a lot of charm. They serve authentic Albanian cuisine, and their wines? So good.

The hotel rooms are super spacious, and the whole stay felt really special. It’s also surprisingly affordable—rooms start at around $35–$40 per night, which is a steal for the experience you get. If you’re into wine and want a relaxing stay just outside the city, this place is definitely worth checking out.

9.Visit the Byzantine Forum (Not a must do)

If you have some spare time, you can visit the Byzantine Forum in Durres. It’s part of the ancient city center and an important piece of Durres’ history. Unfortunately, the ruins are not in the best condition.

When we visited, there was a large fence around the site, and it wasn’t accessible. The ruins also seemed quite small, and there wasn’t much to see overall.

It might be worth a visit if you have extra time, but it’s definitely not a must-see attraction.

10.King Zog Villa (Nice views but also not a must do)

I know many people love it, and it’s definitely worth visiting, especially considering the entrance fee is only 200 Lek (about 2 dollars). However, it’s just another sad ruin.

The King Zog Villa is located on the hills above Durres and offers fantastic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Unfortunately, the villa itself is quite run-down and poorly maintained. There isn’t much to see inside either, which makes it less exciting. It’s essentially a modern-day ruin with no significant historical interest.

That said, it’s still kind of cool to check out, and the views over Durres are pretty awesome.

Things to Do in Durres with Kids & Day Trips

Take a day trip down the coast to Ksamil and the Blue Eye—especially if you’re short on time and won’t get the chance to explore southern Albania properly. It’s a great option for families, and the kids will love it. There are plenty of tours you can book, but honestly, renting a car is the way to go if you prefer more flexibility.

Since Albania isn’t a huge country, there are quite a few fun day trips you can take from Durrës. Berat and Gjirokastër are both great options if you’re into history and old-town charm, while Ksamil and the Blue Eye are perfect if you want to see some of Albania’s most famous beaches and natural spots.

You should also check out Sfinksi, a small seating area located right on the beach. In the summer, there’s a floating pier nearby where you can jump into the ocean—super fun for kids!

Where to Stay in Durres Albania (Our Favorite Hotels)

We spent over a month in Albania, exploring various places across the country and staying in many different hotels along the way. Without a doubt, we can confidently say that Durres has the best hotels in Albania.

Meliá Durrës Albania // Best Resort in Durres

The best resort we found in all of Albania is, without a doubt, Melia Durres. It’s a bit outside the city center (which we found to be a good thing), and it offers everything you’d expect from a top-notch resort. With multiple pools, including one for kids, several restaurants, and modern rooms with sea views, this is the place to stay if you’re willing to splurge.

► Click here for more information & bookings

Hotel Villa Pascucci // Best Luxury Hotel

Hotel Villa Pascucci is small but incredibly luxurious. With only a handful of rooms, each one is designed to be extravagant and over-the-top. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool area and one of the best restaurants in Durres. Offering proper fine dining, the restaurant is led by some of the best chefs in Albania.

► Click here for more information & bookings

Art Gallery Boutique Hotel // Best Boutique Hotel

Perhaps the most beautiful hotel in Durres is the Art Gallery Boutique Hotel. It is located in the city center, right across from the Roman amphitheater. The hotel’s design makes you feel like you’re in a James Bond movie – very sleek and cool.

► Click here for more information & bookings

AMR Hotel – Durres // Best Modern Hotel

If you prefer a more modern and minimalistic style, then AMR Hotel in Durres is the place for you. It offers clean lines, bright interiors, and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The hotel also has its own beach area with loungers and umbrellas for guests to enjoy.

► Click here for more information & bookings

The Best Beaches in Durres Albania

Durrs might not have the crystal-clear waters of the Albanian Riviera, but it does have some great beaches—especially if you know where to go. Most of the coastline here is made up of long, sandy beaches, and while the water can get a little murky due to the port, the further south you go, the better it gets.

Durres Beach (Plazhi i Durrësit) – Best Beach in Durres for Convenience

Durres Beach is the main beach in Durrës, stretching for miles along the coast. It’s packed with beachfront hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it super convenient if you’re staying in the city. The sand is soft, and the water is shallow, which makes it great for families. Just keep in mind that it can get really crowded in the summer, and the water isn’t as clear as in southern Albania.

Lalëzi Bay – Best Beach in Durres for Clearer Water

If you’re willing to drive about 45 minutes north, Lalëzi Bay has some of the best beaches near Durrës. The water here is much clearer, and the area offers a mix of luxury resorts and untouched coastline. It’s a great spot if you want to escape the city and enjoy a quieter, more scenic beach day. However, in peak season, this beach also gets very busy, mainly with Albanian tourists.

Cape of Rodon – Best Durres Beach for Nature & Views

For something completely different, the Cape of Rodon is a wild, unspoiled stretch of coast about an hour’s drive from Durrës. The beaches here are rocky and scenic, perfect for people who enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring nature. I don’t think it’s a national park, but it gives more nature park vibes with roaring waves and cliffs rather than beach town vibes.

Getting to & Around Durres Albania

Durrës is one of the easiest places to get to in Albania, thanks to its location just 40 minutes from Tirana. Whether you’re coming from the capital, the airport, or even Italy, you’ve got plenty of options.

Getting to Durres Albania

• Durres Tirana bus: The quickest way is by bus or taxi. Buses leave frequently from Tirana’s bus station and take about 40–50 minutes, costing around 2–3€. A taxi will cost more ($20–$30) but is faster and more convenient. Taking the bus from Tirana can be a little chaotic. I’ll link the location for the Tirana bus station right here! It’s a huge parking lot where you’ll have to walk around and find the bus that says Durres on the windshield.
• From Tirana International Airport (TIA): No direct buses, but you can grab a taxi or take a bus into Tirana first. The taxi ride from the airport to Durrës takes about 30–40 minutes and costs around $30–$40.
• From Italy (Durres Bari Ferry): Durrës is Albania’s most important port, so ferries arrive daily from Bari, Ancona, and Brindisi. The overnight ferry from Bari is the most popular route, taking around 8 hours.
  If you want more information about ferry prices and schedules, I’ll link the ferry company right here!

Getting Around Durrës

• On Foot: The city center and promenade are very walkable, and most of the main attractions (like the amphitheater and Venetian Tower) are close together and also very close to the promenade. I would recommend staying in that area and walking around as much as you can.
• Buses & Taxis: Local buses run through the city, but they’re not super tourist-friendly. Taxis are affordable—just make sure to agree on a price or ask them to use the meter.
• Car Rental: If you plan to explore outside the city (like the Cape of Rodon or local wineries), renting a car is a good idea. Just be ready for Albanian driving, which can be a bit chaotic.

Best Time to Visit Durrës

Durrës is a year-round destination, but when you go depends on what you’re looking for.

• Summer (June– Late August): If you want to hit the beach, this is the best time to visit. Expect hot weather (30–35°C / 85–95°F) and crowds, especially in late July and early August when Albanians and Italians flock to the coast.
• Early Fall (September–October): One of the best times to visit! The weather is still warm, but the summer crowds are gone. Early September is especially great for swimming, as the sea is still warm from summer.
• Spring (April–May): Great for sightseeing and exploring without the heat or crowds. It’s not quite warm enough for swimming yet, but the city feels relaxed, and prices are lower.
• Winter (November–March): Durrës doesn’t get super cold, but it’s quiet in the off-season. If you don’t care about the beach and just want to check out the history, you’ll have the city to yourself.

Best Durres Restaurants & Durres Nightlife

Alright, let’s talk food—because if there’s one thing we never skip out on when traveling, it’s a good meal.

Durrës has a solid food scene, especially if you love seafood, fresh Mediterranean flavors, and a mix of Albanian and Italian influences. We tried a bunch of places while we were here, but these were our absolute favorites.

Meison Bistro

This was one of our favorite spots in Durrës. Meison Bistro is small, cozy, and feels a bit more modern than most places in town. The menu isn’t huge, but everything we tried was fresh and well done. If you’re into creative, well-plated dishes that feel a little more fancy, this is a great spot for a dinner night.

Verona Restaurant

You’ll find a lot of Italian food in Albania, and Verona Restaurant does it right. It’s right by the sea, which makes it perfect for a sunset dinner. We had seafood pasta here that was absolutely loaded with fresh clams and shrimp, and the homemade bread they brought out was dangerously good.

The Fisherman’s Net

If you’re looking for the best seafood in town, this is the place. The Fisherman’s Net is all about fresh, no-frills seafood cooked to perfection. We got a mixed seafood platter, and everything—from the grilled fish to the fried calamari—was top-notch. It’s a super relaxed spot, great for a long meal with a bottle of local wine.

Dyrrah Mare Restaurant

Dyrrah Mare has a more modern feel, both in the design and the menu. It’s a bit more upscale than some of the other places we went to, but the food was so good. If you’re in the mood for Albanian cuisine with a creative twist, this is the place to go. They also have a killer wine selection, which is always a plus.

Ç’të Hash

This was hands down the best spot for fast food in Albania. No fancy plating, no modern fusion—just grilled meats or gyros straight in your hand. We had some of the best grilled lamb here, along with fresh bread and homemade dips. It felt like the kind of place locals go to, and that’s always a good sign. It’s located in the port area of Durres a little away from the city center. Just type in Cte Hash in google maps and you will find it!

Final Travel Tips for Visiting Durres, Albania

Before you pack your bags and head to Durrës, here are a few things that’ll make your trip smoother. Some of these we picked up ahead of time, but others we learned the hard way—so consider this your shortcut to avoiding any surprises.

Currency & Payments

Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL), and while some places (especially hotels) might accept euros, you’ll get a better deal if you pay in lek. Cash is king in most restaurants, markets, and smaller shops, so don’t rely on your credit card everywhere. ATMs are easy to find in the city center, but if you’re heading to more local spots, it’s good to have some cash on you.

All ATMs in Albania charge a significant fee of around 5-6 euros. When we visited, Credins Bank was the only free ATM we found, but it seems that’s no longer the case. Be sure to carry a good travel card like Wise or Capital One.

Safety in Durrës (Is Durres Albania safe?)

Overall, Durrës felt very safe to us. Like any city, there’s the usual petty crime (pickpocketing in busy areas), but we never felt uncomfortable, even walking around at night. Taxis don’t run on meters, so agree on a price before getting in. And if you’re renting a car, be prepared for Albanian driving—it’s a bit chaotic, but nothing too wild if you stay alert.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Albanians are incredibly warm and welcoming, especially if you show a little effort in respecting their culture. If you visit an Albanian family, there are a few unwritten rules:

• Always greet everyone when you enter a home. A simple “Përshëndetje” (hello) goes a long way.
• Take your shoes off before going inside—this is standard in most homes.
• If you’re offered food or drink, accept it—even if you’re not hungry. Hospitality is huge here, and turning down food can be seen as rude.
• Toasting is a thing! If someone raises a glass and says “Gëzuar!” (cheers), make sure to meet their eyes before you drink.

Essential Phrases to Know

While younger Albanians in Durrës often speak English, a few local phrases can be really helpful:

• Faleminderit – Thank you
• Ju lutem – Please
• Sa kushton? – How much does this cost?
• Më falni – Excuse me / Sorry
• Po / Jo – Yes / No
• A mund të ndihmoni? – Can you help me?

FAQs About Durres Albania and Everything You need to know

Is Durrës, Albania worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! While Durrës might not have the postcard-perfect beaches of the Albanian Riviera or the deep historical charm of Berat, it’s a great mix of history, culture, and coastal relaxation. You’ve got an ancient Roman amphitheater, a Venetian Tower, a lively promenade, great seafood, and easy access to nearby day trips. Plus, if you’re flying into Tirana, it’s one of the easiest beach destinations to reach.

How many days should I spend in Durrës, Albania?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re just passing through, one full day is enough to see the main sights, walk the promenade, and grab a good meal. But if you want to relax on the beach, explore nearby wineries, or take day trips, 2-3 days would be ideal.

Can you swim in Durrës Beach?

Yes, you can! The water is warm and shallow, making it great for families. That said, Durrës Beach is a city beach, so if you’re looking for crystal-clear waters, you might want to head further south toward Ksamil or Himare.

What is special about Durrës?

Durrës is one of Albania’s oldest cities, with over 2,000 years of history. It was an important Roman port and still has ancient ruins scattered around the city, including one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans. On top of that, it’s a lively coastal town with a long promenade, fresh seafood, and easy connections to both Tirana and southern Albania.

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