Best Anchorages in Durrës & Northern Albania

Cristian Marina — The Only Option

Cristian Marina inside Durrës commercial port is the only dedicated marina facility in northern Albania. Small but functional — electricity, water (non-potable), toilets, showers, and safe mooring using shore lines. Call ahead on VHF Ch 12 — space is limited. The marina is inside the port on the S side, clear of the ferry terminal. Budget adequate time for customs clearance through your agent on arrival.

Durrës Ferry Traffic

Durrës is Albania's main Adriatic ferry port — large ro-ro ferries to Brindisi, Bari, and Ancona operate daily, many overnight. Ferries move at speed (18–20 knots) on direct lines in and out of the port. Night approach requires extreme caution and VHF monitoring on Ch 16. Give ferries a wide berth — they will not deviate from their course. The ferry terminal is N of Cristian Marina; keep clear of the ferry approach lanes when manoeuvring in the port.

Shëngjin — Gateway from Montenegro

Shëngjin, 40km N of Durrës, is Albania's northernmost official port and the recommended entry point for boats arriving from Montenegro (Ulcinj or Bar, 15–25nm N). Limited facilities — quay only, no marina. Space is shared with fishing boats. VHF Ch 16. Clearance agent required. The harbour provides reasonable shelter except from NW swell.

Durrës Ashore

Durrës (ancient Epidamnos/Dyrrachium) has the finest Roman monument in Albania — a 2nd-century amphitheatre seating 20,000, built into the hillside 15 minutes walk from the marina. The city has full provisioning, fuel dock, ATMs, and decent restaurants. The beach promenade S of the port is pleasant. Albania's second city after Tirana — a proper stopover for cruising boats making the Adriatic passage to/from Italy.