For a day trip from Durrës, Krujë, or Tirana, the picturesque monastery of St. Anthony and Skanderbeg’s fortress on Cape Rodon (Kepi i Rodonit) are the perfect destinations. Apart from the breathtaking scenery that can evoke the southern English coast, the location allures for swimming in the Adriatic Sea, which is the cleanest in all of northern and central Albania because of its rocky shores. The quantity of trash that is frequently carried in from the nearby rivers’ estuaries is the only thing detracting from the overall impression.
The remnants of an ancient castle constructed in the 15th century by Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania, are located directly on the cape. From the same era is the exquisitely renovated St. Anthony church. A fresco depicting a rider on horseback and a double-headed eagle adorns its interior, likely the earliest known representation of Albania’s current national emblem. Directly in front of the church, a mineral spring emerges from the earth. This is the site of an annual funfair festival, which takes place on June 13.
There is a pleasant beach with refreshments and umbrellas a short distance from the church. In the bay of Lalëz (Gjiri i Lalëzit), approximately 12 kilometres south of Rodon, is another beach, much larger and situated in an already flat landscape. This area is home to numerous restaurants and hotels.
It takes approximately one hour to drive from Durrës, Krujë, and Tirana to the cape; public transportation is not available for this location. The entire stretch is on asphalt, but it is heavily rutted in places from trucks heading to the construction of the tourist resort behind the village of Shetaj. You will have to walk the final 500 meters from the church to the fort anyway. You will pass a series of underground concrete bunkers that are slowly becoming overgrown with vegetation.
There is a small fee of 200 leks per person and 100 leks per car to the local rangers. It will then cost you more money for an overnight stay.
TIP: If you have your own tent or a camper, spend the night in the grassy area by the car park near the church. The place has an unforgettable atmosphere at night.
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