Durres is a lively port city on Albania’s coast, famous for its ancient ruins, lively promenade, and delicious seafood. It’s also surprisingly well-positioned for exploring nearby attractions, making it a perfect base for city tours. Whether you want to walk through historic ruins, savor local wines, or combine a day of culture and nature, Durres has options that suit different tastes and schedules. We especially like the Berat Day Trip for its UNESCO World Heritage charm and the Tirana & Durres combined tour for a balanced mix of urban exploration and coastal relaxation.
Durres’s coastal vibe and proximity to scenic spots make it an ideal starting point for diverse tours. Plus, many experiences are tailored for travelers looking to get a real sense of Albanian culture, history, and landscape without spending days in transit. Here, you’ll find options to suit a variety of interests—from history lovers to wine enthusiasts—and all are designed to maximize your time and enjoyment.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ve compiled eight of the best city and day tours in Durres, each offering something unique. You’ll find options like historic city walks, full-day excursions to Berat and Kruja, scenic lakes and mountain trips, and local wine tastings. For a truly immersive experience, consider the Berat City & Belshi Lake Day Trip, which combines history with nature, or the Bovilla Lake and Tirana City Day Tour, perfect for outdoor lovers. For those interested in gastronomy, the Durres City Food Walking Tour offers a delicious way to discover local flavors. We’ll walk through each of these options, highlighting what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
1. From Durres/Golem: Berat City & Belshi Lake Day Trip
Starting with the Berat City & Belshi Lake Day Trip, this tour is perfect for those eager to see a UNESCO-listed town with a storybook feel. The trip kicks off with a scenic drive from Durres or Golem, heading into the heart of Albania’s interior. Berat’s hillside houses, Ottoman-era architecture, and the imposing Berat Castle make it a standout destination. The guide will lead you through highlights like the Ottoman Gorica Bridge and the Onufri Iconographic Museum, which displays stunning religious art.
What sets this tour apart is the mix of cultural and natural sights. The visit to Lake Belshi offers a peaceful pause with beautiful views and photo opportunities. The tour’s 6-hour length makes it manageable for a day without feeling rushed. Reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guide and well-organized itinerary, with comments like “Mario was very friendly and shared fascinating history,” and “The tour was a perfect blend of history and nature.”
Bottom Line: This trip offers a rich dose of history, culture, and scenery, ideal for history buffs or anyone who appreciates a good storybook town. Perfect for a longer day out from Durres.
2. From Durres Golem: Bovilla Lake and Tirana City Day Tour
Next on our list, the Bovilla Lake and Tirana City Day Tour covers both urban and natural highlights. Starting from Durres or Golem, your first stop is Tirana, Albania’s lively capital. A guided tour of Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Pyramid gives a quick but insightful overview of the city’s modern history.
After exploring Tirana, the tour transitions to the peaceful Bovilla Lake, a favorite spot for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and perhaps a quick photo session at the lake’s tranquil waters. The dual nature of this trip makes it ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything—culture, views, and a chance to breathe in some mountain air. With a total duration of around 6 hours, reviews praise the mix of guided sightseeing and free time. One reviewer notes, “The scenery at Bovilla Lake is breathtaking, and Tirana’s brief tour was enough to get a feel for the city.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to see the capital and escape into nature in one day, especially if you’re short on time but craving diverse experiences.
3. Albanian Wine Tasting at Durres City
For connoisseurs or anyone curious about Albanian flavors, the Albanian Wine Tasting at Durres City is a delightful experience. In just 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll sample a selection of local wines, including Kallmet and Shesh i Zi, paired expertly with cheeses, cured meats, and other small bites. The intimate setting of a cozy wine bar creates a relaxed atmosphere for learning about Albanian winemaking traditions.
What makes this experience special is the opportunity to understand the nuances of Albanian vineyards and terroirs. The guide offers insights into the history and craft of local winemaking, making each sip more meaningful. With a perfect 5-star rating from seven reviews, participants rave about the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the wines. One reviewer shared, “It was a great way to relax and learn about a new part of Albanian culture.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine lovers or those seeking a relaxed evening with good drinks and local stories. A perfect add-on after a day of sightseeing.
4. Bovilla Lake, Kruja Castle & Durrës City Day Trip
If you want a comprehensive day exploring Albania’s highlights, the Bovilla Lake, Kruja Castle & Durrës City Day Trip is a solid choice. This full-day tour covers stunning scenery like Bovilla Lake, where you can hike or photograph the landscape, and historic Kruja Castle, home to Skanderbeg’s fortress and museum.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Durrës’s impressive Roman Amphitheatre and the Venetian Tower, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. The tour is flexible enough to include shopping in the Old Bazaar of Kruja and relaxing on Durrës Beach. With a 7-12 hour duration, it’s suited for travelers who want a wide-ranging experience. Reviewers mention the well-organized schedule and knowledgeable guides, with one saying, “It was a full but very enjoyable day, and we saw so much.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing, history, and nature without multiple trips—and it’s suitable for families and history fans alike.
5. Durres: Private Guided City Walking Tour
If you prefer a focused, walkable introduction to Durres, the Private Guided City Walking Tour offers a 2-hour deep dive into the city’s storied past. This tour takes you through the amphitheater, the castle, and the Archaeological Museum, with plenty of time for questions and personalized attention.
While reviews are mixed with a low rating of 1.6/5, the detailed exploration of the city’s key sites makes it a good option for first-timers who want a quick overview. The guide will point out the Royal Villa of Durres, offering a glimpse of the city’s royal past. This tour is best for those with limited time who prefer walking and want to avoid overly rushed group tours.
Bottom Line: Short but insightful, ideal for travelers visiting Durres for a day and interested in a tailored experience.
6. Tirana & Durres: 2 city tours – 1 day
For travelers wanting a balance of culture and coastal relaxation, the Tirana & Durres: 2 city tours in one day offers a well-rounded experience. Starting from Tirana, you’ll visit major landmarks like Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum, then head to Durres for a guided walk, including the amphitheater and the beach promenade.
This tour is perfect for those short on time but wanting a comprehensive taste of both cities. The 8-hour schedule allows for meaningful visits without feeling rushed. Reviewers praise the mix of sightseeing and free time, making it suitable for culture and beach lovers alike. The guide’s multilingual skills enhance the experience.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to sample both Tirana’s and Durres’s highlights without multiple days out.
7. From Golem & Durres: Durres City Tour
The Durres City Tour from Golem and Durres is an affordable, straightforward way to explore Durres’s main attractions. For just $18 per person, you’ll visit the amphitheater, walk along the seaside promenade, and see the Venetian Tower. The tour also includes a drive past the Royal Villa of King Zog, giving a glimpse of royal Albania.
It’s a 6-hour tour that balances sightseeing and leisure. Reviewers note it’s a good value for the price, especially for budget-conscious travelers wanting a quick overview. The guide’s local knowledge makes for an engaging experience, with some mentioning how the walk along the walls offers nice views and photo ops.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly way to see Durres’s highlights in a relaxed setting, perfect for those with limited time or a tight budget.
8. Durres: City Food Walking Tour with Local Tastings
Finally, food lovers shouldn’t miss the Durres City Food Walking Tour. Over 3 hours, you’ll sample traditional Albanian dishes at multiple local spots, discovering the city’s culinary scene firsthand. Expect to try regional specialties, learn about the city’s food culture, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
This tour is perfect for those wanting a tangible taste of Albanian life—whether it’s sampling fresh seafood or homemade pastries. The guide shares stories behind each dish, making the experience educational as well as tasty. If you’re interested in local culture through cuisine, this is a solid choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies or travelers who want to combine sightseeing with delicious tasting experiences.
How to Choose Your Perfect Durres Tour
When deciding which tour best fits your interests, consider your budget, time availability, and personal passions. For a deep dive into history and architecture, the Berat day trip is hard to beat. If you prefer a mix of urban and outdoor activities, the Tirana & Bovilla Lake tour offers variety. Foodies should look at the local tastings, while those craving a comprehensive day might go for the full-day Kruja and Bovilla.
Also, consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking or hiking, like the Kruja tour, while others are more relaxed. Check availability and book early, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
In Summary
Durres offers a rich variety of tours that showcase its historic ruins, scenic landscapes, and lively culture. For a culture, the Berat day trip is a highlight. For a mix of city life and mountain scenery, the Tirana & Bovilla Lake tour is a great pick. Food lovers will appreciate the local tastings, and history enthusiasts can’t go wrong with a guided walk of Durres itself.
No matter your interest, early booking is recommended to avoid missing out. These tours give you a fantastic way to see Albania’s diverse attractions without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.