Durres or Vlore, Albania: Which Coastal City is Better? (2026)
Trying to figure out which coastal city to visit in Albania can be challenging, especially if you’ve never been. Durres and Vlore are both on the Adriatic Sea and not that far from Tirana. But which one is better, Durres or Vlore?
I’ve stayed in both cities. Honestly, there’s things I enjoy about each one. But I’ll compare them and give you the pros and cons, so you can decide if Durres or Vlore is better for you.
Durres or Vlore, Albania: Which Coastal City is Better?
Durres and Vlore are only 123 km apart on the coast of Albania, but in some ways they are very different.
The biggest difference is that Vlore is where the Albanian Riviera starts and has more of a touristy, holiday vibe. Durres feels a bit more like a local’s city that happens to have palm trees and be on the coast.
Skip ahead to the summary of Vlore vs. Durres pros and cons
Durres and Vlore Overview
Durres is slightly larger than Vlore. It’s the second largest city in Albania and has the largest port. Vlore is the fourth largest city with the second largest port.
Because Vlore is touted as the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and the beginning of the famous Albanian Riviera, it gets more international tourists than Durres. It feels like a holiday destination, especially down by the water.
Durres has more of an every-day life vibe, though on the sea and with palm trees. I think it’s more attractive than Vlore and has a more and enjoyable and walkable centre.
The centre of Durres is very close to the water and has a Mediterranean feel. Vlore’s main square and centre is a bit removed from the water, and you can almost forget the city is by the sea.
Neither city is over-commercialized like Ksamil, or heavily touristed like Saranda (though Vlore will likely become busier once the new Vlore airport is operation).
Which is Easier to Get to, Durres or Vlore?
Durres is easier and cheaper to get to than Vlore. Durres is only 37 km from Tirana city centre and 29 km from Tirana airport. It takes 30 minutes by taxi. Vlore is 150 km from the airport and even further from Tirana.
A new airport is under construction in Vlore. Once it opens it will be faster to get to Vlore if you fly into the Vlore Airport. It was supposed to open in summer 2025, but was delayed. It should open in 2026.
If you’re flying into Tirana, take a few days and see Albania’s capital. Tirana is worth visiting – it’s a completely under-rated European city.
Where are the Beaches Better, Vlore or Durres?
Vlore has better beaches than Durres. Vlore is on the Albanian Riviera, and the beaches heading south from Vlore are among the best in Albania. These beaches are on the Ionian Sea and famous for clear blue water.
Vlore does have a beach in the centre (Lungomare Beach), but pollution is sometimes a problem. The nice swimming beaches start 10 km south of Vlore with Bora Bora Beach and Radhime Beach.
Durres is not part of the Riviera, it’s on the Adriatic Sea. The beaches south of Durres, particularly Durres Beach and Golem Beach are the longest in Albania, but they can’t compare to the beaches near Vlore.
In Durres, the main swimming beach (Durres Beach) is 3 km from the centre.
Does Vlore or Durres Have More to Do?
There are more things to do in Durres than Vlore. Durres is bigger and has more historical sites. Despite Durres being the larger city, I found it more compact and easier to explore. In Vlore the sites are more spread out.
Durres has more ancient ruins than Vlore, but Vlore has a nicer beachfront promenade in the centre. Here are the highlights of both cities:
Things to do in Durres
- Explore the Durres Amphitheatre: The largest ancient amphitheatre in the Balkans.
- Climb the Venetian Watch Tower: A Venetian watchtower and castle fortification walls dating back to the 14th century.
- See the Byzantine Market Square: Ruins of a 6th century Roman market.
- Enjoy the beaches: Durres has two beaches, each 3 km from the centre.
- Visit the National Archeological Museum: The largest archeological museum in Albania (currently closed, but should re-open later in 2025).
- View the Church of Apostle Paul and Saint Asti: Beautiful new Orthodox church.
- Take an Evening Stroll along Taulantia Promenade: A popular sea front promenade in the centre.
Things to do in Vlore
- Visit the museums: National Museum of Independence, Museum of History and Ethnographic Museum.
- Explore Old Town: Charming small area with restored homes and a few restaurants.
- See Muradie Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Albania, built in 1537.
- Take an evening stroll on the promenade: The promenade along Lungomare Beach is a hive of activity when the sun goes down.
- Enjoy the beaches: The best ones are outside the centre.
Which is Better for Day Trips
Vlore is more centrally located in Albania and has more options for day trips. But there are several nice options from Durres also.
Day trips from Durres
Golem: Have a beach day in the resort town of Golem. The beaches are quieter and cleaner than those in Durres. You can easily reach Golem by local bus, it’s only 12 km from Durres. Apart from the beaches there isn’t much to do in Golem, but if all you want is a nice beach it’s a good choice.
Kruja: One of Albania’s most important historic mountain towns, and it’s only 45 minutes from Durres by bus. There’s a 400 year old Ottoman bazaar, an ancient castle and museum dedicated to the national hero, Skanderbeg. Kruja is beautiful and well worth visiting.
Cape Rodon: A magical off the beaten path cape on the Adriatic. The little explored area has beaches, Rodoni Castle and historic St. Anthony Church. Think nature walks, secluded beaches and spectacular scenery. You’ll probably have to arrange for a private transfer or rent a car to get here.
If you don’t have a car, take this day tour to Cape Rodon that includes a stop at a local vineyard for winetasting:
Cape of Rodon and Wine Tasting Tour
Day trips from Vlore
Apollonia Archeological Park (UNESCO): Ancient Greek city dating back to 6th century BC. There’s no direct bus from Vlore, but you can book a private transfer or take a day tour like this highly rated tour which includes Berat, and Zvernec.
Berat (UNESCO): Known as the city of a thousand windows, this is beautiful historic town with an Ottoman side and Christian side divided by a river. I arranged a private transfer with Taxi Landi from Vlore when I went to Berat, but you can also take a bus from Vlore.
Zvernec & St. Mary’s Monastery: Picturesque village famous for a small island connected to the mainland by a wooden pedestrian bridge and home to the 13th century monastery, St. Mary’s.
I would have done this day tour if I didn’t have my dog with me. It includes all 3 sites:
Apollonia Archaeological Park, Zvernec & Berat Day Tour
Dhermi: A picturesque village on the Albanian Riviera. The upper town looks very Greek with white washed homes and cobblestone lanes. The lower town has beaches and seaside restaurants. There’s a bus from Vlore to Dhermi.
Ferry from Vlore or Durres to Italy
There are ferries from Durres and Vlore to Italy. This isn’t a day trip, but could be an overnight excursion.
From Durres the ferry goes to Bari, Italy. The crossing is 10 hours. From Vlore the ferry goes to Brindisi, Italy and the crossing is 7 hours. I’ve taken the ferry from Saranda to Corfu – a quick trip to Greece or Italy is a fun add-on to an Albanian itinerary!
Check the Direct Ferries website for schedule and ticket information.
Which Is Cheaper, Durres or Vlore?
Durres is cheaper than Vlore. During peak season everything is more expensive in both coastal cities, but in general Durres is about 15% less expensive than Vlore.
One of the reasons I like visiting Durres is that it has the best prices I have encountered anywhere on the Albanian coast. Airbnbs, groceries, coffees, restaurant meals – they were all cheaper in Durres.
Durres is Better for Families
Durres is better for families for a few reasons: it’s closer to Tirana so faster and easier to reach, its main swimming beach is closer to the centre than a clean swimming beach in Vlore, and Durres is more budget friendly.
Vlore is Better for Couples
Vlore has a nicer seaside promenade than Durres and a charming Old Town. In general the city is a bit more romantic and has more of a holiday vibe.
There are several gorgeous secluded beaches south of Vlore along the Albanian Riviera, and couples can enjoy sunset drinks overlooking Vlore from the restaurant beside Kuzum Baba.
Is Durres or Vlore Better for Solo Travellers?
In terms of safety, I felt very safe in both cities. Albania is very safe for solo travellers.
Durres is less expensive than Vlore and easier to reach from Tirana, but Vlore has a larger and more active expat community.
If budget and accessibility are important to you, Durres is better. But if you want to socialize with other travellers or nomads, Vlore is better.
How to Get to Durres and Vlore
You can travel to Durres and Vlore by bus, airport shuttle, taxi or by renting a car. There is no passenger rail service or Uber. Here’s exactly how:
How to get to Durres
- Bus: Buses leave every half hour from Tirana’s South North Bus Terminal. They operate 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Cost is 200 lek ($2.50 USD).
- Airport Bus: The airport bus to Durres leaves the airport every two hours from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. The fare is 600 lek ($7 USD). Check the airport bus schedule here.
- Taxi: Airport taxis charge 3000 lek ($35 USD). Taxis from Tirana centre charge 2200 ($26 USD). I recently used Taxi Lux to take me from Tirana to Durres.
- Car rental: Rent a car in Tirana and self drive. It’s mostly highway to Durres and straightforward. This option only makes sense if you want a car in Durres or to travel onward.
How to get to Vlore
- Bus: Take the bus from the South North Bus Terminal. It’s a 3 hour bus ride and cost 700 lek ($8.50 USD).
- Airport Bus: The airport bus to Vlore operates from 1:30 am to 8:00 pm. The fare is 1200 lek ($14.50 USD). Check the airport bus schedule here.
- Taxi: Check ahead and pre-book a private transfer from Tirana centre. It should cost less than the airport taxi, which is 11,000 lek ($131 USD). I use Taxi Lux for transfers from Tirana.
- Car rental: Rent a car and self drive. The drive is about 2.5 hours and the highways are good in Albania.
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Where to Eat in Vlore and Durres
Durres and Vlore both have excellent food. Seafood and traditional Albanian dishes are the best things to eat on the Albanian coast. Restaurant meals are less expensive in Durres.
Durres Restaurants
- Te Nona N’Durres: The menu changes daily in this local restaurant away from the tourist zone. Mix of traditional and international foods. It’s one of my favourite places to eat in Durres.
- Liriada Restaurant: Traditional home cooking. You can see what is prepared from the open kitchen and pick what you want.
- Peshk i Fresket Bracja 2: A seafood shop that for a small fee will cook your seafood anyway you like. Very popular with locals.
Vlore Restaurants
- Taverna Xhakaj: Traditional foods specializing in grilled meats. I ate here because it was away from the tourist area, and it was great.
- Sofra e Lakrorit: Homestyle Albanian foods. They are one of the few places that serve jufka, a traditional chicken and noodle dish.
- Pasticeri Likaj: My favourite pastry and coffee shop near the water.
Where to Stay in Vlore and Durres
Durres has a lot of hotels in the centre and a lot by Durres Beach, which is 3 km from the centre. Unless you want to be on the beach every day, it’s better to stay in the centre and visit the beach.
I like these hotels in Durres:
- Mid-priced: Art Gallery Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Old Town Villa
- Beachfront (mid-range): Cosmo Beach Hotel
In Vlore, it’s best to stay in Lungomare (beside the beach promenade), but close to the centre and not too far down.
These are good hotels in Vlore:
- Luxury: Abi’s Hotel & Spa Vlore
- Mid-priced: Beliz Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Ulcas Guest Huse
Pros and Cons of Durres and Vlore
To help you make your decision, here’s the pros and cons of visiting Vlore and Durres:
| Category | Durres | Vlore |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Access | Much closer to Tirana & airport (30 min by taxi) | Further from Tirana; new airport opening in 2026 |
| Overall Cost | 15% cheaper for accommodation, food & daily expenses | More expensive overall |
| City Atmosphere | Local vibe with palm trees, walkable centre right by the sea | Holiday vibe, larger expat community, nicer promenade |
| Beaches | Long Adriatic beaches (Durres & Golem), but less scenic | Ionian beaches south of the city are stunning & clear |
| Historical Sites | More ruins & compact layout; easier to explore | Fewer sites, more spread out |
| Day Trips | Kruja, Cape Rodon, Golem Beach | Apollonia, Berat, Zvernec, Dhermi |
| Best For… | Families, budget travellers, history lovers | Couples, beach lovers, social solo travellers |
| Romantic Factor | Lower – more practical city feel | Higher – seaside sunsets, Old Town charm |
| Ferry to Italy | Bari (10 hrs) | Brindisi (7 hrs) |
Last Words on Durres or Vlore, Albania: Which Coastal City is Better?
I’ve spent extended time in Durres and Vlore on my own, and enjoyed them both.
If I had to choose, I prefer Durres. I like having the centre so close to the water, the more local vibe and better prices. But if beaches are a major factor in your decision, you’ll probably like Vlore better.
