Living in Durrës: a port city with a long beach
Durrës began as the ancient city of Epidamnos and later became the Roman Dyrrachium. That history is still part of everyday life. The Roman amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century AD, sits among the houses and apartment blocks of the city, and the Venetian Tower stands on the seafront.
It is also a working city. As the country’s main seaport, Durrës has shops, services and activity all year round, not only in summer. A seafront promenade runs along the water, and south of the city a long sandy beach stretches down the coast, so you can live in an urban setting and still be close to the sea.
Who a home in Durrës suits
Because the city stays active through the winter, Durrës is a natural choice if you want to live by the sea all year, whether you work locally or travel to Tirana, which is roughly 35 km away. It also works as a summer base for families who want the beach without giving up the services of a city.
Some buyers look at Durrës as an investment. Whether that makes sense depends on the specific building, its location and its paperwork, so judge each property on its own merits rather than on general expectations for the area.
Apartments in Durrës: the homes you will find
Much of what is for sale in and around Durrës is apartments in multi-storey buildings, from studios (garsoniera) to homes with several bedrooms. Listings are usually described by layout, such as 1+1 for one bedroom plus a living room, together with the floor, whether there is a lift and the area in square metres.
Our current listings in the Durrës area are in Mali i Robit, the beach area on the coast south of the city: a 1+1 apartment in a building with a lift and a studio, both on a third floor. You will find them further down this page, and the Mali i Robit guide describes that area in more detail.
Getting around Durrës and to Tirana
Tirana is roughly 35 km from Durrës, and Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza, at Rinas) lies between the two cities. That makes Durrës a practical base if you fly in and out regularly or have business in the capital.
Within the city, the seafront promenade is the natural place for a walk. When you view a home, check how far it is from the shops, schools and services you will use most, and how easy it is to park near the building.
What to check when buying property in Durrës
The points below are general guidance, not legal advice. A notary or lawyer can confirm each one for the specific property.
- The hipotekë: the ownership certificate registered with the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK), in the seller’s name.
- That no liens, loans or other charges are registered against the property.
- That the building has a legal volume and a valid building permit and, for a new build, an occupancy permit.
- The floor and whether there is a lift, which matters more in taller buildings.
- Whether the stated area is net or gross, since the two figures can differ.
- Whether the building is designed for year-round living or mainly for summer use.
