Durrës, Albania
Durrës, Albania is situated along the Adriatic Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and fascinating historical attractions that include ancient Roman ruins and medieval fortresses.
Trip to Durrës, Albania
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Welcome to Durrës, Albania! After you arrive at the Tirana International Airport, your driver will take you to your hotel so you can check in and start your vacation. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and settle in, or perhaps explore the surrounding area near your hotel. If you’re up for a stroll, you can wander down to the promenade and enjoy the lovely view of the Adriatic coast with its sandy beaches, bright blue waters, and a number of bars and restaurants. If you’d rather take in the culture and history of the area, you can head to the Durrës Amphitheatre, approximately 10 minutes away from the city center, which dates back to the second century AD and is considered the largest amphitheater in the Balkans.
Day 2: A City Tour of Durrës
Today, you’ll take a guided tour of the city of Durrës. You’ll visit several historic sites, including the Byzantine Forum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Venetian Tower. You can take a walk down the beach promenade and enjoy an ice cream or sip on a drink at one of the beach bars. The tour ends with a visit to the Albanian Orthodox Church by the sea and some shopping in the historic bazaar street that showcases beautiful handicraft work.
Day 3: Day Trip to Berat
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Berat. Known as the “city of a thousand windows,” this beautiful town, also known as the “Museum City” is one of the oldest on the Balkan Peninsula and has over 2,000 years of history. You’ll visit the Berat Castle, which dates back to the 4th century, and the Onufri Museum, which contains the largest collection of icons in Albania painted by Albanian master Onufri and his followers. You can enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in one of the many restaurants overlooking the river Osumi, before you return to Durrës in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Beach Day
It’s time to unwind and relax on the beach, and Durrës has several spectacular beaches for you to enjoy. You can visit the famous Durresi Beach, which stretches 11 miles along the coast, boasting fine sand, sweet sounding blue waves, and a selection of waterfront bars, cafes, and restaurants. If you’re looking for something more secluded, you can head to Golem Beach, which is located on the outskirts of Durrës and offers a stunning view of the Adriatic.
Day 5: Krujë and the Skanderbeg Museum
Today, you’ll visit the historic city of Krujë, just a short distance from Durrës. You can explore the atmospheric Old Bazaar, home to dozens of small shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. You can also visit the Skanderbeg Museum, which is dedicated to Albania’s national hero who fought against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The museum contains artifacts from the Middle Ages, along with legendary stories about Skanderbeg and the Albanian resistance.
Day 6: Nightlife in Durrës
Tonight, you’ll experience the nightlife in Durrës! You can start the evening with dinner in Fishermen’s Bay, the biggest nightlife area in the city, located near the harbor. There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from seafood restaurants to traditional Albanian cuisine, to pizza and burgers. After dinner, you can stroll down the beach, experience the local nightclubs and bars, or simply enjoy an evening stroll along the coast, taking in the scenic view of the city at night.
Day 7: Departure
It’s time to say goodbye to Durrës, Albania! After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, your driver will take you to the Tirana International Airport for your flight home. If your flight is in the evening, you can spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the city one last time or picking up any last-minute souvenirs.