
Cape Rodon Durrës
Rugged peninsula with medieval castle ruins, a restored church, and beautiful beaches, offering a wild escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await

Cape Rodon Durrës
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rugged peninsula with medieval castle ruins, a restored church, and beautiful beaches, offering a wild escape.
"A place of immense potential, buried under neglect, yet undeniably beautiful."

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails to the castle are steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🚗 Access & Fees
Expect a 500 LEK entrance fee. Roads can be rough; a taxi from Durrës is an option.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rodoni Castle Ruins
On the peninsula
Explore the remnants of this historic castle perched dramatically by the sea. A steep but rewarding hike!

St. Anthony Church
Near the coast
A beautifully restored church offering a serene escape and a glimpse of heritage amidst the natural landscape.

Pristine Beaches
Along the coastline
Discover quiet, clear waters and soft sand. A perfect spot for relaxation, though some areas show signs of neglect.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Adventure: Getting There
Nature's Beauty, But Mind the Litter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails to the castle are steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🚗 Access & Fees
Expect a 500 LEK entrance fee. Roads can be rough; a taxi from Durrës is an option.
♻️ Be Mindful of Litter
While beautiful, litter is an issue. Consider bringing a bag to help keep it clean.
📸 Capture the Views
The coastline offers stunning photo opportunities, especially on the way back via an alternative path.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails to the castle are steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🚗 Access & Fees
Expect a 500 LEK entrance fee. Roads can be rough; a taxi from Durrës is an option.
♻️ Be Mindful of Litter
While beautiful, litter is an issue. Consider bringing a bag to help keep it clean.
📸 Capture the Views
The coastline offers stunning photo opportunities, especially on the way back via an alternative path.
⛪ Visit the Church
The restored St. Anthony Church is a peaceful highlight, often supported by EU initiatives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cape Rodon offers a wild, breathtaking escape with stunning natural beauty, historic castle ruins, and a beautiful church. However, visitors are consistently disappointed by the significant litter and lack of maintenance, which detracts from its immense potential.
"I think it’s a beautiful walk that leads to stunning, wide views of the water. Sadly there was quite a lot of rubbish. It’s a nice to see location but not a must."
Violet Hamilton
"The Cape of Rodon is a wild, breathtaking escape where rugged cliffs meet the endless Adriatic. Wander the quiet beaches, explore the historic Rodoni Castle ruins, and feel the raw beauty of Albania’s coastline—perfect for adventurers and dreamers alike."
Sara
"The cape has a lot of potential, but it’s seriously let down by the overwhelming litter everywhere. It’s disappointing and makes you question where the entrance fees actually go, because it’s clear the place isn’t being cared for or maintained at all. Such a shame, as the natural beauty is buried under trash and neglect."
María Piegay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Cape Rodon from Durrës, but be prepared for some rough roads. Many visitors opt for a taxi from Durrës, which can be a convenient option. The journey itself offers scenic views.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee of around 500 LEK per vehicle. This fee grants access to the parking area, from where you can begin your exploration on foot.
The road condition can vary, with some sections being rough and unpaved. While manageable for many cars, it adds to the adventurous feel of reaching this destination.
Public transport options are limited. Taking a taxi from Durrës is the most recommended way for easy access, as buses may not go directly to the cape.
Absolutely! Cape Rodon is a popular day trip from Tirana, offering a refreshing escape into nature and history, away from the city bustle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cape Rodon is an open natural area, so there are no strict opening hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
The typical entrance fee is 500 LEK per vehicle. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the area, though visitors have noted concerns about litter management.
No, advance booking is not required for Cape Rodon. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the designated gate.
While official guided tours might be scarce, local guides may be available. Many visitors prefer to explore independently, using online resources and maps.
The entrance fee is intended for the maintenance and upkeep of the area. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment regarding the presence of litter, questioning the effectiveness of the maintenance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the ruins of Rodoni Castle, the restored St. Anthony Church, and the beautiful, though sometimes littered, beaches along the coastline.
The hike to Rodoni Castle is described as steep and adventurous, requiring good physical condition and sturdy footwear. The views from the top are a significant reward.
Comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended, especially if you plan to hike to the castle ruins. Bring swimwear if you intend to visit the beach.
Facilities can be limited. While there might be some basic amenities near the beach resorts, it's advisable to be prepared and use restrooms before arriving or carry essentials.
While the beaches can be enjoyable, the steep hikes and uneven terrain to the castle might be challenging for very young children. The church area offers a more accessible experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastline offers dramatic cliff views, the historic castle ruins, and the picturesque St. Anthony Church. The descent path back from the castle also provides scenic photo opportunities.
Late afternoon and sunset are particularly magical for photography, offering beautiful golden hour light and stunning sunset views over the Adriatic Sea.
Don't miss the panoramic views from the castle ruins, the contrast of the restored church against the natural landscape, and the rugged coastline itself.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and coastline. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
Focus on the raw, untamed aspects of the landscape – the cliffs, the sea, and the ancient ruins. Consider including elements that show the scale of the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be limited. Be mindful of the litter issue and perhaps involve older children in a small cleanup effort to help preserve the natural beauty.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Beyond the castle, exploring the rugged coastline and discovering hidden coves can satisfy your adventurous spirit. The journey to the cape itself, with its scenic but sometimes rough roads, adds to the overall adventure.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the beautifully restored St. Anthony Church, which provides a picturesque contrast to the wilder natural surroundings. The alternative path on the way back from the castle also offers excellent vantage points for capturing the beauty of the peninsula. Aim for late afternoon to capture the magical light of sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the History: Rodoni Castle and St. Anthony Church
Adding to the historical significance is the St. Anthony Church. This church has been beautifully restored, often with the support of EU initiatives, and stands as a pristine pearl amidst the surrounding landscape. It offers a moment of serenity and a stark contrast to some of the less maintained areas, making it a must-visit for its historical and aesthetic value.
These historical sites, combined with the natural beauty, make Cape Rodon a compelling destination for those interested in both history and scenic exploration. The blend of ancient structures and rugged coastline creates a unique atmosphere.
The Beach Experience: Beauty and Challenges
However, a recurring theme in reviews is the significant issue of litter and neglect on the beaches and in the surrounding areas. While the natural beauty is undeniable, the presence of trash detracts from the experience for many. This has led to disappointment among visitors who feel the area's potential is being undermined by a lack of maintenance and responsible tourism.
Despite the challenges, some visitors still find the beaches to be a nice getaway, especially for a single day or half-day trip. The clear water and soft sand remain appealing, and the sunsets are often highlighted as a particularly beautiful aspect of the beach experience.
Navigating the Terrain: Roads and Trails
The trails to the Rodoni Castle ruins are particularly steep and uneven, requiring good hiking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness. Some visitors choose to drive part of the way, while others opt for the hike. An alternative path on the way back offers a gentler descent and more scenic views, which is also recommended for photography.
It's important to be prepared for the varied terrain. While the natural beauty is a major draw, the paths can be unpredictable, emphasizing the need for appropriate footwear and caution.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit