Making the most of Durres
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Durres port lies at the heart of the city, approximately 39 km from Tirana, and is Albania's largest cruise sea port. One of Albania's oldest cities, Durres was founded as a Greek colony in 627 B.C. It has expanded while retaining monuments from its ancient past. Its major Adriatic trading port makes Durres Albania's second largest and one of its most economically developed cities.
Durres cruise terminal offers various facilities, including a tourist-information kiosk.
Durres has a Mediterranean climate and is a popular summer-holiday destination for domestic and overseas visitors. Sandy beaches and clear Adriatic water can be enjoyed at Durres and Currilave beaches. Places to visit include the Museum of History, Archaeological Museum, Philharmonic orchestra, Puppet Theatre, Estrada Theatre, Main library and Cultural center with the "Aleksander Moisiu" Theatre. This ancient Albanian city also has sites including the Venetian Tower and Medieval Town Walls. If…
Close to the harbour, the city has the Balkans' largest amphitheater.
Nearby places
Eight trains run daily to Tirana, taking one hour and costing 55 lek. The station sits beside the Tirana highway, conveniently near central Durres.
Food and shopping
Durrësi is a relaxed, friendly port with gracious early-20th-century buildings, notable ancient remains, an excellent museum and a selection of very good bars and restaurants.
Money
97 Lek = 1 Euro.
ATMs are plentiful.
Staying connected
Albanian is the local language.
Century 91 internet cafe is near the Great Mosque.
Opening Hours and
Generally, shops operate Mon-Sun 0900-1500, then reopen for a couple of early-evening hours, varying with the time of year. Not every shop opens on Sundays.
In Albania, banking hours are Monday through Friday, 0800-1600.