There are such a lot of issues to do in Durres, Albania’s most historic metropolis positioned on the Adriatic Sea. Whether or not you’re keen on the seaside or are a historical past buff, there are some nice locations to go to in Durres for each sort of traveler.
I spent over 2 months exploring Albania, which included spending time sightseeing the place referred to as ‘The Everlasting Metropolis’, Durees. Whereas at the moment, Durres is dwelling to Albania’s largest seaport, it’s additionally one of many largest vacationer facilities and has some stunning ocean, structure, and tradition to discover.
When you’re planning a visit and are questioning what to do in Durres, listed here are my prime 15 issues to do in Durres that will help you get an itinerary collectively:
Finest Issues To Do in Durres
Durres is a coastal metropolis with enormous historic significance to the formation of Albania, so there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do whereas right here.
Inside this publish, I’ve picked out a few of my favourite Durres points of interest that will help you benefit from your time in Albania’s second metropolis.
1. Marvel on the Roman Amphitheater
Durres is packed filled with Roman and Byzantine structure, which reveals its historic significance to Albania and the Balkans as a complete. Whether or not you go to for the traditional historical past or not, the sheer dimension and scale of the Roman amphitheater in Durres is bound to impress.
Nestled within the heart of the town, the amphitheater is arguably some of the essential items of historic structure within the Balkans. The amphitheater was constructed within the 2nd Century BC, and it’s the largest ever built in the Balkan Peninsula, holding a capability of as much as 20,000 spectators.
In the present day, you possibly can really enter the amphitheater to get an actual impression of the dimensions and scale of this wonderful development. It’s one of many prime issues to do in Durres and is straightforward to entry from the middle of the town.
Tackle: Durres Amphitheater, Rruga Kalase, Durres. Click here for directions.
2. Embark on a Wine Tasting Tour
The most effective issues to do in Durres is to make a journey out of city on this stunning wine-tasting tour.
Winemaking is an historic custom in Albania and Durres marks the beginning of the wine-growing area, which extends alongside the mountains and coast to the north. For me, the wine-growing area is among the most spectacular locations to go to in Durres.
On this tour, you’ll discover the beautiful surroundings round Durres together with the peaceable Lake of Lalez, and can go to a neighborhood vineyard and winery the place you’ll be taught extra in regards to the Albanian wine-making course of.
Pattern a number of the finest wines within the area together with a conventional native lunch. You’ll additionally get to strive the regionally produced Raki, which is the right option to finish your meal. This is among the finest locations to go to close to Durres and is a good exercise for {couples}.
Tackle: Duka Vineyard, Lake Lalez, Durres. Click here for the location, or click on the hyperlink above to e-book a tour.
3. Loosen up at Durres Seaside
Durres is primarily a business port and is the second metropolis of Albania, so its seashores don’t evaluate to these on the Albanian Riviera. That stated, should you’re in Durres and also you wish to work in your tan, there’s a protracted stretch of seashores to the south of the town ready to be explored.
The seashores stretch for over 10 kilometers and are backed by lodges, eating places, and cafes. You’ll discover loads of loungers and facilities, together with water sports activities, alongside the stretch and the world is definitely accessible by taxi or native bus.
A day on the seaside is among the finest free issues to do in Durres and is an effective way to flee the hustle and bustle of the town heart.
Tackle: Seaside of Durres. Click on here for the central point of the beach.
4. Go to the Archaeological Museum
When you’re eager to be taught extra in regards to the historic significance of Durres then this museum is among the prime vacationer points of interest in Durres you received’t wish to miss.
It’s the biggest archaeological museum in Albania and is positioned within the coronary heart of the town, proper subsequent to the waterfront. The museum has artifacts and relics from the traditional Illyrian tradition, by means of the Roman and Byzantine eras, and into the Ottoman interval.
There’s a lot to do in Durres for historical past buffs and lovers alike, and the archaeological museum is very rated. It’s considered one of my prime locations to go to in Durres.
Tackle: Durres Archaeological Museum, Rruga Taulantia 32, Durres. Click here for directions to the museum.
5. Be part of a Strolling Tour
A strolling tour is considered one of my favourite methods to discover a brand new place, and with a lot historical past and tradition packed into Durres, this 3-hour tour of the city is the right introduction.
The tour begins within the heart, at Lira Sq., earlier than taking in the principle points of interest of Durres, a lot of which seem on this record. You’ll discover the Roman Amphitheater and the archaeological museum, go to the Venetian Tower, and see the place outdated meets new on the Durres Promenade.
The tour is interactive, and the guides are glorious. It is a sensible option to discover the town and get your bearings. It’s positively considered one of my favourite issues to do in Durres.
Tackle: Liria Sq., Durres. Click here for the assembly level of the tour, or here for additional particulars and reserving.
6. Hike the Through Egnatia
When you like to hike, the Through Egnatia path will likely be the most effective issues you are able to do close to Durres. The Through Egnatia provides not solely a number of the finest surroundings in Albania however in the entire Balkans.
The path itself is 475 kilometers lengthy and begins in Durres. It goes on to move by means of a number of completely different international locations, together with the remainder of Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.
All through the path, you’ll hike by means of mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams, and even have views of the coast whereas passing by means of historic cities and civilizations.
Reasonably than trying the complete 475 kilometers, (you possibly can should you like!), stage one of many hike is an 18-kilometer path that passes by means of the gorgeous meadows, groves, and hills above Durres and begins in Golem.
I like to recommend trying out the Via Egnatia website for a helpful information to exploring the path on foot.
Tackle: Golem, Albania. Click on here for the place to begin of the Through Egnatia in Golem.
7. Take a Tour of Kruje and the Holy Mountain
The most effective issues to do in Durres is to take a tour of the nearby town of Kruje, which is round an hour away from Durres. This Kruje and Preza half-day tour collects you out of your resort or hostel in Durres and the native information is nice at sharing the fascinating historical past and tradition of this stunning metropolis.
You’ll go to the Kruje Bazaar which is among the oldest in Albania and was the unique buying and selling level amongst the town’s most distinguished retailers. Subsequent, is a go to to the Skanderbeg museum to be taught extra in regards to the Albanian Nationwide hero of the identical title, who chances are you’ll already be conversant in should you’ve visited Tirana.
Kruja Citadel and the mountain of Kruja, (also called the Adriatic Balcony), positively make the record of locations to see in Durres. It’s an exquisite space that may train you a large number about Albania’s wealthy tradition and historical past and is an expertise I positively advocate, notably should you love historical past. Click on here to book a spot on the tour.
Tackle: Click here for Kruje, Albania.
8. Head out to Spille Seaside
Spille Seaside is round 40 minutes south of Durres, and for me, a day trip right here is among the finest issues to do round Durres.
Whereas Durres Seaside can get notably busy in the summertime, Spille Seaside stays comparatively calm. That stated, it’s lined with numerous seaside bars and eating places, so there’s lots happening.
It’s the most effective issues to do in Durres for households because of its comparatively calm and shallow waters, in addition to its spacious, sandy seaside for taking part in seaside video games.
Typically talking, the north finish of the seaside is the quietest, and it’s right here that you simply’ll discover locals having fun with a little bit of afternoon solar. I like the scrumptious meals served at Sunshine Spille restaurant right here, and it’s a stunning stretch of seaside too. Additional south is the place you’ll discover numerous seaside bars and extra of a celebration vibe.
Tackle: Spille Beach, Albania
9. Go to the Durres Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Durres, or Xhamia e Madhe because it’s known as in Albanian, is a stupendous Albanian Mosque that was built in 1931. Initially constructed by King Zog, it was the biggest mosque in Albania of its period.
Throughout communist instances, the mosque was shut down by the dictator Enver Hoxha and the minaret was demolished. It was additional broken by an Earthquake in 1979.
Nonetheless, regardless of all of this destruction, the Mosque stays and has by some means withstood each pure disasters and dictatorships. It’s the most effective issues to see in Durres at the moment for its stunning structure.
Tackle: Durres Mosque, Rruga Dhimeter Kraja
10. Uncover the Byzantine Discussion board
The Byzantine Discussion board is among the most acknowledged and exquisite monuments from the Roman and early Byzantine eras in the entire of Albania.
It was referred to as a Market Sq. and has some spectacular Corinthian columns to marvel at. Contained in the discussion board, Roman Thermal baths have been found, in addition to an Amphitheater.
In the present day, it’s only a few steps away from the principle, newly renovated central sq., so it’s fascinating to see the distinction between outdated and new. It’s extra of a pass-by attraction, however as one of many principal locations to see in Durres, it’s value seeing and snapping a photograph of.
Tackle: Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durres
11. Tour the Unimaginable Metropolis of Berat
Take a tour from Durres to the town of Berat, which is simply 90 minutes away and is among the hottest locations within the nation.
This sensible Berat sightseeing day tour will be customized relying on what you’d wish to see however a number of the prospects embody a go to to the Iconic Citadel of Berat, and the gorgeous Ottoman bridge named Gorica.
You’ll additionally go to the beautiful neighborhoods, together with my most-loved, Mangalem, from which you’ll see the well-known view of the 1000 home windows. It’s considered one of my favourite tours in Albania.
When you love wine, the tour additionally presents the chance to go to the Cobo Vineyard to be taught in regards to the household wine-making enterprise, in addition to the prospect to pattern some native grapes. Berat ought to positively characteristic in your record of issues to do close to Durres. Click on here to e-book the tour.
Tackle: Berat, Albania
12. Go to the UNESCO Metropolis of Gjirokaster
Whereas Gjirokaster is round 3 hours from Durres, it’s nonetheless doable to see the very best of the city in a day. Alternatively, you would spend an evening right here, which is what I like to recommend as a result of there are many issues to do there and staying means you don’t need to rush round.
No matter you select to do, you completely ought to put this city on the prime of your record of locations to see close to Durres – it’s unbelievable.
A few of my favourite things to do in Gjirokaster embody visiting the Castle of Gjirokastra to be taught the historical past of the world and of the fortress itself, and for the wonderful views over the mountain ranges.
Simply outdoors Gjirokaster is a household vineyard known as The Barrels, which is a must-visit. It serves unbelievable, selfmade vegetarian meals, and wine, and the household are so hospitable and welcoming. You additionally sit proper underneath the vines, with a surprising view over the winery.
Tackle: Gjirokaster, Albania
13. Discover Durres Citadel
Durres Citadel, or the Venetian Tower of Durres, is an historic fortress positioned within the heart of the city, not removed from the coast. It dates again to 400AD and was constructed by the Roman Emperor Anastasius I, who was born within the area. The Roman Emperor made Durres some of the fortified cities within the space.
Extra just lately, in 1939, the fortress was utilized by Albanian nationalists looking for to delay the Italian Military from invading the town.
In the present day, the fortress has been transformed right into a bar with a rooftop terrace! It’s positively value a go to and is among the loveliest issues to do in Durres for {couples} because it’s fairly a romantic setting. What’s extra, the proximity of the fortress to the ocean makes for some glorious views.
Tackle: Durres Castle, Durres
14. Stroll Alongside the Promenade
Taking an early morning stroll, or a sundown stroll alongside the promenade, is certainly of my favourite issues to do in Durres. Seize a morning espresso from Sophie Caffe whereas stretching your legs and respiratory within the sea air. I like taking a relaxation to observe the fishermen fishing for the every day catch.
The perfect time to go to the promenade is at sundown, because the sky places on a magical present; turning from pink to burnt orange to purple. It’s the most effective issues to do in Durres at night time and is finest skilled over a drink at Posh Lounge or over a scrumptious dinner at Artur Restaurant.
Tackle: Durres Promenade, Shetitorja
15. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
The northerly location of Durres makes ticking off a complete different nation throughout your journey an actual risk. This epic Budva and Kotor Bay tour will take you to a number of the hottest locations on the south coast of Montenegro and I extremely recommend you try to make it throughout your keep!
See the unique island of Sveti Stefan, as soon as a Fifteenth-century fortified island city turned luxurious resort. Go to the picturesque Kotor Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor together with its cobbled medieval outdated city, and wander the Italian-influenced Budva Previous City, enclosed by the well-known metropolis partitions.
It’s a jam-packed day, however a extremely unbelievable alternative to see extra of the Balkans and a completely completely different tradition. It’s the most effective issues to do in Durres and you’ll e-book it here.
Tackle: Budva, Montenegro
Fast Journey Itineraries For Durres
Listed here are a couple of instructed itineraries that will help you plan what to do in Durres:
1 Day in Durres Itinerary
When you solely have in the future in Durres, I like to recommend taking this walking tour to be taught a bit about probably the most historic metropolis in Albania. The strolling tour is an effective way to tick off most of the finest issues to do in Durres which might be featured on this record, such because the Amphitheater and the Citadel.
Within the afternoon, seize a drink on the rooftop terrace within the fortress and take a stroll alongside the promenade to admire the beautiful sundown and spherical off your day completely.
2-3 Days in Durres Itinerary
If in case you have an additional couple of days to spend in Durres, I like to recommend that you simply observe the above one-day itinerary.
On the second day, e-book a day journey to one of many different cities in Albania like Berat or Kruja to find extra of Albania. Spend your closing day in Durres absorbing the solar and sipping a chilly drink on Durres or Spille Seaside.
1 Week in Durres Itinerary
If in case you have one week in Durres, you’ll have the ability to tick most of these items to do off of the record. For day journeys, I positively advocate that you simply go and see Berat and Gjirokaster and the wine tour can also be glorious. The wine area is actually stunning, and the tour is a unbelievable option to expertise a unique aspect of Durres.
The Amphitheater and the Citadel are each must-sees in Durres so ensure you go to these. The beauty of Durres is that the principle points of interest are very shut to one another, so that you’ll don’t have any drawback wandering round and leisurely ticking them off as you please.
After all, ensure you pencil in some enjoyable time on the seashores between all of the sightseeing in Durres.
The place to Keep in Durres
These are a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Durres for vacationers:
Durres Seaside – Finest for Households
When you’re visiting Durres to benefit from the seaside, then you definitely’ll positively wish to keep on Durres Seaside. It’s an excellent place for households because it’s inside strolling distance of the seaside and all of the native facilities you’ll want.
The EKA luxury apartment contains a terrace and a balcony and is absolutely outfitted. It’s positioned simply throughout the highway from the seaside.
Previous City – Finest for First-time Guests
The Previous City is the very best place to remain in Durres for these visiting the town for the primary time. You’ll be inside strolling distance of all of the historic websites, in addition to many unbelievable food and drinks choices within the metropolis. If you wish to take some day journeys, it’s additionally an excellent location to decide on as a base.
Hotel Giulia Albergo is ideal for {couples} looking for a bit of luxurious. This stunning resort is near all the principle points of interest in Durres and has a stunning restaurant on website too.
Rruga Curilla – Finest for Seaside Views
Situated within the hills to the North of Durres, is Rruga Curilla. Dotted alongside this principal highway are some sensible cafes, bars, and eating places.
The lodging round listed here are a bit of extra luxe than most you’ll discover within the different neighborhoods, so should you’re after a calming journey, it is a excellent choice. I like to recommend Hotel Hillside Beach for the great views and spacious rooms.
Finest Eating places in Durres
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Durres:
Olivia’s Fish Home
Olivia’s Fish House is a candy little restaurant positioned alongside Rruga Carulla and is considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Durres for unbelievable seafood. Ask the chef for his suggestions. He’s notably assured and rightly so, his meals is unbelievable, and also you definitely received’t go away disenchanted. Click here for directions.
Artur Restaurant
Artur Restaurant serves a mix of seafood and Italian meals. After all, being so near the coast, the seafood is contemporary and scrumptious and the restaurant itself may be very fairly inside. It is a good spot to eat and provides a superb view of the sundown from the higher ground; making it supreme for a extremely romantic night time out. Click here for directions.
Pastarella
It’s a must to go to Patarella for, you guessed it, pasta. Every part is contemporary and scrumptious and there’s a pleasant view of the ocean. I like to recommend the meat mushroom pasta and the grilled shrimp. Additionally they have a superb wine record, so if that’s your drink of selection, you’ll find it irresistible right here. Click here to view its location.
Meison Bistro
For scrumptious meals and cheap costs, in addition to a unbelievable location on the promenade, that you must go to Meison Bistro. The fish is actually good right here because the restaurant has its personal fish market, so you possibly can relaxation assured that the meals will likely be contemporary. The salmon tartare and calamari have been scrumptious after I visited. Click here to view on a map.
Pista E Vogel Iliria
Pista E Vogel Iliria is a unbelievable restaurant positioned on Durres Seaside with stunning views over the ocean. Whereas predominantly a fish restaurant, there’s additionally an Italian providing, together with pasta dishes, they usually serve an outstanding steak too. Price a go to should you’re staying by Durres Seaside. Click here for directions.
Getting To Durres
Most individuals will journey to Durres from Tirana, as that’s the place the Worldwide Airport is positioned.
It takes round 45 minutes to get from Tirana to Durres and the best option to journey is to both seize a taxi, which can price round 2500 LEK ($20), or take the bus. Remember to verify a worth with the taxi driver earlier than you set off.
The buses go away from the central bus station in Tirana and run regularly at round each half-hour between 6:30 am and seven:30 pm. The ticket will price round 150 LEK ($1.50). Once you arrive in Durres, you’ll be round a 10-minute stroll from the town heart.
Alternatively, you possibly can lease a automotive, which will likely be helpful for taking some day journeys from Durres. Durres is a really walkable metropolis, so that you’ll have the ability to attain most locations on foot and received’t need to depend on public transportation.
Issues To Do in Durres: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Durres:
Durres is understood for being a big port metropolis, but in addition for being probably the most historic metropolis in Albania. There are many nice historic websites to go to in Durres.
The perfect time to go to Durres is throughout the summer time months. When you go to throughout Could and June it’ll be very heat however not as crowded as in July and August.
Sure, notably if you are interested in historic historical past. When you’re based mostly in Tirana, it’s positively value a go to to see a little bit of the coast and loosen up on the seaside.
A few days or a protracted weekend is the right period of time to see all the very best issues to do in Durres.
Sure. Durres, and Albania as a complete, may be very safe. As with anyplace, pickpockets are round so be sure you maintain your issues, however in any other case you’re unlikely to expertise any points.
The most well-liked issues to do in Durres are to go to Durres Citadel and go to the seaside. It additionally has some nice seafood eating places to take pleasure in should you’re a little bit of a foodie like me!
My favourite seaside in Durres is Spille Seaside, which is round 40 minutes south of Durres. The sand and sea are each clear, and the seaside is actually huge and much much less crowded.
You completely need to strive seafood in Durres. It’s tremendous contemporary and cooked rather well right here. There are some glorious seafood eating places featured within the record above.
In Closing
There’s a lot extra to Durres than simply being a serious port metropolis. Not solely are there some unbelievable issues to do in Durres itself, however it makes for an excellent location should you’re trying to discover the remainder of Albania, and even Montenegro too.
I hope this text helps you intend what to see in Durres and that you’ve a superb journey!
