Where is Durrës Located?

The city of Durrës lies west of Tirana, the capital of Albania. It was founded in the 7th century as Epidamnus by the Greeks and later passed to the Romans, who called it Dyrrhachium. The city has been under the reign of many other empires throughout the years, such as the Venetians and Byzantines. 

Now the port of Durrës is one of the main channels for importing food into Albania, with the port installations rebuilt since the Germans destroyed them during World War II. 

The best time to visit Durrës would be between the months of April and September. The weather is at its best, and it's the perfect time to look around the city. If you want to have a beach vacation, visit during the months of July and August, during the peak season.

How to Get to Durrës?

Durrës is easily accessible by car from any major city in Albania. If you’re in Tirana, you can get there by bus or taxi, or you can drive your own car. 

Let’s have a look at each of these options:

Where to Stay When Visiting Durrës?

You can choose from many accommodation options in Durrës, starting from affordable guesthouses to luxurious hotels. 

Let’s go through some options so you can choose the one most suitable for you:

#1. Fati Guest House

Set just a few steps from the beach, Fati Guesthouse offers affordable accommodation and a cozy summer atmosphere. All rooms are equipped with anything you may need, and you’re sure to enjoy your stay there. 

The hosts are extremely welcoming and will be there to fulfill your every need. The price of a room is only about €20 per night.

#2. Vila Kaci

Vila Kaci is a great option with a great location, just by the beach. It offers a buffet breakfast every morning, free bikes to get around the area, a beautiful garden, and a terrace to enjoy the evenings. 

The rooms are clean and organized, and the balconies offer amazing views of the sea or the garden. The prices aren’t too expensive, with a room costing about €40 per night. 

#3. Old Town Villa

Another choice you could go for is Old Town Villa. It features great accommodations along with a terrace, a parking lot, and a beautiful garden. All rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. 

The hotel is beautifully furnished, and the inner courtyard is absolutely beautiful. The owners are very welcoming and understanding, and they will instantly make you feel at home. The price of a room is around €75 per night.

#4. Hotel Kloest

Hotel Kloest is one of the best hotels in Durres, offering a nice restaurant, free parking, a bar, and a lounge. Every morning, you’ll get to enjoy a continental breakfast, with all kinds of fresh ingredients. 

There is 24-hour room service available, and the staff is willing to help with anything you need. The price of a room can go up to €80 per night. 

10+ Best Things To Do in Durrës

Here is an updated list of some things to do in Durrës, to have a most enjoyable and memorable vacation:

#1. Visit the Amphitheatre

Durrës is full of interesting Byzantine and Roman pieces of architecture, showcasing its rich culture and significance through the years. If you’re keen on history, you’ll be impressed by a visit to the Amphitheatre. 

It’s located just in the center of the city, and it once was the largest amphitheater in the Balkans. It was built in the 2nd century, and it’s definitely one of the most important pieces of Roman architecture in these parts. 

The amphitheater is open to the public every day, with a ticket costing only €0.8 per person. 

#2. Go to The Archaeological Museum

The history never ends in the city of Durrës, with the Archaeological Museum welcoming visitors to learn more about the city’s interesting culture and traditions. It’s the largest archaeological museum in Albania, and it’s situated in the heart of Durrës. 

Inside, you can marvel at artifacts and relics from the Illyrian culture, the Roman and Byzantine eras, and even the Ottoman reign. Every corner of the museum is a great testimonial of the city’s ancient history throughout the years. 

The museum is open every day of the week except Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

#3. Take a walk along ‘’Vollga’’

After a long and fun day at the beach, it’s only fair to take a relaxing walk along the city’s promenade by the beach, with the area also known as ‘’Vollga.’’ It’s the destination for all tourists during the summer evenings, with interesting bars and restaurants all over the area. 

It’s packed with people day and night along the promenade, no matter the weather. While walking, you’ll also find some interesting statues by different artists, giving the city a more modern and interesting look. 

#4. Chill on the Beach

A day on Durrës Beach is just the thing for you if you want to escape the busy part of the city. There are many beaches stretching for over 10 kilometers, waiting to be visited by adventurous tourists. 

On the best beaches in Durrёs, you’ll find beach chairs and loungers, and you can also participate in water sports. The beach area is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, different shops, and cafes. Durrës is generally a very vibrant and lively city, and you’ll learn that just by spending a day at the beach!

#5. Get your groove on in the local clubs

Of course, among the things to do in Durrës is enjoy the amazing Durrës nightlife. With places like “The W” or “Aqua,” you are sure to have one of the greatest nights vibing to great music and famous performers. 

Most clubs are by the beach, offering that perfect summer atmosphere that is sure to stay on your mind for a long time!

#6. Visit the Mosque

The Grand Mosque of Durrës is a mesmerizing building built in 1913 by King Zog. It was the biggest mosque of its era, but it was shut down by dictator Enver Hoxha during the communist era. 

Nevertheless, the Mosque stands tall today as one of the most beautiful architectural pieces in Durrës and one of the top tourist attractions. 

#7. Explore the Venetian Tower

Also known as Durrës Castle, the Venetian Tower is an old fortress in the center of Durrës. The castle dates back to 400 AD and was built by a Roman Emperor, who made Durrës one of the most fortified areas. 

Today, the castle has been converted into a terrace restaurant, and it’s definitely worth a visit! Having a meal or a drink there is one of the nicest things to do in Durrës for couples, as it creates a very romantic setting. 

#8. Climb up the steps of ‘Sfinksi’ along the promenade

‘Sfinksi’ is a very creative installation in Durrës, built by the Adriatic shore, to give the city a new and urban feel. It’s a huge concrete installation with steps leading to the top and marvelous views of the sea. 

It’s one of the better works in recent years in Albania, with seawater posing a great challenge during its construction. It blends perfectly with the city, having become a center for all the youth to come and enjoy each other’s company.

#9. Visit Duka Winery and Vineyard

This beautiful vineyard is located in the hills of Ishmi, Durrës. It’s known for producing some of the best wines out there through the cultivation of grapes grown in the vineyard. It was established in 2004, and in addition to wine, it also produces Raki, an alcoholic beverage usually made out of distilled grapes.

It’s the place where Tradition meets Modern taste. The vineyard itself is a work of art, put together with love and vision by its owner, Enver Duka. 

#10. Hike the Via Egnatia

If you’re an adventurer, hiking the Via Egnatia trail is for you. It offers some of the most beautiful scenery you could get from hiking in Albania, and it’s sure to take your breath away. The trail begins in Durrës and is about 470 kilometers long. 

It goes through several countries, including North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. If you don’t want to do the complete hike, you can just complete stage one, which is an 18-kilometer trail that passes through some beautiful hills and meadows. 

#11. Check out the Byzantine Forum

The Durrës Byzantine Forum is located in the heart of the city, as it was once a part of the ancient city of Dyrrah. It’s one of the best remnants of the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods in Albania. 

It consists of a circular paved area with a diameter of about 40 meters, at the center of which there is a podium. There are also Corinthian columns all along the diameter of the Forum. 

#12. Take in the amazing views of the sunset

After your fun adventures around the city, the perfect way to end the day is to relax by the beach and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets every day. You can even pack a small picnic and sit on the beach while listening to your favorite music. 

It will be a moment to remember.



Don’t Forget!

Here is a quick recap of the article’s key takeaways, so you don’t forget anything important.

As we said, Durrës is a beautiful and lively coastal city close to Albania’s capital, Tirana. It’s one of the oldest cities in Albania, with its ancient name being ‘Dyrrah.’

You can easily get to Durrës by bus, car, or taxi, depending on your budget and preferences. 

There are plenty of accommodation opportunities in Durrës, such as Fati Guest House, Vila Kaci, Hotel Kloest, and Old Town Villa. 

There are many things to do in Durrës, such as visiting the interesting historical attractions, including the Amphitheatre or the Archaeological Museum, going to the beach, or taking a nice and relaxing walk along the shore. 

Travel to Durres with Kalemi

Full-Day Tour Durres and Kruja; A Historical Getaway

Your own gateway to the mediaval times, this tour will show you all about Albania’s interesting history. You’ll start your trip at 9 a.m. from Tirana, at Skanderbeg Square, where your guide will be waiting for you. From there you’ll head to Kruja, where you’ll firstly visit Kruja Castle.

It’s located on a hill, overlooking the city, providing amazing views. Inside the castle there is the Gjergj Kastrioti Museum, showcasing the National Hero’s biography and significance to Albania. After exploring the castle and museum, the next stop is the Kruja Old Bazaar, with its narrow cobblestone streets, small shops and cute cafes.

Then you’ll be heading to Durres, where you’ll see the famous Roman Amphitheatre, the largest ever built in the Balkans. It was constructed back in the 2nd century, and attracts more and more tourists each year.

Your next and final stop will be Durres Castle, also known as the Ventian Tower. It was built in the 15th century, and is situated very close to the city center. There’s also a restaurant in the terrace of the tower, from where you can enjoy views of the shore.

Durrës FAQs