There are such a lot of issues to do in Durres, Albania’s most historical metropolis situated on the Adriatic Sea. Whether or not you’re keen on the seashore or are a historical past buff, there are some nice locations to go to in Durres for each type of traveler.
I spent over 2 months exploring Albania, which included spending time sightseeing the place often called ‘The Everlasting Metropolis’, Durees. Whereas as we speak, Durres is residence to Albania’s largest seaport, it’s additionally one of many largest vacationer facilities and has some stunning ocean, structure, and tradition to discover.
In case you’re planning a visit and are questioning what to do in Durres, listed here are my high 15 issues to do in Durres that can assist you get an itinerary collectively:
Finest Issues To Do in Durres
Durres is a coastal metropolis with big historic significance to the formation of Albania, so there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do whereas right here.
Inside this put up, I’ve picked out a few of my favourite Durres points of interest that can assist you profit from your time in Albania’s second metropolis.
1. Marvel on the Roman Amphitheater
Durres is packed stuffed with Roman and Byzantine structure, which exhibits 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 measurement and scale of the Roman amphitheater in Durres is certain to impress.
Nestled within the middle of the town, the amphitheater is arguably some of the necessary items of historical structure within the Balkans. The amphitheater was constructed within the 2nd Century BC, and it’s the largest ever constructed within the Balkan Peninsula, holding a capability of as much as 20,000 spectators.
In the present day, you’ll be able to truly enter the amphitheater to get an actual impression of the dimensions and scale of this wonderful development. It’s one of many high issues to do in Durres and is straightforward to entry from the middle of the town.
Deal with: Durres Amphitheater, Rruga Kalase, Durres. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Embark on a Wine Tasting Tour
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Durres is to make a journey out of city on this stunning wine-tasting tour.
Winemaking is an historical 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 without doubt one of 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 study extra concerning the Albanian wine-making course of.
Pattern a few of the finest wines within the area together with a standard native lunch. You’ll additionally get to attempt the regionally produced Raki, which is the right strategy to finish your meal. This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Durres and is a good exercise for {couples}.
Deal with: Duka Vineyard, Lake Lalez, Durres. Click on right here for the situation, or click on the hyperlink above to ebook a tour.
3. Chill out 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 mentioned, if you happen to’re in Durres and also you wish to work in your tan, there’s an extended 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 well accessible by taxi or native bus.
A day on the seashore is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Durres and is a good way to flee the hustle and bustle of the town middle.
Deal with: Seaside of Durres. Click on right here for the central level of the seashore.
4. Go to the Archaeological Museum
In case you’re eager to study extra concerning the historic significance of Durres then this museum is without doubt one of the high vacationer points of interest in Durres you gained’t wish to miss.
It’s the most important archaeological museum in Albania and is situated within the coronary heart of the town, proper subsequent to the waterfront. The museum has artifacts and relics from the traditional Illyrian tradition, via 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 certainly one of my high locations to go to in Durres.
Deal with: Durres Archaeological Museum, Rruga Taulantia 32, Durres. Click on right here for instructions to the museum.
5. Be a part of a Strolling Tour
A strolling tour is certainly 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 town is the right introduction.
The tour begins within the middle, at Lira Sq., earlier than taking in the principle points of interest of Durres, a lot of which seem on this checklist. 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 strategy to discover the town and get your bearings. It’s undoubtedly certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Durres.
Deal with: Liria Sq., Durres. Click on right here for the assembly level of the tour, or right here for additional particulars and reserving.
6. Hike the Through Egnatia
In case you like to hike, the Through Egnatia path will likely be among the best issues you are able to do close to Durres. The Through Egnatia affords not solely a few 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 via 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 via mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams, and even have views of the coast whereas passing via historical cities and civilizations.
Somewhat than trying the complete 475 kilometers, (you’ll be able to if you happen to like!), stage one of many hike is an 18-kilometer path that passes via the gorgeous meadows, groves, and hills above Durres and begins in Golem.
I like to recommend testing the Through Egnatia web site for a helpful information to exploring the path on foot.
Deal with: Golem, Albania. Click on right here for the start line of the Through Egnatia in Golem.
7. Take a Tour of Kruje and the Holy Mountain
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Durres is to take a tour of the close by city of Kruje, which is round an hour away from Durres. This Kruje and Preza half-day tour collects you out of your lodge 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 without doubt one of the oldest in Albania and was the unique buying and selling level amongst the town’s most outstanding retailers. Subsequent, is a go to to the Skanderbeg museum to study extra concerning the Albanian Nationwide hero of the identical title, who you might already be aware of if you happen to’ve visited Tirana.
Kruja Fort and the mountain of Kruja, (often known as the Adriatic Balcony), undoubtedly make the checklist of locations to see in Durres. It’s a beautiful space that may educate you a large number about Albania’s wealthy tradition and historical past and is an expertise I undoubtedly advocate, notably if you happen to love historical past. Click on right here to ebook a spot on the tour.
Deal with: Click on right here for Kruje, Albania.
8. Head out to Spille Seaside
Spille Seaside is round 40 minutes south of Durres, and for me, a time out right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do round Durres.
Whereas Durres Seaside can get notably busy in the summertime, Spille Seaside stays comparatively calm. That mentioned, it’s lined with numerous seashore bars and eating places, so there’s lots occurring.
It’s among the best issues to do in Durres for households due to its comparatively calm and shallow waters, in addition to its spacious, sandy seashore for taking part in seashore video games.
Usually talking, the north finish of the seashore is the quietest, and it’s right here that you just’ll discover locals having fun with a little bit of afternoon solar. I really like the scrumptious meals served at Sunshine Spille restaurant right here, and it’s a beautiful stretch of seashore too. Additional south is the place you’ll discover numerous seashore bars and extra of a celebration vibe.
Deal with: Spille Seaside, 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 fantastic Albanian Mosque that was inbuilt 1931. Initially constructed by King Zog, it was the most important mosque in Albania of its period.
Throughout communist occasions, the mosque was shut down by the dictator Enver Hoxha and the minaret was demolished. It was additional broken by an Earthquake in 1979.
Nevertheless, regardless of all of this destruction, the Mosque stays and has in some way withstood each pure disasters and dictatorships. It’s among the best issues to see in Durres as we speak for its stunning structure.
Deal with: Durres Mosque, Rruga Dhimeter Kraja
10. Uncover the Byzantine Discussion board
The Byzantine Discussion board is without doubt one of the most acknowledged and exquisite monuments from the Roman and early Byzantine eras in the entire of Albania.
It was often called 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 just some 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 foremost locations to see in Durres, it’s value seeing and snapping a photograph of.
Deal with: 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 without doubt one of the hottest locations within the nation.
This sensible Berat sightseeing day tour might be customized relying on what you’d wish to see however a few of the potentialities embrace a go to to the Iconic Fort 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 certainly one of my favourite excursions in Albania.
In case you love wine, the tour additionally presents the chance to go to the Cobo Vineyard to study concerning the household wine-making enterprise, in addition to the prospect to pattern some native grapes. Berat ought to undoubtedly function in your checklist of issues to do close to Durres. Click on right here to ebook the tour.
Deal with: Berat, Albania
12. Go to the UNESCO Metropolis of Gjirokaster
Whereas Gjirokaster is round 3 hours from Durres, it’s nonetheless potential to see the most effective of the city in a day. Alternatively, you could possibly 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 high of your checklist of locations to see close to Durres – it’s unbelievable.
A few of my favourite issues to do in Gjirokaster embrace visiting the Fort of Gjirokastra to study the historical past of the world and of the citadel itself, and for the wonderful views over the mountain ranges.
Simply exterior 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 shocking view over the winery.
Deal with: Gjirokaster, Albania
13. Discover Durres Fort
Durres Fort, or the Venetian Tower of Durres, is an historical fortress situated within the middle 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 citadel was utilized by Albanian nationalists in search of to delay the Italian Military from invading the town.
In the present day, the citadel has been transformed right into a bar with a rooftop terrace! It’s undoubtedly value a go to and is without doubt one of the loveliest issues to do in Durres for {couples} because it’s fairly a romantic setting. What’s extra, the proximity of the citadel to the ocean makes for some glorious views.
Deal with: Durres Fort, Durres
14. Stroll Alongside the Promenade
Taking an early morning stroll, or a sundown stroll alongside the promenade, is unquestionably 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 really like taking a relaxation to look at the fishermen fishing for the each day catch.
One of the best 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 among the best issues to do in Durres at evening and is finest skilled over a drink at Posh Lounge or over a scrumptious dinner at Artur Restaurant.
Deal with: 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 few 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 Web site of Kotor together with its cobbled medieval outdated city, and wander the Italian-influenced Budva Outdated City, enclosed by the well-known metropolis partitions.
It’s a jam-packed day, however a extremely improbable alternative to see extra of the Balkans and a very completely different tradition. It’s among the best issues to do in Durres and you may ebook it right here.
Deal with: Budva, Montenegro
Fast Journey Itineraries For Durres
Listed here are just a few advised itineraries that can assist you plan what to do in Durres:
1 Day in Durres Itinerary
In case you solely have in the future in Durres, I like to recommend taking this strolling tour to study a bit about probably the most historical metropolis in Albania. The strolling tour is a good way to tick off most of the finest issues to do in Durres which are featured on this checklist, such because the Amphitheater and the Fort.
Within the afternoon, seize a drink on the rooftop terrace within the citadel and take a stroll alongside the promenade to admire the beautiful sundown and spherical off your day completely.
2-3 Days in Durres Itinerary
When you have an additional couple of days to spend in Durres, I like to recommend that you just observe the above one-day itinerary.
On the second day, ebook a day journey to one of many different cities in Albania like Berat or Kruja to find extra of Albania. Spend your last day in Durres absorbing the solar and sipping a chilly drink on Durres or Spille Seaside.
1 Week in Durres Itinerary
When you have one week in Durres, you’ll be capable of tick most of these items to do off of the checklist. For day journeys, I undoubtedly advocate that you just go and see Berat and Gjirokaster and the wine tour can also be glorious. The wine area is absolutely stunning, and the tour is a improbable strategy to expertise a unique facet of Durres.
The Amphitheater and the Fort are each must-sees in Durres so be sure to 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 downside wandering round and leisurely ticking them off as you please.
In fact, be sure to pencil in some stress-free time on the seashores between all of the sightseeing in Durres.
The place to Keep in Durres
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Durres for vacationers:
Durres Seaside – Finest for Households
In case you’re visiting Durres to benefit from the seashore, then you definitely’ll undoubtedly wish to keep on Durres Seaside. It’s an incredible place for households because it’s inside strolling distance of the seashore and all of the native facilities you’ll want.
The EKA luxurious condo contains a terrace and a balcony and is totally outfitted. It’s situated simply throughout the street from the seashore.
Outdated City – Finest for First-time Guests
The Outdated City is the most effective 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 improbable foods and drinks choices within the metropolis. If you wish to take some day journeys, it’s additionally a super location to decide on as a base.
Lodge Giulia Albergo is ideal for {couples} in search of slightly luxurious. This stunning lodge is near all the principle points of interest in Durres and has a beautiful 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 foremost street are some sensible cafes, bars, and eating places.
The lodging round listed here are slightly extra luxe than most you’ll discover within the different neighborhoods, so if you happen to’re after a calming journey, this can be a good choice. I like to recommend Lodge Hillside Seaside for the fantastic 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 Home is a candy little restaurant situated alongside Rruga Carulla and is certainly 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 gained’t depart upset. Click on right here for instructions.
Artur Restaurant
Artur Restaurant serves a combination of seafood and Italian meals. In fact, being so near the coast, the seafood is contemporary and scrumptious and the restaurant itself could be very fairly inside. It is a excellent spot to eat and affords a superb view of the sundown from the higher flooring; making it ultimate for a extremely romantic evening out. Click on right here for instructions.
Pastarella
You need to go to Patarella for, you guessed it, pasta. The whole lot 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 checklist, so if that’s your drink of selection, you’ll adore it right here. Click on right here to view its location.
Meison Bistro
For scrumptious meals and affordable costs, in addition to a improbable location on the promenade, you have to go to Meison Bistro. The fish is absolutely good right here because the restaurant has its personal fish market, so you’ll be able to relaxation assured that the meals will likely be contemporary. The salmon tartare and calamari have been scrumptious once I visited. Click on right here to view on a map.
Pista E Vogel Iliria
Pista E Vogel Iliria is a improbable restaurant situated 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 if you happen to’re staying by Durres Seaside. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting To Durres
Most individuals will journey to Durres from Tirana, as that’s the place the Worldwide Airport is situated.
It takes round 45 minutes to get from Tirana to Durres and the simplest strategy to journey is to both seize a taxi, which is able to value round 2500 LEK ($20), or take the bus. Make sure you verify a value with the taxi driver earlier than you set off.
The buses depart from the central bus station in Tirana and run continuously at round each half-hour between 6:30 am and seven:30 pm. The ticket will value round 150 LEK ($1.50). Whenever you arrive in Durres, you’ll be round a 10-minute stroll from the town middle.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease a automobile, which will likely be helpful for taking some day journeys from Durres. Durres is a really walkable metropolis, so that you’ll be capable of attain most locations on foot and gained’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 thought for being a big port metropolis, but additionally for being probably the most historical metropolis in Albania. There are many nice historic websites to go to in Durres.
One of the best time to go to Durres is throughout the summer season months. In case you go to throughout Might and June it’ll be very heat however not as crowded as in July and August.
Sure, notably if you are interested in historical historical past. In case you’re based mostly in Tirana, it’s undoubtedly value a go to to see a little bit of the coast and calm down on the seashore.
A few days or an extended weekend is the right period of time to see all the most effective issues to do in Durres.
Sure. Durres, and Albania as a complete, could be very protected. 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 preferred issues to do in Durres are to go to Durres Fort and go to the seashore. It additionally has some nice seafood eating places to take pleasure in if you happen to’re a little bit of a foodie like me!
My favourite seashore in Durres is Spille Seaside, which is round 40 minutes south of Durres. The sand and sea are each clear, and the seashore is absolutely huge and much much less crowded.
You completely need to attempt seafood in Durres. It’s tremendous contemporary and cooked rather well right here. There are some glorious seafood eating places featured within the checklist above.
In Closing
There’s a lot extra to Durres than simply being a significant port metropolis. Not solely are there some improbable issues to do in Durres itself, but it surely makes for an incredible location if you happen to’re trying to discover the remainder of Albania, and even Montenegro too.
I hope this text helps you propose what to see in Durres and that you’ve an excellent journey!
