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 attractive Berat Fortress 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 here 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 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 perfect issues to do when planning your journey to this Albanian metropolis.
1. Osum Canyon
Often called the Grand Canyon of Albania, Osum Canyon is likely one of the greatest issues to see in Berat. It’s an excellent 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 yr, 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 method 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 instances. 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 among my favourite locations to go to in Berat for its pure magnificence.
2. Take a Historic Strolling Tour
Probably the greatest issues to do in Berat is to take a strolling tour. Berat is residence to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Websites, so it’s not brief on tradition and historical past to discover. Due to this, there are fairly a number of strolling excursions to seek 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 data, cowl plenty of floor, and get to see among the most well-known vacationer sights in Berat. The tour contains stops at Berat Fortress in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
For those who’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 a ravishing Ottoman-style constructing and comprises over 1,000 objects from Berat’s previous. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Berat to achieve 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. For those who’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’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 likely 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 facet too.
At one finish is a ravishing 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 likely one of the prime 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. For those who’re on the lookout for a fast chunk, the pizza at Visitor Bar is fairly unimaginable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
For those who’re a foodie on the lookout for issues to do in Berat, it is best to undoubtedly contemplate taking a cooking class.
This improbable cooking expertise is held in Lodge Fortress Park the place you’ll make conventional Berati meals whereas taking breaks to be taught all concerning the origins of the components 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 amazing choice for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some improbable locations in Berat to strive the native wine. The easiest way to expertise a number of 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. For those who’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 glorious dry white wines that are the perfect in Albania. It’s a improbable 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. 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 amazing choice of Albanian meals too. Their pink 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
Probably the greatest 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) when you’re feeling actually energetic.
Alternatively, make your approach 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 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 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 among my favourite issues to do in Berat.
8. Hire Bikes and Discover
Renting a motorbike is a superb choice when you have restricted time as you get to see a lot greater than you’ll by strolling.
I rented a motorbike 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 price it. For those who’re sporty or energetic, you’ll actually get pleasure from 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 hire bikes right here. The mountain bikes are of top quality, and the workers is glad to share with you the perfect routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Fortress
Berat Fortress is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Berat, and for good cause. Looming over town, proper on the prime of a hill, lies this large fort. It’s over 2000 years previous and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless individuals residing throughout the partitions right now.
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 be taught concerning the fort 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
Probably the greatest 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 facet is the previous 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 essentially 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 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.
A number of the greatest issues to strive are preserves, desserts, and alcoholic drinks. Albanians love their raki, they usually make every kind of variations of it. There’s additionally an enormous deal with artisanal merchandise made by locals in Berat so it’s an amazing place to choose up some treats to take residence.
On this meals tour, you’ll strive plenty of 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 a captivating place to see all of the handmade items and provides some new meals a style.
12. Go to the Sotira Waterfalls
Probably the greatest 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 attractive falls however you’ll additionally go by genuine previous villages the place you’ll expertise genuine Albanian life. Not rather a lot 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 when you 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 likely one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania, and it’s additionally one of the crucial widespread 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. In the present day, 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 beautiful 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 need to strive Gliko once you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, created 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 be taught 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 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 when you get pleasure from making an attempt issues which are just a little 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 non secular 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 tough hike however the peak gives 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 yr.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Berat
Normally, 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 below are a few potential itineraries to get you began:
1 Day in Berat Itinerary
For those who’ve solely received sooner or later in Berat, I like to recommend taking a strolling tour, which is able to take you to lots 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
When you’ve got 2-3 days to spend in Berat, I’d nonetheless suggest that you just do the strolling tour as a result of it’ll educate you all concerning the metropolis, and it’s a superb method to discover your bearings.
For those who’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, 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 then you definately’ll have time to finish lots 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 sensible eating places listed under and benefit from the gradual tempo of Albanian life.
Along with your vitality again, I actually suggest hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I beloved biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. For those who’re an energetic particular person, why not hike Tomorr Mountain? I discovered it unimaginable, and also you’ll make recollections to take with you when leaving Berat.
After all, a wine tasting is crucial – I used to be pleasantly shocked 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 a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for First-time Guests
For those who’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 improbable bars and eating places. You’re actually within the coronary heart of the motion. I like to recommend the attractive resort Residenza.
Gorica – Greatest for Price range Journey
Gorica is a ravishing 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 just a little cheaper than the lodging within the Outdated City and is residence to many hostels and inns.
I like to recommend the Amalia Lodge or the Maya Hostel when 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, 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.
Greatest Eating places in Berat
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Berat:
Do-it-yourself Meals Lili
You received’t get higher than Lili’s place for genuine Albanian meals with unimaginable service. Lili is the loveliest man whose spouse, Lela, serves the perfect Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so be sure 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 fascinated with them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen Home Restaurant gives a extra fashionable menu that includes improbable salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an amazing place to go to when 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 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 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 possible arrive in Albania in Tirana which isn’t very removed from Berat and is well reachable by automobile or by bus. You possibly can both organize a personal switch from Tirana, or you would 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’ll be able to 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 price as much as 500LEK ($5 USD).
Berat itself is a really walkable metropolis, though components are fairly steep and hilly! You received’t must depend on taxis or public transport or have to fret about renting a automobile. A well-liked method to get round Berat is to hire 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 plenty of symmetrical openings. It’s a beautiful sight.
The perfect 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 improbable, the UNESCO Websites are lovely and there’s some unimaginable nature to be explored. Berat actually gives a little bit of the whole lot.
A few days is sufficient to see a lot of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nevertheless, when you have just a little bit further, 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 Fortress might be the most well-liked. You’ll see houses which are nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll by cobbled streets, and see plenty of pretty little retailers 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 stuffed with improbable native eating places. It is best to undoubtedly strive byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) whilst you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text exhibits that there are lots of 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 when you’re solely capable of go to for the day, it’s price it.
The individuals are pleasant, and it’s a novel metropolis, in contrast to wherever else I visited in Albania and even Europe. The perfect 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 propose what to see in Berat with the intention to make the perfect out of your keep.
