Top 2 Itineraries in Durrës

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Durrës.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Durrës offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Durrës’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Durrës offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Albania's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Durrës offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Durrës truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Durrës belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Durrës are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Durrës and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Durrës itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Durrës for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Durrës without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Durrës!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Shkodër, Gjirokastër, Krujë, Progonat, and Krongj is one of the best ways to experience Albania. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Durrës can easily be combined with other top destinations in Albania without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Shkodër, Gjirokastër, Krujë, Progonat, and Krongj by public transport, renting a car in Albania opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Tirana

• Arrival city: Tiranë
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tirana, e.g., Best Western Premier Ark Hotel
• Sightseeing: Tirana Park

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Tirana. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Tiranë

• Destinations: Tiranë
• Driving distance: 2.43 km, approx. 12 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tirana, e.g., Best Western Premier Ark Hotel
• Sightseeing: Et'hem Bej Mosque, Palace of Culture, Bunk'Art 2, Tirana Castle, and Skanderbeg Square
• Recommended tour: Tour of North Macedonia; Ohrid & Struga from Tirana

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Et'hem Bej Mosque, Palace of Culture, Bunk'Art 2, Tirana Castle, and Skanderbeg Square. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Tiranë, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Tiranë

• Destinations: Tiranë
• Driving distance: 9.46 km, approx. 36 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tirana, e.g., Best Western Premier Ark Hotel
• Sightseeing: Xhura Mosque, Regency Casino, and Rinia Park
• Recommended tour: Tour of Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana

Spend the day exploring Xhura Mosque, Regency Casino, and Rinia Park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Krujë, Tiranë, and Lezhë

• Destinations: Krujë, Tiranë, and Lezhë
• Driving distance: 124.17 km, approx. 2 hours and 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Shkoder, e.g., Hotel Tradita Geg & Tosk
• Sightseeing: Ethnographic Museum of Kruja, Gjergj Kastrioti National Museum (Skanderbeg), Castle of Kruja, LEZHA, and Kruja Bazaar

Continue your journey through Krujë, Tiranë, and Lezhë, where you can explore Ethnographic Museum of Kruja, Gjergj Kastrioti National Museum (Skanderbeg), Castle of Kruja, LEZHA, and Kruja Bazaar. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Shkoder.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Shkodër, Bërdicë e Sipërme, and Shirq

• Destinations: Shkodër, Bërdicë e Sipërme, and Shirq
• Driving distance: 55.63 km, approx. 1 hour and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Shkoder, e.g., Hotel Tradita Geg & Tosk
• Sightseeing: Buna River - Velipoja, Xhamia e Madhe - Ebu Bekr mosque, Rozafa Castle, Mesi Bridge, and "Marubi" National Museum of Photography.
• Recommended tour: Theth Albania Jeep Day Tour

Drive through Shkodër, Bërdicë e Sipërme, and Shirq, stopping to visit Buna River - Velipoja, Xhamia e Madhe - Ebu Bekr mosque, Rozafa Castle, Mesi Bridge, and "Marubi" National Museum of Photography. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Shkodër and Durrës

• Destinations: Shkodër and Durrës
• Driving distance: 234.93 km, approx. 3 hours and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Vlore, e.g., Maritim Resort Marina Bay
• Sightseeing: Venetian Tower of Durrës, Durrës Amphitheatre, Muzeu Kombëtar Arkeologjik, and Sfinksi
• Recommended tour: Snorkeling Tour Sazan Island & Karaburun 360 Experience

Spend time discovering Venetian Tower of Durrës, Durrës Amphitheatre, Muzeu Kombëtar Arkeologjik, and Sfinksi, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Vlore.

Day 7: Spend Time in Krongj, Vrinë, and Vlorë

• Destinations: Krongj, Vrinë, and Vlorë
• Driving distance: 248.31 km, approx. 4 hours and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Gjirokastra, e.g., Hotel Gjirokastra
• Sightseeing: The Blue Eye Parking Place, Blue Eye, and Butrint National Archaeological Park
• Recommended tour: Private Cooking Class in Gjirokaster, Albania

Explore The Blue Eye Parking Place, Blue Eye, and Butrint National Archaeological Park at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Gjirokastra.

Day 8: Explore Gjirokastër and Progonat

• Destinations: Gjirokastër and Progonat
• Driving distance: 101.6 km, approx. 2 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Gjirokastra, e.g., Hotel Gjirokastra
• Sightseeing: Zekate House, Skënduli House, Ujëvara e Peshturës Progonat, Castle of Gjirokastra, and Staryj gorod Girokastry
• Recommended tour: Walking Tour Baazar – The Argjiro Castle – Zekate house

Continue your road trip through Gjirokastër and Progonat, enjoying the flexibility to explore Zekate House, Skënduli House, Ujëvara e Peshturës Progonat, Castle of Gjirokastra, and Staryj gorod Girokastry and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Gjirokastër and Berat

• Destinations: Gjirokastër and Berat
• Driving distance: 258.2 km, approx. 4 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tirana, e.g., Best Western Premier Ark Hotel
• Sightseeing: Old Town Berat, Gorica Bridge, and Berat Castle
• Recommended tour: Albanian Alps and Theth Village Day Tour from Tirana w/ Lunch

Visit Old Town Berat, Gorica Bridge, and Berat Castle as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Tirana.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Tirana

• Departure city: Tiranë
• Driving distance: 2.61 km, approx. 12 minutes
• Sightseeing: Tanners' Bridge

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Tirana. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 715 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Durrës.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Durrës for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

A 4-day beach vacation in Durrës offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Durrës:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Cristal Rinia beach, Durres Beach, and Golem Beach.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Hotel Kloest for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like kayaking and sup-surfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Pastarella, Lefteri's Tavern, and il Gusto Ristorante, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Elvis Bar, Republika House Pub, and Tipsy drinks and more, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Durrës Amphitheatre, Venetian Tower of Durrës, Sfinksi, and Muzeu Kombëtar Arkeologjik, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in Durrës, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Durrës

Arrive in Tirana, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Cristal Rinia beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Durrës.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Durres Beach, a top beach in Durrës. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Venetian Tower of Durrës and Durrës Amphitheatre for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Say Farewell to Durrës

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Durrës. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Durrës. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Durrës's coastline.

As you explore Durrës, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Durrës for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Durrës in a way that feels truly unforgettable!