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 take in.
From the attractive Berat Fortress to the cafe-lined Bulevardi Republika, and a number 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 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 here are some concepts on how I like to recommend you finest 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 points of interest. Learn on to find a listing of the perfect issues to do when planning your journey to this Albanian metropolis.
1. Osum Canyon
Referred to as the Grand Canyon of Albania, Osum Canyon is without doubt one of the finest issues to see in Berat. It’s a superb place to go climbing and is the place you’re certain to see a number of the lushest nature within the nation. On the proper time of 12 months, you possibly can 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 slightly city known 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 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 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 just a few strolling excursions to seek 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 a number of floor, and get to see a number of the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Berat. The tour consists of stops at Berat Fortress in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
If you happen to’re touring on a price range, the Free Walking Tour of Berat can 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 fantastic Ottoman-style constructing and accommodates over 1,000 objects from Berat’s previous. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Berat to achieve an perception into how the Albanian folks used to reside 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 equivalent to silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. If you happen to’re a historical past buff, this is without doubt one of the top things to do in Berat. It’s like being transported again in time.
Tickets are 400LEK ($ 4 USD) every you possibly can pay 500LEK ($ 5 USD) you get the audio information too which is fascinating to take heed to.
4. Stroll Bulevardi Republica
Bulevardi Republika is without doubt one of the finest 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 a fantastic 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 without doubt one of the prime locations to see in Berat.
One in all 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. If you happen to’re searching for a fast chew, the pizza at Guest Bar is fairly unbelievable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
If you happen to’re a foodie searching for issues to do in Berat, you must positively think about taking a cooking class.
This improbable cooking experience is held in Resort Fortress 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 a good way to find out about Berat total.
You prepare dinner in a working kitchen too, so it’s good enjoyable and an excellent choice for {couples}.
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
There are some improbable locations in Berat to attempt the native wine. The easiest way to expertise just a few totally different wineries is by occurring 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. If you happen to’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 automotive. The wine tasting provided right here is improbable and so they present an excellent number of Albanian food too. Their purple wines, significantly the Pinot Noir, are improbable. It’s top-of-the-line 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 National Park. It’s a improbable place to benefit from the nice outside, and you’ll hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) if you happen to’re feeling actually energetic.
Alternatively, make your means as much as the lake for some water sports activities, which is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Berat for households – significantly 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 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 superb choice you probably have restricted time as you get to see a lot greater than you’d by strolling.
I rented a motorcycle once 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), however it’s so value it. If you happen to’re sporty or energetic, you’ll actually take pleasure in this expertise.
My prime tip is to set off early, then cease by the Winery of Nurellari on the best way again. It’s lovely, and the wine is so good.
You possibly can rent bikes here. The mountain bikes are of top quality, and the workers is blissful to share with you the perfect routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Fortress
Berat Fortress is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Berat, and for good motive. Looming over the town, proper on the prime of a hill, lies this big fortress. It’s over 2000 years outdated and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless folks dwelling inside the partitions as we speak.
You’ll meet most of the residents inside as they promote home made crafts, meals, and wares proper outdoors their entrance doorways. In fact, the historical past that you simply’ll be taught in regards to the fortress inside is totally fascinating too.
Tickets price 300LEK ($3 USD) or you possibly can be 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 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 the town. The views of the mountains and the river are unbelievable.
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 attempt some native, Albanian meals. I ate a number of the finest 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.
A few of the finest issues to attempt are preserves, truffles, and alcoholic drinks. Albanians love their raki, and so they make all types of variations of it. There’s additionally a giant give attention to artisanal merchandise made by locals in Berat so it’s an excellent place to choose up some treats to take residence.
On this food tour, you’ll attempt a number 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 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 top-of-the-line 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 via 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 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 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 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 crucial widespread 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 robust ceaselessly. Immediately, 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 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
It’s essential to attempt Gliko while you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, constituted of complete 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 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 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 if you happen to take pleasure in attempting issues which might be slightly totally different.
15. Hike Tomorr Mountain
Mount Tomorr is round 2450 meters above sea stage and is without doubt one of 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 tough 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 indicate you the best way 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 12 months.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Berat
Normally, 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 might spend per week right here and nonetheless discover a lot to maintain you occupied. Listed below are a few potential itineraries to get you began:
1 Day in Berat Itinerary
If you happen to’ve solely obtained at some point in Berat, I like to recommend taking a strolling tour, which can take you to most 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
When you have 2-3 days to spend in Berat, I’d nonetheless advocate that you simply 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.
If you happen to’re a foodie, I positively advocate going wine tasting as the environment are lovely and the wine is sweet. It’s additionally a good way to find out about Albanian tradition.
Lastly, on the third day, make sure you 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 possibly can both book the tour, or rent bikes and cycle there your self. Both means, it’s an exquisite expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
When you have per week in Berat then you definitely’ll have time to finish most of the issues on the checklist. 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 the 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 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 gradual tempo of Albanian life.
Together with your vitality again, I actually advocate hiring bikes or taking a tour of the Waterfall. I liked biking round Berat, it was such a memorable expertise. If you happen to’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.
In fact, 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 the perfect neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for First-time Guests
If you happen to’ve obtained restricted time in Berat, the perfect place to remain is unquestionably 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 hotel Residenza.
Gorica – Greatest for Price range Journey
Gorica is a fantastic city that’s reached by crossing the well-known Ottoman bridge, the Gorica Bridge. It’s one in every of my favourite points of interest in Berat. Gorica is slightly cheaper than the lodging within the Outdated City and is residence to many hostels and resorts.
I like to recommend the Amalia Hotel or the Maya Hostel if you happen to’re backpacking.
Lagja 30 Vjertori – Greatest for Households
To the southeast of Outdated City lies this quiet little suburb. It’s not as touristy, however 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 lovely 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 received’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 be certain to e book 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 excited about them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen House Restaurant affords a extra fashionable menu that includes improbable salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an excellent place to go to if you happen to’re touring with kids as there’s a playground within the backyard.
Tradita e Beratit
One other improbable restaurant situated 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 beautiful atmospheric fairy lights.
The meals is each contemporary and native. I like to recommend attempting the native byrek.
Taverna Panorama
Taverna Panorama is slightly out of city, however it’s for the view that you simply go to this beautiful restaurant. From right here, you possibly can 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 improbable.
Getting To Berat
You’ll doubtless 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 prepare a non-public switch from Tirana, or you might get the bus from the primary bus station. You possibly can view the timetable 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 possibly can 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 received’t must depend on taxis or public transport or have to fret about renting a automotive. A preferred method 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 a number of symmetrical openings. It’s an exquisite 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 will probably be a lot hotter and busier.
Sure completely. The meals providing is improbable, the UNESCO Websites are lovely and there’s some unbelievable nature to be explored. Berat actually affords a little bit of every little thing.
A few days is sufficient to see many of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nonetheless, you probably have slightly bit further, you possibly can discover the issues to do close to Berat, just like the Tomorr Nationwide Park.
Sure. Albania typically is taken into account a very safe 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 might be nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll via cobbled streets, and see a number of beautiful little retailers and cafes.
Whereas Berat is a quaint metropolis, there are some nice bars and lounges the place you possibly can take pleasure in a drink and music till late.
I had some unbelievable native meals in Berat, the town is filled with improbable native eating places. You must positively attempt byrek (Albanian cheese triangles) whilst you’re there.
In Closing
I hope this text reveals that there are a lot of superb issues to do in Berat. It’s an exquisite metropolis that you must positively make time to see throughout your journey to Albania; even if you happen to’re solely capable of 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 perfect factor is that there’s one thing for everybody. Stunning nature to discover, glorious native meals and wine to pattern, and historical past and tradition to take in.
I hope this text helps you propose what to see in Berat so to make the perfect out of your keep.
