Durrës & Adriatic Seacoast Running

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:

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.