Durrës is often the first handshake travelers have with the Albanian coast, mostly because it sits conveniently close to Tirana International Airport. But let’s be real for a second; if you arrive expecting the pristine turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera (like Ksamil or Himare), you might be in for a slight shock. Durrës is a chaotic, vibrant port city where ancient Roman history clashes with modern concrete blocks. However, once you look past the busy exterior, you find a city with immense historical weight, a lively promenade culture, and some hidden beach gems if you know exactly where to look.

This guide isn't just a list of spots; it is a strategic map to navigating Albania's oldest city without falling into the tourist traps. From the underground tunnels of the Roman Amphitheatre to the cleaner sands of Currila, here is how you experience the real Durrës.

Best things to do in durres

Is Durrës Worth Visiting? (Honest Review)

This is the most common question I get. If you are a history buff, the answer is a resounding yes. The sheer amount of archaeological heritage sitting right in the middle of the city center is impressive. If you are solely looking for a beach holiday, Durrës serves better as a transit hub or a base for day trips rather than a primary destination.

It is perfect for a one or two-day stopover. You can soak in the history, enjoy excellent seafood on the promenade, and then move south to the Riviera or east towards the Balkans. Many travelers combine a trip here with a visit to neighboring Macedonia, making stops at places like Matka Canyon a logical next step in a wider itinerary.

How to Get to Durrës from Tirana & Airport

Transport in Albania can feel like a puzzle. There is no central digital system for schedules, so you often have to rely on local knowledge.

From Tirana International Airport (TIA): This is the easiest leg. There are direct shuttle buses that run from the airport to the Durrës bus station. They are frequent during the day. Taxis are also available, but always agree on the fare before getting in or ensure the meter is running.

From Tirana City Center: You need to head to the Regional Bus Terminal (North and South). It is not in the city center, so you will likely need a taxi or a city bus to get to the terminal first. Once there, look for buses or furgons (minibuses) marked Durrës. They depart when they fill up, which usually happens very quickly. The journey is short, making it an easy day trip from the capital.

Top Historical Things to Do in Durrës

The city is practically a living museum. You can turn a corner in a modern neighborhood and bump into a Byzantine wall.

Durrës Amphitheatre (The Roman Giant)

This is the crown jewel of the city. Built in the 2nd century AD, it is the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans. What makes this visit special is not just the arena itself, but the Byzantine chapel with preserved mosaics hidden inside the amphitheatre's tunnels. It is a surreal experience to walk through the dark, cool underground passages where gladiators once waited, only to find religious art from centuries later.

The Venetian Tower (Torra Veneciane)

Located at the end of the Byzantine walls, this circular tower is a remnant of the city's fortification against invaders. While you cannot always climb to the very top for a view depending on ongoing renovations, the area around it is the heart of the city's social life. It marks the beginning of the popular coastal promenade.

Archaeological Museum

If you want to understand why Durrës was so important to Greeks and Romans (then called Dyrrachium), this museum is mandatory. It sits right on the waterfront. The collection includes artifacts recovered from the seabed and the surrounding hills, telling the story of a city that was a major trading hub of the ancient world.

Best Beaches in Durrës: Where to Swim?

This is where you need to manage your expectations. Not all beaches here are created equal.

Durrës City Beach (Expectations vs. Reality)

The main stretch of sand running south from the port is massive, shallow, and warm. However, it is also extremely crowded and sits right next to a major commercial port. While the water quality has improved over the years, it is generally better for a long sunset walk or a game of beach volleyball than for swimming.

Currila Beach (The Cleaner Alternative)

For a better swimming experience, head north of the city center to Currila. This area has a different vibe. The coastline here is slightly rockier, the water is significantly clearer, and the atmosphere is trendier. You will find modern beach bars and wooden decks. It is where the locals go when they want to escape the chaos of the main city beach.

Golem & Qerret (For Resort Lovers)

If you drive south past the main port area, you enter the Golem and Qerret districts. This is the resort zone of Durrës. The infrastructure here is better developed for tourism, with pine trees lining the coast and broad sandy beaches. It is family-friendly and generally cleaner than the city center bay.

What to Eat & Drink? (Vollga Promenade)

The Vollga Promenade (Taulantia) is the lifeline of the city. In the evenings, locals partake in the xhiro, a traditional evening walk to socialize and cool off.

Seafood is King: Being a port city, the seafood here is exceptionally fresh and affordable. Look for restaurants that display their catch on ice. Grilled sea bass (levrek) and seafood pasta are staples you must try. Byrek: For a quick snack, grab a spinach or cheese byrek from a local bakery. It is the fuel of the Balkans.

Day Trip: Cape of Rodon (Kepi i Rodonit)

If you have a rental car, escaping to the Cape of Rodon is arguably the best thing you can do while based in Durrës. It is a rocky cape jutting into the Adriatic Sea, about an hour’s drive north.

Here you find the ruins of the Rodoni Castle, built by Albania's national hero Skanderbeg, and the quaint St. Anthony Church. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, offering a completely different feel from the flat sandy coast of Durrës. It is also a fantastic spot for photography or a secluded swim in the wilder waters.

Where to Stay?

Choosing where to stay depends entirely on your transport situation.

City Center: Stay here if you rely on public transport. You will be walking distance from the Amphitheatre, the Venetian Tower, and the bus station. Golem/Plazh Area: Stay here only if you have a car or plan to stay put in a resort. Commuting into the city center from here during summer traffic can be frustratingly slow.

Durrës is a city of layers. It might not have the immediate postcard beauty of the south, but its deep history and energetic pulse offer a genuine slice of Albanian life. If you are planning a wider trip in the region, including stops in neighboring countries or exploring unique reasons to visit Turkey, Durrës serves as an excellent starting point for your Balkan adventure.