What to see in Durres Albania
I’ve curated a full guide for what to see in Durres, Albania. Follow this guide to ensure a memorable visit to this captivating city!
Located just a short drive from Tirana airport (typically 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic), Durres is a vibrant port city that serves as an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway.
Durres boasts beautiful beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, & easy access to nearby attractions. Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun, explore ancient ruins, taste the local wine, or hike through breath-taking landscapes, Durres has something for everyone.
Here’s a list of the top five activities to enjoy while in Durres, Albania…
WHAT to see in Durres: Top 5 Activites.
1. Unwind at Durres Beach
Situated just south of the city, Durres Beach is perfect for those seeking a seaside retreat. This area is lined with affordable hotels that offer well-kept accommodations and undisrupted views of the sea.
One place that I recommend to stay is the Volmar Hotel, where I enjoyed a four-night stay for only £200 per person, including breakfast.
It’s a simple hotel but is clean, has a charming beach bar & also, has welcoming staff. It’s an ideal spot to relax & soak up the coastal atmosphere.
2. Savour fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants & bars
Durres is known for its vibrant waterfront dining scene, where fresh seafood is a highlight. A top choice is Dyrrah Mare, where you can enjoy outdoor dining and dishes like seabass with grilled Mediterranean vegetables. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a complimentary shot of raki.
Another option that I like is Empire Beach Restaurant, featuring an outdoor cabana-style bar that’s perfect for sipping an Aperol Spritz after a day in the sun.
For an unforgettable view of the sunset, head to Sunset Bar, a cabana-style venue that looks out over the water. It is a beautiful spot & offers stunning views that will transport you to a tropical paradise…
3. Discover Durres City’s Historical Landmarks
Want to find out what to see in Durres City? Here’s a whistlestop tour of the key landmarks in the city…
Durres is steeped in history, with its city center home to numerous fascinating sites. You can explore all the major landmarks in just one day, so here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Byzantine Forum: This ancient marketplace, dating back to the 5th-6th centuries, features a circular colonnade & remnants of columns and arches. Easily visible from the street, it’s worth a quick visit.
- Great Mosque of Durres: Originally constructed in 1931 & later reconstructed, this mosque is a significant religious site in the city.
- Durres Amphitheatre: This 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans, once hosted gladiatorial games. A small fee grants you entry, but you can also view it from the street. Occasionally, concerts are still held here, so check if any are scheduled during your visit.
- Venetian Tower of Durres: A part of the city’s medieval fortifications, this 15th-century tower offers panoramic views of the port & city. While it’s not particularly tall, it’s still worth a visit during your walk around the city.
- Royal Villa of Durres: Built as a summer residence for King Zog in the early 20th century, this villa sits on a hill, providing a pleasant walk & stunning views of both the sea & the city.
- Sfinksi: A modern stepped structure located on Durres Beach, perfect for watching the sunset with a bottle of wine.
4. Take a Day Trip to Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake
For those who love adventure, a day trip from Durres to Gamti Mountain and Bovilla Lake is essential!
We booked this Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake tour through Get Your Guide. However, I suggest looking into other options as our guide seemed a bit disorganized and inexperienced.
Despite this, it was an excellent day out. The tour includes hotel pickup, a drive to the lake where you can swim, & also, a hike to the summit of Gamti Mountain. The views of the bright blue lake from the mountain are breath-taking. While the hike is not overly challenging, it can be tiring in the heat. If you’re afraid of heights, this hike might not be for you as there is a metal staircase that even made me, someone not usually afraid of heights, feel a bit uneasy.
The tour continues to Kruja, where you can explore a beautiful cobbled-street bazaar town, visit the castle & museum, & also, enjoy lunch at a lovely restaurant with spectacular views across the town. If you choose the same tour, request to sit outside on the balcony for the best views. Although this request may be met with some resistance, it’s worth the effort!
5. Indulge in a Wine Tasting at Abaia Vineyard
I recommend a visit to Abaia Vineyard, just outside Durres! Just a 15-minute drive from Durres Beach, this vineyard is both beautiful & also, reasonably priced. The service is very friendly, albeit slightly quirky at times.
The vineyard experience includes a tour of the vineyard, followed by lunch or dinner, & also, a wine tasting session.
The wine pours are generous, & by the end of the tasting, you’ll have enjoyed about five full glasses of wine, plus two shots of raki. Needless to say, after this indulgence, we woke up with rather delicate heads the next morning.
What to see in Durres: My Final Thoughts
Durres, Albania, is a destination that offers a perfect mix of beach relaxation, historical exploration, & also, adventurous excursions.
Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or enjoying a wine tasting in the countryside, Durres has something for everyone.
Enjoy your trip, & don’t forget to witness the breath-taking sunset at Sunset Bar.
For more travel tips and itineraries in Durres and other European destinations, check out my other blogs below.
