Things to do in Durres Albania
I have collated the best things to do in Durres, Albania for you. Follow this itinerary to have a fantastic experience in Durres!
Durres, Albania, is a port city, & is about a 30mins – 1h drive from Tirana airport, depending on traffic, which makes it the perfect location for a short trip if you only have a weekend available!
The city has a number of lovely beaches, fab restaurants offering fresh seafood & local wines, & options for short trips out of the city… So, whether you’re visiting to lounge by the sea, want to explore ancient ruins, taste local wine or fancy hiking through stunning landscapes, Durres has something for everyone.
Here’s a top 5 list of things to do in Durres, Albania…
Top 5 Things to do in Durres Albania
1. Relax at the Beach of Durres
Just south of Durres City, the Beach of Durres is the perfect spot for a seaside escape. Lined with reasonably priced hotels, this area offers clean, well-maintained accommodations with stunning sea views.
One standout option is the Volmar Hotel, where we stayed for four nights at just £200 per person (breakfast included). With its beautiful beach bar & friendly staff, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
2. Enjoy fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants
Durres is home to a variety of bars & restaurants along its waterfront. The seafood here is particularly fresh & delicious. A top pick is Dyrrah Mare, where you can dine outside in the sunshine, enjoying dishes like seabass with grilled Mediterranean vegetables. Don’t miss the complimentary shot of raki to finish your meal…
Another favourite is Empire Beach Restaurant, known for its outdoor cabana-like bar, perfect for sipping an Aperol Spritz & playing cards after a day in the sun.
For a magical sunset experience, head to Sunset Bar, a cabana-style spot that juts out over the water. The views here will make you feel like you’re in Bali or Barbados…
3. Explore Durres City’s Historical Sites
Durres is rich in history, & its city centre is packed with fascinating sites. You can walk around the city & hit all of these sites within one day, so here’s a one-day itinerary to see the highlights:
- Byzantine Forum: This ancient marketplace from the 5th-6th centuries features a circular colonnade & remnants of columns & arches. Easily viewable from the street, it’s a quick fly-by visit but worth seeing!
- Great Mosque of Durres: Originally built in 1931 & reconstructed after suffering damages, this mosque is a prominent religious site in the city.
- Durres Amphitheatre: One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, this 2nd-century structure once hosted gladiatorial battles & public events. There is a small fee to enter or you can actually view it from the street. They still occasionally host concerts in there so it may be worth seeing if anything is on during your visit.
- Venetian Tower of Durres: Part of the city’s medieval fortifications, this 15th-century tower offers panoramic views of the port & city. It’s a symbol of Durres’ strategic maritime importance. The tower is not that high so you don’t need to go up it, but I would still swing by during your walk.
- Royal Villa of Durres: Built as King Zog’s summer palace in the early 20th century, this villa is perched on a hill, offering a nice walk & beautiful views of the sea & also, the city.
- Sfinski: A modern stepped structure on Durres beach, perfect for watching the sunset with a bottle of wine.
4. Hike to Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake
For adventure seekers, a day trip from Durres to Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake is a must!
We booked onto this Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake tour on Get Your Guide. I would do some research into whether there are others available, as our tour guide was a bit all over the place as it seemed like he didn’t really know what he was doing.
That said, it’s a great day out. They pick you up directly from your hotel, drive to the lake where we swam & also, hiked to the top of Gamti Mountain. The mountain offers unbelievable views of the bright blue lake. The hike is not too difficult but definitely tiring in the heat. If you’re scared of heights, this hike is probably not for you! There is a metal staircase at one point, which even made me (someone that is not afraid of heights), a little wobbly…
We then drove on to Kruja, where we walked through the beautiful cobbled-street, bazaar town. We also visited the castle & museum, & stopped for lunch at a lovely restaurant, with spectacular views across the town. If you opt for the same tour that I did, then request to sit away from the group, outside on the balcony for great views! Although you may be met with some contempt for the request but it is so worth the hassle!
5. Wine Tasting at Abaia Vineyard
I highly recommend stopping into this vineyard on your trip! It is only a 15 minute drive from Durres Beach & is so beautiful & reasonably priced. The service is extremely friendly… Slightly forced & strange at times but very very friendly.
The vineyard offers a delightful experience of tasting local wines whilst enjoying views of the lush Albanian countryside. They offer a package whereby they walk you through the vineyard, then offer you lunch/dinner & a wine tasting.
They are very heavy-handed on the pouring so you end up having about 5 full glasses of wine by the end of it… Plus two shots of raki at the end. Suffice to say, this paired with the extra two bottles of Shesh i Bardhe (the delicious white wine on offer) that we consumed, our heads were a little delicate in the morning…
Things to do in Durres Albania: Final Thoughts
Durres, Albania, is a destination that beautifully blends beach relaxation with historical exploration & also, adventurous day trips.
Whether you’re savouring fresh seafood, hiking to stunning viewpoints, or sipping wine at a local vineyard, Durres offers something for everyone.
Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to catch that unforgettable sunset at Sunset Bar…
For more travel tips and itineraries in Durres and other European destinations, check out my other blogs here.
