Durrës is the Republic of Albania’s second most populous city and was once briefly its capital. This ancient and historic city is now almost an extension of Tirana, being only an hour away by car.

Located on the Adriatic Sea, it has the biggest and most popular stretch of beach in Albania. In the summer the beaches become almost too popular and very crowded.

In Roman times Durrës was known as Dyrrachium and remnants of this can be seen in its amphitheater, Byzantine forum and the artifacts in the archaeological museum. The Rock of Kavajë is about 8 km away from Durrës, and this is where, in 48 BC, during Caesar’s Civil War, Caesar fought against Pompey.

King Zog I built a palace here in 1937 and is well worth a visit.