10 Day Journeys from Tirana: High Sights and Actions

There are such a lot of nice day journeys from Tirana; making it the most effective bases in Albania to get out and discover the nation.

Not solely will you expertise Albanian tradition within the metropolis, and among the greatest meals and historical past to be present in Albania, however you’ll be able to benefit from the lovely shoreline or go to the extra quaint and historic cities and cities which can be close by when taking one of many many day journeys from Tirana.

I spent 2 months in Albania and was primarily based in Tirana for 1 month. Throughout that point, I visited the coast and noticed among the most beautiful surroundings by venturing out on day excursions from Tirana. So, learn on for my prime 10 day journeys from Tirana.

Finest Day Journeys from Tirana

There are some unbelievable day journeys from Tirana. Because the capital metropolis and residential to the busiest worldwide airport within the nation, it’s the proper place to base your self and discover the remainder of this lovely nation.

Listed below are among the greatest day journeys from Tirana.

1. Berat

A go to to the unbelievable metropolis of 1,000 home windows is one in all my favourite day journeys from Tirana. The town is constructed on a hillside, and its stone homes appear like they’re stacked on prime of one another. The home windows within the homes are all the identical uniform sq. form, giving the town its well-known nickname.

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and so you’ll be able to look forward to finding loads of fantastically preserved historic buildings which supply an enchanting perception into life by way of the ages in Albania.

The fortress in Berat is a must-visit. It’s actually spectacular and presents unbelievable views over the town. Equally, take a stroll down the gorgeous Bulevardi Republika which is crammed with cafes good for just a little people-watching.

The town is framed by the Tomorr Mountains at one finish and the Citadel on the different making it a very spectacular place to take a break.

One of the best ways to go to Berat from Tirana is with a tour, and this full-day guided tour actually helps take advantage of your time on this nice metropolis. You’ll be picked up in Tirana and set off for among the highlights of Berat, together with the fortress, the Pink Mosque, and St Trinity Church.

Berat is one in all my favourite day excursions from Tirana and visiting is an incredible approach to spend a day attending to know the center of Albania.

Getting There: There are common buses from Tirana bus station to Berat leaving roughly each half-hour, so it’s the most effective day journeys from Tirana by bus. The journey will take round 2 hours and 45 minutes every means.

2. Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla

For these on the lookout for lively day journeys round Tirana, it’s best to make sure to add a go to to close by Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla to your listing of issues to see.

Situated round 20 kilometers north of Tirana, Lake Bovilla is beautiful. It’s blue and turquoise in shade and is surrounded by peaks and mountains on all sides, making it appear like one thing out of a film. It’s unsurprising that the encompassing Gamti Mountains are massively widespread with hikers and climbers.

In case you love exploring nature, then head into the mountains on one of many marked trails. From the peaks, you’ll have uninterrupted, breathtaking views over Lake Bovilla and past.

This 1-day mountaineering tour of Lake Bovilla and Mount Gamti features a non-public switch from Tirana to the dam which crosses the lake. From right here, your information will take you on a comparatively simple hike into the Gamti Mountains. The hike lasts round 40 minutes and takes you to an unbelievable viewpoint over the lake.

After the hike, you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip within the lake to chill off and benefit from the perspective of the mountains from beneath. You’ll then be pushed again to your lodging for a well-deserved relaxation.

Albania has some unbelievable nature ready to be explored simply exterior its capital metropolis and this is among the most enjoyable day journeys from Tirana.

Getting There: The start line for hikes into the mountains is usually the dam at Lake Bovilla which is round 20 kilometers north of Tirana. One of the best ways to get right here is by rent automobile, non-public taxi or by taking a day tour. A tour will embody a information that will help you navigate the mountains for the perfect views.

3. Kruja and Durrës

Durrës is Albania’s second metropolis, and it’s most historic at over 3,000 years previous. Its location on the coast, to the west of Tirana, presents a magical mix of historic historical past with seashores and the ocean.

One of the crucial spectacular historic points of interest in Durrës is its Roman Amphitheater which is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and different trendy contrasts.

One other of Albania’s most historic cities is Kruja, which is known as the middle of the resistance towards the Ottoman Empire, led by the hero of Albania, Skanderbeg, in addition to for being dwelling to a well-liked bazaar promoting all types of handicrafts.

If you wish to be taught extra about each the traditional and trendy historical past of Albania, this is among the greatest Tirana day journeys during which you’ll get to see an enormous quantity in in the future.

Getting There: Each Durrës and Kruja might be reached by bus. The buses depart from the Tirana Bus Station. The bus to Durrës takes round 45 minutes, with common departures all through the day. A ticket will price you round 130 lek/€1.

The bus to Kruja will take round 55 minutes and can price round 100 lek/€0.80. There are 15 departures a day making these simple day journeys from Tirana. Or, mix each with this epic non-public day tour.

4. Blue Eye

One of the crucial unbelievable sights in Albania, the Blue Eye (positioned within the south of the nation) is among the greatest day journeys from Tirana by automobile.

The ‘eye’ is a freshwater spring that rises from a depth of at least 50 meters – it’s so deep that divers have been unable to battle the strain of the rising water to get any deeper than this thus far.

The result’s a shocking blue lake in the course of a nationwide park. The spring brings chilly, recent water from deep underground and feeds a fantastic lake and stream. It’s set within the coronary heart of the forest and creates a magical and delightful pure surprise.

There’s a viewing platform that folks usually soar from into the Blue Eye and when you’ve completed exploring, there’s a fantastic little restaurant subsequent door serving meals and drinks that will help you cool off additional.

It’s fairly a distance from Tirana to the Blue Eye, however completely well worth the journey. I like to recommend combining a day journey from Tirana to the Blue Eye with a cease at Sarandë and Ksamil. These two are generally known as the highlights of the Albanian Riviera and are dwelling to among the greatest seashores in Albania.

Getting There: There are not any direct buses from Tirana to the Blue Eye nationwide park. In case you want to journey by public transport, it’s good to take a bus to Sarandë after which from Sarandë to the Blue Eye. The bus to Sarandë leaves from the foremost bus station and takes round 5 hours. A non-public taxi is an possibility, however I like to recommend combining the taxi with this wonderful guided tour.

5. Gjirokastër

One other gem within the south of the nation is the staggeringly lovely UNESCO World Heritage Website of Gjirokastër. This hilltop city is named the Metropolis of Stone and presents an nearly fairy story look with cobbled streets, stone metropolis partitions, and a fantastic fortress and fortress wanting over the city.

It’s additionally positioned in the course of the mountains and so has beautiful 360-degree views throughout the farmland and peaks past.

Exploring the cobbled streets packed filled with cafes, native eating places, and boutique shops is among the greatest issues to do right here however the fortress is among the foremost points of interest in Gjirokastër. From inside, you get to discover the depths of the fortress, and benefit from the unbelievable views over Gjirokastër and past.

For the last word expertise in Gjirokastër, this good full-day journey from Tirana comes extremely really helpful. You get to tour the city, go to its fortress and bazaar, go to the household dwelling of Enver Hoxha and take a conventional Albanian lunch at one of many lovely household eating places on the town.

There’s one thing magical about Gjirokastër and it’s completely value a go to. It’s undoubtedly one in all my favourite Tirana day journeys, and someplace I’d return to repeatedly.

Getting There: There’s a bus from Tirana Bus Station to Gjirokastër, which takes round 4 hours relying on visitors. Alternatively, you’ll be able to rent a automobile in Tirana for round €20. The simplest approach to go to is certainly to take this highly-recommended one-day non-public tour from Tirana to Gjirokastër.

6. Go to Montenegro

Tirana will not be solely a fantastic base for exploring Albania, nevertheless it’s fairly near Montenegro too.

In case you like exploring, I like to recommend a day journey from Tirana to Budva or Kotor. These are two walled cities on the south coast, near the Albanian border.

Kotor is among the prettiest locations in Montenegro, filled with historical past and Montenegrin tradition. It’s primarily based on the gorgeous bay of Kotor which affords the city unbelievable views over the water and surrounding mountains. The bay is gorgeous and is ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.

I like to recommend taking a strolling tour of the Kotor Outdated Metropolis as you’ll see the primary points of interest while having the possibility to be taught loads alongside the way in which. Factors of curiosity within the metropolis embody the Bay of Kotor, the Kotor Fortress, and the scenic view over the ‘Mediterranean Fjords’.

Budva is just a little totally different – it’s extra of a vacationer resort, but in addition has a big walled metropolis to discover and a few lovely seashores and enjoyable seashore bars. I like to recommend Mogren 2 seashore.

Getting There: To take advantage of the day, I like to recommend taking this good tour. The information is tremendous educated, and also you’ll journey in consolation within the non-public bus. You will get a bus from Tirana to each Kotor and Budva. Nevertheless, it takes a very long time, and I like to recommend an in a single day keep. You possibly can view the timetables and costs right here.

7. Ksamil Seashore

You should take a day journey from Tirana to see Ksamil in case you’re touring within the hotter months (Might-September). The seashores in Ksamil are among the greatest within the nation – I usually felt like I used to be in Asia quite than Europe.

The sand is white, the water is essentially the most lovely turquoise shade, and it’s heat and crystal clear. It’s undoubtedly the most effective locations within the nation to expertise the ‘Albanian Riviera’ at its greatest.

There are additionally another implausible points of interest near Ksamil that are undoubtedly value a go to in case you’re touring right here. Butrint Nationwide Park, Albania’s first UNESCO World Heritage Website, is simply 10-Quarter-hour from Ksamil.

If you wish to go to Ksamil, I like to recommend taking this 1-day non-public day journey from Tirana. You’ll calm down on the perfect Ksamil seashores and go to lovely Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Citadel in Sarande – all superb locations within the south of Albania.

Getting There: To go to the Ksamil Seashores, you’ll must get a bus to Sarande (there aren’t any direct buses to Ksamil). It takes round 4.5 hours and from Sarande you’ll must get a taxi to Ksamil. The simplest approach to go to Ksamil seashore on a day journey from Tirana is to take a non-public tour.

8. Komani Lake

That is undoubtedly the most effective day journeys from Tirana for outside lovers. Komani Lake is simply accessible by boat, so that you attain it by crusing the Shala River, which traverses by way of lovely gorges and valleys.

The water of the river is crystal clear, and it’s described because the pearl of Lake Komani – it’s completely beautiful. In case you’re feeling courageous, take a dip in paradise, however be warned, the water could be very recent!

There are additionally mountaineering alternatives within the mountains. In case you’re feeling lively, hike to the perspective for essentially the most spectacular views. It takes round 45 minutes and is medium issue, however the sights you’ll be rewarded with are so value it.

Getting There: Today journey from Tirana is simply actually doable in case you be a part of a tour. It’s round a 4-hour drive and is simply accessible by boat, so that you want anyone who is aware of the world, and the Shala river nicely. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour to take advantage of this unbelievable day journey from Tirana by boat.

9. Lake Ohrid

Tirana is actually tremendous near the border with North Macedonia. Situated right here lies essentially the most lovely lake that the border really runs straight by way of, that means that half is Albanian and half is Macedonian.

Ohrid as a city is completely charming. It’s dwelling to 365 church buildings, one for every day of the 12 months, that you’ll find squeezed in between buildings, hidden in backstreets, and even proper on the water. The Lake is crystal clear and the surroundings is unbelievable.

It’s additionally a spot with numerous totally different influences, with Turkish being an apparent one. Sip Turkish tea and check out the native meals within the city, or take a dip within the water. A day journey from Tirana into North Macedonia is one thing I undoubtedly advocate.

Getting There: There are direct buses that run from Tirana Worldwide Bus Station to Ohrid and price €15 every means. In case you’re touring within the low season, you’ll must get the bus to Struga, then onto Ohrid from there. You possibly can ebook on-line right here. One of the best ways to discover Ohrid from Tirana is by a guided tour to take advantage of the day.

10. Shkoder

The Albanian folks consider Shkoder because the ‘conventional’ capital of Albania for its arts, tradition, and spiritual range.

Nevertheless, the primary motive folks go to Shkoder is that it’s the entry level to the Albanian Alps. In case you love mountaineering and being out and about in nature, it’s an important day journey from Tirana.

One among my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to hire a motorcycle and go pedaling across the lake, cease for a swim, and revel in wanting on the lovely surroundings.

Getting There: You will get a direct bus from Tirana to Shkoder from the Regional Bus Station. The journey takes round 1 hour 45 minutes and prices 400LEK (round €3). As the primary points of interest in Shkoder are fairly a distance from the bus station, for comfort and ease, I like to recommend reserving a guided tour.

Finest Day Journey Excursions from Tirana

There are some unbelievable day journeys from Tirana. Listed below are a few of my favorites.

Group Tour of Ohrid from Tirana: See essentially the most well-known church in Ohrid, St John at Kaneo, with its beautiful views over the water, take a dip within the glassy lake, and eat conventional Macedonian meals. This wonderful tour consists of transportation and begins at 8 am to take advantage of this enjoyable day journey from Tirana to North Macedonia.

Day Journey from Tirana to Berat: This enjoyable day tour to Berat takes you to probably the most lovely cities in Albania. From the skin, it seems to be magical with its 1000s of home windows looking throughout the river. Inside, you’re transported again in time the place you’ll be able to uncover a lot of Albania’s traditions.

Shkoder Day Journey from Tirana: Uncover Shkoder on this good 7-hour tour from Tirana. The tour consists of pick-up and drop-off out of your resort in Tirana, and also you’ll see the perfect of the town with a educated information. The view over the town from Rozafa Citadel is unbelievable.

Blue Eye and Ksamil: That is an unbelievable day tour that takes you to the south of Albania and into the Albanian Riviera. You’ll get to see the greatest seashores in Albania when in Ksamil. As well as, you’ll go to the Blue Eye, which is an outstanding, pure surprise within the coronary heart of a nationwide park.

Durres and Kruja: To maximise your time in Albania and see these two unbelievable and historically-significant Albanian spots, I like to recommend this wonderful non-public day tour from Tirana. The tour will choose you up out of your lodging earlier than taking you on a guided journey by way of each cities.

You’ll go to the Preza Citadel, Skanderbeg Museum, and the well-known bazaar in Kruja and the Amphitheater, the Roman Discussion board, and its Venetian Tower in Durres earlier than being taken again to your lodging in Tirana.

Day Journeys Round Tirana: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on day journeys from Tirana.

In Conclusion

Tirana is a implausible place in its personal proper to discover. It’s one in all my favourite cities in Europe and one of many causes for that is that it’s so well-connected and near most of the different foremost points of interest in Albania.

Tirana is the proper base for exploring and experiencing the tradition and fantastic thing about Albania. The buses run frequently and are dependable, and there are many good excursions which is able to transport you comfortably, and educate you all about totally different locations in Albania.

I hope this weblog put up helps you intend some thrilling day journeys from Tirana!