Durres has become one of the new hot charter destinations in Europe. How does the city really measure up against other beach destinations?
Durres was founded around 627 BC and was Albania’s capital for a short period between 1914 and 1920. The city is located on the Albanian Riviera and is Albania’s largest port city.
In recent years, brand new luxury hotels have sprung up along the coast, and in the city center, new trendy eateries and bars are constantly emerging.
But you will also see peeling paint on the walls, beggars and stray dogs in the streets, and cold reminders of the communist era in the form of the characteristic “Soviet” apartment blocks.
Attractions in Durres
The Roman Amphitheater
The Roman Amphitheater is located in the city center and takes you back to a time when gladiators fought for their lives against wild animals to the enthusiastic applause of the audience.
It is the largest amphitheater in the Balkans, but unfortunately, most of it has disappeared in earthquakes. The remains are relatively well-preserved, and in its heyday, the amphitheater is said to have hosted up to 20,000 spectators from near and far.
Near the amphitheater, you can also find remnants of Roman baths and the Byzantine forum.
Durres Archaeological Museum
Albania’s largest archaeological museum is located by the beach in Durres. Here you can see artifacts from the archaeological site of Dyrrachium, colorful mosaics, and busts of Venus dating back to a time when Durres was the center of the worship of the godess.
Durres Castle
Durres Castle dates back to the Middle Ages and was built by Emperor Anastasius. It is also located in the old town by the beach, and from its walls, you get a good view of the sea.
Apostle Paul and Saint Astius Orthodox Church
The Orthodox church, built with white stones and red brick tiles, is also located by the harbor. It is of more recent construction, built between 1994 and 2002.
Sun and Beach
Most people come to Durres primarily to enjoy the beaches. Here you will find over 10 kilometers of golden sand, and the beaches are child-friendly and shallow.
Compared to Saranda, which mostly has rocky beaches, Durres has the advantage of soft sandy beaches. However, the water is clearer and often a few degrees warmer in Saranda.
Check out our guide to Saranda.
Albanian Cuisine
No trip to Albania is complete without trying the delicious local food. Explore the local restaurants and enjoy authentic Albanian dishes such as fresh seafood, grilled meat, and delightful desserts.
Feel free to finish your meal with the famous Albanian rakia, a local brandy that is a favorite among the locals.
How to Get to Durres
Durres is pretty easy to travel to. There are both charter flights and direct scheduled flights to Tirana in the summer, and from the airport, there is a direct bus to Durres that takes about an hour.
Durres, Saranda – or somewhere else?
Both cities are charming and beautiful in Albania, well suited for tourism. Here you will find delicious food, exciting attractions, and lovely beaches. Both places also have a bit of roughness around the edges with abandoned buildings, garbage on the roadside, and stray cats and dogs.
We at Nomadehjerter (Nomad Hearts) are very much in love with Albania, especially Saranda – but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
It’s worth knowing that Albania as a whole bears the mark of being a relatively new international tourist destination. For example, you may find that a 4-star resort doesn’t quite live up to expectations in terms of either service or standard.
It is also still one of Europe’s poorest countries, although there are many positive signs in the economy – largely thanks to tourists and foreign investors.
10 things you should know before traveling to Albania
| Advantages of Saranda | Advantages of Durrës |
| More charm (in our opinion) | Short and easy journey from Tirana |
| It’s further south, so the water is warmer | Shallow sandy beaches |
| Clearer water | Larger city with lots going on |
| Short distance to attractions such as Butrint, Blue Eye, Gjirokaster | Many historical attractions |
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