LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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7 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DURRES, ALBANIA.

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On a brief visit to Albania, I stopped in the port town of Durres. Given it’s strategic location as a port city hinged between Italy’s Eastern coast and the Balkan coast, I expect a great number of people take a similar “pit stop” in Durres. I hadn’t known what to expect during my visit, but I’m glad I stayed – it makes an excellent stop off before exploring more of Albania, or indeed travelling further along the coast towards Montenegro and Croatia.

I travelled here from Bari in Italy on the ferry, if you too are taking this route, then check out my article on boarding the ferry as a foot passenger.

Travel Tips for visiting Durres

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you visit Durres.

• There are lots of stray dogs in Durres. I love dogs, so this excites me. But top tip – watch your step. Stray dogs means, stray poop!
• LEK is the official currency of Albania, but most places accept Euros and also Visa Card. But check first.
• Italian and English are pretty widely spoken in Durres as it’s a tourist town.
• It’s an unpretentious town with some good bars and restaurants – the beach is fun during the day, but there are some great bars and cafes in town away from the coast.
• These are some particularly good spaces (bars and cafes) for Nomads in town as they tend to have WiFi, are open all day and you can chill out for as long as you want. Try Oborri Cafe.

Is Durres worth visiting?

When I traveled to Durres from Italy, I wondered if it would be worth visiting. I’d say that is very much worth visiting, particularly if you are looking for a beach town close to Tirana. Durres is the closest beach to the capital city, so you’ll find that many Albanian’s from Tirana visit here in summer months.

Durres is a lively town with decent nightlife, a few great bars and nightclubs. There are also some fantastic restaurants and a handful of cultural sights to visit. The beaches are pleasant and it is very easy to while away a few days in Durres.

Personally, I prefer some of the coastal towns further South, for example Saranda and Himare. But, I would visit Durres again.

Is Durres safe for tourists?

I don’t know if this is just my perception, but I felt safer in more touristic towns like Himare and Saranda to the South of Albania, than I did in Durres. This may be just a feeling, but as a solo traveller, I felt that I stood out more in Durres than in other areas I visited. That said, it is generally safe. For solo travellers, personally I would not choose to spend too long out in the dark in the evening. But, during the day it felt much safer.

7 Best things to do in Durres

1. The Roman Amphitheater in Durres

A testament to the city’s Roman past, the Durres Amphitheatre is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient structures in the Balkans. Built in the 2nd century AD, this grand amphitheatre once hosted gladiatorial contests and other spectacles.

Wander through its ancient corridors and imagine the roar of the crowd as you stand in the center of this historical marvel. For a deeper dive into the past, guided tours offer fascinating insights into the amphitheatre’s history and significance. When I visited they were setting up for a live performance, so look out for those!

2. The Great Mosque of Durres

The Great Mosque of Durres – this stands tall just off one of the main squares, near to the town hall. You can hear the call to prayer throughout the day. The piazza itself is also a delight, with palm trees. Many locals gather here in the early evening, making it a wonderful spot to sit and relax.

3. Venetian Tower in Durres

Venetian Tower – dating back to the 15th century, this is part of the original wall of Durres. There’s an icecream place nestled into the wall where you can sit and enjoy the history!

This imposing structure offers panoramic views of the city and the sea, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts. The tower also houses a small museum with exhibits on Durres’ medieval history, providing an educational and scenic experience.

4. Visit the beach in Durres

If you’re only here for a short time, then don’t waste it by walking all the way to the “Durres Beach” which is to the East of the port. It’s quite far out of town. Personally, I’d opt to head here to Currilave beach just to the West of town.

There are loungers to hire, but you can just park a towel down too. The water is calm and clear and there are plenty of snack bars and a supermarket nearby (Spar). The beach is private near the Durazzo restaurant, but the space before this is public. Lazing on the beach and enjoying the delightful water is one of the best things to do in Durres.

5. Visit the Durres Archaeological Museum

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Durres Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of the city’s rich history. From ancient Greek pottery to Roman mosaics, the museum’s extensive collection spans several millennia. Highlights include the beautifully preserved statues and the intricate mosaic floors, offering a glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

6. Dine out in Durres

The food here is eclectic. There’s definitely an Italian influence and pasta, pizza and gelato can be found everywhere. Eating a gelato, just about anywhere in Durres is one of the best things to do in Durres.

Being a port town, the seafood here is freshly caught and delicious. Head to the promenade for literally dozens of seafood restaurants on your visit to Durres.

There’s also more traditional Albanian food and some restaurants that specialise in meat. I went for one of these, Portiku wine bar and bistro. 9 Euros later, I’d enjoyed a delightful glass of local red wine and a duck breast and truffle cream risotto. Visiting Durres is quite a culinary treat! Enjoying some wonderful food is one of the best things to do in Durres.

7. Stroll Along the Durres Promenade

For a more leisurely experience, take a stroll along the Durres Promenade. This scenic walkway stretches along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, the promenade is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Enjoy a gelato from a local vendor or sit down for a meal at one of the many seaside eateries that serve fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes.

Where to stay in Durres for budget travellers

I was on a budget during my visit to Durres, so I chose the Hostel Durres. If you’re travelling solo, I’d really recommend it. The social spaces are excellent and there’s plenty of room to work and chat to other travellers if you wish to.

Dorms are 10 Euros and private rooms 20 Euros including breakfast. It’s also about 10 minutes walk from the Port and the bus terminal (leading to Tirana or Budva), so if you too are swinging through Durres, then Durres Hostel could suit you well. Just note it’s next to a bar so don’t expect much sleep!

Another super option is Top View Hostel. This place is really popular with solo travellers and it’s only 200m from the beach.

Albania Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a more detailed travel guide for Albania, you can now purchase our Short Guide to Albania. A 119 page ebook, detailing the best experiences in Albania, vital information to help you travel and suggested itineraries. Buy it now in our online shop.

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Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find them here on Amazon. and get the travelling started!

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