Cities and destinations · 📍 Durrës
Durrës by rental car: beaches, the amphitheatre and parking
The country's oldest coastal city, 40 minutes from Tirana: Roman history, beaches and how to avoid summer traffic.
Durrës is Albania's main port and one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic, with a Roman amphitheatre in the middle of town and long sandy beaches. Visiting Durrës by car is simple: the motorway from Tirana or the airport brings you here in less than an hour.
Getting around Durrës by car
Most of the year Durrës is easy to drive. In summer the coastal road to Golem and Shkëmbi i Kavajës fills with traffic in the afternoon and at weekends. Park in the centre near the port or in paid car parks and see the historic area on foot.
What to see in Durrës
Roman amphitheatre
Archaeological park
One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, uncovered between the houses of the town, with an early chapel with mosaics inside.
Venetian tower and walls
Castle
A medieval tower near the port, part of the old city walls.
Archaeological Museum
Museum
A rich collection from ancient Dyrrachium, on the seafront promenade.
Golem and Shkëmbi i Kavajës beaches
Beach
Long sandy beaches south of the city, good for families.
Day trips from Durrës
- Tirana: about 40 minutes on the motorway. See the Tirana guide.
- Krujë: the castle and old bazaar, about an hour away.
- Berat: about two hours south via Lushnjë.
A little history
Durrës was founded as a Greek colony called Epidamnos and later became Dyrrachium, the port where the Via Egnatia began, the Roman road linking the Adriatic with Constantinople. Layers of history show everywhere in the centre: the amphitheatre, the Byzantine walls, the Venetian tower and the remains of Roman baths among new buildings. With little time, a walk from the port to the amphitheatre and the archaeological museum shows it all in under two hours. Then continue on the southern itinerary or read when to travel to avoid the August heat and traffic.
Practical tips for Durrës
- In summer the beaches south of the city have paid car parks; carry cash.
- The port has heavy traffic when ferries from Italy arrive: avoid the area at those times.
- The seafront promenade is pedestrian in the evening: park further away and walk.
Where to stay with a car
Hotels in the beach area often have their own parking, while in the centre spaces are fewer. If you drive to Tirana or the south every day, accommodation near the motorway saves time in the morning.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Durrës from Tirana?
About 38 km, roughly 40 minutes on the motorway without traffic.
Is there parking near the amphitheatre?
The centre has paid car parks near the port and the historic area. Park there and walk.
When is traffic heaviest in Durrës?
In summer, especially in the afternoon and at weekends, on the coastal road and the motorway to Tirana.
