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 attractive Berat Citadel to the cafe-lined Bulevardi Republika, and a few of the finest native meals I’ve ever tried, Berat is a vacation spot to not be missed.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania and one in all my favourite experiences there was sightseeing in Berat. It’s positively one in all my favourite locations in the entire of Albania. So, listed below are some concepts on how I like to recommend you finest spend your time in Berat.
Finest 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 stunning mountains surrounding it. This makes Berat one of the crucial picturesque cities in Albania.
There are such a lot of incredible 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
Generally known as the Grand Canyon of Albania, Osum Canyon is among the finest issues to see in Berat. It’s an excellent place to go climbing and is the place you’re certain to see a few of 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 brilliant tour additionally stops in a bit city known as Polican which was based in communist instances. 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 all 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 quick on tradition and historical past to discover. Due to this, there are fairly a number of strolling excursions to search out in Berat.
My favourite tour is that this Historic City Walking Tour which is led by a neighborhood information. It’s glorious since you obtain insider data, cowl quite a lot of floor, and get to see a few of the most well-known vacationer sights in Berat. The tour consists of stops at Berat Citadel in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
In case you’re touring on a price range, the Free Walking Tour of Berat can also be an excellent choice, however keep in mind to tip your information on the finish.
3. Go to the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is housed in a gorgeous Ottoman-style constructing and accommodates over 1,000 objects from Berat’s previous. It’s among the best locations to go to in Berat to realize 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 corresponding to silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. In case you’re a historical past buff, this is among the top things 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 take heed to.
4. Stroll Bulevardi Republica
Bulevardi Republika is among the finest 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 gorgeous 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 among 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. In case you’re in search of a fast chunk, the pizza at Guest Bar is fairly unbelievable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
In case you’re a foodie in search of issues to do in Berat, you must positively take into account taking a cooking class.
This incredible cooking experience is held in Resort Citadel Park the place you’ll make conventional Berati meals whereas taking breaks to be taught all in regards to the origins of the substances 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 ideal choice for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some incredible locations in Berat to strive the native wine. One of the simplest ways to expertise a number of totally different wineries is by happening a tour. On this wine and food 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 one of the best in Albania. It’s a incredible method 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. It is a vineyard round 8 minutes from the Previous City by automobile. The wine tasting supplied right here is incredible they usually present an ideal number of Albanian food too. Their purple wines, notably the Pinot Noir, are incredible. It’s among the best 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 National Park. It’s a incredible place to benefit from the nice outside, and you’ll hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) in the event you’re feeling actually energetic.
Alternatively, make your method as much as the lake for some water sports activities, which is among the finest issues to do in Berat for households – notably in case your kids are barely older.
This outdoor adventure tour includes 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 take pleasure in within the park.
It’s one in all my favourite issues to do in Berat.
8. Hire Bikes and Discover
Renting a motorcycle is a superb choice if in case you have restricted time as you get to see a lot greater than you’ll by strolling.
I rented a motorcycle 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), but it surely’s so value it. In case 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 Winery of Nurellari on the way in which again. It’s stunning, and the wine is so good.
You’ll be able to rent bikes here. The mountain bikes are of top quality, and the employees is blissful to share with you one of the best routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Citadel
Berat Citadel is among 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 fort. It’s over 2000 years outdated and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless folks dwelling inside the partitions at this time.
You’ll meet lots of the residents inside as they promote selfmade crafts, meals, and wares proper outdoors their entrance doorways. After all, the historical past that you just’ll be taught in regards to 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 foods and drinks tasting session with a neighborhood household which is such a beautiful addition after studying the historical past of the realm.
10. Take a Photograph 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 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 strive some native, Albanian meals. I ate a few of the finest conventional meals while in Berat. I like to recommend attempting byrek (cheese pastry triangles) and baked eggplants. Each will be present in most eating places and cafes and are equally as scrumptious.
Among the finest issues to strive are preserves, muffins, 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 ideal place to select up some treats to take residence.
On this food 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 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 among the best 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 cross 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 in the event you love nature, it’s one of many prettiest locations to go to in Berat. You’ll be able to e book the tour here.
13. Stroll the Gorica Bridge
The Gorica Bridge is among the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania, and it’s additionally one of the crucial fashionable 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 obtained a reasonably darkish historical past, with tales together with that of a younger girl being sacrificed to make sure that the foundations stood robust endlessly. As we speak, 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 beautiful 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 will need to strive Gliko once you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, made out of entire 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 stunning. You’ll be taught all in regards to 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 one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Berat and I like to recommend it in the event you take pleasure in attempting issues which are a bit totally different.
15. Hike Tomorr Mountain
Mount Tomorr is round 2450 meters above sea degree and is among the most well-known mountains in Albania for its spiritual significance. Annual pilgrimages happen throughout the second half of August.
The very best peak is Cuka e Partizanit which is the best peak in central Albania. It’s a troublesome hike however the peak affords 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. Ensure you cease on the snow holes as they by no means soften, regardless of the time of yr.
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 may spend per week right here and nonetheless discover lots to maintain you occupied. Listed here are a few potential itineraries to get you began:
1 Day in Berat Itinerary
In case you’ve solely obtained sooner or later in Berat, I like to recommend taking a strolling tour, which can take you to lots of the finest locations to go to in Berat and train you all about this magical metropolis. Within the night, head to Homemade Food 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 advocate that you just 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.
In case you’re a foodie, I positively advocate going wine tasting as the environment are stunning and the wine is nice. 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 stunning nature. I like to recommend going to take a look at the Bogove Waterfalls – you’ll be able to both book the tour, or rent bikes and cycle there your self. Both method, it’s a beautiful expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
If in case you have per 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 stunning 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 when you basque within the ambiance. Seize some native meals from one of many good eating places listed under and benefit from the gradual tempo of Albanian life.
Together with your vitality again, I actually advocate hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I cherished biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. In case you’re an energetic particular person, 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 crucial – I used to be pleasantly shocked 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 a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Previous City – Finest for First-time Guests
In case you’ve obtained restricted time in Berat, one of the best place to remain is certainly the Previous 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 attractive hotel Residenza.
Gorica – Finest for Price range Journey
Gorica is a gorgeous city that’s reached by crossing the well-known Ottoman bridge, the Gorica Bridge. It’s one in all my favourite sights in Berat. Gorica is a bit cheaper than the lodging within the Previous City and is residence to many hostels and motels.
I like to recommend the Amalia Hotel or the Maya Hostel in the event you’re backpacking.
Lagja 30 Vjertori – Finest for Households
To the southeast of Previous 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 lovely B&B is attractive.
Finest Eating places in Berat
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Berat:
Home made 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 one of the best Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so ensure that to e book 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 about them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen House Restaurant affords a extra fashionable menu that includes incredible salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an ideal 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 incredible 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 a bit out of city, but it surely’s for the view that you just go to this beautiful 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 incredible.
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’ll be able to both organize a non-public switch from Tirana, or you may get the bus from the primary bus station. You’ll be able to view the timetable 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 Previous 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 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 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 most effective 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 will likely be a lot hotter and busier.
Sure completely. The meals providing is incredible, the UNESCO Websites are stunning and there’s some unbelievable nature to be explored. Berat actually affords a little bit of every thing.
A few days is sufficient to see a lot of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nevertheless, if in case you have a bit 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 safe 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 are nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll by cobbled streets, and see numerous beautiful 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 unbelievable native meals in Berat, town is filled with incredible native eating places. You need to positively strive byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) when you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text reveals that there are a lot of superb issues to do in Berat. It’s a beautiful metropolis that you must positively make time to see throughout your journey to Albania; even in the event you’re solely in a position to go to for the day, it’s value it.
The persons are pleasant, and it’s a singular metropolis, not like wherever else I visited in Albania and even Europe. The most effective 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 to make one of the best out of your keep.
