Cities and destinations · 📍 Krujë
Krujë by rental car and the towns around Tirana and Durrës
Skanderbeg's castle and the small towns between Tirana, Durrës and the airport: ideas for the first or last day of your trip.
Around Tirana and Durrës lie several small towns that most travellers pass quickly: Fushë-Krujë, Mamurras, Vorë, Shijak and Kavajë. Above them rises Krujë, Skanderbeg's town, one of the most visited places in the country. Krujë by rental car is ideal for the first or last day of a holiday, because it is only about 25 minutes from Tirana's Rinas airport.
Krujë: the castle and the bazaar
From Fushë-Krujë the road climbs in bends towards the town, with views over the plain and the sea. Park in the car parks below the Old Bazaar and continue on foot: the cobbled street to the castle is narrow and full of pedestrians. At weekends and in summer the car parks fill up by midday.
Krujë Castle and the Skanderbeg National Museum
Castle
The fortress that resisted the Ottoman sieges of the 15th century, with the Skanderbeg museum, the clock tower and wide views.
Ethnographic Museum
Museum
An old house inside the castle, with original rooms, tools and the family's hammam.
Old Bazaar
Historic centre
A street of wooden shops with carpets, crafts and antiques. Bargain politely.
Sari Salltëk Tekke
Place of worship
A Bektashi pilgrimage site above the town, with panoramic views. The road is steep and narrow.
The towns to the north: Fushë-Krujë, Mamurras and Laç
Fushë-Krujë is the junction where the road to Krujë branches off; the town is also known for the visit of US President George W. Bush in 2007. Mamurras and Laç lie further north, on the road to Lezhë. Above Laç stands the Church of Saint Anthony, a pilgrimage site that fills up on 13 June. Near Fushë-Kuqe, the Patok lagoon is known for its waterside fish restaurants.
Vorë, Shijak and Kavajë
Vorë is the main junction between Tirana, Durrës and the airport, with many fuel stations and services. Shijak, between Tirana and Durrës, is a small farming town with country markets. Kavajë, south of Durrës, has the beaches of Golem and Qerret and the Kavajë Rock, cliffs above the sea with lovely sunset views.
Practical tips
- At peak hours the Tirana–Durrës road and the exits from Tirana are very busy: allow extra time.
- In Krujë combine the visit with lunch overlooking the plain; on clear days you can see the sea.
- See also Tirana by car and Durrës by car.
- For travel times between towns use the distances table.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Krujë from Rinas airport?
About 25 minutes by car, so it is a good stop before or after a flight.
Where should I park in Krujë?
In the car parks below the Old Bazaar. The street to the castle is narrow and full of pedestrians.
How much time do I need for Krujë?
Half a day for the castle, the museums and the bazaar.
Which beaches are near Kavajë?
Golem and Qerret, about 15–20 minutes from the town.
