It’s worth the 45-minute drive to head west to the Adriatic coast in western Albania for some scenic waterfront running. The port city of Durrës is known for its Venetian Tower, Roman Amphitheater, and nearby beaches. Here are some of the best places to run in western Albania’s Adriatic coast:
Old City Walls. Flickr: David Stanley
Durrës Waterfront & Sites. It’s possible to put together a ~5k tour of the Durrës waterfront & archaeological sites. Start with a loop around the waterfront Shëtitorja “Vollga” park, and then run along Rruga Durrasku/Kont Urani, up the hill to the Amphitheater, Viewpoint, and Lighthouse. Return on the path alongside the old city walls. Longer Option: Take Rruga Aleksander Goga to Rruga e Dëshmorëve — these are two wide boulevards with good sidewalks/paths for running. ROUTE MAP
Durrës Beach. Run along the Adriatic on the popular Durrës Beach. A paved promenade, the Shetitorja e Plazhit, runs for 3.3 km alongside the beach. It’s also possible to run on the beach itself, which extends for 5+ km — the sand is generally soft but can be firm near the water. ROUTE MAP
Rruga Currila. This coastal run becomes increasingly scenic, but also hillier and more rugged as you head north. The first 1 km of Rruga Currila is a main boulevard with a not well maintained sidewalk along the water. At Currilave beach, the road becomes more of a trail, climbing ~70m over 4 km. The footing is generally decent, with beautiful coastal views as you head north. Up to 5 km one-way, ending near Elisa Beach. ROUTE MAP
Golem Long Beach. 10km south of Durrës, an unnamed road runs alongside Golem Long Beach for 3.3 km south to Qerret Beach. It’s not a beachfront path, rather a small road alongside the beach that’s shaded by a lovely canopy of trees.
It’s worth the 45-minute drive to head west to the Adriatic coast in western Albania for some scenic waterfront running. The port city of Durrës is known for its Venetian Tower, Roman Amphitheater, and nearby beaches. Here are some of the best places to run in western Albania’s Adriatic coast:
Old City Walls. Flickr: David Stanley
Durrës Waterfront & Sites. It’s possible to put together a ~5k tour of the Durrës waterfront & archaeological sites. Start with a loop around the waterfront Shëtitorja “Vollga” park, and then run along Rruga Durrasku/Kont Urani, up the hill to the Amphitheater, Viewpoint, and Lighthouse. Return on the path alongside the old city walls. Longer Option: Take Rruga Aleksander Goga to Rruga e Dëshmorëve — these are two wide boulevards with good sidewalks/paths for running. ROUTE MAP
Durrës Beach. Run along the Adriatic on the popular Durrës Beach. A paved promenade, the Shetitorja e Plazhit, runs for 3.3 km alongside the beach. It’s also possible to run on the beach itself, which extends for 5+ km — the sand is generally soft but can be firm near the water. ROUTE MAP
Rruga Currila. This coastal run becomes increasingly scenic, but also hillier and more rugged as you head north. The first 1 km of Rruga Currila is a main boulevard with a not well maintained sidewalk along the water. At Currilave beach, the road becomes more of a trail, climbing ~70m over 4 km. The footing is generally decent, with beautiful coastal views as you head north. Up to 5 km one-way, ending near Elisa Beach. ROUTE MAP
Golem Long Beach. 10km south of Durrës, an unnamed road runs alongside Golem Long Beach for 3.3 km south to Qerret Beach. It’s not a beachfront path, rather a small road alongside the beach that’s shaded by a lovely canopy of trees.
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Essentials
Depends on route chosen. Note the waterfront routes aren't contiguous
THE place to run in Tirana. Major European park features several paved loop path options and a running track. Landscape includes woods, open areas, & an artificial lake. There are numerous cultural & recreational sites, a botanic garden, cafes & restaurants.
A short 'runseeing' tour of the central & historical sections of Tirana, passing by the important cultural & architectural highlights. A curious mix of older/historic, brutalist Soviet-era, and modern styles. Add on with Lana River paths, Tirana Park.
There are sidewalks/paths along both banks of the Lana River, which runs through the heard of downtown Tirana. A full loop is a neat 10k! Centrally located and easy to follow, with some nice trees and views of the narrow river.
A nice running destination in the eastern part of Tirana. The park features hiking/walking paths and a more open landscape around the artificial Farka Lake. It's possible to do a ~7 km loop of the lake, though some sections of the path are more developed than others.
Some nice lake & mountain views while running in this park in the northern part of Tirana. A paved walkway around Paskuqanit Lake makes for a ~4 km lake loop. The Rruga Ali Demi trail runs for 1.25 km between the north and south ends of the park.
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Essentials
Depends on route chosen. Note the waterfront routes aren't contiguous
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