Best Things to Do in Durrës (2024 Guide)
Durrës, a lovely coastal city in Albania, sits on the Adriatic Sea. In summer, it’s bustling with activities. Many folks from the capital visit to enjoy the sea breeze and stroll by the beach.
Dating back to the 7th century BC, Durrës is one of Albania’s oldest towns. You’ll spot many ancient relics around, but we’ll discuss those later. It’s also a hub for nightlife, with numerous bars and eateries along the shore, ideal for an evening out.
Read also: The Best Beaches in Albania near Tirana
Where is Durrës Located?
Durrës, west of Albania’s capital Tirana, has a rich history. Greeks founded it in the 7th century as Epidamnus, later known as Dyrrhachium under the Romans. Over time, it came under various empires like the Venetians and Byzantines.
Today, Durrës’ port is crucial for importing food into Albania. It was rebuilt after World War II when the Germans destroyed it.
The best time to visit Durrës is from April to September. The weather is pleasant, ideal for exploring. For a beach getaway, July and August, the peak season, are perfect.
How to Get to Durrës?
You can easily drive to Durrës from any big city in Albania. If you’re in Tirana, you can take a bus, taxi, or drive yourself there.
Let’s have a look at each of these options:
How to Get to Durrës By Bus
Buses from Tirana to Durrës leave often at the Dogana Roundabout. It’s a 45-minute ride on smooth roads. Tickets are cheap, just €1.5. Buses run every half-hour from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day.
How to Get to Durrës By Taxi
In Tirana, you can take a taxi to Durrës. The fare is around €18–€22. It’s wise to agree on the price before the ride. Tirana has many taxi companies like SpeedTaxi and CityTaxi.
How to Get to Durrës By Car
If you want to take a leisurely drive from Tirana to Durrës in your own car, it’s simple. The road from Tirana to Durrës is pretty straightforward until you hit the highway. You’ll see signs guiding you the whole way once you’re on the highway. The drive usually lasts about 45 minutes and covers around 36 kilometers.
Where to Stay When Visiting Durrës?
You have lots of places to stay in Durrës, from cheap guesthouses to fancy hotels. Let’s look at some choices to help you pick the one that’s best for you.
Read also: How to get to Gjipe Beach: Travel Guide 2024
1. Fati Guest House
Located just a short walk from the beach, Fati Guesthouse provides budget-friendly lodging with a warm summer vibe. Each room comes with everything you might require for a comfortable stay, ensuring you have a pleasant experience. The hosts are very friendly and eager to assist you with anything you need during your stay. Plus, you can book a room for just around €20 per night.
2. Vila Kaci
Vila Kaci is a fantastic choice in a wonderful spot right by the beach. Every morning, they serve a buffet breakfast. They also provide free bikes so you can explore the area easily. The garden is lovely, and there’s a terrace where you can relax in the evenings. The rooms are tidy and well-arranged, and the balconies have stunning views of either the sea or the garden. Plus, it’s quite affordable, with rooms starting at around €40 per night.
3. Old Town Villa
Another option you might like is Old Town Villa. It offers nice places to stay, including a terrace, parking, and a lovely garden. All rooms have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. The hotel is nicely decorated, and the inner courtyard is really nice. The owners are friendly and kind, and they’ll make you feel welcome right away. A room costs about €75 per night.
4. Hotel Kloest
Hotel Kloest is a top-notch hotel in Durres. It has a great restaurant, free parking, a bar, and a lounge. Each morning, you can have a tasty continental breakfast with fresh ingredients. They offer round-the-clock room service, and the staff is friendly and ready to assist you. Rooms start at €80 per night.
Read also: Best Things to do in Albania in 2024
11 Best Things To Do in Durrës
Check out these cool things to do in Durrës for a great vacation:
1. Explore the Amphitheatre
Durrës has lots of interesting old buildings from Byzantine and Roman times, showing off its long history. If you like learning about the past, you’ll love visiting the Amphitheatre.
It’s right in the middle of the city and used to be the biggest amphitheater in the Balkans. It was made in the 2nd century and is one of the most important Roman buildings in this area. You can visit the amphitheater every day, and it only costs €0.8 to get in.
2. Visit The Archaeological Museum
In the city of Durrës, history is alive and well at the Archaeological Museum. Here, you can explore the city’s rich culture and traditions. It’s the biggest archaeological museum in Albania and sits right in the center of Durrës.
Inside, you’ll find fascinating artifacts and treasures from different periods: the Illyrian culture, Roman and Byzantine times, and even the Ottoman era. Each part of the museum tells a story of the city’s ancient past. You can visit the museum every day except Mondays, from 9 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon.
3. Take a walk along the ‘’Vollga’’
After a great day at the beach, it’s nice to take a leisurely walk along the city’s beachfront walkway, known as ‘Vollga.’ It’s a popular spot for tourists in the evenings, with lots of cool bars and restaurants around.
The promenade is always busy with people, even when the weather isn’t great. As you walk, you’ll come across some neat statues created by different artists, which add a modern and cool vibe to the city.
4. Relax at the Beach
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a day at Durrës Beach is perfect for you. Stretching over 10 kilometers, there are plenty of beaches waiting to be explored by adventurous tourists.
At the top beaches in Durrёs, you’ll find beach chairs and loungers, along with opportunities for water sports. Surrounding the beach area are hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes. Durrës is known for its lively atmosphere, which you’ll experience firsthand by spending a day at the beach!
5. Have fun at the nearby clubs
When you’re in Durrës, don’t miss out on the awesome nightlife. Hang out at places like “The W” or “Aqua” for some amazing music and cool performances. These clubs are mostly by the beach, giving you that perfect summer vibe you won’t forget!
6. Visit the Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Durrës is a stunning building constructed in 1913 by King Zog. It used to be the largest mosque around, but it was closed during the time of Enver Hoxha’s rule. Despite that, the Mosque remains a prominent sight in Durrës, admired for its beauty, and is a popular spot for visitors.
7. Visit the Venetian Tower
The Venetian Tower, also called Durrës Castle, is an ancient fortress in the heart of Durrës. It was constructed around 400 AD by a Roman Emperor to strengthen Durrës’ defenses. Nowadays, the castle has been turned into a restaurant with a terrace. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal or a drink, especially for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere in Durrës.
8. Climb the steps of the ‘Sfinksi’ structure by the seaside
‘Sfinksi’ is an imaginative creation in Durrës, erected near the Adriatic coast to bring a fresh urban vibe to the city. It’s a large concrete structure with stairs going up to the peak, offering splendid views of the sea.
Considered one of Albania’s notable recent projects, it faced difficulties during construction due to seawater. Yet, it integrates well with the city, serving as a gathering spot for young people to socialize and have fun.
9. Explore Duka Winery and Vineyard
Nestled in the scenic hills of Ishmi, Durrës, this lovely vineyard is renowned for crafting top-notch wines from its own grapes. Founded in 2004, it not only produces wine but also makes Raki, a type of booze typically distilled from grapes.
It’s where Classic meets Contemporary flavor. The vineyard is a masterpiece crafted with passion and foresight by its proprietor, Enver Duka.
10. Visit Via Egnatia
Explore the Via Egnatia trail for an exciting adventure! It’s perfect for nature lovers seeking stunning views in Albania. Starting from Durrës, the trail spans around 470 kilometers. It crosses through North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. If the whole hike seems daunting, you can opt for stage one, an 18-kilometer route through charming hills and meadows.
11. Visit the Byzantine Forum in Durrës
The Durrës Byzantine Forum sits right in the city center, once part of the ancient city of Dyrrah. It’s a top spot to see what’s left from the Late Roman and Early Byzantine times in Albania.
It’s basically a circular paved area, about 40 meters across, with a raised platform in the middle. You’ll also spot Corinthian columns lining the edge of the Forum.
Remember!
Here’s a quick summary of the main points from the article, so you won’t forget anything important.
As we mentioned, Durrës is a pretty and lively city by the coast, near Albania’s capital, Tirana. It’s one of Albania’s oldest cities, known as ‘Dyrrah’ in ancient times.
You can easily reach Durrës by bus, car, or taxi, depending on your budget and preferences.
There are lots of places to stay in Durrës, like Fati Guest House, Vila Kaci, Hotel Kloest, and Old Town Villa.
In Durrës, you can explore interesting historical sites like the Amphitheatre or the Archaeological Museum, enjoy the beach, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)
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