There are such a lot of wonderful 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 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 in every of my favourite experiences there was sightseeing in Berat. It’s positively one in every 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.
Finest 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 picturesque cities in Albania.
There are such a lot of unbelievable Berat sights. Learn on to find a listing of one of the best issues to do when planning your journey to this Albanian metropolis.
1. Osum Canyon
Often called the Grand Canyon of Albania, Osum Canyon is without doubt one of the greatest issues to see in Berat. It’s a superb place to go mountain climbing and is the place you’re positive to see among 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 a protracted hike.
My favourite technique to discover the canyon is by taking a tour. This sensible tour additionally stops in just a little city known as Polican which was based in communist occasions. It’s well-known for producing thousands and 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 in every of 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 dwelling 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 an area information. It’s wonderful since you obtain insider information, cowl a number 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.
Should you’re touring on a price range, the Free Strolling Tour of Berat can be a very good choice, however bear in mind to tip your information on the finish.
3. Go to the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is housed in an exquisite Ottoman-style constructing and incorporates over 1,000 objects from Berat’s previous. It’s among the finest 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 similar to silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. Should 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’ll be able to 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 very lengthy boulevard lined by cafes and eating places, in addition to Lulishtja Park on one aspect too.
At one finish is an exquisite view of the citadel and on the different is a unbelievable 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 all 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. Should you’re in search of a fast chunk, the pizza at Visitor Bar is fairly unimaginable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
Should you’re a foodie in search of issues to do in Berat, it’s best to positively take into account taking a cooking class.
This unbelievable cooking expertise is held in Lodge Citadel 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 find out about Berat general.
You prepare dinner in a working kitchen too, so it’s good enjoyable and an awesome choice for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some unbelievable locations in Berat to strive the native wine. The easiest way to expertise just a few totally different wineries is by occurring 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. Should you’ve not tried raki earlier than, you’re in for an actual shock it’s essentially the most alcoholic drink consumed in Albania…
You’ll style some wonderful dry white wines that are one of the best in Albania. It’s a unbelievable technique 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. This can be a vineyard round 8 minutes from the Outdated City by automobile. The wine tasting supplied right here is unbelievable and so they present an awesome collection of Albanian meals too. Their pink wines, notably the Pinot Noir, are unbelievable. It’s among the finest 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 unbelievable place to benefit from the nice outdoor, and you may hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) if you happen to’re feeling actually lively.
Alternatively, make your method 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 – notably in case your youngsters 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 in every of my favourite issues to do in Berat.
8. Lease Bikes and Discover
Renting a motorcycle is a good choice when you’ve got 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 advisable by the corporate. It’s not a brief journey, (it took me round 3 hours), nevertheless it’s so value it. Should you’re sporty or lively, 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 best way again. It’s lovely, and the wine is so good.
You possibly can lease bikes right here. The mountain bikes are of top quality, and the employees is comfortable to share with you one of the best 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 motive. Looming over town, proper on the high of a hill, lies this big fortress. It’s over 2000 years outdated and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless folks residing inside the partitions in the present day.
You’ll meet most of the residents inside as they promote do-it-yourself crafts, meals, and wares proper outdoors their entrance doorways. After all, the historical past that you just’ll study in regards to the fortress 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 food and drinks tasting session with an area household which is such a stunning addition after studying the historical past of the world.
10. Take a Picture 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 actually spectacular.
On one aspect is the outdated 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 unimaginable.
It’s one of many nicest issues to do in Berat at night time. Arrive simply earlier than the solar begins to set for essentially the most romantic and picturesque ambiance.
11. Go on a Meals Tour
Berat is a unbelievable place to strive some native, Albanian meals. I ate among the greatest conventional meals while in Berat. I like to recommend attempting byrek (cheese pastry triangles) and baked eggplants. Each could be present in most eating places and cafes and are equally as scrumptious.
Among 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 an awesome place to choose up some treats to take dwelling.
On this meals tour, you’ll strive 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
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 among the finest 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 outdated villages the place you’ll expertise genuine Albanian life. Not loads has modified in these locations during the last 200 years so that you’ll acquire 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 if you happen to love nature, it’s one of many prettiest locations to go to in Berat. You possibly can 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 common 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. As we speak, 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 positively 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 could strive Gliko while you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, created from complete 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 distinctive issues to do in Berat and I like to recommend it if you happen to take pleasure in attempting issues which are just a little totally different.
15. Hike Tomorr Mountain
Mount Tomorr is round 2450 meters above sea degree 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 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 point out you the best way as there are some troublesome ridges to navigate. Be sure to cease on the snow holes as they by no means soften, irrespective 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 per 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
Should you’ve solely obtained sooner or later in Berat, I like to recommend taking a strolling tour, which can take you to most of the greatest locations to go to in Berat and educate 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 advocate that you just do the strolling tour as a result of it’ll educate you all in regards to the metropolis, and it’s a wonderful technique to discover your bearings.
Should you’re a foodie, I positively advocate going wine tasting as the environment are lovely and the wine is nice. It’s additionally an effective way to find out about 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’ll be able to both e-book the tour, or lease bikes and cycle there your self. Both method, it’s a beautiful expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
You probably have per week in Berat then you definately’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 best way 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 sluggish stroll up the Bulevardi Republika and cease for a espresso, or perhaps a glass of raki whilst you basque within the ambiance. Seize some native meals from one of many sensible eating places listed under and benefit from the sluggish tempo of Albanian life.
Together with your power again, I actually advocate hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I cherished biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. Should you’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 crucial – I used to be pleasantly stunned by the standard of Albanian wine. The persons 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 one of the best neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Outdated City – Finest for First-time Guests
Should you’ve obtained restricted time in Berat, one of the 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 unbelievable bars and eating places. You’re actually within the coronary heart of the motion. I like to recommend the gorgeous lodge Residenza.
Gorica – Finest for Funds Journey
Gorica is an exquisite city that’s reached by crossing the well-known Ottoman bridge, the Gorica Bridge. It’s one in every of my favourite sights in Berat. Gorica is just a little cheaper than the lodging within the Outdated City and is dwelling to many hostels and accommodations.
I like to recommend the Amalia Lodge or the Maya Hostel if you happen to’re backpacking.
Lagja 30 Vjertori – Finest for Households
To the southeast of Outdated City lies this quiet little suburb. It’s not as touristy, nevertheless it’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:
Do-it-yourself 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 one of the best Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so be certain 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 excited about them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen Home Restaurant presents a extra trendy menu that includes unbelievable salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an awesome place to go to if you happen to’re touring with youngsters as there’s a playground within the backyard.
Tradita e Beratit
One other unbelievable 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 wonderful atmospheric fairy lights.
The meals is each contemporary and native. I like to recommend attempting the native byrek.
Taverna Panorama
Taverna Panorama is just a little out of city, nevertheless it’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 encircling mountains – it’s a spectacular setting for a particular meal. I discovered the cheese-stuffed olives and grilled peppers unbelievable.
Getting To Berat
You’ll doubtless arrive in Albania in Tirana which isn’t very removed from Berat and is definitely reachable by automobile or by bus. You possibly can both organize a personal 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 just 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 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 automobile. A well-liked technique 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 named the Metropolis of 1000 Home windows. Its title comes from its well-known homes nestled into its hillside which have numerous symmetrical openings. It’s a beautiful sight.
The perfect 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 will likely be a lot hotter and busier.
Sure completely. The meals providing is unbelievable, the UNESCO Websites are lovely and there’s some unimaginable 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. Nevertheless, when you’ve got just a little bit additional, you’ll be able to 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 preferred. You’ll see properties which are nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll by cobbled streets, and see numerous 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 take pleasure in a drink and music till late.
I had some unimaginable native meals in Berat, town is filled with unbelievable native eating places. You need to positively strive byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) whilst you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text reveals that there are lots of wonderful 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 if you happen to’re solely in a position to go to for the day, it’s value it.
The persons are pleasant, and it’s a novel metropolis, not like anyplace else I visited in Albania and even Europe. The perfect factor is that there’s one thing for everybody. Stunning nature to discover, wonderful 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 to be able to make one of the best out of your keep.
