Durrës, a 3000 year old Albanian city

Durrës has been a destination for visitors for centuries and centuries. Once, Caesar himself enjoyed the many faces that the city had to offer.

Its location 34 km away from the capital Tirana and 28 km from the International Airport of Rinas makes it a perfect destination for a day trip or more. Busses and minibusses ( Furgonat ) are driving constantly from the morning until late evening. The cost of one way is 200/250 lek or 2 Eur.

The ancient buildings

Upon arrival, you are in the center of the city, and the exploration can start. The first to look is the Amphitheatre of Durrës. It once had a capacity of 15,000 people, making it one of the largest ever built in the Balkans. The Amphitheatre was used mainly for performances. Nearby you can see a small church, that was build in the 9th Century, covered with mosaic walls.

The Durrës Castle is another attraction not to miss when you are walking around the city. Currently, the medieval walls and the three entrances of some of the fortification towers are preserved. Almost one-third of the city’s castle is remaining and in good shape.

Close to the wall is the Byzantine forum. The beautiful handmade columns were built after the big earthquake that destroyed ancient Durrës in the 5th Century AD. The extraordinary structure can still be seen today.

The seafood culture and beach line

After enjoying different ancient structures, its time for a break and enjoying the great restaurants in the city. Being the biggest port in Albania, you guess it right; you can find many great seafood dishes spread across the city. From Shrimps to fresh Fish, you can choose by yourself or ask the waitress to give you some suggestion of the day’s menu. Let’s not forget the beach that is just some minutes walk away from the city center. Grab a cup of coffee/drink at the bars, or just relax at the beach after a long day of exploring, sightseeing, and walking in this great city.

Durrës has a lot to offer for travelers out there, from amazing ancient structures to modern buildings, great food culture and a long beach line. You can explore the city in just one day, if you are around for a short period of time, though you could dedicate more time to the specific area, it's worth it!