There are such a lot of issues to do in Durres, Albania’s most historical metropolis positioned 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 referred to as ‘The Everlasting Metropolis’, Durees. Whereas right now, Durres is dwelling to Albania’s largest seaport, it’s additionally one of many greatest vacationer facilities and has some lovely ocean, structure, and tradition to discover.
If you happen to’re planning a visit and are questioning what to do in Durres, listed below are my prime 15 issues to do in Durres that can assist you get an itinerary collectively:
Greatest 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 take advantage of 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 an entire. 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 bound to impress.
Nestled within the middle of town, the amphitheater is arguably one of the vital 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.
At this time, 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 simple to entry from the middle of town.
Handle: Durres Amphitheater, Rruga Kalase, Durres. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Embark on a Wine Tasting Tour
Probably the greatest issues to do in Durres is to make a journey out of city on this lovely 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 among the most spectacular locations to go to in Durres.
On this tour, you’ll discover the gorgeous surroundings round Durres together with the peaceable Lake of Lalez, and can go to an area vineyard and winery the place you’ll study extra in regards to the Albanian wine-making course of.
Pattern among 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 approach to finish your meal. This is among the finest locations to go to close to Durres and is a good exercise for {couples}.
Handle: 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 Seashore
Durres is primarily a industrial port and is the second metropolis of Albania, so its seashores don’t evaluate to these on the Albanian Riviera. That stated, in the event you’re in Durres and also you need to work in your tan, there’s a protracted stretch of seashores to the south of town ready to be explored.
The seashores stretch for over 10 kilometers and are backed by resorts, eating places, and cafes. You’ll discover loads of loungers and facilities, together with water sports activities, alongside the stretch and the realm is definitely accessible by taxi or native bus.
A day on the seashore is among the finest free issues to do in Durres and is an effective way to flee the hustle and bustle of town middle.
Handle: Seashore of Durres. Click on right here for the central level of the seashore.
4. Go to the Archaeological Museum
If you happen to’re eager to study extra in regards to the historic significance of Durres then this museum is among the prime vacationer points of interest in Durres you gained’t need to miss.
It’s the most important archaeological museum in Albania and is positioned within the coronary heart of 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.
Handle: Durres Archaeological Museum, Rruga Taulantia 32, Durres. Click on right here for instructions 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 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 listing. You’ll discover the Roman Amphitheater and the archaeological museum, go to the Venetian Tower, and see the place previous meets new on the Durres Promenade.
The tour is interactive, and the guides are wonderful. It is a sensible approach to discover town and get your bearings. It’s positively considered one of my favourite issues to do in Durres.
Handle: 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 By way of Egnatia
If you happen to like to hike, the By way of Egnatia path shall be probably the greatest issues you are able to do close to Durres. The By way of Egnatia provides not solely among 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 cross 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 historical cities and civilizations.
Reasonably than trying the complete 475 kilometers, (you possibly can in the event 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 By way of Egnatia web site for a useful information to exploring the path on foot.
Handle: Golem, Albania. Click on right here for the start line of the By way of Egnatia in Golem.
7. Take a Tour of Kruje and the Holy Mountain
Probably the greatest 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 resort or hostel in Durres and the native information is nice at sharing the attention-grabbing historical past and tradition of this lovely metropolis.
You’ll go to the Kruje Bazaar which is among the oldest in Albania and was the unique buying and selling level amongst town’s most distinguished retailers. Subsequent, is a go to to the Skanderbeg museum to study extra in regards to the Albanian Nationwide hero of the identical identify, who you might already be aware of in the event you’ve visited Tirana.
Kruja Fort and the mountain of Kruja, (also called the Adriatic Balcony), positively make the listing of locations to see in Durres. It’s an exquisite space that may educate you numerous about Albania’s wealthy tradition and historical past and is an expertise I positively advocate, notably in the event you love historical past. Click on right here to ebook a spot on the tour.
Handle: Click on right here for Kruje, Albania.
8. Head out to Spille Seashore
Spille Seashore 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 Seashore can get notably busy in the summertime, Spille Seashore stays comparatively calm. That stated, it’s lined with numerous seashore bars and eating places, so there’s lots occurring.
It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Durres for households due to its comparatively calm and shallow waters, in addition to its spacious, sandy seashore for enjoying 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 like the scrumptious meals served at Sunshine Spille restaurant right here, and it’s a stunning stretch of seashore too. Additional south is the place you’ll discover numerous seashore bars and extra of a celebration vibe.
Handle: Spille Seashore, Albania
9. Go to the Durres Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Durres, or Xhamia e Madhe because it’s referred to as in Albanian, is a gorgeous Albanian Mosque that was inbuilt 1931. Initially constructed by King Zog, it was the most important 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.
Nevertheless, regardless of all of this destruction, the Mosque stays and has someway withstood each pure disasters and dictatorships. It’s probably the greatest issues to see in Durres right now for its lovely structure.
Handle: 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.
At this time, it’s only a few steps away from the principle, newly renovated central sq., so it’s attention-grabbing to see the distinction between previous and new. It’s extra of a pass-by attraction, however as one of many principal locations to see in Durres, it’s price seeing and snapping a photograph of.
Handle: Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durres
11. Tour the Unbelievable Metropolis of Berat
Take a tour from Durres to 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 among the prospects embrace a go to to the Iconic Fort of Berat, and the gorgeous Ottoman bridge named Gorica.
You’ll additionally go to the gorgeous 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 excursions in Albania.
If you happen to love wine, the tour additionally presents the chance to go to the Cobo Vineyard to study 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 listing of issues to do close to Durres. Click on right here to ebook the tour.
Handle: Berat, Albania
12. Go to the UNESCO Metropolis of Gjirokaster
Whereas Gjirokaster is round 3 hours from Durres, it’s nonetheless doable to see one of the 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 should rush round.
No matter you select to do, you completely ought to put this city on the prime of your listing of locations to see close to Durres – it’s unimaginable.
A few of my favourite issues to do in Gjirokaster embrace visiting the Fort of Gjirokastra to study the historical past of the realm and of the citadel itself, and for the wonderful views over the mountain ranges.
Simply outdoors Gjirokaster is a household vineyard referred to as The Barrels, which is a must-visit. It serves unimaginable, do-it-yourself vegetarian meals, and wine, and the household are so hospitable and welcoming. You additionally sit proper below the vines, with a shocking view over the winery.
Handle: Gjirokaster, Albania
13. Discover Durres Fort
Durres Fort, or the Venetian Tower of Durres, is an historical fortress positioned 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 one of the fortified cities within the space.
Extra lately, in 1939, the citadel was utilized by Albanian nationalists in search of to delay the Italian Military from invading town.
At this time, the citadel has been transformed right into a bar with a rooftop terrace! It’s positively price 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 citadel to the ocean makes for some wonderful views.
Handle: Durres Fort, 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 day by day catch.
The very 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 probably the greatest 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.
Handle: Durres Promenade, Shetitorja
15. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
The northerly location of Durres makes ticking off an entire different nation throughout your journey an actual risk. This epic Budva and Kotor Bay tour will take you to among 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 previous city, and wander the Italian-influenced Budva Outdated City, enclosed by the well-known metropolis partitions.
It’s a jam-packed day, however a very implausible alternative to see extra of the Balkans and a completely completely different tradition. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Durres and you may ebook it right here.
Handle: Budva, Montenegro
Fast Journey Itineraries For Durres
Listed here are a couple of instructed itineraries that can assist you plan what to do in Durres:
1 Day in Durres Itinerary
If you happen to solely have someday in Durres, I like to recommend taking this strolling tour to study a bit about essentially the most historical metropolis in Albania. The strolling tour is an effective way to tick off lots of the finest issues to do in Durres which can be featured on this listing, 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 gorgeous sundown and spherical off your day completely.
2-3 Days in Durres Itinerary
When you’ve got an additional couple of days to spend in Durres, I like to recommend that you just comply with 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 Seashore.
1 Week in Durres Itinerary
When you’ve got one week in Durres, you’ll have the ability to tick most of these items to do off of the listing. For day journeys, I positively advocate that you just go and see Berat and Gjirokaster and the wine tour can be wonderful. The wine area is actually lovely, and the tour is a implausible approach to expertise a unique facet of Durres.
The Amphitheater and the Fort are each must-sees in Durres so ensure you go to these. The wonderful thing about 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, 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 one of the best neighborhoods in Durres for vacationers:
Durres Seashore – Greatest for Households
If you happen to’re visiting Durres to benefit from the seashore, then you definately’ll positively need to keep on Durres Seashore. It’s a fantastic place for households because it’s inside strolling distance of the seashore and all of the native facilities you’ll want.
The EKA luxurious residence contains a terrace and a balcony and is totally outfitted. It’s positioned simply throughout the highway from the seashore.
Outdated City – Greatest for First-time Guests
The Outdated City is one of the best place to remain in Durres for these visiting town for the primary time. You’ll be inside strolling distance of all of the historic websites, in addition to many implausible 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.
Lodge Giulia Albergo is ideal for {couples} in search of a little bit luxurious. This lovely resort is near all the principle points of interest in Durres and has a stunning restaurant on web site too.
Rruga Curilla – Greatest for Seashore Views
Positioned 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 below are a little bit extra luxe than most you’ll discover within the different neighborhoods, so in the event you’re after a soothing journey, it is a good possibility. I like to recommend Lodge Hillside Seashore for the great views and spacious rooms.
Greatest 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 positioned alongside Rruga Carulla and is considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Durres for unimaginable seafood. Ask the chef for his suggestions. He’s notably assured and rightly so, his meals is unimaginable, and also you actually 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 provides a wonderful view of the sundown from the higher flooring; making it very best for a very romantic night time out. Click on right here for instructions.
Pastarella
It’s a must to go to Patarella for, you guessed it, pasta. Every little thing 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 wonderful wine listing, so if that’s your drink of alternative, you’ll like it right here. Click on right here to view its location.
Meison Bistro
For scrumptious meals and affordable costs, in addition to a implausible location on the promenade, it’s essential 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 shall be contemporary. The salmon tartare and calamari have been scrumptious after I visited. Click on right here to view on a map.
Pista E Vogel Iliria
Pista E Vogel Iliria is a implausible restaurant positioned on Durres Seashore with lovely views over the ocean. Whereas predominantly a fish restaurant, there’s additionally an Italian providing, together with pasta dishes, and so they serve an outstanding steak too. Value a go to in the event you’re staying by Durres Seashore. 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 positioned.
It takes round 45 minutes to get from Tirana to Durres and the best approach to journey is to both seize a taxi, which can value round 2500 LEK ($20), or take the bus. You should definitely verify a worth with the taxi driver earlier than you set off.
The buses depart from the central bus station in Tirana and run ceaselessly at round each half-hour between 6:30 am and seven:30 pm. The ticket will value round 150 LEK ($1.50). If you arrive in Durres, you’ll be round a 10-minute stroll from town middle.
Alternatively, you possibly can hire a automobile, which shall 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 gained’t should 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 in addition for being essentially the most historical metropolis in Albania. There are many nice historic websites to go to in Durres.
The very best time to go to Durres is in the course of the summer season months. If you happen to 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 historical historical past. If you happen to’re based mostly in Tirana, it’s positively price a go to to see a little bit of the coast and chill out on the seashore.
A few days or a protracted weekend is the right period of time to see all one of the best issues to do in Durres.
Sure. Durres, and Albania as an entire, could be very secure. As with wherever, pickpockets are round so make sure to care for 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 Fort and go to the seashore. It additionally has some nice seafood eating places to get pleasure from in the event you’re a little bit of a foodie like me!
My favourite seashore in Durres is Spille Seashore, which is round 40 minutes south of Durres. The sand and sea are each clear, and the seashore is actually large and much much less crowded.
You completely should strive seafood in Durres. It’s tremendous contemporary and cooked very well right here. There are some wonderful seafood eating places featured within the listing above.
In Closing
There’s a lot extra to Durres than simply being a serious port metropolis. Not solely are there some implausible issues to do in Durres itself, however it makes for a fantastic location in the event you’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 got a superb journey!
