DurresAlbania · Ferry Destinations

All About Durres

There exists an inimitable individuality about Durres (or Durrës), a city shaped as much by its past as it is by its present. Established by the ancient Greeks, the city achieved much importance as a part of the Roman Empire in the 3rd-century. Heavily influenced by the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire in the 16-century, Durres finally took on a contemporary European seaside resort town persona a few decades after the Albanian independence in 1912. Today, the city is an emerging budget tourist destination in the Adriatic Sea, the second largest town of Albania, and a historically significant region. Durres impresses and astonishes visitors with its ancient ruins, laidback atmosphere, and pulsating lifestyle. Taking a ferry to Durres is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Durres

The most favorable and appealing mode of transportation to reach Durres is by ferry. Book your ferry tickets to Durres on Ferryscanner and choose between Ventouris Ferries and Grandi Navi Veloci vessels that connect the Italian town of Bari with Durres. Ferries carry both passengers and cars and take just over 10 hours to cover the entire distance. Ticket prices for the trip range from €45 for an economy seat to €60 per person for a twin cabin with a bathroom. A limited number of ferries also connect Ancona and Trieste with Durres.

If you wish to fly into Durres from overseas, the ideal way is to arrive at one of the major airports in Europe and then take an intra-continental flight to Tirana International Airport. From there, a 45-minute bus ride that costs €1 or a €20 taxi ride will get you into Durres.

Due to Durres being a popular beach holiday destination, bus services from Pristina in Kosovo and Skopje in North Macedonia bring tourists from these neighboring countries during the summer months.
 

Ports of Durres

The largest seaport in Albania, Durres has played an essential part in developing its industrial and tourism sectors. Covering 67 hectares, the port has four different terminals catering to passenger ferries, cargo, containers, and bulk cargo. Its location in the center of the city makes it extremely convenient for tourists to step out and start sightseeing within minutes. It’s no wonder that the Port of Durres welcomed over 800,000 passengers in 2019. The port is reachable on foot for those staying in the city. Whereas a 30-minute taxi ride will take you to the Tirana Airport. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Durres.
 

Best Beaches

One reason why Durres is becoming a much-desired travel destination for holiday-goers in Europe is that it has some of the best beaches in Albania. With weeks of endless sunshine and temperatures staying well above 25°C (77°F) from June to September, the long shoreline of Durres becomes the ultimate place to congregate, unwind, and have a fun-filled day with the ones you love.

Beach of Durres

Durres Beach is the biggest beach in Albania, and the country’s most popular, It sees day-trippers arrive from the capital and weekenders from North Macedonia and Kosovo. A sandy stretch that runs for over 10 kilometers, the beach is the quintessential family-friendly spot with shallow waters perfect for swimming and a cheerful atmosphere where you can chill on sun loungers and relish a day under the sun. Several hotels and restaurants line the shore, whereas on-site activities include playing football with the locals, shopping for beach accessories from carts, and water sports options for all ages.

Kallmi Beach

When looking to skip the rush of the main beach, take a short drive to Kallmi, an unusually charming seaside spot that is also one of Durres’ best-kept secrets. Part sand and part gravel, this tiny flat area edges a hill and manages to provide a naturally secluded beach that sun-worshiping couples will particularly enjoy. The water is clean, but the presence of big rocks makes it less than ideal for a swim.

Spille Beach

Add a hint of excitement to your day and take a 40-minute drive south of Durres to Spille Beach. Another long and wide sandy shore, Spille has a lovely shallow entrance to the sea, loads of facilities, free showers, restaurants, and ample space to park. A pine forest borders the beach, giving it a distinct attractiveness while providing visitors with a shaded haunt to hide from the harsh afternoon sun.

Plazhi Curilla

Drive north along the coast of Durres, and you’ll come across a Lilliputian beach that is only 0.5 kilometers long but easily accessible and hardly ever busy. Plazhi Curilla is mostly sandy with small sections that have pebbles. Access to the water is shallow in parts, but there is also a jumping pier constructed over a deeper area. A hotel and a few restaurants in the vicinity mean you need not bring your own lunch when visiting.

General’s Beach

General’s Beach is not the easiest of places to reach because of the poor road quality but it is worth the 45-minute drive from the center if you are looking for a change of scenery. The beach is small, sandy, and primarily serviced by one restaurant. The water is warm, calm, and has an attractive bluish-green color. It’s possible to rent parasols on the beach, but bring along a few snacks if planning to spend more than a few hours.
 

Neighborhoods

For the enthusiastic traveler, points of interest in Durres are limited to its city center and developments near the beach. Wander around these neighborhoods, and you’ll see an interesting merger of antique ruins, Russian architecture, and a modern vibe. The latter is visible through new-age hotels and cafes that aim to attract international visitors. Easy to navigate on foot, the popular tourist areas of Durres are home to some of the most exciting discoveries in the city that often hide in plain sight amongst its rustic exquisiteness.

City Center

Durres’ city center is amongst the most interesting you’ll ever come across. Covering the region just north of the port, the center is mainly known for its historical worth. A stroll here will lead you to Durres Amphitheater, a 2nd-century Roman stadium built by Emperor Trajan that could accommodate 20,000 spectators. Walk north, and you’ll stumble across the remains of a Byzantine market.

Head south from the amphitheater and the walls of the 5th-century Durres Castle shine a spotlight on how important the city was to the ruling empires of the past. At the castle, take the opportunity to visit the café in the Venetian Tower. Climb up to the top and savor some good food and panoramic city views simultaneously.

Museum enthusiasts should not miss out on the Archaeological Museum of Durres. However, everyone needs to spend time at the Vollga Promenade, the best place in the city to walk, play games, eat, relax, and watch beautiful sunsets.

Beachside Neighborhood

The area along the beach is the preferred option for most tourists wanting to stay overnight in Durres. Alongside one of the city’s main roads, Rruga Pavaresia, there are hotels, guesthouses, and apartment complexes accommodating vacationists of all budgets. The neighborhood is also a favorite for its sea-facing cafes, bars, and restaurants known for serving excellent seafood preparations.

Royal Villa of Durres

To induce a change of pace in your daytime itinerary, walk up Durres Hill in the western part of the city, home to a villa built by King Zog. The estate has been under renovation for a while, but the façade is noteworthy, and the views from the top are astounding. You can then come down towards the sea to saunter along Rruga Curilla, a road lined with tons of lively waterfront bars and restaurants.
 

Transportation Around Durres

Durres is a lovely little city that is a delight to explore on foot or a bicycle that you can rent locally. Metered taxis are also readily available for both point-to-point transfers or for an entire day of sightseeing.

Buses in Durres are cheap and connect the city to nearby towns. Minibusses, known as furgon, are another popular mode of transport. While they are faster than city buses, furgons typically have to wait till they are full before moving along.

If you plan on touring the region extensively, rent your own car from any of the agencies that have offices in Durres or at the Tirana Airport.