Cape of Rodon, Durres: My Guide + Is It Worth Visiting?
If you’re visiting the city of Tirana, a day trip must be made to the unique Cape of Rodon.
Only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the bustling capital of Albania you can visit the serenity that is the largest cape in Albania.
Not only is the nature stunning but you will be delighted by the 14th-century Rodoni Castle and the idyllic St. Anthony Church.
Visiting the Cape of Rodon is one of the best things to do in Durres, Albania!
You can find a Google map of Сape Rodon here to help you easily find your way around.
Quick Answer: Cape of Rodon
⭐⭐⭐ How do you get there? Drive. It’s just over an hour from Durrës or an hour and a half from Tirana. Compare car rental prices →
⭐⭐ Where should you stay? Vila Kaci, where I stayed, near King Zog’s Villa. Check prices & availability →
⭐ What should you book? The cooking class with Chef Erti, which I’d absolutely recommend. Check availability →
Things to do in Cape Rodon
Rodoni Castle
Rodoni Castle (also called Skanderbeg Castle or Kalaja e Rodonit in Albanian) used to be surrounded by 4 defence towers.
It has been noted in history that this castle was used as a piracy port or a transportation place for grain to nearby Ishmi.
These days this Rodon palace is in ruins, but you can still see the arches and walls which remain and are preserved.
Historians has also proved that there once was an ancient Illyrian settlement here too.
If you have time and you’re still thinking about what to see in Durres, take a walk along the Cape of Rodon at sunset for phenomenal views of Rodoni Castle and the rest of the coast.
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The Church of St. Anthony
Another main attraction in the Cape of Rodon in the St Anthony Church. This church was built at the same period as Rodoni Castle and is very well preserved.
In fact, inside the church, you can still see a painting of a two-pronged eagle and a man on a horse.
Because of that, this is one of the most popular churches to visit in Albania, not only for history but because of where its placed as it has a magnificent view!
Today St Anthony’s Church and the surrounding area are still considered sacred and every year locals and tourists join for festivities and pilgrimage.
This is done on the 13th of June every year.
Soak up the nature of the cape
Not only are you surrounded by incredible history but the nature along the Cape of Rodon is something else.
White sand beaches run all along the Durres coast (check the best time to visit Durres for swimming weather), with pristine water and a place to camp if you do want to stay in this beautiful part of Albania to soak it up – I know I would!
It’s a unique part of the country as many beaches in Albania are stone, so having a sandy beach is a luxury in my eyes!
If you want a more typical Albanian beach experience, Durres beach is nearby and it is the largest beach in Albania, with plenty of good places to eat in Durres close by, or learn to cook Albanian food yourself at a cooking class in Durrës.
How to get to the Cape of Rodon
Cape Rodon, Albania is only a one and a half hour drive from Tirana, or just over one hour from Durres, Albania (here’s how I’d get from Tirana to Durres).
The road is in pretty good condition, a few potholes here and there but that’s Albanian roads for you. You will go through some beautiful villages and be blessed with some lovely views along the way.
If you plan on driving, have a look at my guide to hiring a car in Albania. In addition to driving, you can also easily hitchhike or join a tour group headed to the Cape of Rodon.
If you drive there is plenty of space for parking. It’s safe to leave your car there and walk to the cape from there. You can’t drive right up to the cape.
You have to walk for around 500 meters to reach Rodoni Castle and the cape. The walk is easy enough, and it’s a great activity for anyone wondering what to do in Durres in Albania, and it slots easily into my 3 day Durres itinerary.
Along the way, you will also see bunkers built into the hill from the time of communism. They are slowly being taken over by nature and you might not even notice them!
My Number One Tip: Hire a Car for Full Flexibility
If you’re planning to visit Cape Rodon, it’s so much easier with your own wheels. There’s no direct bus, and you can stop at the castle, St. Anthony’s Church and the beaches on your own schedule.
After living in Albania for 8+ years, I’ve saved the beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, villages and hidden gems I genuinely recommend — all in one easy-to-use map.
SEE MY 420+ ALBANIA PICKS →Check here for the best car rental companies and prices for your Durrës trip →
Accommodation Options in Cape Rodon
As I said previously, you are welcome to freedom camp here. There are a few villas for rent on the Cape of Rodon, but no hotels.
If freedom camping isn’t your thing, you can seek out a Cape of Rodon hotel or stay further along the coast at one of the hotels in Durres, Albania.
➡ For the latest prices and availability, click here
Where I’d Stay in Durrës
(⭐⭐⭐ = my top pick)
⭐⭐⭐ Vila Kaci: I stayed here myself. Pick this one if you want a quiet base near King Zog’s Villa and Vollga instead of the busy beachfront. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ Jozi Kaiser Apartment: I stayed here too. Pick this one if you want your own apartment in the same area. Check prices & availability →
⭐ Art Gallery Boutique Hotel: Pick this one if you want a boutique hotel with seriously good reviews, 9.7 out of 10 from over 1,400 guests. Check prices & availability →
If you do freedom camp on the cape, or just have a nice fire on the beach you MUST take all rubbish with you. This is just as important at Durres beach, Albania.
Dumping your rubbish it unacceptable and disrespectful to the land. Cape of Rodon and the beach of Durrës have ongoing issues with people dumping their plastic etc, especially on the cape.
So, if you see anyone do this, I would recommend educating them about why they shouldn’t do so!
3 Durrës Experiences I’d Book Right Away
👩🍳 Durrës Cooking Class & Market Visit with Chef Erti: I did this one. Pick it if you want market shopping, three traditional Albanian dishes and unlimited wine. Check availability →
🍷 Albanian Wine Tasting with a Vineyard Boat Tour: Pick this one if you want something a little unique. Rated 4.9 from over 200 reviews. Check availability →
🏰 Kruja Castle & Old Bazaar Day Tour: Pick this one for an easy day trip into history. Rated 4.8 from over 2,600 reviews. Check availability →
There’s your guide on visiting Cape of Rodon in Durres, Albania (and if you’re on the fence, here’s whether Durrës is worth visiting). Let me know if you have added this beautiful destination to your Albania bucket list!
