Durrës

Gallery showcasing work by local painters and artists. Useful for visitors who want to see contemporary visual art in Durrës beyond the archaeological and historic sights.

The largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans and the best-known ancient monument in Durrës. It includes restored iconography, underground passages below the seating area and a central grassy arena. It is one of the most important places for understanding the Roman layer of ancient Dyrrhachium.

Surviving sections of the ancient and medieval walls of Durrës, close to the amphitheatre and old city centre. Around the walls are other historic features, including the Medieval Hammam and the Tophane Well.

Circular defensive tower in the city centre, built in the 16th century and associated with the Venetian fortifications of Durrës. Visitors can climb steep stairs to the top and see a multimedia presentation projected inside the dome.

Hill and archaeological area associated with the early Christian Basilica of Saint Michael, a 5th- or 6th-century site with mosaic remains. The area is also linked with the 1081 battle between Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Norman leader Robert Guiscard.

Built in the 5th century AD, the Byzantine Forum, also known as the Macellum, preserves remains of the ancient public space of the city. Public baths are around and beneath the Alexander Moissi Palace of Culture area.

Former royal summer residence of King Zog, completed in 1937. It stands on a hill above Durrës and is known for its views over the bay, Italian Rationalist architecture and role in Albania's royal and 20th-century political history. The building has been damaged and interior access may be restricted, but the walk up is worthwhile for the façade and panorama.

Rare surviving 19th-century urban house in Durrës, associated with actor Aleksandër Moisiu. It has functioned as a house-museum and ethnographic museum, with displays on local daily life, folk clothing, household objects and Moisiu's life and career.

Heritage walking route through old Durrës focused on historic doors, family houses, courtyards and urban memory. Stops include old family houses and historic residences such as Villa Tedeschini, as well as streets around the older parts of the city.

Municipal building on Sheshi Liria, one of the main civic spaces of central Durrës. It is useful as a landmark when navigating between the mosque, amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and old city streets.

Historic landmark in Golem where caravans once passed along the ancient Via Egnatia. It is traditionally linked with a battle between Pompey and Julius Caesar and is also a useful coastal landmark south of Durrës.

Village southeast of Durrës known for the nearby Basilica of Saint Michael and early Christian mosaic remains. It is useful for visitors interested in the rural edge of ancient Durrës and archaeological sites outside the city centre.

Village in the northern coastal hinterland of Durrës County, useful as a base or stop when visiting Cape of Rodon, Rodoni Castle and nearby rural landscapes. It is better for visitors with a car.

Long sandy bay north of Durrës, known for quieter beach areas, pine-backed coastline and access to Ishem Castle and Rrushkull Nature Reserve. It is best reached by car and is popular for beach stays outside central Durrës.

Coastal wetland and nature reserve near Lalzit Bay. It is mainly useful for visitors interested in quiet landscapes, birdlife, lagoons, dunes and natural areas outside the city.

Ruined coastal castle at Cape of Rodon, traditionally associated with Skanderbeg. The site combines history, sea views, coastal walking and nearby religious heritage, and is best reached by car from Durrës.

Events

Go for an evening walk along the sea front promenade or along the beach.

Panoramic view of Durrës seaside at Currilat from top of a newly reclaimed hill.

Sit and admire the sea from up close on these large steps descending into the water

Popular weekend retreat and exclusive wealthy beach area. A small resort can be found here.

Nice beach, bar, and wooden bungalows north of Currilat

This is the main seaside resort south of Durrës with long sandy beaches popular with both Albanians and foreigners. Tirana inhabitants have their beach houses and villas in the area for weekend and summer retreats.

Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea water in the biggest sea side resort of Golem.

Biennial contemporary art exhibition supported by the Municipality of Durrës. It brings Albanian and international artists to the city through exhibitions, workshops, talks, and contemporary visual art projects.

Annual chamber music festival held in Durrës since 2006. It brings Albanian and international instrumentalists together for classical concerts, often in historic venues such as Saint Lucia Co-Cathedral.

International music, folklore, and dance festival with parades, stage performances, choirs, orchestras, majorette teams, and modern dance groups from different countries.

International folk, music, and dance festival focused on cultural exchange. Groups from different countries perform traditional and modern dances, choral music, orchestral music, and majorette programmes.

International folklore festival for folk groups, choirs, orchestras, majorette teams, and modern dance groups. The programme usually includes parades, performances, and optional sightseeing around Durrës.

International music and folk-dance festival for children's, youth, and adult ensembles. The programme usually includes a city parade, public performances, a gala evening, and sightseeing.

International dance and folklore festival with parades, evening performances, cultural walks, and music groups from different countries. It is aimed at dance ensembles, choirs, folklore groups, and modern dance groups.

International arts competition and festival for soloists, ensembles, and young performers. It includes dance, choral, orchestral, modern, pop, jazz, hip-hop, and majorette categories. Confirm current editions before planning a visit.

Folk traditions festival that has brought international folklore ensembles to perform in Durrës, including at the ancient amphitheatre. Confirm whether a current edition is scheduled before travelling.

Local festival celebrating the olive harvest and Durrës' connection with olive cultivation. It usually includes music, performances, local traditions, and honours for notable citizens.

Travelling Mediterranean cultural festival with a museum boat, exhibitions, immersive experiences, talks, performances, workshops, concerts, and film screenings. It visited Durrës in 2025, but future stops should be confirmed from the official programme.

International film festival founded in 2008 and historically held in Durrës, including at the amphitheatre and other cultural venues. Recent regular editions could not be confirmed, so do not rely on old official websites.

Early music festival focused on Baroque repertoire and historical instruments. It has included Durrës among its Albanian heritage destinations, but current local dates should be verified before travelling.

Regional professional conference and technical exhibition for the water supply and wastewater sector. It brings together utilities, experts, companies, and public institutions from the Balkans.