There are such a lot of glorious issues to do in Berat. Though Berat is a small metropolis, it’s surprisingly packed stuffed with tradition and historical past to absorb.
From the gorgeous Berat Fortress to the cafe-lined Bulevardi Republika, and a number of the greatest native meals I’ve ever tried, Berat is a vacation spot to not be missed.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania and certainly one of my favourite experiences there was sightseeing in Berat. It’s positively certainly one of my favourite locations in the entire of Albania. So, listed below are some concepts on how I like to recommend you greatest spend your time in Berat.
Greatest Issues To Do in Berat
Berat is named 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 vital picturesque cities in Albania.
There are such a lot of implausible Berat points of interest. Learn on to find a listing of the very best issues to do when planning your journey to this Albanian metropolis.
1. Osum Canyon
Often known as the Grand Canyon of Albania, Osum Canyon is without doubt one of the greatest issues to see in Berat. It’s an excellent place to go climbing and is the place you’re positive to see a number of the lushest nature within the nation. On the proper time of yr, you may discover the canyon by raft or kayak or go for a refreshing dip within the river after a protracted hike.
My favourite method to discover the canyon is by taking a tour. This good tour additionally stops in slightly 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 certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Berat for its pure magnificence.
2. Take a Historic Strolling Tour
Among the finest issues to do in Berat is to take a strolling tour. Berat is house to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Websites, so it’s not brief 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 a neighborhood information. It’s glorious since you obtain insider data, cowl loads of floor, and get to see a number of the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Berat. The tour consists of stops at Berat Fortress in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
When you’re touring on a funds, the Free Strolling Tour of Berat can be a superb choice, however bear in mind to tip your information on the finish.
3. Go to the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is housed in a wonderful Ottoman-style constructing and accommodates 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 individuals used to stay 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 resembling silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. When you’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 may pay 500LEK ($ 5 USD) you get the audio information too which is fascinating to hearken to.
4. Stroll Bulevardi Republica
Bulevardi Republika is without doubt one of the greatest 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 aspect too.
At one finish is a wonderful view of the citadel and on the different is a implausible 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.
Considered one 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 beautiful spot. When you’re in search of a fast chunk, the pizza at Visitor Bar is fairly unbelievable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
When you’re a foodie in search of issues to do in Berat, it’s best to positively contemplate taking a cooking class.
This implausible cooking expertise is held in Resort Fortress Park the place you’ll make conventional Berati meals whereas taking breaks to study all in regards to the origins of the substances and recipes. It’s such a enjoyable expertise and an effective way to study Berat general.
You prepare dinner in a working kitchen too, so it’s good enjoyable and a fantastic choice for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some implausible locations in Berat to strive the native wine. One of the best ways to expertise just a few completely different wineries is by happening 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. When you’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 very best in Albania. It’s a implausible method to discover the world and meet locals.
If becoming a member of a tour isn’t your factor, seize a taxi or drive as much as Kantina Luani. It is a vineyard round 8 minutes from the Outdated City by automobile. The wine tasting provided right here is implausible and so they present a fantastic choice of Albanian meals too. Their purple wines, significantly the Pinot Noir, are implausible. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Berat for {couples}.
7. Paddle and Kayak Round Tomorr Nationwide Park
Among the finest locations to go to close to Berat is the Tomorr Nationwide Park. It’s a implausible place to benefit from the nice open air, and you’ll hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) in the event you’re feeling actually energetic.
Alternatively, make your manner as much as the lake for some water sports activities, which is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Berat for households – significantly in case your kids are barely older.
This out of doors journey tour entails a hike to the lake, the place you’ll head out onto the water on kayaks and paddleboards to admire the encircling nature from the water. The tour even features a scrumptious picnic lunch so that you can take pleasure in within the park.
It’s certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Berat.
8. Lease Bikes and Discover
Renting a motorbike is a superb choice 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 really rode to Bogove Waterfall as this was really useful by the corporate. It’s not a brief journey, (it took me round 3 hours), however it’s so price it. When you’re sporty or energetic, you’ll actually take pleasure in 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 may lease bikes right here. The mountain bikes are of top of the range, and the employees is completely happy to share with you the very best routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Fortress
Berat Fortress 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 big fortress. It’s over 2000 years previous and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless individuals dwelling throughout the partitions right this moment.
You’ll meet most of the residents inside as they promote do-it-yourself crafts, meals, and wares proper outdoors their entrance doorways. In fact, the historical past that you simply’ll study in regards to the fortress inside is totally fascinating too.
Tickets value 300LEK ($3 USD) or you may be a part of a tour that features entrance, transport, and a foods and drinks tasting session with a neighborhood household which is such a beautiful addition after studying the historical past of the world.
10. Take a Photograph from the Viewing Platform
Among the finest 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 actually spectacular.
On one aspect is the previous city, with the UNESCO city of Gorica on show in all its glory, and on the opposite aspect is the newer a part of town. The views of the mountains and the river are unbelievable.
It’s one of many nicest issues to do in Berat at night time. 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 implausible place to strive some native, Albanian meals. I ate a number of the greatest 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 greatest issues to strive are preserves, desserts, and alcoholic drinks. Albanians love their raki, and so they make every kind of variations of it. There’s additionally a giant give attention to artisanal merchandise made by locals in Berat so it’s a fantastic place to select up some treats to take house.
On this meals tour, you’ll strive a lot 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
Among the finest 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 go by genuine previous villages the place you’ll expertise genuine Albanian life. Not quite a bit 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 may guide 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 vital in style issues to do in Berat. This grandiose bridge is manufactured from stone, has seven arches, and connects the Gorcia neighborhood to the remainder of Berat over the Osum River.
It’s obtained a reasonably darkish historical past, with tales together with that of a younger lady being sacrificed to make sure that the foundations stood sturdy without end. Right this moment, 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 positively suggest 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
It’s essential to strive Gliko if you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, constructed from entire nuts and fruit, and typically 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 great thing about the home, you’ll get to style the glikos in addition to different liqueurs, raki, espresso, and suxhuk – a conventional Berati dessert from the Ottoman Period.
It’s one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Berat and I like to recommend it in the event you take pleasure in making an attempt issues which can be slightly 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 spiritual 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 troublesome hike however the peak presents superb views of the entire of Berat in addition to North East and South West Albania; it’s unbelievable.
If you wish to hike to the height, I like to recommend taking a information to point out you the way in which as there are some troublesome ridges to navigate. Be sure you cease on the snow holes as they by no means soften, regardless of the time of yr.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Berat
Often, individuals 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 loads to maintain you occupied. Listed here are a few potential itineraries to get you began:
1 Day in Berat Itinerary
When you’ve solely obtained someday in Berat, I like to recommend taking a strolling tour, which is able to take you to most of the greatest locations to go to in Berat and train you all about this magical metropolis. Within the night, head to Do-it-yourself Meals Lili for some scrumptious conventional Albanian meals.
2-3 Days in Berat Itinerary
You probably have 2-3 days to spend in Berat, I’d nonetheless suggest that you simply do the strolling tour as a result of it’ll train you all in regards to the metropolis, and it’s a superb method to discover your bearings.
When you’re a foodie, I positively suggest 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, be sure you 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 may both guide the tour, or lease bikes and cycle there your self. Both manner, it’s a beautiful expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
You probably have every week in Berat then you definitely’ll have time to finish most of the issues on the checklist. 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 leisure take a gradual stroll up the Bulevardi Republika and cease for a espresso, or possibly a glass of raki whilst you basque within the ambiance. Seize some native meals from one of many good eating places listed beneath and benefit from the gradual tempo of Albanian life.
Along with your power again, I actually suggest hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I cherished biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. When you’re an energetic individual, why not hike Tomorr Mountain? I discovered it unbelievable, and also you’ll make reminiscences to take with you when leaving Berat.
In fact, 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 positively return to your lodging feeling merry!
The place to Keep in Berat
These are just a few of the very best neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for First-time Guests
When you’ve obtained restricted time in Berat, the very best place to remain is unquestionably the Outdated City. You’ll be inside strolling distance of all of the historic websites, in addition to some implausible bars and eating places. You’re actually within the coronary heart of the motion. I like to recommend the gorgeous lodge Residenza.
Gorica – Greatest for Price range Journey
Gorica is a wonderful city that’s reached by crossing the well-known Ottoman bridge, the Gorica Bridge. It’s certainly one of my favourite points of interest in Berat. Gorica is slightly cheaper than the lodging within the Outdated City and is house to many hostels and motels.
I like to recommend the Amalia Resort or the Maya Hostel in the event you’re backpacking.
Lagja 30 Vjertori – Greatest for Households
To the southeast of Outdated City lies this quiet little suburb. It’s not as touristy, however it’s shut sufficient to stroll into city. You’ll discover some extra spacious flats right here, together with all of the facilities you require. This beautiful B&B is attractive.
Greatest Eating places in Berat
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Berat:
Do-it-yourself Meals Lili
You gained’t get higher than Lili’s place for genuine Albanian meals with unbelievable service. Lili is the loveliest man whose spouse, Lela, serves the very best Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so be sure to guide forward. The lamb baked in yogurt is unbelievable.
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 fascinated with them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen Home Restaurant presents a extra trendy menu that includes implausible salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s a fantastic place to go to in the event you’re touring with kids as there’s a playground within the backyard.
Tradita e Beratit
One other implausible restaurant positioned within the Gorica neighborhood is Tradita e Beratit. It’s additionally a lodge, however the restaurant is tremendous cute and romantic, with alfresco eating and beautiful atmospheric fairy lights.
The meals is each recent and native. I like to recommend making an attempt the native byrek.
Taverna Panorama
Taverna Panorama is slightly out of city, however it’s for the view that you simply go to this beautiful restaurant. From right here, you may see over the entire city, the river, and the encircling mountains – it’s a spectacular setting for a particular meal. I discovered the cheese-stuffed olives and grilled peppers implausible.
Getting To Berat
You’ll probably arrive in Albania in Tirana which isn’t very removed from Berat and is well reachable by automobile or by bus. You may both prepare a personal switch from Tirana, or you would get the bus from the primary bus station. You may 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 may both seize a taxi to your lodging or get on a inexperienced metropolis bus which is able to take you to the middle. The bus prices round 40LEK ($0.40 USD) and a taxi might value 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 preferred method to get round Berat is to lease a bicycle.
Issues To Do in Berat: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Berat:
Berat is named the Metropolis of 1000 Home windows. Its identify comes from its well-known homes nestled into its hillside which have a lot of symmetrical openings. It’s a beautiful sight.
One of the 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 implausible, the UNESCO Websites are lovely and there’s some unbelievable nature to be explored. Berat actually presents a little bit of all the pieces.
A few days is sufficient to see a lot of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nevertheless, in case you have slightly bit further, you may discover the issues to do close to Berat, just like the Tomorr Nationwide Park.
Sure. Albania usually is taken into account a really protected place to go to.
Of all of the issues to do in Berat, visiting the Berat Fortress might be the most well-liked. You’ll see properties which can be nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll by cobbled streets, and see a lot of beautiful little retailers and cafes.
Whereas Berat is a quaint metropolis, there are some nice bars and lounges the place you may take pleasure in a drink and music till late.
I had some unbelievable native meals in Berat, town is stuffed with implausible native eating places. It’s best to positively strive byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) whilst you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text exhibits that there are various superb issues to do in Berat. It’s a beautiful metropolis that it’s best to positively 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 price it.
The individuals are pleasant, and it’s a novel metropolis, not like wherever else I visited in Albania and even Europe. One of the 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 intend what to see in Berat so to make the very best out of your keep.
