There are such a lot of nice day journeys from Tirana; making it probably the greatest bases in Albania to get out and discover the nation.
Not solely will you expertise Albanian tradition within the metropolis, and a few of the greatest meals and historical past to be present in Albania, however you possibly can benefit from the stunning shoreline or go to the extra quaint and historic cities and cities which can be close by when taking one of many many day journeys from Tirana.
I spent 2 months in Albania and was primarily based in Tirana for 1 month. Throughout that point, I visited the coast and noticed a few of the most gorgeous surroundings by venturing out on day excursions from Tirana. So, learn on for my prime 10 day journeys from Tirana.
Greatest Day Journeys from Tirana
There are some unbelievable day journeys from Tirana. Because the capital metropolis and residential to the busiest worldwide airport within the nation, it’s the proper place to base your self and discover the remainder of this stunning nation.
Listed here are a few of the greatest day journeys from Tirana.
1. Berat
A go to to the unbelievable metropolis of 1,000 home windows is one among my favourite day journeys from Tirana. Town is constructed on a hillside, and its stone homes appear like they’re stacked on prime of one another. The home windows within the homes are all the identical uniform sq. form, giving the town its well-known nickname.
Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so you possibly can look forward to finding loads of fantastically preserved historic buildings which provide an enchanting perception into life by means of the ages in Albania.
The fortress in Berat is a must-visit. It’s actually spectacular and presents unbelievable views over the town. Equally, take a stroll down the gorgeous Bulevardi Republika which is full of cafes excellent for a bit of people-watching.
Town is framed by the Tomorr Mountains at one finish and the Citadel on the different making it a very spectacular place to take a break.
The easiest way to go to Berat from Tirana is with a tour, and this full-day guided tour actually helps benefit from your time on this nice metropolis. You’ll be picked up in Tirana and set off for a few of the highlights of Berat, together with the fortress, the Purple Mosque, and St Trinity Church.
Berat is one among my favourite day excursions from Tirana and visiting is an incredible strategy to spend a day attending to know the center of Albania.
Getting There: There are common buses from Tirana bus station to Berat leaving roughly each half-hour, so it’s probably the greatest day journeys from Tirana by bus. The journey will take round 2 hours and 45 minutes every approach.
2. Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla
For these in search of lively day journeys round Tirana, you must be sure you add a go to to close by Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla to your record of issues to see.
Positioned round 20 kilometers north of Tirana, Lake Bovilla is gorgeous. It’s blue and turquoise in colour and is surrounded by peaks and mountains on all sides, making it appear like one thing out of a film. It’s unsurprising that the encompassing Gamti Mountains are massively in style with hikers and climbers.
In case you love exploring nature, then head into the mountains on one of many marked trails. From the peaks, you’ll have uninterrupted, breathtaking views over Lake Bovilla and past.
This 1-day climbing tour of Lake Bovilla and Mount Gamti features a non-public switch from Tirana to the dam which crosses the lake. From right here, your information will take you on a comparatively straightforward hike into the Gamti Mountains. The hike lasts round 40 minutes and takes you to an unbelievable viewpoint over the lake.
After the hike, you possibly can take a refreshing dip within the lake to chill off and benefit from the perspective of the mountains from beneath. You’ll then be pushed again to your lodging for a well-deserved relaxation.
Albania has some unbelievable nature ready to be explored simply exterior its capital metropolis and this is likely one of the most enjoyable day journeys from Tirana.
Getting There: The place to begin for hikes into the mountains is mostly the dam at Lake Bovilla which is round 20 kilometers north of Tirana. The easiest way to get right here is by rent automobile, non-public taxi or by taking a day tour. A tour will embrace a information that will help you navigate the mountains for the very best views.
3. Kruja and Durrës
Durrës is Albania’s second metropolis, and it’s most historic at over 3,000 years previous. Its location on the coast, to the west of Tirana, presents a magical mix of historic historical past with seashores and the ocean.
One of the spectacular historic points of interest in Durrës is its Roman Amphitheater which is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and different trendy contrasts.
One other of Albania’s most historic cities is Kruja, which is known as the middle of the resistance towards the Ottoman Empire, led by the hero of Albania, Skanderbeg, in addition to for being dwelling to a well-liked bazaar promoting every kind of handicrafts.
If you wish to be taught extra about each the traditional and trendy historical past of Albania, this is likely one of the greatest Tirana day journeys wherein you’ll get to see an enormous quantity in sooner or later.
Getting There: Each Durrës and Kruja may be reached by bus. The buses depart from the Tirana Bus Station. The bus to Durrës takes round 45 minutes, with common departures all through the day. A ticket will price you round 130 lek/€1.
The bus to Kruja will take round 55 minutes and can price round 100 lek/€0.80. There are 15 departures a day making these straightforward day journeys from Tirana. Or, mix each with this epic private day tour.
4. Blue Eye
One of the unbelievable sights in Albania, the Blue Eye (positioned within the south of the nation) is likely one of the greatest day journeys from Tirana by automobile.
The ‘eye’ is a freshwater spring that rises from a depth of at least 50 meters – it’s so deep that divers have been unable to battle the strain of the rising water to get any deeper than this up to now.
The result’s a surprising blue lake in the course of a nationwide park. The spring brings chilly, contemporary water from deep underground and feeds a good looking lake and stream. It’s set within the coronary heart of the forest and creates a magical and delightful pure marvel.
There’s a viewing platform that folks usually leap from into the Blue Eye and when you’ve completed exploring, there’s an ideal little restaurant subsequent door serving meals and drinks that will help you cool off additional.
It’s fairly a distance from Tirana to the Blue Eye, however completely definitely worth the journey. I like to recommend combining a day journey from Tirana to the Blue Eye with a cease at Sarandë and Ksamil. These two are often known as the highlights of the Albanian Riviera and are dwelling to a few of the best beaches in Albania.
Getting There: There are not any direct buses from Tirana to the Blue Eye nationwide park. In case you want to journey by public transport, you might want to take a bus to Sarandë after which from Sarandë to the Blue Eye. The bus to Sarandë leaves from the main bus station and takes round 5 hours. A non-public taxi is an possibility, however I like to recommend combining the taxi with this excellent guided tour.
5. Gjirokastër
One other gem within the south of the nation is the staggeringly stunning UNESCO World Heritage Website of Gjirokastër. This hilltop city is named the Metropolis of Stone and presents an nearly fairy story look with cobbled streets, stone metropolis partitions, and a good looking fortress and fortress wanting over the city.
It’s additionally positioned in the course of the mountains and so has gorgeous 360-degree views throughout the farmland and peaks past.
Exploring the cobbled streets packed filled with cafes, native eating places, and boutique shops is likely one of the greatest issues to do right here however the fortress is likely one of the primary points of interest in Gjirokastër. From inside, you get to discover the depths of the fortress, and benefit from the unbelievable views over Gjirokastër and past.
For the last word expertise in Gjirokastër, this brilliant full-day trip from Tirana comes extremely advisable. You get to tour the city, go to its fortress and bazaar, go to the household dwelling of Enver Hoxha and take a conventional Albanian lunch at one of many stunning household eating places on the town.
There’s one thing magical about Gjirokastër and it’s completely price a go to. It’s positively one among my favourite Tirana day journeys, and someplace I might return to many times.
Getting There: There’s a bus from Tirana Bus Station to Gjirokastër, which takes round 4 hours relying on site visitors. Alternatively, you possibly can rent a automobile in Tirana for round €20. The best strategy to go to is certainly to take this highly-recommended one-day private tour from Tirana to Gjirokastër.
6. Go to Montenegro
Tirana isn’t solely an ideal base for exploring Albania, nevertheless it’s fairly near Montenegro too.
In case you like exploring, I like to recommend a day journey from Tirana to Budva or Kotor. These are two walled cities on the south coast, near the Albanian border.
Kotor is likely one of the prettiest locations in Montenegro, filled with historical past and Montenegrin tradition. It’s primarily based on the gorgeous bay of Kotor which affords the city unbelievable views over the water and surrounding mountains. The bay is gorgeous and is ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.
I like to recommend taking a strolling tour of the Kotor Previous Metropolis as you’ll see the primary points of interest while having the prospect to be taught quite a bit alongside the way in which. Factors of curiosity within the metropolis embrace the Bay of Kotor, the Kotor Fortress, and the scenic view over the ‘Mediterranean Fjords’.
Budva is a bit of completely different – it’s extra of a vacationer resort, but in addition has a big walled metropolis to discover and a few stunning seashores and enjoyable seashore bars. I like to recommend Mogren 2 seashore.
Getting There: To benefit from the day, I like to recommend taking this brilliant tour. The information is tremendous educated, and also you’ll journey in consolation within the non-public bus. You may get a bus from Tirana to each Kotor and Budva. Nonetheless, it takes a very long time, and I like to recommend an in a single day keep. You may view the timetables and costs here.
7. Ksamil Seashore
You should take a day journey from Tirana to see Ksamil when you’re touring within the hotter months (Could-September). The beaches in Ksamil are a few of the greatest within the nation – I usually felt like I used to be in Asia fairly than Europe.
The sand is white, the water is probably the most stunning turquoise colour, and it’s heat and crystal clear. It’s positively probably the greatest locations within the nation to expertise the ‘Albanian Riviera’ at its greatest.
There are additionally another incredible points of interest near Ksamil that are positively price a go to when you’re touring right here. Butrint Nationwide Park, Albania’s first UNESCO World Heritage Website, is simply 10-Quarter-hour from Ksamil.
If you wish to go to Ksamil, I like to recommend taking this 1-day private day trip from Tirana. You’ll chill out on the very best Ksamil seashores and go to stunning Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Fort in Sarande – all superb locations within the south of Albania.
Getting There: To go to the Ksamil Seashores, you’ll have to get a bus to Sarande (there aren’t any direct buses to Ksamil). It takes round 4.5 hours and from Sarande you’ll have to get a taxi to Ksamil. The best strategy to go to Ksamil seashore on a day journey from Tirana is to take a private tour.
8. Komani Lake
That is no doubt probably the greatest day journeys from Tirana for outside lovers. Komani Lake is just accessible by boat, so that you attain it by crusing the Shala River, which traverses by means of stunning gorges and valleys.
The water of the river is crystal clear, and it’s described because the pearl of Lake Komani – it’s completely gorgeous. In case you’re feeling courageous, take a dip in paradise, however be warned, the water may be very contemporary!
There are additionally climbing alternatives within the mountains. In case you’re feeling lively, hike to the perspective for probably the most spectacular views. It takes round 45 minutes and is medium problem, however the sights you’ll be rewarded with are so price it.
Getting There: Today journey from Tirana is just actually doable when you be a part of a tour. It’s round a 4-hour drive and is just accessible by boat, so that you want any person who is aware of the world, and the Shala river nicely. I like to recommend booking a guided tour to benefit from this unbelievable day journey from Tirana by boat.
9. Lake Ohrid
Tirana is actually tremendous near the border with North Macedonia. Positioned right here lies probably the most stunning lake that the border truly runs straight by means of, which means that half is Albanian and half is Macedonian.
Ohrid as a city is completely charming. It’s dwelling to 365 church buildings, one for every day of the yr, that you will discover squeezed in between buildings, hidden in backstreets, and even proper on the water. The Lake is crystal clear and the surroundings is unbelievable.
It’s additionally a spot with a lot of completely different influences, with Turkish being an apparent one. Sip Turkish tea and check out the native meals within the city, or take a dip within the water. A day journey from Tirana into North Macedonia is one thing I positively suggest.
Getting There: There are direct buses that run from Tirana Worldwide Bus Station to Ohrid and value €15 every approach. In case you’re touring within the low season, you’ll have to get the bus to Struga, then onto Ohrid from there. You may guide on-line right here. The easiest way to discover Ohrid from Tirana is by a guided tour to benefit from the day.
10. Shkoder
The Albanian folks consider Shkoder because the ‘conventional’ capital of Albania for its arts, tradition, and spiritual variety.
Nonetheless, the primary cause folks go to Shkoder is that it’s the entry level to the Albanian Alps. In case you love climbing and being out and about in nature, it’s a necessary day journey from Tirana.
One in all my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to lease a motorcycle and go pedaling across the lake, cease for a swim, and revel in wanting on the stunning surroundings.
Getting There: You may get a direct bus from Tirana to Shkoder from the Regional Bus Station. The journey takes round 1 hour 45 minutes and prices 400LEK (round €3). As the primary points of interest in Shkoder are fairly a distance from the bus station, for comfort and ease, I like to recommend reserving a guided tour.
Greatest Day Journey Excursions from Tirana
There are some unbelievable day journeys from Tirana. Listed here are a few of my favorites.
Group Tour of Ohrid from Tirana: See probably the most well-known church in Ohrid, St John at Kaneo, with its gorgeous views over the water, take a dip within the glassy lake, and eat conventional Macedonian meals. This excellent tour contains transportation and begins at 8 am to benefit from this enjoyable day journey from Tirana to North Macedonia.
Day Journey from Tirana to Berat: This fun day tour to Berat takes you to some of the stunning cities in Albania. From the surface, it appears magical with its 1000s of home windows searching throughout the river. Inside, you’re transported again in time the place you possibly can uncover lots of Albania’s traditions.
Shkoder Day Journey from Tirana: Uncover Shkoder on this sensible 7-hour tour from Tirana. The tour contains pick-up and drop-off out of your lodge in Tirana, and also you’ll see the very best of the town with a educated information. The view over the town from Rozafa Fort is unbelievable.
Blue Eye and Ksamil: That is an unbelievable day tour that takes you to the south of Albania and into the Albanian Riviera. You’ll get to see the best beaches in Albania when in Ksamil. As well as, you’ll go to the Blue Eye, which is an outstanding, pure marvel within the coronary heart of a nationwide park.
Durres and Kruja: To maximise your time in Albania and see these two unbelievable and historically-significant Albanian spots, I like to recommend this wonderful private day tour from Tirana. The tour will decide you up out of your lodging earlier than taking you on a guided journey by means of each cities.
You’ll go to the Preza Fort, Skanderbeg Museum, and the well-known bazaar in Kruja and the Amphitheater, the Roman Discussion board, and its Venetian Tower in Durres earlier than being taken again to your lodging in Tirana.
Day Journeys Round Tirana: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on day journeys from Tirana.
Gjirokaster and Berat are extremely popular day journeys from Tirana. Each are stunning, historic cities with fairly streets, historic castles, and nearly infinite cobbled streets to discover.
You’ll be capable of do and see lots of Tirana’s points of interest and study its tradition over a weekend, however I like to recommend round 3–4 days for a visit to Tirana. If you wish to embrace a number of day journeys from Tirana, per week is an efficient period of time to discover.
In case you have a automobile, probably the greatest day journeys is to Shkoder. The bus station isn’t near the primary points of interest, so entry to a automobile is an actual bonus.
There are only a few trains in operation in Tirana. If you wish to go on a day journey from Tirana, you’ll have to go by bus, taxi, or non-public switch. The buses are common and dependable.
There’s some gorgeous nature near Tirana. Lake Bovilla may be very near Tirana and is a superb place to go to to hike and see the gorgeous landscapes of Albania with out touring too far.
In Conclusion
Tirana is a incredible place in its personal proper to discover. It’s one among my favourite cities in Europe and one of many causes for that is that it’s so well-connected and near most of the different primary points of interest in Albania.
Tirana is the proper base for exploring and experiencing the tradition and great thing about Albania. The buses run frequently and are dependable, and there are many sensible excursions which can transport you comfortably, and educate you all about completely different places in Albania.
I hope this weblog put up helps you propose some thrilling day journeys from Tirana!
