Tirana mit Ausflug & Baden in Durres

About the destination: Tirana is by far the largest city in Albania and its administrative, cultural, economic, and industrial center. Today, it is an interesting and fascinating city, with a lively nightlife. Tirana is where old and new Albania meet. There is an imposing Ottoman mosque and its towering minaret near Skanderbeg Square, the main square of Tirana. The construction of the Ethem Bey Mosque began in 1798 and was completed in 1821. Closed under the communist regime, the mosque reopened as a place of worship in 1991. Look at the frescoes outside and in the porch depicting trees, waterfalls, Ottoman houses, and bridges, motifs rarely seen in Islamic art. The center of Tirana is a delightful area of wide tree-lined avenues and large squares, populated by unforgettable brutalist architecture and sometimes extremely colorful. It also has some great examples of heroic and socialist realism, such as the huge mural on the facade of the National History Museum. Tirana is a fascinating city and the capital of a fascinating country. It is very relaxing, with friendly and hospitable people, some great restaurants, and a lively nightlife. You can practically see everything the city has to offer in a day or two, but it's a great place to start exploring nearby places, like Durres and Kruja.

About the destination: Durres (Albanian: Durrës), the second largest city in Albania with a population of approximately 161,800 (as of 2008), is the oldest city and one of the most economically significant due to its status as the largest port city. The beaches of Durrës are popular destinations for many Albanians and play a crucial role in the country's tourism industry. The city was colonized by settlers from Corinth and Korkyra in 627 B.C. and was originally named Epidamnus, later changing to Dyrrachium. From the 1st to the 3rd centuries, Durres served as a vital port and trading hub on the Via Egnatia trade route, connecting Rome and Byzantium (now Istanbul). After numerous earthquakes, much of ancient Durres either sank into the sea or collapsed and was subsequently built over. The city's most notable landmark is the amphitheater, which dates back to the 2nd century AD and has a seating capacity of 15,000. During the Middle Ages, Durres was a coveted target for various invaders from across Europe. The city's continuous habitation throughout history means that little of the ancient city has been excavated, as it lies beneath newer structures. Nevertheless, the city's archaeological museum boasts a rich collection and is well-curated. The renowned Roman orator Cicero praised Durres as an admirable city, while the poet Catullus referred to it as the tavern of the Adriatic. Today, Durres is famous for its beach resort, which features sandy beaches and warm sea waters. The resort stretches approximately 10.5 km and attracts both Albanian and foreign tourists from May to October.