Tirana to Durres and Petrele Castle: Private day trip

Founded by Greek colonists in 627 BC, it's one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Albania. After the Romans took control in 229 BC, they developed it into a major military and naval base. In the 2nd century, they built the city’s massive 20,000 person amphitheatre. The Durres Castle also dates back to the Roman Empire, when Anastasius I made the city into one of the most fortified on the Adriatic. The city thrived for centuries, until it fell under Ottoman control in 1501. For the next 400 years, the city declined, falling into complete anarchy in 1997, when the national economy was devastated by the the collapse of a massive pyramid scheme. Fortunately, the city has recovered since, and offers modern amenities along with its ancient architectural landmarks and the Durres Archaeological Museum is the largest in the country.

Built under the rule of ‘The Last Roman’, Justinian I, as part of his attempt to restore the Western Roman Empire, Petrelë Castle has had a long, rich history. It still has a 6th century tower, while the rest of the building dates back to the 15th century. In the 15th century, during Skanderbeg’s fight against the Ottomans, the castle was under the command of his sister, Mamica Kastrioti. Since Skanderbeg’s fight for independence from the Ottomans, Petrelë has been converted to a restaurant where you can enjoy local fare while appreciating spectacular views of the Erzen valley, olive groves, and surrounding mountains. Please note the castle is accessed via a short hike, which might be difficult for people with mobility issues.