Durrës

Durrës, one of the oldest cities in Albania, is today one of the country’s most popular summer destinations. With a history spanning centuries, it combines ancient heritage with modern amenities, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere.

By air

The flight from Athens to Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa,” which serves Durrës, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the airport is located 30–35 km from Durrës.

From there, the transfer to Durrës takes about 30–40 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

Plan your trip easily and quickly – contact us to book your flights to Durrës!

By ferry

Durrës is a key gateway to the Adriatic Sea, with regular year-round connections to Ancona and Bari. During the summer, routes increase, offering even greater flexibility.

Although there are no direct connections from Greece, you can combine your trip via Italy or reach Albania by road.

The port is located next to the city center, ensuring immediate access to hotels and main points of interest.

Book your ferry tickets to Durrës on ferrytips!

Two of the most important and central areas of the city are Rruga Taulantia (the seaside road) and Sheshi Liria (the main square).

Rruga Taulantia is the main waterfront axis and a key point of the city’s social life. Along it, visitors will find cafés, restaurants, and leisure areas with beautiful sea views.

Sheshi Liria, the main square of Durrës, is located near the port and important historical landmarks. It is a central meeting point and often hosts cultural events.

These two areas form the “heart” of the city and are ideal for walking, combining everyday life with the tourist experience.

Durrës is a city that can easily be explored on foot. The city center and waterfront area are ideal for walking, while there are also several alternative transport options.

• Buses: an economical option for travel within the city and to Tirana.

• Taxis: readily available and relatively affordable, ideal for more comfortable transportation.

• Car rental: the best choice for those who want to explore the wider region with greater flexibility.

It is recommended to stay in the city center of Durrës, as this allows you to be within walking distance of most attractions, restaurants, and the city’s nightlife.

For a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, you may choose accommodation near the beaches. There you will find hotels with sea views, as well as well-organized facilities for a more comfortable stay.

Venetian Tower

The Venetian Tower is part of the city’s fortifications, reinforced during Venetian rule. Today it is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city, offering beautiful views of the port and surrounding area.

Roman Amphitheatre of Durrës

One of the most important monuments of the city, dating back to the 2nd century AD, it is considered the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans, with a capacity of approximately 15,000–20,000 spectators.

Archaeological Museum of Durrës

The largest archaeological museum in Albania, featuring rich collections spanning 2,000 years. Highlights include artifacts from the ancient city, miniature busts of Aphrodite, and the statue of Gaia.

Bulevardi Durrës

It represents the historical and commercial heart of Durrës, connecting the city with the port. It is one of the most central and busiest streets, where local daily life and visitor activity meet. Along it, you will find shops, cafés, and points of interest, making it a key route for walking in the city center.

Nightlife

The waterfront area (lungomare) is ideal for walks, coffee, and dining, while in summer the city comes alive with vibrant nightlife, bars, and clubs by the sea.

The beaches of Durrës and the wider region are one of the main reasons why the destination is so popular on the Albanian Riviera. Durrës Beach, next to the city center, stands out for its long sandy shoreline with shallow waters and fully organized facilities, offering various activities and entertainment options.

A short distance away, Currila Beach combines natural beauty with organized areas and clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Further south, the popular beaches of Golem and Mali i Robit offer long sandy stretches, a family-friendly atmosphere, and organized facilities, with Mali i Robit standing out for its quieter environment surrounded by pine forests.

For more secluded experiences, Portez Beach impresses with its wild character and proximity to the Natyra Park lagoon, while San Pietro in the Lalzi Bay offers tranquility and ideal conditions for families and couples.

A special experience is the Captain’s Beach (Plazhi i Gjeneralit), a more “hidden” and natural beach with dramatic scenery and a quieter atmosphere, accessible via a dirt road.

Finally, Spille Beach, about 45 minutes from Durrës, completes the scenery with white sand, pine forests, and ideal conditions for relaxation in a more paradise-like environment.

The area around Durrës offers many interesting day-trip options combining history, culture, and natural beauty. Just 30–40 minutes away lies Tirana, the capital of Albania, with rich cultural life, museums, markets, and vibrant entertainment. Highlights include Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the modern Blloku district.

Slightly closer, about 40–60 minutes away, the historic town of Kruja is one of the country’s most important destinations, featuring its castle, museum, and traditional bazaar, offering an authentic experience of Albanian history and heritage.

At a greater distance of about 2–2.5 hours, Berat, the “city of a thousand windows,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with its Ottoman architecture and unique atmosphere.

Finally, an excellent nearby escape is Cape Rodon, about 1 hour from Durrës, a natural oasis with stunning beaches, a historic castle, and the Church of St. Anthony, ideal for relaxing nature excursions.

Important information about Durrës

The Albanian currency is the lek, although euros are accepted in many places. The port is only a few kilometers from the city center. Make sure to carry your European Health Insurance Card for any emergencies.