Albania's second-largest city, founded in 7th century BC. Ancient ruins, beaches, and museums showcase its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past.
Durrës, Albania's main port city, lies on the Adriatic coast 33 km west of Tirana. This ancient settlement, founded in the 7th century BC, has a rich past and a lively present. You can explore one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans, sunbathe on 10 km of sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Roman Amphitheater
Built in the 2nd century AD during Emperor Trajan's reign, the Roman Amphitheater of Durrës could hold 15,000-20,000 spectators, making it the largest ancient amphitheater in the Balkans. As you walk through the underground chambers, you'll see remnants of an early Christian chapel with a mosaic floor. The amphitheater remained hidden for centuries until archaeologists uncovered it in 1966.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Durrës Beach extends for 10 kilometers along the Adriatic, the longest beach in Albania. Families often choose this spot for its shallow waters and fine sand. You'll find both public and private beach areas, with hotels typically owning the latter. In summer, you can rent jet skis or paddleboats for water activities. For a quieter beach experience, head south to Golem Beach.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Durrës houses over 3,200 artifacts from the city's past. You'll see Greek pottery, Roman sculptures, and Byzantine mosaics. The museum building itself is a Fascist-era structure from the 1930s. Exhibits have labels in Albanian and English, explaining the city's various historical periods.
Byzantine Forum and Venetian Tower
In the city center, you can see remains of the Byzantine Forum from around 500 AD, once the heart of the ancient city. Nearby stands the Venetian Tower, part of the old city walls. You can climb to the top for views over the port and Adriatic Sea.
King Zog's Villa
On a hill overlooking Durrës sits the summer villa of King Zog I, who ruled Albania from 1928 to 1939. While you can't enter the interior, from the grounds you can see panoramic views of the city and sea. The uphill walk from the city center takes about 25 minutes and involves a moderate incline.
Local Cuisine
Restaurants in Durrës often serve seafood caught fresh from the Adriatic. You can try grilled sea bass or octopus salad for a taste of local flavors. For a regional specialty, consider tavë krapi, carp baked with onions and garlic. Many restaurants line the seaside promenade, allowing you to enjoy sea views during your meal.
Getting to Durrës
Buses run frequently between Tirana and Durrës, taking about 45 minutes. From Tirana International Airport, you can drive to Durrës in around 30 minutes. If you're coming from Italy, ferries connect Durrës with Bari and Ancona.
Day Trips from Durrës
From Durrës, you can easily explore central Albania. Krujë, about an hour's drive away, has a well-preserved Ottoman-era bazaar and a museum dedicated to national hero Skanderbeg. The capital Tirana, with its colorful buildings and active cafe scene, is close enough for a day trip.
