Durrës Amphitheatre & Seaside
Explore Albania's largest Roman amphitheatre, a 2nd-century marvel, and enjoy the nearby Adriatic seaside.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Durrës Amphitheatre & Seaside
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Albania's largest Roman amphitheatre, a 2nd-century marvel, and enjoy the nearby Adriatic seaside.
"A must-see in Durrës, offering a glimpse into Roman history with affordable entry and seaside charm."
Walkable City Center
The amphitheatre is near the beach and shops. Streets can be steep and narrow, so walking is best! :athletic_shoe:
Affordable Entry
Entry is only 300 Lek (cash or card accepted). A small price for a significant historical site. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Amphitheatre
City center
Albania's largest Roman amphitheatre, once seating 20,000. Explore its ancient stones and underground tunnels.
Seaside Promenade
Durrës coastline
Stroll along the lively promenade, enjoy sea views, and find local eateries and shops.
Underground Tunnels
Beneath the amphitheatre seating
Discover the fascinating tunnels and chambers that once served the amphitheatre's operations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Seaside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walkable City Center
The amphitheatre is near the beach and shops. Streets can be steep and narrow, so walking is best! :athletic_shoe:
Affordable Entry
Entry is only 300 Lek (cash or card accepted). A small price for a significant historical site. :moneybag:
Beach Alternatives
If city beaches are too crowded/dirty, take a bus north to Currilat or Golem for cleaner shores. :bus:
Renovation in Progress
Some areas are under renovation. Appreciate its past, but manage expectations for a fully restored monument. :construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
Walkable City Center
The amphitheatre is near the beach and shops. Streets can be steep and narrow, so walking is best! :athletic_shoe:
Affordable Entry
Entry is only 300 Lek (cash or card accepted). A small price for a significant historical site. :moneybag:
Beach Alternatives
If city beaches are too crowded/dirty, take a bus north to Currilat or Golem for cleaner shores. :bus:
Renovation in Progress
Some areas are under renovation. Appreciate its past, but manage expectations for a fully restored monument. :construction:
Basic Amenities
While a great visit, some reviewers noted a lack of toilets on site. Plan accordingly! :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Durrës Amphitheatre a significant historical site, especially its scale and underground tunnels, though many note that ongoing renovations mean it's not fully restored. The proximity to the beach and affordable entry are highlights, but some wish for better maintenance and amenities like restrooms.
"Didn't go in as most of it can be seen from outside. Looked interesting though. Area is steep with narrow streets so best to walk and not drive.
Entry to the site was 300 Lek so not expensive if you wanted to go in."
Stephen Jones
"The area is a mess that could easily be cleaned up. The place is beautiful, but it needs a thorough renovation.
There are a couple of signs on site describing what you are looking at. The tour duration is about 20 - 30 minutes.
In any case, it is a "must see" in Durres"
Juraj Jancovic
"The amphitheatre is close to the center and just a few minutes walk from the beach. It's a Roman amphiteatre and the largest amphiteatre in the Balkans having a capacity of around 20.000 people at it's peak time. The staff speaks English, payment can be done by cash or card. It's a nice little place to visit. Having some toilets would be really good. Around you will find on the main road shops and places to eat and drink."
Daniel AM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The amphitheatre is conveniently located in the city center, just a short walk from the beach and main road. If you're arriving by bus or furgon, it's easily accessible on foot. For those seeking cleaner beaches, taking a bus or furgon north towards Currilat or Golem is recommended.
The area around the amphitheatre has steep streets and can be narrow, making driving and parking challenging. It's generally advised to explore the central attractions on foot.
To find cleaner and less crowded beaches, travelers suggest taking the local bus or a 'furgon' (minibus) north towards areas like Currilat or Golem.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for the Durrës Amphitheatre is quite affordable at 300 Lek. Payment can typically be made with cash or card.
While specific hours can vary, the amphitheatre is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, especially if visiting during shoulder seasons.
Yes, you can get a good view of the amphitheatre from the low fence surrounding the site without purchasing a ticket. However, for a more complete experience, including the underground tunnels, entry is recommended.
The site itself has uneven surfaces and steep areas, particularly the streets leading to it. While parts of the accessible areas might be manageable, the overall terrain could be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the remains of the 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, including the seating areas and the fascinating underground tunnels and chambers. There are some signs providing historical context.
Most visitors find that a tour of the amphitheatre takes about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing time to see the main structures and tunnels.
Reviews indicate that while the site is historically significant, it is still undergoing renovation and could benefit from more thorough cleaning and upkeep in some areas.
Some visitors have noted that there aren't readily available toilets on site, so it's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit.
Built in the 2nd century CE by Emperor Trajan, it's the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans, capable of holding up to 20,000 spectators, and is a key remnant of Roman presence in Albania.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the amphitheatre is located near the main road where you'll find numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants offering local food and drinks.
Durrës offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants serving traditional Albanian cuisine, often featuring fresh seafood due to its coastal location.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scale of the amphitheatre from various angles, including the seating tiers and the entrance. The underground tunnels offer dramatic, moody shots. The surrounding streets also provide charming backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the amphitheatre. However, be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions, especially in sensitive areas.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, can provide beautiful lighting for photographs. Weekday mornings also offer fewer people, making it easier to compose your shots without obstructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For beach time, consider venturing north to areas like Currilat or Golem via bus or furgon, as these are often reported to be cleaner and less crowded than the city beaches, providing a more enjoyable experience for families seeking sand and sea.
💰 Budget Travelers
Getting around is also economical. Local buses and 'furgons' are inexpensive ways to reach the city center or explore beaches further afield like Currilat or Golem. Dining options range from affordable local eateries to more upscale restaurants, ensuring you can find meals to fit your budget.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Exploring the seaside promenade offers opportunities to people-watch and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. For those seeking quieter beaches, the bus routes north provide accessible and affordable options for a day trip away from the main city bustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Legacy of Durrës
Exploring the amphitheatre involves more than just viewing the main arena. A significant part of the experience is venturing into the underground tunnels and chambers that lie beneath the seating tiers. These areas provided access for performers, animals, and stagehands, and offer a unique perspective on the amphitheatre's operational complexity. While ongoing renovations mean not all areas may be fully accessible or restored, the existing structures provide a compelling glimpse into Roman urban life and entertainment.
Beyond the amphitheatre itself, Durrës boasts other Roman remnants, including a Roman Forum and Baths, though these are less prominent. The city's strategic location on the Adriatic coast made it a vital port and administrative center for the Roman Empire. Understanding this historical context enriches the visit, highlighting Durrës's enduring importance through millennia.
Navigating Durrës's Seaside and Beaches
However, when it comes to the beaches directly within Durrës, visitor experiences can be mixed. Some find them to be quite crowded and sometimes lacking in cleanliness, particularly during peak season. This has led many travelers to seek out alternative beach destinations nearby.
For those looking for a more pristine and less congested beach experience, the advice is to head north of the city. Popular recommendations include the beaches around Currilat and further along towards Golem. These areas are often described as cleaner and more tranquil, offering a more relaxing seaside escape. Accessing these spots is typically done via local buses or 'furgons' (minibuses), which are budget-friendly transportation options for those without a car.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit