Location and Historical Background
Stretching along the Adriatic coast of western Albania, Durrës sits on a natural harbor facing Italy, with flat coastal plains behind it and salt-scented sea air always present. Today, the city impresses visitors with its long beaches, busy port life, and surprising depth of history hiding beneath modern hotels and palm-lined streets.
Durrës was founded in 627 BCE by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corfu under the name Epidamnos. Later renamed Dyrrachium by the Romans, legend says the city grew so fast because merchants, sailors, and soldiers all wanted a piece of its perfect harbor—and none of them wanted to leave.
First great blow – Roman civil wars and earthquakes (1st–4th centuries):
As a key Roman gateway to the Balkans via the Via Egnatia, Durrës suffered heavily during Roman civil conflicts. Several earthquakes between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE damaged major structures, including parts of the amphitheater and harbor, causing population decline and economic disruption.
Second great blow – Barbarian invasions and medieval instability (5th–10th centuries):
From the 5th century onward, the city endured repeated attacks by Goths, Slavs, and later Normans. Each invasion brought destruction, rebuilding, and shifting control, slowly eroding Durrës’ dominance as a Mediterranean powerhouse.
Third great blow – World War II and communist transformation (1939–1991):
Occupied by Italy in 1939 and later by Nazi Germany, Durrës suffered bombings due to its strategic port. The communist era that followed reshaped the city aggressively—historic layers were neglected, concrete apartment blocks rose quickly, and the coastal character became more utilitarian than elegant.
Golden Age – Roman prosperity (1st–2nd centuries CE):
Durrës’ golden age arrived under Roman rule, particularly in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, when it became one of the Adriatic’s most important cities. Trade, infrastructure, and culture flourished, and monumental buildings like the amphitheater—one of the largest in the Balkans—symbolized its wealth and power.
Why Durrës Is Worth Visiting Today
Durrës is where Albania relaxes. It offers the rare combination of accessible beaches and serious history, making it ideal for travelers who don’t want to choose between sightseeing and swimming. The city feels lived-in rather than curated—locals jog along the promenade, fishermen work near luxury yachts, and ancient ruins quietly coexist with modern life.
What makes Durrës especially appealing is its balance. It’s less chaotic than Tirana, less museum-like than Berat or Gjirokastër, and far more approachable for first-time visitors. It’s a city that doesn’t demand effort—it simply offers options.
Tourist Information and Must-See Places
- Average lunch: €7–10
- Average accommodation (mid-range hotel): €50–90 per night
- One beer: €2.50–3.50
- One coffee: €1–1.50
Most interesting areas:
City Center, Seafront Promenade, Beach District (Plazh)
Durrës Amphitheater
Hidden among city buildings, this massive Roman structure dates back to the 2nd century CE and once held over 15,000 spectators. It’s the city’s most powerful reminder of its ancient importance.
Seafront Promenade (Vollga)
A lively stretch perfect for evening walks, seafood dinners, and people-watching. Sunset here feels distinctly Mediterranean, with a Balkan twist.
Archaeological Museum of Durrës
Located near the sea, this museum displays artifacts from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods, offering essential context before or after exploring the ruins scattered across the city.
Final Summary
Durrës is not trying to be trendy—it’s too old for that. Instead, it invites you to swim where Romans traded, walk where empires clashed, and drink coffee where history casually shrugs and moves on. If Albania had a beach with a memory, this would be it.