Discovering Durres, Albania: A Month of Adventure and Insights
After spending a month in Durres, Albania, a vibrant coastal city, we are excited to share our experiences and insights. From budgeting for accommodation to grocery shopping, dining out, and exploring the local culture, each aspect of our journey has been unique and full of surprises.
Our decision to visit Durres was made back in February while we were in Vietnam, planning our travel itinerary for the summer. Europe can be expensive during this season, so we were thrilled to hear that Albania was emerging as a trendy, affordable destination. With our summer plans finalized, we opted for a two-city adventure, with Durres as one of our chosen spots, largely due to its proximity to the beach and ease of access from Tirana, Albania's capital.
In terms of accommodation, we opted for an Airbnb, which we booked in advance while still in February, securing competitive pricing for our July stay. The total cost for our Airbnb in Durres was 78,314 Albanian Leke, equivalent to around 858 USD. The location was ideal, offering a hilly perspective close to the beach, and our stay was made even more enjoyable by the presence of kittens that lived around our Airbnb—an unexpected yet delightful bonus.
Grocery Shopping Insights
One of our favorite experiences was grocery shopping, as we enjoy discovering local flavors and products. Our total expenditure on groceries amounted to 29,993 Albanian Leke (328 USD), significantly more than when we traveled to Bangkok but justified by the fact that we cooked almost every meal at home.
We enjoyed the familiar ingredients available, including reasonably priced bread from local bakeries and fresh produce obtained from markets. However, we also noted that we couldn't find quality meat available at supermarkets, so local butcher shops became a regular stop for us.
Dining Out: Local Cuisine and Costs
While we cooked most of our meals at home, we still enjoyed dining out occasionally. Our total dining expenditure was 8,150 Albanian Leke (89 USD). The local dining scene featured an array of Mediterranean cuisine, particularly from Italy, Greece, and Albania itself. Prices were affordable, with many dishes priced between 400 to 500 Leke.
However, a notable downside was the lack of inviting coffee shops. Most local coffee establishments seemed more geared toward socializing rather than creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
Entertainment and Exploration
Entertainment options in Durres were limited, contributing to our total spending of zero in this category. We were eager to visit the archaeological museum but found it closed during our entire stay. Instead, we explored Roman ruins and viewpoints, though we were discouraged by the litter found in public spaces.
Transportation in the city was primarily by foot, as Durres proved to be walkable, minimizing our transport expenses. We did rent a car for a couple of days for a road trip, costing 18,900 Albanian Leke (27 USD), which included gas expenses.
Living in Durres also offered us insights into local culture and attitudes. We found the Albanians to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming, reflecting a cultural principle known as "Bessa," which emphasizes trust and hospitality.
Public behavior like double-parking vehicles was commonplace, and local customs around walking on the sidewalk demonstrated an unspoken respect, where locals would yield space. English proficiency among locals was surprisingly high, making communication easier than anticipated.
However, some cultural aspects, such as the prevalence of smoking in public areas and the concerning waste management issues in the city, were less pleasant. We noticed an abundance of litter along the streets and around popular sites, which significantly detracted from the overall beauty of the area.
Overall Spending and Reflections
In total, we spent around 166,640 Albanian Leke (1,759 USD) during our month-long stay. This cost could be lowered if not factoring in the car rental, leading to a total of about 1,552 USD.
While it was a unique experience, we left Durres with mixed feelings. While the friendliness of the people made our stay enjoyable, the city's lack of refinement and infrastructure left us wanting more. We’d recommend visiting Durres as a short trip, but perhaps not for an extended stay of a month unless you are deeply invested in exploring more areas of Albania.
Conclusion
Our adventure in Durres highlighted both the charm and challenges of this emerging destination. While we appreciated the warm hospitality and the opportunity to experience a unique culture, we found areas for improvement, particularly in cleanliness and infrastructure.
As we venture on to our next destination, Tirana, we remain grateful for our time in Albania, having met wonderful locals and created lasting memories. If you have suggestions for cities worth exploring in Albania or other travel tips, please share. Stay tuned for our upcoming videos where we delve into our impressions of Tirana!
Part 1/9:
Discovering Durres, Albania: A Month of Adventure and Insights
After spending a month in Durres, Albania, a vibrant coastal city, we are excited to share our experiences and insights. From budgeting for accommodation to grocery shopping, dining out, and exploring the local culture, each aspect of our journey has been unique and full of surprises.
Why We Chose Durres
Part 2/9:
Our decision to visit Durres was made back in February while we were in Vietnam, planning our travel itinerary for the summer. Europe can be expensive during this season, so we were thrilled to hear that Albania was emerging as a trendy, affordable destination. With our summer plans finalized, we opted for a two-city adventure, with Durres as one of our chosen spots, largely due to its proximity to the beach and ease of access from Tirana, Albania's capital.
Accommodation Budget
Part 3/9:
In terms of accommodation, we opted for an Airbnb, which we booked in advance while still in February, securing competitive pricing for our July stay. The total cost for our Airbnb in Durres was 78,314 Albanian Leke, equivalent to around 858 USD. The location was ideal, offering a hilly perspective close to the beach, and our stay was made even more enjoyable by the presence of kittens that lived around our Airbnb—an unexpected yet delightful bonus.
Grocery Shopping Insights
One of our favorite experiences was grocery shopping, as we enjoy discovering local flavors and products. Our total expenditure on groceries amounted to 29,993 Albanian Leke (328 USD), significantly more than when we traveled to Bangkok but justified by the fact that we cooked almost every meal at home.
Part 4/9:
We enjoyed the familiar ingredients available, including reasonably priced bread from local bakeries and fresh produce obtained from markets. However, we also noted that we couldn't find quality meat available at supermarkets, so local butcher shops became a regular stop for us.
Dining Out: Local Cuisine and Costs
While we cooked most of our meals at home, we still enjoyed dining out occasionally. Our total dining expenditure was 8,150 Albanian Leke (89 USD). The local dining scene featured an array of Mediterranean cuisine, particularly from Italy, Greece, and Albania itself. Prices were affordable, with many dishes priced between 400 to 500 Leke.
Part 5/9:
However, a notable downside was the lack of inviting coffee shops. Most local coffee establishments seemed more geared toward socializing rather than creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
Entertainment and Exploration
Entertainment options in Durres were limited, contributing to our total spending of zero in this category. We were eager to visit the archaeological museum but found it closed during our entire stay. Instead, we explored Roman ruins and viewpoints, though we were discouraged by the litter found in public spaces.
Transportation in the city was primarily by foot, as Durres proved to be walkable, minimizing our transport expenses. We did rent a car for a couple of days for a road trip, costing 18,900 Albanian Leke (27 USD), which included gas expenses.
Part 6/9:
Cultural Observations and Experiences
Living in Durres also offered us insights into local culture and attitudes. We found the Albanians to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming, reflecting a cultural principle known as "Bessa," which emphasizes trust and hospitality.
Public behavior like double-parking vehicles was commonplace, and local customs around walking on the sidewalk demonstrated an unspoken respect, where locals would yield space. English proficiency among locals was surprisingly high, making communication easier than anticipated.
Part 7/9:
However, some cultural aspects, such as the prevalence of smoking in public areas and the concerning waste management issues in the city, were less pleasant. We noticed an abundance of litter along the streets and around popular sites, which significantly detracted from the overall beauty of the area.
Overall Spending and Reflections
In total, we spent around 166,640 Albanian Leke (1,759 USD) during our month-long stay. This cost could be lowered if not factoring in the car rental, leading to a total of about 1,552 USD.
Part 8/9:
While it was a unique experience, we left Durres with mixed feelings. While the friendliness of the people made our stay enjoyable, the city's lack of refinement and infrastructure left us wanting more. We’d recommend visiting Durres as a short trip, but perhaps not for an extended stay of a month unless you are deeply invested in exploring more areas of Albania.
Conclusion
Our adventure in Durres highlighted both the charm and challenges of this emerging destination. While we appreciated the warm hospitality and the opportunity to experience a unique culture, we found areas for improvement, particularly in cleanliness and infrastructure.
Part 9/9:
As we venture on to our next destination, Tirana, we remain grateful for our time in Albania, having met wonderful locals and created lasting memories. If you have suggestions for cities worth exploring in Albania or other travel tips, please share. Stay tuned for our upcoming videos where we delve into our impressions of Tirana!