There are such a lot of glorious issues to do in Berat. Though Berat is a small metropolis, it’s surprisingly packed filled with tradition and historical past to absorb.
From the gorgeous Berat Citadel to the cafe-lined Bulevardi Republika, and a few of the finest native meals I’ve ever tried, Berat is a vacation spot to not be missed.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania and one in all my favourite experiences there was sightseeing in Berat. It’s undoubtedly one in all my favourite locations in the entire of Albania. So, listed below are some concepts on how I like to recommend you finest spend your time in Berat.
Finest Issues To Do in Berat
Berat is called the Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows because of the buildings with symmetrical window frames that sprawl throughout the hills. It’s additionally constructed across the Osum River and has lovely mountains surrounding it. This makes Berat one of the crucial picturesque cities in Albania.
There are such a lot of improbable Berat sights. Learn on to find an inventory of the most effective issues to do when planning your journey to this Albanian metropolis.
1. Osum Canyon
Generally known as the Grand Canyon of Albania, Osum Canyon is without doubt one of the finest issues to see in Berat. It’s an excellent place to go mountaineering and is the place you’re certain to see a few of the lushest nature within the nation. On the proper time of 12 months, you’ll be able to discover the canyon by raft or kayak or go for a refreshing dip within the river after an extended hike.
My favourite option to discover the canyon is by taking a tour. This good tour additionally stops in a bit of city known as Polican which was based in communist occasions. It’s well-known for producing tens of millions of weapons and now lies deserted as a reminder of the previous – it’s fairly cool to see.
As a part of the tour, you’ll additionally go to the Bogove Waterfall, which is one in all my favourite locations to go to in Berat for its pure magnificence.
2. Take a Historic Strolling Tour
The most effective issues to do in Berat is to take a strolling tour. Berat is house to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Websites, so it’s not quick on tradition and historical past to discover. Due to this, there are fairly just a few strolling excursions to search out in Berat.
My favourite tour is that this Historic Metropolis Strolling Tour which is led by an area information. It’s glorious since you obtain insider information, cowl numerous floor, and get to see a few of the most well-known vacationer sights in Berat. The tour consists of stops at Berat Citadel in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
For those who’re touring on a finances, the Free Strolling Tour of Berat can also be a very good possibility, however keep in mind to tip your information on the finish.
3. Go to the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is housed in a gorgeous Ottoman-style constructing and incorporates over 1,000 objects from Berat’s previous. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Berat to realize an perception into how the Albanian folks used to dwell and discover out extra about their traditions.
My favourite a part of the museum was the recreated medieval bazaar displaying the crafts of the area corresponding to silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. For those who’re a historical past buff, this is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Berat. It’s like being transported again in time.
Tickets are 400LEK ($ 4 USD) every you’ll be able to pay 500LEK ($ 5 USD) you get the audio information too which is attention-grabbing to hearken to.
4. Stroll Bulevardi Republica
Bulevardi Republika is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Berat. It’s a extremely lengthy boulevard lined by cafes and eating places, in addition to Lulishtja Park on one facet too.
At one finish is a gorgeous view of the citadel and on the different is a improbable view of The Tomorr Mountain. It’s an ideal place for a photograph alternative and is without doubt one of the high locations to see in Berat.
One in every of my favourite cafes in Berat – Gimi Cafe – is positioned alongside the boulevard. Go for a stroll and cease for espresso and a crepe on this pretty spot. For those who’re in search of a fast chew, the pizza at Visitor Bar is fairly unimaginable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
For those who’re a foodie in search of issues to do in Berat, you need to undoubtedly contemplate taking a cooking class.
This improbable cooking expertise is held in Resort Citadel Park the place you’ll make conventional Berati meals whereas taking breaks to study all in regards to the origins of the elements and recipes. It’s such a enjoyable expertise and an effective way to study Berat total.
You cook dinner in a working kitchen too, so it’s good enjoyable and an incredible possibility for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some improbable locations in Berat to strive the native wine. One of the best ways to expertise just a few completely different wineries is by occurring a tour. On this wine and meals tour, you go to two wineries and style 5 completely different wines. It additionally features a conventional raki lunch. For those who’ve not tried raki earlier than, you’re in for an actual shock it’s probably the most alcoholic drink consumed in Albania…
You’ll style some glorious dry white wines that are the most effective in Albania. It’s a improbable option to discover the realm and meet locals.
If becoming a member of a tour isn’t your factor, seize a taxi or drive as much as Kantina Luani. This can be a vineyard round 8 minutes from the Outdated City by automobile. The wine tasting provided right here is improbable they usually present an incredible number of Albanian meals too. Their crimson wines, notably the Pinot Noir, are improbable. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Berat for {couples}.
7. Paddle and Kayak Round Tomorr Nationwide Park
The most effective locations to go to close to Berat is the Tomorr Nationwide Park. It’s a improbable place to benefit from the nice outdoor, and you may hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) in the event you’re feeling actually lively.
Alternatively, make your approach as much as the lake for some water sports activities, which is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Berat for households – notably in case your youngsters are barely older.
This outside journey tour entails a hike to the lake, the place you’ll head out onto the water on kayaks and paddleboards to admire the encompassing nature from the water. The tour even features a scrumptious picnic lunch so that you can get pleasure from within the park.
It’s one in all my favourite issues to do in Berat.
8. Lease Bikes and Discover
Renting a motorbike is a good possibility in case you have restricted time as you get to see a lot greater than you’d by strolling.
I rented a motorbike once I was in Berat and I truly rode to Bogove Waterfall as this was really helpful by the corporate. It’s not a brief journey, (it took me round 3 hours), but it surely’s so value it. For those who’re sporty or lively, you’ll actually get pleasure from this expertise.
My high tip is to set off early, then cease by the Vineyard of Nurellari on the way in which again. It’s lovely, and the wine is so good.
You’ll be able to hire bikes right here. The mountain bikes are of top of the range, and the employees is comfortable to share with you the most effective routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Citadel
Berat Citadel is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Berat, and for good cause. Looming over town, proper on the high of a hill, lies this large citadel. It’s over 2000 years outdated and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless folks residing inside the partitions at the moment.
You’ll meet lots of the residents inside as they promote do-it-yourself crafts, meals, and wares proper exterior their entrance doorways. After all, the historical past that you just’ll study in regards to the citadel inside is totally fascinating too.
Tickets price 300LEK ($3 USD) or you’ll be able to be a part of a tour that features entrance, transport, and a foods and drinks tasting session with an area household which is such a beautiful addition after studying the historical past of the realm.
10. Take a Photograph from the Viewing Platform
The most effective issues to see in Berat is the view from the Viewing Platform. It’s round a 20-30-minute stroll uphill, however the view you’re rewarded with is really spectacular.
On one facet is the outdated city, with the UNESCO city of Gorica on show in all its glory, and on the opposite facet is the newer a part of town. The views of the mountains and the river are unimaginable.
It’s one of many nicest issues to do in Berat at evening. Arrive simply earlier than the solar begins to set for probably the most romantic and picturesque ambiance.
11. Go on a Meals Tour
Berat is a improbable place to strive some native, Albanian meals. I ate a few of the finest conventional meals while in Berat. I like to recommend making an attempt byrek (cheese pastry triangles) and baked eggplants. Each may be present in most eating places and cafes and are equally as scrumptious.
A few of the finest issues to strive are preserves, muffins, and alcoholic drinks. Albanians love their raki, they usually make every kind of variations of it. There’s additionally a giant deal with artisanal merchandise made by locals in Berat so it’s an incredible place to select up some treats to take house.
On this meals tour, you’ll strive plenty of completely different tasty goodies. It’s on the Solidarity Store which is an area for native artisans and producers to promote their items. It’s an enchanting place to see all of the handmade items and provides some new meals a style.
12. Go to the Sotira Waterfalls
The most effective issues to do round Berat is to hike to the Sotira Waterfalls. The waterfalls are tremendous spectacular, with the water rising straight out of the rocks. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Berat in spring as a result of it’s when the falls are at their fullest from the melting snow.
This trekking tour not solely takes you to the gorgeous falls however you’ll additionally cross by genuine outdated villages the place you’ll expertise genuine Albanian life. Not lots has modified in these locations over the past 200 years so that you’ll achieve a real perception into Albania.
It’s round a 2-hour spherical drive with a 2-5 hour spherical hike, so it’s a full day, however in the event you love nature, it’s one of many prettiest locations to go to in Berat. You’ll be able to e-book the tour right here.
13. Stroll the Gorica Bridge
The Gorica Bridge is without doubt one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania, and it’s additionally one of the crucial common issues to do in Berat. This grandiose bridge is product of stone, has seven arches, and connects the Gorcia neighborhood to the remainder of Berat over the Osum River.
It’s bought a reasonably darkish historical past, with tales together with that of a younger girl being sacrificed to make sure that the foundations stood sturdy perpetually. As we speak, it unites each Muslim and Christian neighborhoods, which is a a lot nicer story. It’s a beautiful place to go to in Berat to take a photograph, because it’s a stunning monument.
I undoubtedly advocate crossing the bridge too. The neighborhood of Gorica is gorgeous to stroll round and there are some nice eating places there too.
14. Go Gliko Tasting
You should strive Gliko while you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, produced from entire nuts and fruit, and generally even greens.
On this Gliko tasting tour, you go to Dollani Home within the Kala neighborhood, which is a cultural monument as a result of it’s so architecturally lovely. You’ll study all in regards to the historical past of the constructing, in addition to what life was like again in these occasions.
When you’ve marveled at the fantastic thing about the home, you’ll get to style the glikos in addition to different liqueurs, raki, espresso, and suxhuk – a standard Berati dessert from the Ottoman Period.
It’s one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Berat and I like to recommend it in the event you get pleasure from making an attempt issues which might be a bit of completely different.
15. Hike Tomorr Mountain
Mount Tomorr is round 2450 meters above sea stage and is without doubt one of the most well-known mountains in Albania for its non secular significance. Annual pilgrimages happen in the course of the second half of August.
The very best peak is Cuka e Partizanit which is the very best peak in central Albania. It’s a tough hike however the peak provides wonderful views of the entire of Berat in addition to North East and South West Albania; it’s unimaginable.
If you wish to hike to the height, I like to recommend taking a information to indicate you the way in which as there are some tough ridges to navigate. Be sure you cease on the snow holes as they by no means soften, regardless of the time of 12 months.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Berat
Often, folks will go to Berat as a day tour from Tirana, however there are such a lot of issues to do in Berat that you would spend every week right here and nonetheless discover lots to maintain you occupied. Listed here are a few potential itineraries to get you began:
1 Day in Berat Itinerary
For those who’ve solely bought in the future in Berat, I like to recommend taking a strolling tour, which can take you to lots of the finest locations to go to in Berat and train you all about this magical metropolis. Within the night, head to Home made Meals Lili for some scrumptious conventional Albanian meals.
2-3 Days in Berat Itinerary
When you’ve got 2-3 days to spend in Berat, I’d nonetheless advocate that you just do the strolling tour as a result of it’ll train you all in regards to the metropolis, and it’s a superb option to discover your bearings.
For those who’re a foodie, I undoubtedly advocate going wine tasting as the environment are lovely and the wine is sweet. It’s additionally an effective way to study Albanian tradition.
Lastly, on the third day, you should definitely got down to see a few of Albania’s lovely nature. I like to recommend going to take a look at the Bogove Waterfalls – you’ll be able to both e-book the tour, or hire bikes and cycle there your self. Both approach, it’s a beautiful expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
When you’ve got every week in Berat you then’ll have time to finish lots of the issues on the record. I like to recommend taking the Historic Strolling Tour and stopping on the Viewing Platform on the way in which again to benefit from the views over the valley.
Head out of town to the Bogove Waterfalls or to the Osum River to discover the canyon. Each are lovely and enjoyable days out.
For some relaxation and rest take a sluggish stroll up the Bulevardi Republika and cease for a espresso, or possibly a glass of raki when you basque within the ambiance. Seize some native meals from one of many good eating places listed beneath and benefit from the sluggish tempo of Albanian life.
Along with your vitality again, I actually advocate hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I liked biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. For those who’re an lively individual, why not hike Tomorr Mountain? I discovered it unimaginable, and also you’ll make reminiscences to take with you when leaving Berat.
After all, a wine tasting is important – I used to be pleasantly stunned by the standard of Albanian wine. The individuals are pleasant, and never solely do you get to style wine however raki too. You’ll undoubtedly return to your lodging feeling merry!
The place to Keep in Berat
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Outdated City – Finest for First-time Guests
For those who’ve bought restricted time in Berat, the most effective place to remain is unquestionably the Outdated City. You’ll be inside strolling distance of all of the historic websites, in addition to some improbable bars and eating places. You’re actually within the coronary heart of the motion. I like to recommend the gorgeous resort Residenza.
Gorica – Finest for Finances Journey
Gorica is a gorgeous city that’s reached by crossing the well-known Ottoman bridge, the Gorica Bridge. It’s one in all my favourite sights in Berat. Gorica is a bit of cheaper than the lodging within the Outdated City and is house to many hostels and resorts.
I like to recommend the Amalia Resort or the Maya Hostel in the event you’re backpacking.
Lagja 30 Vjertori – Finest for Households
To the southeast of Outdated City lies this quiet little suburb. It’s not as touristy, but it surely’s shut sufficient to stroll into city. You’ll discover some extra spacious residences right here, together with all of the facilities you require. This pretty B&B is attractive.
Finest Eating places in Berat
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Berat:
Home made Meals Lili
You gained’t get higher than Lili’s place for genuine Albanian meals with unimaginable service. Lili is the loveliest man whose spouse, Lela, serves the most effective Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so ensure that to e-book forward. The lamb baked in yogurt is unimaginable.
Eni Conventional Meals
Eni is positioned simply over the bridge in Gorica. It’s one other family-run restaurant that serves scrumptious Albanian meals. I like to recommend the stuffed peppers and moussaka. Each make my mouth water simply serious about them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen Home Restaurant provides a extra trendy menu that includes improbable salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an incredible place to go to in the event you’re touring with youngsters as there’s a playground within the backyard.
Tradita e Beratit
One other improbable restaurant positioned within the Gorica neighborhood is Tradita e Beratit. It’s additionally a resort, however the restaurant is tremendous cute and romantic, with alfresco eating and beautiful atmospheric fairy lights.
The meals is each contemporary and native. I like to recommend making an attempt the native byrek.
Taverna Panorama
Taverna Panorama is a bit of out of city, but it surely’s for the view that you just go to this pretty restaurant. From right here, you’ll be able to see over the entire city, the river, and the encompassing mountains – it’s a spectacular setting for a particular meal. I discovered the cheese-stuffed olives and grilled peppers improbable.
Getting To Berat
You’ll seemingly arrive in Albania in Tirana which isn’t very removed from Berat and is well reachable by automobile or by bus. You’ll be able to both prepare a non-public switch from Tirana, or you would get the bus from the primary bus station. You’ll be able to view the timetable right here. The journey takes slightly below 3 hours and prices round 500LEK ($5 USD).
You’ll arrive in Berat on the Berat Bus Terminal, round 3 km from the Outdated City. From right here, you’ll be able to both seize a taxi to your lodging or get on a inexperienced metropolis bus which can take you to the middle. The bus prices round 40LEK ($0.40 USD) and a taxi might price as much as 500LEK ($5 USD).
Berat itself is a really walkable metropolis, though elements are fairly steep and hilly! You gained’t must depend on taxis or public transport or have to fret about renting a automobile. A well-liked option to get round Berat is to hire a bicycle.
Issues To Do in Berat: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Berat:
Berat is called the Metropolis of 1000 Home windows. Its title comes from its well-known homes nestled into its hillside which have plenty of symmetrical openings. It’s a beautiful sight.
The very best time to go to Berat is in the course of the shoulder seasons between April-June and September-August. July and August are nonetheless good occasions to go to, however it is going to be a lot hotter and busier.
Sure completely. The meals providing is improbable, the UNESCO Websites are lovely and there’s some unimaginable nature to be explored. Berat actually provides a little bit of every thing.
A few days is sufficient to see many of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nevertheless, in case you have a bit of bit additional, you’ll be able to discover the issues to do close to Berat, just like the Tomorr Nationwide Park.
Sure. Albania typically is taken into account a very protected place to go to.
Of all of the issues to do in Berat, visiting the Berat Citadel might be the most well-liked. You’ll see properties which might be nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll by cobbled streets, and see plenty of pretty little outlets and cafes.
Whereas Berat is a quaint metropolis, there are some nice bars and lounges the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a drink and music till late.
I had some unimaginable native meals in Berat, town is filled with improbable native eating places. It is best to undoubtedly strive byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) when you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text reveals that there are numerous wonderful issues to do in Berat. It’s a beautiful metropolis that you need to undoubtedly make time to see throughout your journey to Albania; even in the event you’re solely capable of go to for the day, it’s value it.
The individuals are pleasant, and it’s a singular metropolis, in contrast to wherever else I visited in Albania and even Europe. The very best factor is that there’s one thing for everybody. Stunning nature to discover, glorious native meals and wine to pattern, and historical past and tradition to absorb.
I hope this text helps you propose what to see in Berat in an effort to make the most effective out of your keep.
