Durrës is an Albanian Adriatic port city. It serves ferries to Bari (Italy) [1]. Alternative spellings of the cities name are Durrazzo (Italian), Drač (Драч, Serbo-Croatian) or Dyrrhachion (Δυρράχιον, Greek).
From Skopje, Macedonia, buses run through Durres on their way to Tirana. A typical Skopje-Tirana ticket costs around 25 Euro return.
You can also go by mini buses which you can find in many cities in Albania. They could also be referred as shuttles. they should cost you 2-10 Euro regardless to which city is your destination.
Durres cannot be reached by train from abroad as no international train links exist. Instead, it can be reached from Tirana and other major Albanian cities through the adventurous Albanian railway system.
Durres Amphitheater, the biggest in the Balkans it also features renovated iconography works.
Durres Ancient City Wall, Medieval Hammam and the Tophane Well located inside and around the wall.
Venetian Tower (Rotonda) is a circular tower at the city center built in the 16th century.
Visit the many museums such as the Archaeological Museum, Popular Culture Museum, Alexander Moissi Museum House and the World War II Relics Hall.
Churches and mosques have been renovated and are located at the city center. These include: Fatih Mosque built in 1503, Shen Lucia Catholic Church built in 1907, Shen Gjergji Orthodox Church built in the 19th century, New Mosque built in 1937, and the 2001 built Shen Asti and Pali Orthodox Church.
Take a look at King Zog's Villa located on top of a hill overlooking the city. Even though it was looted in the 1997 uprising, it can still be appreciated for its luxurious interior and historical past. Prince Leka has plans to renovate the villa in the near future.
Shkembi or Petra Hill where a battle between Pompey and Julius Caesar is said to have taken place.
Shen Mehilli Hill (Kodra e Shen Mehillit) where on 18 October 1081, Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos confronted Norman adventurer Robert Guiscard. A basilica built in the 6th century AD with a beautiful mosaic is found here.
Byzantine Forum (Macellum) built in the 5th century AD and Public Baths around and beneath Alexander Moissi Palace of Culture
Prince Karl Topia's Residence (known as Tower).
Koloseo Art Gallery, showcasing the best of Durres natives paintings.
Visit the yearly Open Port Festival where the Port of Durres opens to the public featuring various exhibits of historic ships and modern inventions coupled with local entertainment.[9]
Take a look at interesting films from around the world at the annual Durres International Film Summer Festival in early September.[10]
Go for an evening walk along the sea front promenade or along the beach where you can see men with bears on a leash or with snakes entwined around their necks!(you see this usualy only in the summer when loads of tourists come)
Lalzit Bay Beach (Gjiri i Lalzit) in Shen Pjeter village north of Durres is a popular weekend retreat. A small resort can be found here. Other nearby beaches are Currilat, Bishti i Palles, and Kallmit Beach.
Visit Scanderbeg Castle, Ishem Castle and Shen Ndout Church near Lalzit Bay.
Take a tour of the wine producing region of Gjepalaj and visit the local Kokomani Winery [11]
Bar Restorant Kajser. Located near Kig Zog Villa, it offers a panoramic view of Durres from above. Serves delicious ice cream combinations including baked ice cream (400 leks), spaghetti, fish, and baked lamb.
Hotel Lido Durres, Lagja.2; Rruga Aleksander Goga, ☎ +355 52 227941, [12]. edit
Hotel Nais, Lagia 1, Rruga Naim Frasheri nr.46 (From the Port: 100 Meters toward the town center. Left on Naim Frasheri street, behind the tower.), [13]. checkout: 11:00am. An easy to find three star hotel, just off the main street. Close to the action but quiet. Breakfast is included.40 Euros (double). edit
