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 among the greatest native meals I’ve ever tried, Berat is a vacation spot to not be missed.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania and one among my favourite experiences there was sightseeing in Berat. It’s undoubtedly one among 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 called the Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows due to 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 probably the most picturesque cities in Albania.
There are such a lot of incredible Berat sights. Learn on to find an inventory of the perfect 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 likely one of the greatest issues to see in Berat. It’s a superb place to go mountain climbing and is the place you’re certain to see among the lushest nature within the nation. On the proper time of 12 months, you may discover the canyon by raft or kayak or go for a refreshing dip within the river after an extended hike.
My favourite approach to discover the canyon is by taking a tour. This good tour additionally stops in a bit city referred to as Polican which was based in communist instances. It’s well-known for producing hundreds of thousands 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 among 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 among the most well-known vacationer sights in Berat. The tour contains stops at Berat Citadel in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
In case you’re touring on a finances, the Free Strolling Tour of Berat can 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 good looking Ottoman-style constructing and incorporates over 1,000 objects from Berat’s previous. It’s the most effective locations to go to in Berat to achieve an perception into how the Albanian folks 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 reminiscent of silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. In case you’re a historical past buff, this is likely one of the prime 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 attention-grabbing to hearken to.
4. Stroll Bulevardi Republica
Bulevardi Republika is likely 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 facet too.
At one finish is a good looking view of the citadel and on the different is a incredible view of The Tomorr Mountain. It’s an ideal place for a photograph alternative and is likely one of the prime locations to see in Berat.
One in every of my favourite cafes in Berat – Gimi Cafe – is situated alongside the boulevard. Go for a stroll and cease for espresso and a crepe on this beautiful spot. In case you’re on the lookout for a fast chew, the pizza at Visitor Bar is fairly unbelievable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
In case you’re a foodie on the lookout for issues to do in Berat, it is best to undoubtedly take into account taking a cooking class.
This incredible cooking expertise is held in Resort Citadel Park the place you’ll make conventional Berati meals whereas taking breaks to study all concerning the origins of the substances and recipes. It’s such a enjoyable expertise and an effective way to study Berat general.
You cook dinner in a working kitchen too, so it’s good enjoyable and an important possibility for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some incredible locations in Berat to attempt the native wine. One of the best ways to expertise just a few totally different wineries is by happening a tour. On this wine and meals tour, you go to two wineries and style 5 totally different wines. It additionally features a conventional raki lunch. In case 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 perfect in Albania. It’s a incredible approach 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 automotive. The wine tasting supplied right here is incredible and so they present an important number of Albanian meals too. Their pink wines, notably the Pinot Noir, are incredible. It’s the most effective 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 incredible place to benefit from the nice outside, and you may hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) for those who’re feeling actually energetic.
Alternatively, make your means as much as the lake for some water sports activities, which is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Berat for households – notably 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 one among my favourite issues to do in Berat.
8. Lease Bikes and Discover
Renting a motorcycle is a superb possibility when you have restricted time as you get to see a lot greater than you’ll by strolling.
I rented a motorcycle after I was in Berat and I truly rode to Bogove Waterfall as this was beneficial by the corporate. It’s not a brief journey, (it took me round 3 hours), but it surely’s so price it. In case you’re sporty or energetic, you’ll actually take pleasure in this expertise.
My prime 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 possibly can lease bikes right here. The mountain bikes are of top of the range, and the employees is joyful to share with you the perfect routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Citadel
Berat Citadel is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Berat, and for good motive. Looming over town, proper on the prime of a hill, lies this large fortress. It’s over 2000 years outdated and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless folks dwelling inside the partitions right this moment.
You’ll meet most of the residents inside as they promote home made crafts, meals, and wares proper outdoors their entrance doorways. After all, the historical past that you just’ll study concerning the fortress inside is totally fascinating too.
Tickets price 300LEK ($3 USD) or you may be a part of a tour that features entrance, transport, and a food and drinks tasting session with a neighborhood household which is such a stunning addition after studying the historical past of the realm.
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 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 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 incredible place to attempt some native, Albanian meals. I ate among the greatest conventional meals while in Berat. I like to recommend making an attempt byrek (cheese pastry triangles) and baked eggplants. Each might be present in most eating places and cafes and are equally as scrumptious.
Among the greatest issues to attempt are preserves, muffins, and alcoholic drinks. Albanians love their raki, and so they make all types of variations of it. There’s additionally an enormous give attention to artisanal merchandise made by locals in Berat so it’s an important place to select up some treats to take house.
On this meals tour, you’ll attempt numerous totally 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 interesting 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 the most effective 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 means of genuine outdated villages the place you’ll expertise genuine Albanian life. Not so much has modified in these locations during the last 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 for those who love nature, it’s one of many prettiest locations to go to in Berat. You possibly can ebook the tour right here.
13. Stroll the Gorica Bridge
The Gorica Bridge is likely one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania, and it’s additionally probably the most in style issues to do in Berat. This grandiose bridge is made from stone, has seven arches, and connects the Gorcia neighborhood to the remainder of Berat over the Osum River.
It’s received a reasonably darkish historical past, with tales together with that of a younger lady being sacrificed to make sure that the foundations stood sturdy endlessly. At this time, it unites each Muslim and Christian neighborhoods, which is a a lot nicer story. It’s a stunning place to go to in Berat to take a photograph, because it’s a stunning monument.
I undoubtedly 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
You have to attempt Gliko while you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, comprised of 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 concerning the historical past of the constructing, in addition to what life was like again in these instances.
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 probably the most distinctive issues to do in Berat and I like to recommend it for those who take pleasure in making an attempt issues which might be a bit totally different.
15. Hike Tomorr Mountain
Mount Tomorr is round 2450 meters above sea stage and is likely one of the most well-known mountains in Albania for its spiritual significance. Annual pilgrimages happen throughout the second half of August.
The best peak is Cuka e Partizanit which is the very best peak in central Albania. It’s a troublesome hike however the peak presents wonderful 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 indicate you the way in which as there are some troublesome ridges to navigate. Be sure to 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 can spend every week right here and nonetheless discover loads to maintain you occupied. Listed below are a few potential itineraries to get you began:
1 Day in Berat Itinerary
In case you’ve solely received 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
If in case you have 2-3 days to spend in Berat, I’d nonetheless suggest that you just do the strolling tour as a result of it’ll train you all concerning the metropolis, and it’s a wonderful approach to discover your bearings.
In case you’re a foodie, I undoubtedly 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, remember to 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 ebook the tour, or lease bikes and cycle there your self. Both means, it’s a beautiful expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
If in case you have every week in Berat you then’ll have time to finish most of the issues on the listing. 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 whilst 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.
Together with your vitality again, I actually suggest hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I liked biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. In case 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.
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 perfect neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for First-time Guests
In case you’ve received restricted time in Berat, the perfect place to remain is certainly the Outdated City. You’ll be inside strolling distance of all of the historic websites, in addition to some incredible bars and eating places. You’re actually within the coronary heart of the motion. I like to recommend the gorgeous resort Residenza.
Gorica – Greatest for Price range Journey
Gorica is a good looking city that’s reached by crossing the well-known Ottoman bridge, the Gorica Bridge. It’s one among my favourite sights in Berat. Gorica is a bit cheaper than the lodging within the Outdated City and is house to many hostels and inns.
I like to recommend the Amalia Resort or the Maya Hostel for those who’re backpacking.
Lagja 30 Vjertori – Greatest 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 flats right here, together with all of the facilities you require. This beautiful B&B is beautiful.
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 perfect Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so ensure that to ebook forward. The lamb baked in yogurt is unbelievable.
Eni Conventional Meals
Eni is situated 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 occupied with them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen Home Restaurant presents a extra fashionable menu that includes incredible salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an important place to go to for those who’re touring with kids as there’s a playground within the backyard.
Tradita e Beratit
One other incredible restaurant situated 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 wonderful 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 out of city, but it surely’s for the view that you just 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 incredible.
Getting To Berat
You’ll probably arrive in Albania in Tirana which isn’t very removed from Berat and is well reachable by automotive or by bus. You possibly can both organize a non-public switch from Tirana, or you can get the bus from the principle bus station. You possibly can 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 could price as much as 500LEK ($5 USD).
Berat itself is a really walkable metropolis, though components are fairly steep and hilly! You gained’t must depend on taxis or public transport or have to fret about renting a automotive. A preferred approach to get round Berat is to lease a bicycle.
Issues To Do in Berat: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Berat:
Berat is called the Metropolis of 1000 Home windows. Its identify comes from its well-known homes nestled into its hillside which have numerous symmetrical openings. It’s a beautiful sight.
The very best time to go to Berat is throughout the shoulder seasons between April-June and September-August. July and August are nonetheless good instances to go to, however it is going to be a lot hotter and busier.
Sure completely. The meals providing is incredible, the UNESCO Websites are lovely and there’s some unbelievable nature to be explored. Berat actually presents a little bit of every thing.
A few days is sufficient to see a lot of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nonetheless, when you have a bit 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 very secure 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 means of cobbled streets, and see numerous 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 incredible native eating places. It’s best to undoubtedly attempt byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) whilst you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text reveals that there are various wonderful issues to do in Berat. It’s a beautiful metropolis that it is best to undoubtedly make time to see throughout your journey to Albania; even for those who’re solely capable of go to for the day, it’s price 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. Lovely 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 as to make the perfect out of your keep.