Durrës is a beautiful coastal town, the second largest city in Albania, located a mere half-hour’s drive away from Tirana International Airport. Durrës has been attracting visitors from all over Europe and the world who are curious to experience the dramatic and unique Adriatic coastline on their next affordable beach holiday in Albania.
The city itself offers a quiet reprieve from the chaos of Tirana with its historic amphitheater, castle ruins, delicious seaside restaurants and many stunning beaches. These are the best things to do in Durrës on your visit to Albania, along with tips for where to stay.
Where to Stay in Durrës
Currilat
This neighborhood is the northernmost part of the city of Durrës, famous for its beach bars and restaurants right along the water. Taking its name from the Albanian word currila (fountain, or small source of water) due to the nearby water sources of an underground river, today this neighborhood is a favorite among locals looking to spend a day at the bar or enjoy drinks at sunset. This part of town boasts upscale bars with stylish settings. You’ll have a hard time choosing among all the luxurious venues along this stunning slice of the Adriatic Sea!
Plenty of beach bars pump out loud music and offer cheap alcoholic drinks, making Currilat a famous destination for young people seeking a beach party vibe. This area boasts mostly sandy beaches. If you drive a little further up the gravel road, you will find some of the nicest beaches near the city of Durrës. The hills around the city form a nice landscape perfect for watching the sunset or a short morning hike or run.
City Center of Durrës – Epidamn Boulevard
Epidamn Boulevard is a road named after the ancient Greek city Epidamnos, the precursor to modern-day Durrës. This busy main street connecting the city center to the sea promenade comes alive during the peak summer season, turning into a bustling pedestrian walkway full of lively restaurants and bars. Lined with palm trees on both sides, the boulevard boasts a motley collection of old Italian-style villas, mostly two stories tall.
This street not only serves as a picturesque link between the city center and the coastline but also hosts prominent landmarks like the amphitheater and the Grand Mosque of Durrës. Many of the charming old villas have been repurposed into hotels, providing tourists with a unique and historical accommodation experience.
Plazhi i Durrësit – Along Durrës Beach
This long stretch of sandy public beach in Durrës is an attractive place that pulls in flocks of tourists, especially during the hectic summer season. You’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants and beach supply stores lining this boulevard and the streets behind it.
This area is convenient for those who don’t want to rent a car or move very far from the beach and its amenities, but can get quite crowded during the hot months. Staying here in the winter or off-season is a great option for those looking to save money on their Albania trip while enjoying modern amenities and creature comforts along the water.
Durrës Top Attractions
Durrës was a key point of interest during the Roman, Venetian and Byzantine empires, all of which left their marks on the port city. At one point, Durrës actually served as the starting point of the Via Egnatia, the ancient Roman road connecting much of the then-civilized world.
As such, the city has plenty of historical sites that are worth a visit after your day at the beach.
Durrës Amphitheater
Once a grand amphitheater built during the 2nd century AD to entertain local residents and nobility, this structure operated as an open-air theater until the 4th century AD, when it was destroyed by an earthquake. The structure found other uses throughout history, with mosaics being added to its floors and tiles during the 6th century AD, a Christian chapel added on during the 13th century and eventually frescoes as well. Late in the 16th century, when the Ottomans arrived in the city, the amphitheater was covered in rubble and put out of use. It remained that way until 1960, when it was rediscovered and attempts to reconstruct and rebuild it were initiated. Entry into the largest Roman amphitheater ruins in the Balkans today costs 300 ALL.
Venetian Tower of Durrës
The Venetian Tower in Durrës stands proudly as part of a former Byzantine fortress. This monumental cultural site has withstood the test of time since Emperor Anastasius I’s reign. The tower has evolved over time and gained prominence during the 15th century under Venetian rule. Its cylindrical tower, perched strategically for artillery purposes, served as a vital observation post to defend the city from sea threats. The tower endures today as a testament to Durrës’ defensive past.
The Rotunda of Durrës, Byzantine Forum
The Byzantine Forum, situated in the heart of Durrës, holds a significant place in the history of the ancient city of Dyrrhachium (Durrës’ old name). Built in the late 6th century under the rule of Roman Emperor Anastasios, this forum served as a central hub for public and religious activities during the Byzantine period. Visitors will marvel at the late Roman and Early Byzantine architecture of the forum, which boasts a circular paved area with Corinthian columns surrounding a central podium and well.
Vollga Promenade
The Vollga Promenade is a picturesque waterfront walkway known for its scenic views and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Durrës. This expansive area, or Shëtitorja Vollga in Albanian, offers a beautiful open space with paved walkways, palm trees and curious monuments. This popular local and tourist spot features tons of bars, restaurants, ice cream stands and games for both children and adults. The promenade extends along the beach, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, morning walks or an evening outing.
The Sphinx/Urban Cape
Also called the Urban Cape, this recently constructed observation point celebrates the beauty of Albania’s Mediterranean sunsets. The Sphinx is a great spot to sit down and take in the sea and city. Drawing from the ancient Egyptian myth, the Sphinx of Durrës sits at the intersection point where the sea touches the city. Located in the Vollga neighborhood, this corner marks the end of the Vollga Promenade.
Durrës Archaeological Museum
The Durrës Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Albania and was established in 1951. Nestled near the beach and adjacent to the 6th-century Byzantine walls constructed after the Visigoth invasion of 481, this museum provides visitors a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Despite facing damages and looting during the chaos of the 1990s in Albania, the museum continues to house a significant collection of over three-thousand artifacts primarily from the nearby ancient site of Dyrrhachium. This assortment spans the Ancient Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, featuring notable items like Roman funeral steles, stone sarcophagi, and miniature busts of Venus, reflecting Durrës’ historical prominence as a center of goddess worship.
Durrës Balcony
The Durrës Balcony, also known as Kulla e Barutit, or the Gunpowder Tower of Durrës, is a historical site-turned-vista-point which served a crucial role during World War I. This former tower used to house several artillery pieces aimed from the city’s port. Durrës, established with protective walls made of cyclopean blocks, has a rich history of fortifications dating back to the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I. This tower is part of the initial defensive ring of the city, showcasing high walls and towers reminiscent of Constantinople. The Gunpowder Tower is definitely worth a visit during sunset – snapping a picture at the awe-inspiring views it offers provides the perfect souvenir to take home.
King Zog Villa
The Royal Villa of Durrës, also known as the King Zog Villa, is an architectural gem designed by Kristo Sotiri in 1926. The historical landmark used to serve as the summer residence for King Zog I during the monarchy’s brief existence from 1928 to 1939. Perched on a hill 98 meters above sea level, the villa offers captivating views of the sea from three sides. Its distinctive eagle-shaped design adds to its unique charm.
Despite its rich history, the Royal Villa has faced unfortunate vandalism resulting in significant interior damage. Currently, the villa stands derelict, but in 2007, Prince Leka, Crown Prince of Albania and King Zog’s son, expressed intentions to renovate the palace.
Best Beaches in Durrës
And, of course, you’ll want to hit the beach on your trip to Durrës!
Durrës lies along the Adriatic Sea, which is extremely shallow for up to 100 meters in some areas, making it a great spot for families with young children to enjoy the water safely.
The city itself offers easily-accessible beaches that tend to get busy during the warm months. For slightly more exclusive feels outside of the city, head north to Kallimi Beach, which offers seaside restaurants, sunbeds for rent at reasonable prices and more seclusion.
A bit south from Kallimi you can find Porto Romano, a public, free beach with calm views of the sea. There is no road to this beach, making it a bit difficult to traverse, but once you are there, you will feel completely engulfed by the serenity of the sea and nature. This spot is perfect for travelers looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy uninterrupted nature.
The free public beach of Durrës is great in a pinch and is extremely convenient due to its proximity to the city itself. It can get quite busy and crowded during the warmer months, so decide for yourself if you’d like to be in a busier spot close to the city or make the trip out of the city limits for a more private and exclusive feeling.
If you’re driving, our top recommendation for the best beach in Durrës for a short day trip would be Golem or Qerret Beaches, which are 15-20 minutes south from Durrës. These long, sandy beaches are a bit removed from the chaos of the city and offer a truly quiet and relaxing vibe, with portions of the beaches offering sunbeds while others allow for free public use. The beach here is also a bit cleaner than in parts of Durrës proper.
Albania’s beaches are quickly becoming iconic mainstays of European tourism and travel, and Durrës is at the heart of it all. Whether you’re drawn to the lively shores of Currilat, the serene hideaways of Kallimi and Porto Romano, or the family-friendly beaches of Golem and Qerret, there’s a perfect stretch of sand waiting for you.
Beyond the beach, Durrës invites you to step back in time through its rich layers of history. Ancient Roman amphitheaters, Venetian towers, Byzantine ruins and Ottoman fortifications make this destination more than a beach town: paired with the city’s vibrant promenades, seaside dining and dynamic cultural scene, a trip to Durrës offers relaxation by the Adriatic and a charming journey through Albania’s unique and intriguing past.
