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 Fort 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 called the Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows due to 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 vital picturesque cities in Albania.
There are such a lot of unbelievable Berat points of interest. Learn on to find a listing of the most effective 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 among the greatest issues to see in Berat. It’s a superb place to go climbing and is the place you’re certain to see among the lushest nature within the nation. On the proper time of 12 months, you may discover the canyon by raft or kayak or go for a refreshing dip within the river after an extended hike.
My favourite approach to discover the canyon is by taking a tour. This brilliant tour additionally stops in a bit city referred to 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
Probably the greatest issues to do in Berat is to take a strolling tour. Berat is house 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 search out in Berat.
My favourite tour is that this Historic City Walking Tour which is led by an area information. It’s glorious since you obtain insider information, cowl lots of floor, and get to see among the most well-known vacationer points of interest in Berat. The tour consists of stops at Berat Fort in addition to the UNESCO websites of Magalem and Gorica.
If you happen to’re touring on a finances, the Free Walking Tour of Berat can be possibility, 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 realize 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 akin to silversmithing, in addition to the style of the period. If you happen to’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 may pay 500LEK ($ 5 USD) you get the audio information too which is fascinating to take heed to.
4. Stroll Bulevardi Republica
Bulevardi Republika is among 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 a fantastic 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 among 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 beautiful spot. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a fast chunk, the pizza at Guest Bar is fairly unbelievable.
5. Take a Cooking Class
If you happen to’re a foodie on the lookout for issues to do in Berat, it’s best to positively think about taking a cooking class.
This unbelievable cooking experience is held in Lodge Fort Park the place you’ll make conventional Berati meals whereas taking breaks to be taught all in regards to the origins of the elements and recipes. It’s such a enjoyable expertise and an effective way to find out about Berat general.
You cook dinner in a working kitchen too, so it’s good enjoyable and an ideal possibility 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 a number of completely different wineries is by happening a tour. On this wine and food tour, you go to two wineries and style 5 completely 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 probably the most alcoholic drink consumed in Albania…
You’ll style some glorious dry white wines that are the most effective in Albania. It’s a unbelievable approach 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 Previous City by automotive. The wine tasting provided right here is unbelievable and so they present an ideal collection of Albanian food too. Their pink wines, significantly the Pinot Noir, are unbelievable. It’s top-of-the-line 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 unbelievable place to benefit from the nice outside, and you’ll hike to the highest of Mount Tomorr (see quantity 15) should you’re feeling actually energetic.
Alternatively, make your method as much as the lake for some water sports activities, which is among the greatest issues to do in Berat for households – significantly in case your kids are barely older.
This outdoor adventure 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 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 possibility if in case you have 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), but it surely’s so price 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 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 of the range, and the employees is completely satisfied to share with you the most effective routes they know.
9. Go to Berat Fort
Berat Fort is among 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 outdated and in contrast to most locations, there are nonetheless individuals residing inside the partitions right now.
You’ll meet lots of the residents inside as they promote home made crafts, meals, and wares proper exterior their entrance doorways. In fact, the historical past that you just’ll be taught in regards to the fort inside is totally fascinating too.
Tickets value 300LEK ($3 USD) or you may be part of a tour that features entrance, transport, and a food and drinks tasting session with an area household which is such a beautiful addition after studying the historical past of the world.
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 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 unbelievable.
It’s one of many nicest issues to do in Berat at evening. 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 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 will be present in most eating places and cafes and are equally as scrumptious.
A number of the greatest issues to strive are preserves, truffles, and alcoholic drinks. Albanians love their raki, and so they make all types of variations of it. There’s additionally an enormous concentrate on artisanal merchandise made by locals in Berat so it’s an ideal place to select up some treats to take house.
On this food tour, you’ll strive a lot of completely 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 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 move by means of genuine outdated 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 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 should you love nature, it’s one of many prettiest locations to go to in Berat. You’ll be able to ebook 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 vital in style 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 girl being sacrificed to make sure that the foundations stood robust endlessly. At the moment, 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 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 could strive Gliko if you’re in Berat. It’s a fruity protect that’s well-known within the metropolis, created from 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 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 vital distinctive issues to do in Berat and I like to recommend it should you take pleasure in attempting issues which are a bit completely different.
15. Hike Tomorr Mountain
Mount Tomorr is round 2450 meters above sea stage 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 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 point out 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 12 months.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Berat
Often, 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 could possibly 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
If you happen to’ve solely received at some point 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 Homemade Food 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 suggest 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 approach to discover your bearings.
If you happen to’re a foodie, I positively suggest going wine tasting as the environment are stunning and the wine is sweet. It’s additionally an effective way to find out about Albanian tradition.
Lastly, on the third day, be sure you 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 may both book the tour, or rent bikes and cycle there your self. Both method, it’s an exquisite expertise.
1 Week in Berat Itinerary
You probably have every week in Berat you then’ll have time to finish lots of the issues on the listing. 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 perhaps a glass of raki when you basque within the ambiance. Seize some native meals from one of many good eating places listed beneath 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 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 a number of of the most effective neighborhoods in Berat for vacationers:
Previous City – Finest for First-time Guests
If you happen to’ve received restricted time in Berat, the most effective place to remain is certainly the Previous 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 attractive hotel Residenza.
Gorica – Finest for Finances 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 a bit cheaper than the lodging within the Previous City and is house to many hostels and motels.
I like to recommend the Amalia Hotel or the Maya Hostel should 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 beautiful.
Finest Eating places in Berat
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Berat:
Selfmade 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 the most effective Albanian meals. It’s a small place, so ensure that to ebook 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 serious about them!
Inexperienced Home Restaurant
Within the Lagja 30 Vjertori neighborhood, the Geen House Restaurant affords a extra trendy menu that includes unbelievable salads, pasta, and rice dishes. It’s an ideal place to go to should you’re touring with kids 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 resort, 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 may 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 unbelievable.
Getting To Berat
You’ll probably arrive in Albania in Tirana which isn’t very removed from Berat and is well reachable by automotive or by bus. You’ll be able to both organize a personal switch from Tirana, or you could possibly 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 may 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 could value as much as 500LEK ($5 USD).
Berat itself is a really walkable metropolis, though elements are fairly steep and hilly! You gained’t have to depend on taxis or public transport or have to fret about renting a automotive. A preferred approach 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 lot of symmetrical openings. It’s an exquisite sight.
The very best 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 unbelievable, 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 many of the enjoyable issues to do in Berat. Nonetheless, if in case you have a bit bit further, you may 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 Fort might be the most well-liked. You’ll see properties which are nonetheless occupied by locals, stroll by means of cobbled streets, and see a lot of beautiful little retailers and cafes.
Whereas Berat is a quaint metropolis, there are some nice bars and lounges the place you may take pleasure in a drink and music till late.
I had some unbelievable native meals in Berat, town is stuffed with unbelievable native eating places. You must 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 an exquisite metropolis that it’s best to positively make time to see throughout your journey to Albania; even should you’re solely capable of go to for the day, it’s price it.
The persons are pleasant, and it’s a novel metropolis, in contrast to anyplace else I visited in Albania and even Europe. The very best 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 take in.
I hope this text helps you propose what to see in Berat so that you could make the most effective out of your keep.
