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Port of Durrës

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Port of Durrës (Albania)

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The Port of Durrës is Albania's largest and most significant maritime gateway, situated strategically on the Adriatic coast. It functions as the primary hub for international trade, handling approximately 90% of the country's total maritime cargo traffic. The port's history extends back to antiquity when, known as Dyrrhachium, it served as the western terminus of the Via Egnatia, connecting Rome to Constantinople. In the modern era, the infrastructure has undergone substantial modernization with international backing to expand container terminal capacities and ferry services to Italy. The port is a critical node of the Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII, linking the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea. Current development projects involve shifting heavy industrial operations to nearby Porto Romano to transform the historic port area into a premier tourist destination and luxury marina. Its strategic position makes it indispensable for the economic integration of the Western Balkans.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101012151923262623191511
Rain mm11810697776647272888110138136

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Port of Durrës is Albania's largest seaport and the main gateway for international trade. It handles the majority of the country's container and general cargo traffic, connecting Albania to European and Asian markets. For the region, it is the central logistics hub.
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Visiting
The port is a closed industrial area but is clearly visible from the outside along the quays. Visitors can watch ships entering and leaving from the waterfront promenade. A public viewing platform at the entrance provides a good overview of operations.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoint is the southern pier, offering a direct view of the container terminals. The café near the lighthouse is also well-suited for watching maritime traffic. From the coastal road, large cargo ships are also clearly visible.
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Local products
The port handles mainly imported consumer goods like electronics, clothing, and machinery, as well as Albanian exports such as textiles, footwear, and agricultural products. Port shops often sell typical Albanian souvenirs and local wine.
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Active season
The port is active year-round, with increased cargo traffic in spring and autumn before the Christmas and summer seasons. Ferry lines to Italy run multiple times daily. Mornings are particularly busy when ferries and freighters dock.
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Nearby
Combine the port visit with a stroll through Durrës' historic center, including the Roman amphitheater. The nearby beaches of Plazh and Golem are also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates
41.31300, 19.45200

Facts

  • The port handles over 3.5 million tons of cargo on an annual basis.
  • It features 11 berths with a total quay length of approximately 2,200 meters.
  • Durrës is the primary hub for Albanian ferry services to Bari and Ancona.
  • The port has operated as an autonomous state enterprise since 2003.
  • Roughly 1.5 million passengers use the port facilities each year.
  • The maximum water depth at the main piers is approximately 11.5 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Amphitheatre of DurrësAmphitheatre of Durrës<1 km · WExplore →
DurrësDurrës1 km · NExplore →
ArapajArapaj3 km · SEExplore →
RiniaRinia9 km · NExplore →
Katund i RiKatund i Ri10 km · NEExplore →
ShijakShijak10 km · EExplore →
SukthSukth11 km · NEExplore →
GolemGolem12 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Port of Durrës (10)

Katedralja Ortodokse e Shën Palit dhe Shën Asti

An Orthodox church in Durrës, Albania, dedicated to Saints Paul and Astius.

Catholic Church of Saint Lucia

A Catholic church in Durrës, Albania, dedicated to Saint Lucia.

Wall of turk period 1502

A wall from the Turkish period, built in 1502 in Durrës.

Hamami i Durrësit

An Ottoman bath in Durrës, Albania, a cultural monument.

Part of the Wall from Durrës Castle

A section of the fortification wall of Durrës Castle, located under a palace.

Ancient Well

An ancient well in Durrës, Albania.

Pallati i Kulturë "Aleksandër Moisiu"

A theatre in Durrës, Albania, named after actor Aleksandër Moisiu.

Roman Thermae

Roman thermal baths in Durrës, Albania.

Struktura ndërtese nga periudha osmane

Architectural structures from Ottoman and Roman periods, found during rescue excavations.

Alte Stadtmauer

Ruins of an old city wall in Durrës, Albania.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Port of Durrës accessible to visitors?
The ferry terminal is open to passengers; the industrial port is mostly not freely accessible for security reasons.
What ferry connections are there from Durrës?
There are daily connections to Italy, mainly to Bari and Ancona.
How important is the port for Albania's economy?
It is the largest port in the country and a central hub for trade in the Balkans.
Is there parking at the port?
Yes, there are paid parking spaces near the terminal for travelers and visitors.
What can you visit near the port?
The ancient amphitheater of Durrës and the Venetian Tower are just a few minutes' walk away.
Port of Durrës: where is it located?
Port of Durrës is located in Albania.
Port of Durrës: what is there to see?
Highlights include Katedralja Ortodokse e Shën Palit dhe Shën Asti, Catholic Church of Saint Lucia, Wall of turk period 1502.
Port of Durrës: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Port of Durrës: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Durrës is Albania's largest and most significant maritime gateway, situated strategically on the Adriatic coast.
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