Durrës

Qyteti antik buzë detit — the ancient port.

Albania's main port and one of its oldest cities, about 40 minutes from Tirana by road in normal traffic. Roman ruins in the middle of town and long sandy beaches to the south.

Çfarë të shohësh

What to do

The Roman amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans.
The Venetian Tower and the old city walls.
The Archaeological Museum on the seafront.
The long beach strip towards Golem.

Këshilla

Good to know

Ferries run from Durrës to Italy (Bari, Ancona and others).
Closest beach to Tirana and Tirana Airport, so it is handy for a first or last night.

Where to eat

Dining

Types of places, typical dishes and, where verified, named spots with their own website and directions. Always check recent reviews and opening hours.

Fancy dinners

Hotel restaurants, lakeside or seaside terraces, and places where you dress a little nicer for a long meal.

Typical dishes: Grilled fish or seafood, lamb, steaks, salads and wine. On the coast look for fresh catch of the day; inland, thoughtful takes on tavë kosi and traditional plates.

Street food

Bakeries, grill counters and small stands you can eat standing up or take away.

Typical dishes: Byrek and pite by the piece, qebapa in bread with onion and kajmak, qofte, suxhuk, bakllava and strong coffee or macchiato.

Peshk i Fresket Bracja — Pick a fish from the ice and have it grilled or fried to order — cheap and fresh. Directions ↗

Comfort food

Family kitchens, village guesthouses and everyday restaurants that cook like home.

Typical dishes: Tavë kosi, fërgesë, flija or pite, sarma, beans (pasul), yogurt and simple grilled meats. In the mountains: dairy, flija and slow-cooked dishes.