Durrës County

Durrës is one of the oldest cities in Albania and today its most important port – founded by Greeks in the 7th century B.C. as Epidamnos, later the Roman Dyrrachium. A trip to Durrës County combines a beach vacation on long sandy shores with more than two and a half millennia of history, all just half an hour from Tirana.

Sights in Durrës

In the middle of the old town lies the Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century, one of the largest in the Balkans. It was only rediscovered in the 1960s beneath houses; wall mosaics survive in an early Christian chapel inside. The ruined Venetian tower at the harbor, remains of the Byzantine city wall and the Archaeological Museum on the waterfront promenade tell the story of Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. For centuries the port was Albania's gateway to Italy, and in 1914 Prince Wilhelm of Wied, the only German ruler of the country, briefly resided here before having to leave after just a few months. King Zog's summer villa sits atop the hill. In the evening, the city gathers on the seaside boulevard, where cafés, fish restaurants and ice cream parlors stay open late.

Beaches and Surroundings

South of the city begins Plazh beach, a long strip of sand lined with hotels that in July and August is visited mainly by Albanian and Kosovar families. To the north, Cape Rodon marks the end of the region, with Skanderbeg's ruined castle and a small church by the sea, reachable via the Ishëm area. Inland you'll find hills with vineyards and olive groves; Rashbull, Shijak and other towns are shaped by the growth of the port city. Local dishes include grilled fish, seafood and byrek, served with regional wine.

Getting There and Best Time to Visit

Ferries connect Durrës with Bari and Ancona in Italy, Tirana Airport is about 30 kilometers away, and a highway leads to the capital. The best time to visit is May through September; in June and September the beaches are more pleasant than in high summer.