Short answer: Durrës is Albania’s second city and main port, about 35 km from Tirana on the Adriatic coast — one of the oldest cities in the Balkans at nearly 3,000 years old. The highlights are the Roman Amphitheatre (one of the largest in the Balkans, once seating up to 20,000), the Venetian Tower, the Byzantine city walls, and a long sandy beach. It combines ancient history with easy coastal life, and it’s a common base or first stop thanks to its port and closeness to the airport. You can see the historic core in half a day.
Ancient port, modern beach town
Founded as Epidamnos/Dyrrachium nearly 3,000 years ago, Durrës has been Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman in turn — and layers of all of them survive in the compact old town. Today it’s a working port and a lively summer beach destination rolled into one. For travellers it’s an easy, rewarding stop: 35 minutes from Tirana, right on the sea, and packed with genuinely significant history in a small, walkable area.
It’s also one of our pickup points — so if you’re staying in Durrës or Golem, our day tours collect you here.
The Roman Amphitheatre
The headline sight, and a genuinely major one. Built in the 2nd century AD, the Durrës Amphitheatre is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, once seating up to 15,000–20,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests. It was only rediscovered in the 20th century — much of it still lies under the modern city, which gives it a striking quality: ancient stone tiers sitting right against present-day apartment blocks.
You can walk the underground passages and seating tiers and see an early Christian crypt decorated with rare Byzantine wall mosaics. Entry is around €3–4. Standing in the arena with the modern city rising around you is the best photo in Durrës.
The Venetian Tower & Byzantine walls
At the entrance to the old town stands the Venetian Tower, a 15th-century defensive tower and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks — part of the medieval walls built to protect the port. It’s free, and today often houses a café. From here you can walk the surviving stretch of Byzantine city walls, best at sunset. Together they trace the city’s medieval defences in a few easy minutes on foot.
The Archaeological Museum
Near the seafront, this is normally Albania’s largest archaeological museum, holding an important collection of Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine artefacts — Roman marble statues, mosaics and ancient coins. Important note: it has been closed for restoration with no confirmed reopening date, so check locally before making a special trip. When open, it’s excellent and worth an hour.
The beach & promenade
Durrës Beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in Albania — over 20 km along the bay — and the most visited in the country. Be realistic about it: if you’re arriving from Greece or Croatia it won’t blow you away, and the water quality is best south of the city centre and toward Golem, away from the port. But it’s sandy, accessible, warm in summer (24–26°C), and backed by a lively promenade of cafés, seafood restaurants and bars — a great place to watch the sunset and get a feel for everyday Albanian coastal life.
Also worth a look
- The Byzantine Forum (Roman Rotunda) — circular colonnaded ruins in the centre.
- Roman Baths — remains behind the main square.
- The Great Mosque and main square — the lively heart of the modern city.
- Gjiri i Lalzit (Lalzit Bay) — cleaner, more pristine beaches a short drive north.
Where to eat
The seafront promenade is lined with seafood restaurants — this is a port city, so the fish is fresh and cheap. Expect grilled fish, kofte, and local specialties. It’s excellent value.
How to get to Durrës
- From Tirana: about 35–45 minutes by frequent bus or car on the fast SH2 highway. Very easy.
- From Tirana Airport: around 45 minutes — Durrës is actually a convenient first or last night, close to the airport and on the sea.
- By ferry: Durrës is Albania’s main ferry port, with connections to Italy (Bari, Ancona).
How long do you need?
Half a day covers the amphitheatre, the Venetian Tower and the old town; a full day if you want beach and promenade time too. It pairs easily with Tirana, and works well as a relaxed first or last stop near the airport. See how many days you need in Albania.
Planning your trip
Durrës is one of our pickup points, so it’s an easy base for exploring inland and south. See the best day trips from Tirana and the best time to visit Albania. Our day tours include free pickup from Durrës and Golem, a local guide, and no deposit — pay cash on the day.