Ancient RomeDurrës Amphitheatre
Explore the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans, built in the 2nd century and hidden in the heart of the old town.
Durres, Albania
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Durres
Durrës is Albania's second-largest city and one of the oldest on the Adriatic — founded as Epidamnos, later the Roman port of Dyrrachium, and the western terminus of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople. Today it pairs a lively working harbour and a long seafront promenade with a compact old core where a Roman amphitheatre, Byzantine walls and a Venetian tower sit steps from the cafés. Tirana, the capital, is only 40 minutes inland, making Durrës an easy base for a culture-and-coast city break.
Durres, Adriatic CoastClimate
Climate
Mediterranean · warm dry summers
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mediterranean climate — hot dry July–August, mild wet winters, pleasant spring and autumn.
Currency
Albanian Lek
1 CAD ≈ 68 ALL · euros accepted at many hotels
Entry
Visa-free
Canadians: up to 90 days, valid passport
Top Experiences in Durres
Ancient Rome
MuseumsArchaeological Museum & City Walls
See finds from ancient Dyrrachium along the seafront, then trace the Byzantine walls up to the Venetian Tower.
Food & nightlifeSeafront Promenade & Fish Taverns
Stroll the Adriatic promenade at sunset, then dine on grilled fish and byrek before drinks at a harbour-side bar.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport & entry: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Canadian citizens can visit Albania visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting there: Fly into Tirana International (TIA); Durres is about 40 minutes by taxi, shuttle or the coastal highway.
Currency & payments: The Albanian Lek (ALL) is the currency. Euros are accepted by many hotels, but carry lek for taxis, cafés and markets.
Power & plugs: Albania uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and F plugs — bring a European adapter and check that devices are dual-voltage.
Time zone & language: Durres runs on Central European Time (UTC+1), six hours ahead of Toronto. Albanian is the official language; English is common with younger locals.
Best time to visit Durres
May – JunShoulder into peak
Warm, sunny and green before the summer crowds — ideal for sightseeing.
Jul – AugPeak season
Hot and busy as the coast fills with holidaymakers; book early and expect higher prices.
Sep – OctShoulder season
Sea still warm, comfortable days and thinner crowds — great value.
Nov – MarLow season
Mild but wet and quiet; many seafront venues close for winter.
Where to stay
Durres neighbourhoods
Durres is compact, so most visitors base themselves between the historic centre and the long seafront strip. Here's how the main areas compare.
City Centre & Old Town
Historic core
The walkable heart around the Roman amphitheatre, Venetian Tower and museum, ringed by cafés and the port.
Best for
- Culture
- First-timers
- Walking
Durres Plazh
Seafront strip
The long promenade south of the centre lined with hotels, restaurants and bars — where most city-break stays are.
Best for
- Couples
- Dining
- Sunsets
Currila
North coast
A calmer clifftop stretch north of the harbour with sea views and small guesthouses, a short hop from the centre.
Best for
- Quiet
- Views
- Relaxing
Golem
South of Durres
A resort-style extension of the bay 15–20 minutes south, handy for a longer stay and closer to the airport road.
Best for
- Longer stays
- Families
- Value
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Durres
Durres is a great launch point for Albania's capital, castles and ancient ruins. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
Capital CityTirana City & Bunk'Art Tour
Full day · 6 hrs38 km east · 40 min by car
Explore Skanderbeg Square, the colourful Blloku district and the Cold War Bunk'Art museum in Albania's buzzing capital.
Insider tips
- Ride the Dajti Express cable car for views
- Cafés close late — stay for the evening buzz
HistoryKrujë Castle & Old Bazaar
Half day · 5 hrs45 km northeast · 1 hr by car
Visit the mountaintop castle of national hero Skanderbeg and haggle for crafts in the cobbled Ottoman bazaar.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for the cobbles
- Great for handmade souvenirs
Ancient RuinsApollonia Archaeological Park
Full day · 6 hrs90 km south · 1.5 hrs by car
Walk among the columns, monastery and theatre of one of the ancient Mediterranean's great Greek-Roman cities.
Insider tips
- Bring sun protection — little shade
- Combine with a stop in Fier
UNESCO World HeritageBerat — City of a Thousand Windows
Full day · 8 hrs120 km southeast · 2 hrs by car
Discover the UNESCO-listed Ottoman town with its stacked white houses, hilltop castle and Onufri icon museum.
Insider tips
- Start early to beat the heat
- Try local Berat wine at lunch
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Durres travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Albania?
No. Canadian citizens can enter Albania visa-free for stays of up to 90 days with a valid passport.
How do I get from the airport to Durres?
Fly into Tirana International (TIA), the country's main airport. Durres is about 40 minutes away by taxi, private transfer or the coastal highway.
How long is the flight from Canada to Albania?
There are no direct flights. Expect around 13 hours from Toronto with one connection in Europe (via cities like Frankfurt, Vienna or Istanbul).
When is the best time to visit Durres?
May–June and September–October offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest; winters are mild but quiet.
What currency should I bring?
The Albanian Lek (ALL) is the local currency. Many hotels accept euros, but carry some lek for taxis, cafés and markets.
Is Durres safe for tourists?
Durres is a welcoming, generally safe city. Use the usual big-city precautions with valuables, especially around the port and busy promenade.
What is there to do in Durres?
Highlights include the Roman amphitheatre, the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian Tower and Byzantine walls, plus the seafront promenade and easy day trips to Tirana and Krujë.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add day trips like the Tirana city tour or Berat UNESCO excursion to your booking at checkout.