Durrës Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Durrës, Albania with this comprehensive travel guide featuring cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink, accommodation options, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Durrës

Durrës is a coastal city located in Albania, in the Balkans region of Europe. As the country’s second-largest city, Durrës has a rich history and culture, fascinating museums and historical sites, breathtaking natural scenery, delicious food and drink, and friendly locals. This comprehensive travel guide is designed to help visitors plan their stay in Durrës and make the most of their time in this beautiful and fascinating city.

List of Places to Visit in Durrës

Durrës is a city filled with interesting and culturally important attractions and natural beauty. Here are some of the must-see places to visit in Durrës:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Durrës Archaeological Museum
  • Durrës Castle
  • The Roman Amphitheater
  • The Ethnographic Museum
  • The Aleksander Moisiu Theatre

Natural Attractions of Durrës: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gjiri i Lalzit Beach
  • Cape of Rodon
  • Currila Beach
  • Kepi i Rodonit Nature Reserve
  • Shkëmbi i Kavajës Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of Durrës

Durrës offers some fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventures, with many hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore the beautiful surroundings. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Durrës:

  • Hiking to the top of Cape of Rodon
  • Biking along the Albanian coastline
  • Hiking through Shen Kollësë National Park
  • Walking along the Gjiri i Lalzit Beach

Best Things to Do in Durrës: Activities and Tours

From cultural tours to outdoor adventures, there are numerous things to do in Durrës for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the best activities and tours to enjoy in Durrës:

  • Explore the Archaeological Museum

  • Go on a city tour of Durrës

  • Visit the Roman Amphitheater
  • Relax on the city’s beautiful beaches
  • Take a boat tour to explore the Albanian coastline

Week-Long Itinerary for Durrës

For visitors who want to spend a full week exploring Durrës, here’s a sample itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive and check into your hotel. Take a walk around the city’s historic district and enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine.
Day 2 Explore Durrës Castle and the Ethnographic Museum.
Day 3 Take a day trip to the beautiful Cape of Rodon and enjoy hiking in the surrounding area.
Day 4 Tour the Roman Amphitheater and the Archaeological Museum.
Day 5 Visit the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre and relax on the beach.
Day 6 Explore Shen Kollësë National Park and hike through the natural beauty of the area.
Day 7 Take a boat tour of the coastline and enjoy the stunning views. Depart from Durrës.

Food and Drink Scene of Durrës

Albanian cuisine is delicious, and Durrës is an excellent place to try some traditional Albanian dishes and beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Byrek - a savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
  • Tavë Kosi - a dish of baked lamb and rice with yogurt sauce.
  • Fërgesë - a spicy mixture of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese
  • Qofte - a grilled meatball made with a mix of beef and lamb

Local Beverages

  • Raki - a strong brandy-like spirit made with grapes.
  • Birra - local Albanian beer
  • Çaj Mali - a traditional Albanian herbal tea

Where to Stay in Durrës: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Durrës has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to consider:

  • Adriatik Hotel
  • Hotel Nais Beach
  • Vivas Hotel
  • Tropikal Resort
  • Arberi Hotel

What to Buy in Durrës: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

For visitors who want to take home a piece of the city, there are many local products and souvenirs to choose from in Durrës. Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Traditional Albanian clothing and textiles
  • Olive oil and honey from local producers
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics
  • Local wines and spirits

Local Culture and Customs of Durrës

Visitors to Durrës should be aware of local culture and customs, including greetings, appropriate dress codes, and manners. Albanian culture is very hospitable, and visitors will likely experience warm hospitality from locals.

Best Time to Visit Durrës

The best time to visit Durrës is during the summer months, from June through September when the weather is warm, and visitors can enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. However, visiting during the shoulder season in spring and fall can be a great option for those who prefer quieter streets and milder temperatures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Durrës

Here are some important do’s and don’ts for visitors to Durrës:

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Engage in cultural activities and respect customs

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs and dress codes
  • Be disrespectful towards local culture and language

Safety and Health

Safety is not a significant concern for visitors to Durrës, but visitors should still be aware of basic safety precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and taking care when using public transportation. In terms of health, visitors should ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations and take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases.

Getting to Durrës: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Durrës can reach the city by plane, bus, train, or car. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Durrës

  • Tirana International Airport (TIA)

Bus Stations Near Durrës

  • Durrës Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train - Albanian Railway operates a line that passes through Durrës.
  • Car rental - Visitors can rent a car at Tirana International Airport and drive to Durrës.

How to Get Around in Durrës

The easiest way to get around in Durrës is by taxi. Taxis are readily available and affordable in the city. Visitors can also take buses or trains to nearby destinations.

Where to Go Next from Durrës: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

For visitors who want to explore other parts of Albania, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Tirana - Albania’s capital city
  • Berat - A historic city famous for its old houses and castle
  • Saranda - A popular beach destination on the southern Albanian coast
  • Shkodra - A historic city located on the northern Albanian border

Conclusion

Durrës is a beautiful and fascinating city that offers something for everyone. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, visitors to Durrës will never be bored. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next trip to Durrës and enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of Albania’s most impressive cities.

Durrës panoramic view Durrës panoramic view Stadium Niko Dovana Stadium Niko Dovana Durres, Roman Amphitheater Durres, Roman Amphitheater King Zog's Villa King Zog's Villa Lezhe Lezhe City beach City beach