The second-largest city in Albania after the capital city of Tirana, Durres enjoys a seaside location and is a popular tourist destination. Its unique landmarks, relaxing beaches and bustling atmosphere make it the ideal getaway for anyone looking for something slightly different from the usual tried-and-tested holiday hotspots. Intrigued about Durres and thinking of stopping by this charming Albanian city? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ve got everything you need to know about visiting Durres.
Wander the city centre
The main streets of Durres contain a mix of historic buildings and modern shopping areas where you can partake in some retail therapy. Bulevardi Dyrrah has an old Byzantine Market and Roman Baths, so you can shop for local goods and see important landmarks in the area. There’s also a town hall and the impressive Xhamia E Madhe Mosque. It was constructed in 1931 and is the largest mosque in Albania.
Soak up some history at the Amphitheatre
One of Albania’s most significant historical sights, the Durres Amphitheatre was built in 100 AD by Hadrian. Yet, it wasn’t until the 1960s that this landmark site was rediscovered. Since then, it has become a popular place to visit with its chapel featuring impressive mosaics of saints. It’s believed that the amphitheatre was used for about 300 years and could hold as many as 20,000 spectators.
Catch some rays at Durres Beach
Durres seaside location makes it a popular destination for everything from daytrippers to holidaymakers, whether by car, plane or ferry, which you can book with Ferryscanner. One of the first places people hit is the beach, which stretches more than 10 kilometres along the city’s waterfront. Go for a dip and then dry off on the soft sands. Round your day at the beach off playing a game of table football or enjoying some water sports.
See the castle and Venetian tower
Take some time and admire the old city walls which make up Durres Castle. Built in the 5th century, they still stand firm today after several repairs to keep them in good order. They’re one of the most prominent Roman remains in the city, and many visitors stop by to take a picture or two. The main part of Durres Castle features the Venetian Tower. It’s home to a trendy bar with seating on the roof and fantastic views over the city. Stop by for a drink and take in the sights on offer.
Try the cuisine
When visiting Durres, spend some time sampling the cuisine on offer. Restaurants, bars and cafes serving a wide variety of dishes fill the city. One place worth a visit is Kreperia Hen 1-Volga. Located by the sea, it’s a colourful creperie with sweet and savoury crepes. Try everything from ham and cheese crepes to Nutella, biscuit and strawberry options. And take a seat at the outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean.
Visiting Durres
You might not necessarily find Durres on a list of must-visit places in Europe, but that’s because it’s still undiscovered. Beat the crowds and discover this Albanian gem for a beach getaway soaked in culture and history that will leave a lasting impression.