Durrës is the second-largest city in Albania and the main entry point for travelers arriving by ferry from Italy. The city has a long sandy beach, a Roman amphitheater, and a lively seaside promenade, but its biggest advantage is its location.
Positioned on the Adriatic coast, between Tirana and the beaches, Durrës places you very close to some of Albania’s most interesting destinations.
The problem is that reaching many of these places by public transport can be difficult or impossible. A rental car makes everything much simpler. If you arrive by ferry at the Port of Durrës, you can pick up your car from RentPoint directly in the city and have the freedom to explore a new destination every day.
Below you will find five day trips that make Durrës an ideal starting point. Each of them can be reached in less than two hours by car.
1. Kruja — The Heart Of Albanian History (33 Km / 40 Minutes)
If you want to understand Albania in a single visit, Kruja is the right place. This hilltop castle town is where the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg resisted the Ottoman Empire for 25 years in the 15th century.
This history is a fundamental part of Albanian identity, and the place itself brings it to life better than any history book.
The Skanderbeg Museum, designed by the daughter of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, is located inside the restored castle walls. Its modern architecture and strong lines create an interesting contrast with the medieval surroundings. The exhibitions tell the story of Skanderbeg’s military campaigns and the broader history of Albanian resistance.
Just below the castle is the Old Bazaar, one of the best-preserved Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans. The narrow cobbled street is filled with shops selling handicrafts, antiques, traditional Albanian clothing, and souvenirs.
This is not just a tourist spot. Local artisans still work here and prices are reasonable. Handmade rugs, copper coffee sets, and carved wooden objects make very good gifts.
Road notes: The road from Durrës to Kruja is simple. Take the A2 motorway toward Tirana and then exit in the direction of Kruja. The final section climbs toward the hills and offers increasingly beautiful views. Parking is available near the entrance to the bazaar.
2. Berat — The City Of One Over One Windows (105 Km / 1 Hour And 45 Minutes)
Berat is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and one of the most photogenic cities in the Balkans. The white Ottoman houses placed one above the other on the hillside, reflected in the Osum River below, create a view that has been painted and photographed for centuries.
Cross the Gorica Bridge to see the classic view of the Mangalem neighborhood, then climb through the narrow stone streets toward Berat Castle. Unlike most fortresses in Europe, the castle is still an inhabited neighborhood. Different families live inside its walls, while small churches and mosques stand close to one another.
Inside the castle, the Onufri Museum is one of the main places to visit. It is located in the Church of the Dormition of Saint Mary and preserves a special collection of icons by Onufri, the 16th-century Albanian master known for his use of a very distinctive red pigment.
Road notes: Drive south from Durrës along the SH4 highway, passing through Lushnja. The road is flat and fast until near Berat, where it becomes narrower and follows the river valley. Park near the Gorica Bridge.
Lunch recommendation: Restaurants along the riverbank serve traditional dishes such as tavë kosi and fërgesë. A meal for two people costs around 15–20 euros.
3. Cape Of Rodon And The Church Of Skanderbeg (40 Km / 50 Minutes)
This is one of the day trips many tourists never hear about. Cape of Rodon is a wild, windswept peninsula that stretches into the Adriatic north of Durrës. There you will find a beautifully isolated medieval church, old fortification walls, and some of the quietest beaches on Albania’s central coast.
The main attraction is the Church of Saint Anthony, built in 1166. This small stone church is located at the edge of the peninsula, surrounded only by the sea and wild vegetation. The view is extraordinary, especially in the sunset light.
The beaches along the peninsula are rocky in some areas, but they have very clear water and few people, even in July. Bring water and something to eat with you, because services in this area are limited.
Road notes: Here, a rental car becomes essential. The cape has no public transport. From Durrës, drive north on the SH39 road toward Rodon. The final section is a narrow rural road that passes through olive groves and agricultural land.
4. Apollonia — 2,500 Years Of History (95 Km / 1 Hour And 20 Minutes)
Apollonia was one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek and Roman world. Founded in 588 BC, it was an important center of learning. The Roman emperor Augustus studied here when he was young.
Today, the archaeological park is located on a quiet hill, surrounded by olive groves. You can often explore it in a very peaceful atmosphere, away from the crowds.
The area is large, but easy to visit. The Bouleuterion, the Library, and the Odeon, a small theater, give a clear idea of the importance the city once had. Many of the discovered structures date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC.
The Archaeological Museum inside the park is located in a 14th-century Byzantine monastery. There you will find statues, ceramics, and inscriptions discovered during excavations. The monastery church, with its well-preserved medieval frescoes, is also worth visiting.
Entrance fee: 700 lek, approximately 7 euros.
Time needed: Two to three hours to explore the ruins and the museum.
5. Tirana — Albania’s Lively Capital City 938 Km / 35 Minutes)
If you are staying in Durrës for the beach but also want to get to know the capital, Tirana is a very easy half-day or full-day trip by car. The city has changed a lot in recent years, with bold architecture, good restaurants, a strong café culture, and museums that tell the complex history of Albania.
Start from Skanderbeg Square, the large central square of the city, surrounded by the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower. Then walk south toward the Blloku area. During the communist period, this was the residential area for the political elite. Today, it is the liveliest part of Tirana, filled with cafés, bars, shops, and restaurants.
For a deeper experience, visit Bunk’Art 2, a Cold War-era bunker in the city center that has now been turned into a museum. The exhibitions show the political repression during Hoxha’s regime and are very carefully curated. It is an important stop for understanding modern Albania.
Road notes: The A2 motorway between Durrës and Tirana is one of the best roads in Albania. It is modern, fast, and well maintained. Traffic during peak hours, 07:30–09:00 and 16:30–19:00, can be heavy, so it is better to plan your trip outside these times.
Quick Summary Of Day Trips
| Destination | Disatance | Travel time | Best suited for |
| Kruja | 33 km | 40 min | History, bazaar, mountain views |
| Berat | 105 km | 1 hour and 45 min | UNESCO architecture, photography |
| Cape of Rodon | 40 km | 50 min | Quiet beaches, medieval church |
| Apollonia | 95 km | 1 hour and 20 min | Ancient ruins, peaceful exploration |
| Tirana | 38 km | 35 min | City culture, museums, food |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durrës Beach Worth Visiting?
Durrës has a long sandy beach, very suitable for families and easy swimming. It is not the most panoramic beach in Albania, as that place usually belongs to the Albanian Riviera, but for convenience, services, and infrastructure, it is a very practical choice.
Can I Do Two Day Trips In One Day?
Kruja and Tirana combine well in one day. You can visit Kruja in the morning and Tirana in the afternoon, as they are located in the same direction from Durrës. The other destinations are better visited separately.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Durrës?
June and September offer warm weather, a sea suitable for swimming, and fewer people than July and August. For day trips, spring, especially April and May, is ideal because of the pleasant temperatures and quieter roads.