A Comprehensive Article about Durrës and Golem. You will discover not only the beaches of this coastal region, but also find a list of the best hotels, attractions, and plenty of other useful information for those who are planning a vacation in Albania.
Durrës and Golem: Facts and Brief History
Let me explain why this article covers two cities simultaneously.
Durrës is the second-largest city in Albania, surpassed in size only by the capital, Tirana. Approximately 120,000 inhabitants call Durrës home. It is not only a tourist resort, but also a major industrial and prominent port city. Moreover, Durrës is one of the oldest cities in the entire Balkan region.
In contrast to Durrës, Golem is much more modest. It’s more of a settlement or village that would have remained so if not for its proximity to the expanding Durrës. Today, both settlements have grown so much that their boundaries have merged.
Helpful to know:
This entire resort area is now referred to as Durrës-Golem-Kavajë, named after the beaches that have become intertwined. Read all about Albania’s resorts and how to choose the best one in a separate article.
A Brief History
For you to understand why Durrës is considered one of the oldest cities on the planet: officially founded in 627 BC, its mentions date back even earlier. Imagine a city with more than 2,640 years of history.
Durrës was conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt over many centuries. Throughout its history, the city was part of:
- Illyrian Kingdom
- Roman Empire
- Byzantine Empire
- Venetian Republic
- Ottoman Empire
- Only in 1914, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, did Durrës become part of independent Albania.
Interesting to know:
The city’s zenith in history was during the Roman Empire’s rule. During this time, the Romans invested heavily in infrastructure development in their colonies.
In Durrës, they built forums, amphitheaters, roads, and promoted trade. There were almost 400 years of peace here. For that time, it was remarkably peaceful.
- Around 100 BC, the Romans constructed a crucial road.
- The Egnatia Road, also known as the Via Egnatia.
- It spanned over 1,000 km.
- It started in Durres (Dyrrhachium) and ended in Byzantium (Constantinople, now Istanbul)
- It served as a crucial trade route and enabled the rapid movement of armies across the edges of the Roman Empire within two months – lightning speed for antiquity.
- Today, the Egnatia Road is almost entirely gone, but its segments, including an existing bridge over a river, can be found in the suburbs of the city of Elbasan. You can read more about this location by following the provided link.
How to Get from Tirana to Durrës?
When it comes to this, there’s no problem at all. Durrës is only 40 km away from Tirana and 30 km from the country’s main airport. Buses from the capital run daily, every half an hour.
Important to know:
There are numerous direct routes from Tirana to Durrës. But there are even more routes where Durrës is a midway stop. So, when searching for routes from Tirana to places like Gjirokastër, Vlorë, and Berat, be aware that they all pass through Durrës.
- In the article linked, you will find information on viewing schedules, where buses depart from, and you’ll also find details about reaching Durrës by train. All this is covered in the article about Albania’s public transport.
- Ticket price: 150 lek (1.5 euros)
- Travel time: 35-50 minutes depending on the route.
- You can also travel directly from Tirana’s airport to Durrës. More information about this method is available in the article about Mother Teresa International Airport.
Where to Stay?
Before I recommend a few options, I want to clarify certain aspects. This often confuses tourists, although it’s quite straightforward (but not exactly so).
- Often, when a hotel is offered by a travel agency, you start searching and find that one source refers to the hotel in Golem, while another refers to it in Durrës. Be aware: it’s the same hotel. Today, as I mentioned earlier, the boundaries between the cities are almost nonexistent, and even the locals are often unsure about whether a place is in Golem or Durrës.
- This confusion is further compounded by the fact that Albania lacks addresses. Addresses exist, but they’re only street names. House numbering isn’t customary here. How this is even possible, and what a poor tourist should do, is covered in the article about accommodation in Albania.
Helpful to know:
In the newer resort area of Durrës, there are more options for independent travelers, with a prevalence of apartment rentals and apart-hotels. In Golem, you’ll mostly find hotels that cater to package tourists. If you’re looking for a ready-made tour to Albania, most options will be in Durrës and Golem. Not because it’s the most popular resort, but simply because there are more options for that kind of stay.
Hotel List
Below is a dynamic hotel list for this resort. You can click on any hotel to see photos, read reviews and descriptions, and even find out prices for your chosen dates.
Durrës and Golem: All About the Beaches
I won’t delve into detailed descriptions of each beach. Instead, I will provide general insights to assist you in your hotel search. Key points to remember:
- The Durrës-Golem-Kavajë resort is located along the Adriatic Sea.
- All the beaches in this area are sandy. Some feature tightly packed dark sand, particularly in the port area of Durrës.
- There are also beaches with fine white sand, mainly in Golem.
- There are no pebble beaches in this resort.
Now, for the most crucial detail. Durrës is a port city, boasting the largest and busiest port in Albania (41.315989, 19.456331). 90% of maritime transport passes through this port.
Important to know:
Everything north of (above) the Durrës port is the old city. Here, you’ll find all the major attractions and a beautiful waterfront. There are almost no beaches in this part of the city, and those that do exist can barely be called beaches. Everything south of the port is the resort beach zone, with predominantly hotel construction.
As a tourist, here’s an essential tip:
- If you are traveling across the country and plan to spend 1-2 days in Durres before heading to the beaches of the Ionian Sea in southern Albania, look for accommodation in the old part of the city, north of the port. Here, you’ll find better infrastructure, a beautiful promenade, and all the attractions.
- However, if you plan to stay for a beach holiday in Durrës or Golem, then search for hotels south of the port.
- The city center will be a bit far, but you can take a taxi or a bus to explore.
- Cafes and restaurants are plentiful everywhere.
- Tip: for beach vacations look for accommodation closer to Golem, farther from the port. The water near the port is murkier, and the beaches are less attractive.
Interesting to know:
Through the provided link, you’ll find a ranking of the best beaches in Albania.
Attractions and Places to Visit
By now, it’s clear that all the landmarks are concentrated in the old part of Durrës. In the resort beach development south of the port, the main focus is on the sea. If you’re seeking a cultural experience, you’ll need to head to the center of Durrës. But I’ll tell you right away, spending one day or perhaps four hours will suffice to explore all the interesting sites.
- All the landmarks mentioned in this article can be found on the travel map.
- The most comprehensive list of excursions in and from Durrës for tourists, provided by local guides.
Venetian Tower
A symbol of the city, along with the amphitheater. You’ll find this tower on almost every postcard from Durrës. As the name suggests, it was built by the Venetians in the 14th–15th centuries, at a time when Venetian influence in the region was waning, and the Ottoman Empire was gaining strength. The main purpose of the tower was to defend the city from Ottoman invasions — a task it ultimately failed to accomplish.
Nevertheless, the tower has been well preserved and remains one of the few surviving structures from the Venetian era.
Interestingly, the Venetian Tower marks the beginning of the ancient Via Egnatia. Although it was built much later than the famous Roman road, this is where the first kilometer of that historic route starts.
- Coordinates: 41.309716, 19.446954
- Entrance fee: €6, but admission is free on the last Sunday of every month.
- Inside, you’ll find a multimedia exhibition featuring virtual reality experiences.
- Recommended visit time: Around 25 minutes if you plan to go inside.
Author’s Rating:
7 out of 10. The tower is well-preserved. The entrance fee of 6 euros might be a bit expensive considering the relatively small exhibition inside. However, the use of VR glasses adds an engaging aspect to the experience.
Durrës Castle
Or rather, what’s left of it. While in the Middle Ages this was a full-fledged defensive fortress, today only a section of the fortified wall and a few small structures remain. Nowadays, cafés and small restaurants are located within the former castle grounds, where you can sit down for a coffee.
- The castle is located just 50 meters behind the Venetian Tower.
- Entrance is free and open 24/7.
- Coordinates: 41.310550, 19.445822 — this marks the largest surviving section of the wall.
- Recommended time to visit (if you’re not stopping for coffee): 5–10 minutes — just enough to take a quick look.
Author’s Rating:
4 out of 10. A rather weak attraction. Albania has plenty of castles, almost every city has one, and most of them are better preserved than Durrës Castle.
However, since you’ll likely be passing by anyway, it’s worth turning your head and having a look!
Byzantine Market Square (Rotunda or Forum)
This site is known by different names — some call it a forum, others a rotunda — but in fact, it was a market square. The ruins (and that’s really the only way to describe them) date back to the 6th century AD. At that time, it was the largest marketplace in the entire region.
- Coordinates: 41.315005, 19.445773
- It’s located about 500 meters from the Venetian Tower.
- The ruins are fenced off with a waist-high barrier, but you can easily see them.
- Free to visit, 24/7 access
- Time needed: about 5 minutes — that’s all you’ll need to take a look.
Author’s Rating:
1 out of 10. Although Durrës is an ancient city, nearly as old as Rome itself, there are no impressive ancient architectural masterpieces here. It’s disappointing, especially since many of these 2,000-year-old landmarks are covered in trash, left without care or preservation. Sadly, this reflects a broader problem across Albania, and perhaps its only major downside. The market square is no exception — dirty and not much to see.
If this is your first time in Albania, the trash will definitely catch your eye — it’s everywhere. The amphitheater, which I’ll mention later, is even dirtier. But give it a week, and you’ll probably stop noticing the bottles and scraps of paper scattered around.
Amphitheater of Durrës
This is a very controversial landmark that leaves most visitors with mixed feelings.
On the one hand, the Durrës Amphitheater is a grand architectural monument. Here are just a few facts about it:
- The amphitheater was built in the 1st century AD — a genuine example of ancient Roman architecture.
- For the first 300 years, it served its original purpose, hosting gladiator fights.
- Its dimensions are impressive: 132 by 114 meters.
- It is the largest and oldest surviving amphitheater in the Balkans — and that’s not just my opinion, but a verified fact from Wikipedia.
Personally, I believe that the amphitheater in Pula, Croatia, is both larger and better preserved — and it was built around the same time, in the 1st century AD.
Still, the Durrës Amphitheater could hold up to 20,000 spectators! Just imagine how big and important this city was during Roman times. For comparison: by the 18th century, during Ottoman rule, Durrës had a population of no more than a thousand people.
On the other hand, today the amphitheater looks — if not neglected — then very poorly maintained. There’s a lot of trash around, and although it’s a protected monument with paid entry, it’s unclear where the collected funds are going.
- Coordinates: 41.312243, 19.444975
- If you don’t plan to enter the inner parts or climb the stands, you can view the amphitheater from the outside for free, 24/7.
- If you want to explore inside, tickets cost 300 lek (about €3).
- Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM.
- Recommended visit time: Just to walk around and take photos: about 10 minutes. Full visit inside: 30 minutes max.
Author’s Rating:
9 out of 10 for historical significance.
3 out of 10 for current condition.
In short: the site is a bit of a disappointment, but still a must-visit. It’s a symbol of an entire era — and let’s not forget, the amphitheater is almost 2,000 years old.
Villa of King Ahmet I Zogu
There’s very little up-to-date information about this place online. I won’t go into its full history, but here are the key facts:
The villa is located in Durrës, perched on a hill 120 meters above sea level. It was built in 1937 as a summer residence for the first (and last) King of Albania, Ahmet Zogu. Shortly after, following World War II, the Communists came to power.
During his 40-year rule, Enver Hoxha used this villa to host high-ranking foreign guests. Over the years, it welcomed such figures as Nikita Khrushchev, Jimmy Carter (President of the United States), and many others.
- Coordinates: 41.314524, 19.438377
- Until recently, the villa was completely closed to visitors. Today, a guard is stationed at the entrance and, for 200 lek (about €2), will let you inside.
- Inside, there is no furniture or interior decoration, and the building itself looks to be in poor condition. However, the balconies on the upper floors offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea — definitely worth the visit for that alone.
- Recommended visit time: about 30 minutes to enjoy the views.
Author’s Rating:
6 out of 10 — The views of the city and sea are beautiful.
As a bonus, there are about a dozen military bunkers near the villa’s base — part of Enver Hoxha’s famous defensive structures scattered all over the country.
What Else to See in Durrës?
These were the main attractions of the city. To be honest, there are no landmarks here that will truly amaze or impress a tourist. You can easily visit all of them within a couple of hours.
However, if you have extra time and are a fan of churches, religious sites, or museums, here are a few more places worth checking out:
- Durrës Archaeological Museum — 41.311376, 19.440116
- Old Fatih Mosque — 41.311063, 19.445833
- Church of Saint Paul — 41.310653, 19.448795
- New promenade in the old town and a great sunset spot — 41.310499, 19.434953
Durrës and Golem: Pros, Cons, and Tips for Tourists
Here’s the deal:
If you’ve already booked a trip to Albania and chosen this area, don’t worry — you’ll still have a good time. But if you’re still deciding on where to go, I would highly recommend considering Vlorë, another Adriatic seaside city, or better yet, resorts along the Ionian Sea.
Overall, Durrës and Golem often don’t live up to the high expectations set by glowing online reviews. They are great for 1–2 days of sightseeing, walking around the old town, visiting the amphitheater, and strolling the promenade. But for a beach vacation, it’s definitely better to head south.
If you do choose to stay here, here are a few tips:
- Look for accommodation away from the port, toward the south side — at least 2–3 km away. Ideally, stay in Golem — the sand is cleaner and whiter, and you won’t see the port.
- Keep in mind that Tirana is only 40 km away, so on weekends and holidays, locals flock here for beach trips — often with entire families. During peak season, the crowds are overwhelming.
- In my personal opinion, Durrës is the dirtiest beach resort in Albania. The reason is simple: too many people, many of whom are locals. And unfortunately, Albanians have a somewhat casual attitude toward littering.
- The one real advantage of Durrës is its infrastructure. It’s a big city with everything you need — shops, markets, hospitals, etc.
Useful to know:
If you’re one of those travelers looking to spend a month in a city with good infrastructure and beaches, Vlorë might be a better choice. You can find a full city review through the link mentioned above. It’s also a large city with all necessary amenities, but without a massive port, without overwhelming crowds of locals, and much cleaner. So you get all the advantages of a big city, without the downsides of Durrës.
Conclusion
Durrës and Golem are great for a short visit — a couple of days.
- If you’re here for the beach, look for accommodation in Golem.
- If you want to be close to historic landmarks, stay in the old town of Durrës.
Spending a few weekdays here can be enjoyable, but if you have the chance, head further south — you’ll find better beaches, more interesting attractions, and more to explore.
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Albania
- Flights at the best prices with best discounts
- Car rental in Albania (cheaper – only by bus):
- DiscoverCars – a major international resource
- LocalRent – the leader in the Albanian car rental market. Very low deposits, even in cash.
- Hotels and apartments throughout the country:
- TripAdvisor – compares prices among dozens of platforms and offer you the best one.
- Trip.com – large online booking platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages: CheapOair.
- Tours, excursions and activities:
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1050+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Albania from $4.5
- DRIMSIM – universal SIM card (or eSIM) in any country in the world.
- Taxi and airport transfer: Intui.Travel