Durrës.
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Overview

Durrës is Albania's chief port. Located on the shores of the Adriatic, Durrës is a lively town, organized around beach culture.

Understand

In parts Durrës is attractive and well maintained. In others it is somewhat ramshackle, with both active and what appears to be abandoned development co-existing next to each other. To some degree, this is a feature of Durres geology. The area is in a tectonically active zone, with extremely unstable geology. The next earthquake will cause the ground to undergo liquefaction again, and much of the new development will have to be pruned back once more, before regrowing. Still, the city is alive. There are abundant shops, retail stalls and street traders. They appear to trade from early morning until late and provide an attractive "always on" vibe to the city.

It has ferries to Bari and Ancona in (Italy) and bus connections to other Albanian and international destinations, often via Tirana.

Alternative spellings of the city's name are Durazzo (Italian), Drač (Драч, Serbo-Croatian) or Dyrrhachion (Δυρράχιον, Greek).

Get in

From specific destinations: Bari (Italy) – Adria Ferries, , GNV Ferries, Azzurra Line ferries and Ventouris Ferries Ancona (Italy) – Adria Ferries, Azzurra Line ferries Trieste (Italy) – Adria Ferries

By bus If arriving to Durres by bus, make sure that you get off before the bus turns onto the highway going south towards Golem.

From specific destinations: Tirana – The buses depart from the Northern Bus Station in Tirana near the Casa Italia shopping center. The bus operates daily every 30 min from 06:30 to 19:30. Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza – The buses all depart south of the airport terminal. It should go every 1–2 hr. Skopje (North Macedonia) – Buses run through Durrës on their way to Tirana. Kumanovo (North Macedonia) – There is a daily direct bus line to Durrës. Pristina (Kosovo) – During the summer season there are several buses a day. You should check the timetables at the Pristina bus station, but in 2013 the timetable was as follows; 04:00, 05:00, 06:00 and 06:30 and then at 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 and 23:00. There are at least a couple of buses going back at 16:00 and 17:00. The trip takes around 4–5½ hr, depending on whether it goes via Prizren. Buses ran by Artiti Tours depart and arrive from the by a roundabout near the middle of Rruga Pavaresia street running parallel, and very close, to the beach. Tickets can be booked online at Gjirafa or Autobus.al. The bus stop can be reached on foot in about ½ hr from the city centre.

By car There is a road between here and Tirana, the SH2, which takes just over half an hour for the journey. You could fly into Tirana, then drive or get a taxi to Durrës, with the airport connecting to the SH2 by the SH60. Also from Vorë and Shijak from main roads and highways.

By commuter train Construction is underway for 2027, from Tirana to Durres and the airport.

Get around

On foot The city centre where the archaeological sites are located can be toured on foot. Durrës is a relatively compact city, so many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center and along the waterfront. If you're open to a longer walk, it's easy to get all the way to South Durres from the city core, and even further south than that, until you reach a part of the beach that's owned by the Albanian military and impassable.

The beach south of the city has a very nice and wide walking and cycling path, and there are a few places to rent bicycles and ebikes. This path connects to the city and sites via a cycle path along side a railway and the docks.

By bus Durrës has a public bus system that connects various parts of the city. Public buses are orange. You can purchase tickets from kiosks or directly from the bus driver or a controller who goes around the bus to sell & check tickets. Bus schedules may vary, so it is a good idea to check in advance.

Furthermore, bus lines are available on the Durres by bus webpage.

Getting to the beach area of the city Once you arrive at the Durrës bus station, there is a small Bus traffic sign with many people. From there you can take a bus with the sign Durazzo (or Durrës) Plepa. The bus stops at several designated stops along the Rruga Paveresia boulevard, i.e. along the beach (40 lek as of 2024).

By taxi Many taxis are available in Durrës, and they are a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling to destinations not easily accessible by bus. You can find them parked everywhere on the streets with a taxi symbol on the top of their car.

See

Durrës has layers of Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, royal Albanian, communist-era and modern history. The main sights are concentrated around the old city centre, with several important coastal and religious sites further afield.

Shen Lucia Catholic Church. Built in 1907, this is one of the main Catholic churches in Durrës. It has simple Western-style architecture combined with local Albanian elements and remains an important place for Catholic worship, community gatherings, Christmas, Easter and other religious celebrations.

Shen Gjergji Orthodox Church. Built in the 19th century and closely connected to the Orthodox Christian community of Durrës. The building contains Byzantine architectural features, including traditional domes and icons. Inside, visitors can see religious paintings and decorative iconography, making it useful both for worshippers and for travellers interested in the city’s religious history.

Saint Asti and Saint Paul Orthodox Church. The main Orthodox cathedral of Durrës. Built in 2001 after the revival of religious life in Albania following communism, it is considered one of the largest modern Orthodox churches in the country. It has a large central dome, Byzantine-style frescoes and is named after Saint Paul and Saint Asti, the first Christian martyr associated with Durrës. It is used for major religious ceremonies and official Orthodox Church events.

Fatih Mosque. Built in 1503 during the Ottoman period and named after Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, known as Fatih. It is one of the oldest mosques in Albania. The mosque has suffered damage from earthquakes and wars but has been restored several times, and its minaret and design represent classical Ottoman religious architecture.

Great Mosque of Durrës. Known locally as the Great Mosque. Built in 1937, it is sometimes called the New Mosque because it was constructed later than the older Ottoman mosques. It is one of the main Islamic religious centres in the city, with a large prayer hall and modern Islamic architecture. During Islamic holidays such as Eid, it becomes an important gathering place for worshippers.

Archaeological Museum. The main archaeological museum of Durrës, normally focused on finds from ancient Dyrrhachium and the surrounding region. It is temporarily closed until sometime in 2026, so check locally before planning a visit.

Popular Culture Museum. Small local museum connected with traditional culture and daily life in the Durrës region. It may be useful for visitors interested in rural customs, folk objects and local heritage, but opening times should be checked locally.

World War II Relics Hall. Small collection or hall connected with World War II memory in Durrës. Verify access and opening times locally, as information may be limited.

Koloseo Art Gallery. Gallery showcasing work by local painters and artists. Useful for visitors who want to see contemporary visual art in Durrës beyond the archaeological and historic sights.

Durrës Amphitheatre. The largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans and the best-known ancient monument in Durrës. It includes restored iconography, underground passages below the seating area and a central grassy arena. It is one of the most important places for understanding the Roman layer of ancient Dyrrhachium.

Durrës Ancient City Wall. Surviving sections of the ancient and medieval walls of Durrës, close to the amphitheatre and old city centre. Around the walls are other historic features, including the Medieval Hammam and the Tophane Well.

Venetian Tower. Circular defensive tower in the city centre, built in the 16th century and associated with the Venetian fortifications of Durrës. Visitors can climb steep stairs to the top and see a multimedia presentation projected inside the dome.

Shen Mehilli Hill. Hill and archaeological area associated with the early Christian Basilica of Saint Michael, a 5th- or 6th-century site with mosaic remains. The area is also linked with the 1081 battle between Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Norman leader Robert Guiscard.

Byzantine Forum. Built in the 5th century AD, the Byzantine Forum, also known as the Macellum, preserves remains of the ancient public space of the city. Public baths are around and beneath the Alexander Moissi Palace of Culture area.

King Zog's Villa. Former royal summer residence of King Zog, completed in 1937. It stands on a hill above Durrës and is known for its views over the bay, Italian Rationalist architecture and role in Albania's royal and 20th-century political history. The building has been damaged and interior access may be restricted, but the walk up is worthwhile for the façade and panorama.

Aleksandër Moisiu House-Museum. Rare surviving 19th-century urban house in Durrës, associated with actor Aleksandër Moisiu. It has functioned as a house-museum and ethnographic museum, with displays on local daily life, folk clothing, household objects and Moisiu's life and career.

Old Doors Trail. Heritage walking route through old Durrës focused on historic doors, family houses, courtyards and urban memory. Stops include old family houses and historic residences such as Villa Tedeschini, as well as streets around the older parts of the city.

Municipality. Municipal building on Sheshi Liria, one of the main civic spaces of central Durrës. It is useful as a landmark when navigating between the mosque, amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and old city streets.

Kavaja Rock. Historic landmark in Golem where caravans once passed along the ancient Via Egnatia. It is traditionally linked with a battle between Pompey and Julius Caesar and is also a useful coastal landmark south of Durrës.

Arapaj. Village southeast of Durrës known for the nearby Basilica of Saint Michael and early Christian mosaic remains. It is useful for visitors interested in the rural edge of ancient Durrës and archaeological sites outside the city centre.

Shetaj. Village in the northern coastal hinterland of Durrës County, useful as a base or stop when visiting Cape of Rodon, Rodoni Castle and nearby rural landscapes. It is better for visitors with a car.

Lalzit Bay Area. Long sandy bay north of Durrës, known for quieter beach areas, pine-backed coastline and access to Ishem Castle and Rrushkull Nature Reserve. It is best reached by car and is popular for beach stays outside central Durrës.

Rrushkull Nature Reserve. Coastal wetland and nature reserve near Lalzit Bay. It is mainly useful for visitors interested in quiet landscapes, birdlife, lagoons, dunes and natural areas outside the city.

Rodoni Castle. Ruined coastal castle at Cape of Rodon, traditionally associated with Skanderbeg. The site combines history, sea views, coastal walking and nearby religious heritage, and is best reached by car from Durrës.

Learn

The Museum of Martyrs and Hall of War Relics on Rruga Aleksander Goga has a sizable public library on the second floor, with books in many European languages. The focus is definitely more on children's books than not, but it's still a good resource for anyone who needs to do some research or just stay entertained. As of 2025, the hours were 08:00-16:00.

Do

Evening walk. Go for an evening walk along the sea front promenade or along the beach.

Villa Hill. Panoramic view of Durrës seaside at Currilat from top of a newly reclaimed hill.

Seaside Large Steps. Sit and admire the sea from up close on these large steps descending into the water

Football: KF Teuta play football in Kategoria Superiore, the country's top tier. Their home ground is Niko Dovana Stadium, capacity 12,000, one km north of the ferry port.

Lalzit Bay Beach. Popular weekend retreat and exclusive wealthy beach area. A small resort can be found here.

Portez Beach. Nice beach, bar, and wooden bungalows north of Currilat

Golem beach. This is the main seaside resort south of Durrës with long sandy beaches popular with both Albanians and foreigners. Tirana inhabitants have their beach houses and villas in the area for weekend and summer retreats.

Sea Resort of Golem. Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea water in the biggest sea side resort of Golem.

Durrës International Biennale of Contemporary Art. Biennial contemporary art exhibition supported by the Municipality of Durrës. It brings Albanian and international artists to the city through exhibitions, workshops, talks, and contemporary visual art projects.

International Music Festival of Chamber Music. Annual chamber music festival held in Durrës since 2006. It brings Albanian and international instrumentalists together for classical concerts, often in historic venues such as Saint Lucia Co-Cathedral.

Festival Days in Durrës. International music, folklore, and dance festival with parades, stage performances, choirs, orchestras, majorette teams, and modern dance groups from different countries.

Durrës Fest. International folk, music, and dance festival focused on cultural exchange. Groups from different countries perform traditional and modern dances, choral music, orchestral music, and majorette programmes.

Festival Days in Albania. International folklore festival for folk groups, choirs, orchestras, majorette teams, and modern dance groups. The programme usually includes parades, performances, and optional sightseeing around Durrës.

Durrës Sunset. International music and folk-dance festival for children's, youth, and adult ensembles. The programme usually includes a city parade, public performances, a gala evening, and sightseeing.

Dances in Durrës. International dance and folklore festival with parades, evening performances, cultural walks, and music groups from different countries. It is aimed at dance ensembles, choirs, folklore groups, and modern dance groups.

Summer Stars of Durrës. International arts competition and festival for soloists, ensembles, and young performers. It includes dance, choral, orchestral, modern, pop, jazz, hip-hop, and majorette categories. Confirm current editions before planning a visit.

Roots of Durrës. Folk traditions festival that has brought international folklore ensembles to perform in Durrës, including at the ancient amphitheatre. Confirm whether a current edition is scheduled before travelling.

Festa e Ullirit. Local festival celebrating the olive harvest and Durrës' connection with olive cultivation. It usually includes music, performances, local traditions, and honours for notable citizens.

Art Explora Festival. Travelling Mediterranean cultural festival with a museum boat, exhibitions, immersive experiences, talks, performances, workshops, concerts, and film screenings. It visited Durrës in 2025, but future stops should be confirmed from the official programme.

Durrës International Film Summerfest. International film festival founded in 2008 and historically held in Durrës, including at the amphitheatre and other cultural venues. Recent regular editions could not be confirmed, so do not rely on old official websites.

Vox Baroque. Early music festival focused on Baroque repertoire and historical instruments. It has included Durrës among its Albanian heritage destinations, but current local dates should be verified before travelling.

Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition. Regional professional conference and technical exhibition for the water supply and wastewater sector. It brings together utilities, experts, companies, and public institutions from the Balkans.

Buy

Kokomani Wine— Albanian wine produced by Kokomani Winery, known for red and white wines made from local and international grape varieties. Bottles of wine and homemade raki are commonly sold in wine shops, supermarkets and souvenir stores in Durrës, and are popular gifts for visitors. Souvenirs— Tourist souvenirs sold throughout Durrës include magnets, postcards, Albanian flag items, handmade jewellery, miniature amphora decorations and locally crafted gifts inspired by the city’s Roman and coastal heritage. Sea Souvenirs— Shops near the beach sell seashell decorations, handmade marine crafts, beach-themed ornaments and Adriatic-inspired gifts commonly bought by summer tourists. Household goods — Local markets and small stores offer practical household products, kitchenware, textiles and handmade wooden items used in traditional Albanian homes. Traditional Albanian products— Traditional Albanian products available in Durrës include olive oil, mountain tea, local honey, dried herbs, filigree crafts, handmade carpets and bottles of raki produced in different regions of Albania. Many are sold in souvenir shops and artisan markets around the city.

Fresh food markets. This central city location has various fresh fruit, vegetable, nuts and fish markets at perhaps lowest prices to be found in this city. Also has a great value 120 lek shop. All items just 120 lek, lower than other euro/lek shops. Easy walk from end/start of local bus route Duress to Plepa (40 lek) along southern beach road. Stops next to ABI bank with good value ATM cash machine.

Eat

SAF - Gatime tradicionale. Very traditional lunch menu. Every day they will have cooked something new and fresh. Prices are more than decent and food is delicious.

Bar Restorant Kajser. it offers a panoramic view of Durrës from above.

Splendid Restorant. Especially known locally for fish. Everything is fresh, tasty and served in the most professional way. Prices are slightly more than average for Albania, but for the whole experience of eating you get there it's worth every Lec.

Neps. Restaurant in industrial style near the sea.

Pastiçeri Pelikani 1. You can eat different sweets.

Rooftop XV. This restaurant has a breathtaking view from the 15th/top floor.

Restoran Tirona. A local's favourite, Restaurant Tirona in Durrës, it has a great selection of fresh sea-food at very affordable prices.

Drink

Venetian Tower (Rotonda) bar. It offers a nice view of Durrës and its coastline.

788 cocktail bar Durrës. Nice music, great cocktails and that seaside summer breeze. During winter instead, live music, different events and local activities. (Tower is under construction as of 2022-05-08.)

Bar Madrid. Great upstairs air-conditioned sports bar. Has a giant TV screen, great for watching F1 etc. Has 3x pool tables, 1x table tennis and 1x table football. Cheap drinks, Korca beer and kapucino both 150 lek.

Bonsai Caffe. A nice selection of drinks and a very welcoming environment.

Sleep

Arragosta Hotel & Restaurant. 4-star beachfront hotel in the Currila area offering modern rooms, a private beach area and an on-site seafood restaurant. Popular for sea views and its location near the promenade and historic center. Traditional Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine available.

Hotel Adriatik. Historic built 1957, five-star seaside hotel located in the Plazh area of Durrës. Features a private beach, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, kids playground, spa facilities, conference areas and several restaurants and bars. Popular with business travelers and summer tourists.

Hotel Arvi. Central waterfront hotel near the city promenade and archaeological sites. Offers sea-view rooms, restaurant facilities and easy access to cafés and nightlife in the center of Durrës.

Hotel Lido Durrës. Mid-range city hotel located near the center and port area. Offers comfortable rooms, breakfast service and convenient access to shops, restaurants and public transport.

Hotel Nais. Three-star hotel located close to the port and town center, within walking distance of the main promenade. Known for quiet rooms and included breakfast despite its central location.

Hotel Pepeto. Small boutique-style hotel in the historic center near the Venetian Tower and archaeological attractions. Offers modern rooms and easy access to restaurants and cafés around the old town.

Premium Hotel Beach. Modern beachfront hotel in the Golem area south of Durrës. Features restaurants, bars and evening entertainment including live DJs during the summer season. Popular with beach holiday visitors.

Crowne Plazza Durres. 5 Star experience on the waterfront, promenade. Newly opened in 2026. Luxury waterfront hotel on the central promenade offering modern rooms, sea views, upscale dining and five-star facilities. Located close to beaches, nightlife and the city center.