What to do, where to stay, what to eat; a complete travel guide for Berat, Albania.
Albania is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. With a long pristine coastline, many people skip inland Albania, but there is so much to be explored here, like the medieval town of Berat. In this post you’ll find everything you need to know and the best things to do in Berat, Albania!
About Berat
We recently spent 3 days in this town of a thousand windows; Berat. After seeing some lesser sights in Albania, we were skeptical and didn’t expect much. However, Berat’s beauty and interesting history completely took us by surprise and we quickly came to love our new favorite city in Albania!
Berat is a small, underrated city, only 2 hours south of Tirana. It is located inland, away from many tourists staying on the Albanian Riviera.
Currency and language
In Albania they pay with the Albanian Lek (ALL), but in many places the Euro is accepted too.
The exchange rate is the following:
1 ALL = 0,01 Euro
100 ALL = 1 Euro
The spoken language in Albania is Albanian, and English is often spoken by younger people. We did experience that people in Albania are so kind, they will go out of their way to communicate with you when there’s a language barrier.
A brief history of Berat
Nestled in the heart of Albania, Berat is often called the “City of a Thousand Windows” due to its stunning hillside houses with wide, glimmering windows. This UNESCO World Heritage site (since 2008) has a rich history that weaves together the stories of various civilizations, each leaving its mark on the city’s character.
Founded in the 4th century BC as the Greek settlement of Antipatrea, Berat later became part of the Roman and Byzantine empires. Its strategic position made it a key stronghold, coveted by different rulers through time. During the Byzantine era, the city flourished, and its hilltop fortress, Kalaja, was fortified, becoming the heart of life in Berat. Within its walls were homes, churches, and markets—many of which still stand today, with vibrant frescoes that reveal the city’s deep religious and artistic roots.
The 15th century saw Berat fall under Ottoman rule, transforming the city once again. It became a cultural center where Muslim and Christian communities coexisted. This period shaped Berat’s distinctive architecture, blending Ottoman houses with Byzantine churches. The city’s two main neighborhoods, Mangalem and Gorica, reflect this coexistence.
Mangalem, the former Muslim quarter, and Gorica, the Christian quarter, sit on opposite sides of the Osum River, mirroring one another in a symbol of the city’s harmonious past.
Despite the challenges of the 20th century, including Albania’s political upheavals and communist rule, Berat retained its historical charm. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it stands as a testament to Albania’s layered history and cultural diversity.
How to get to Berat
Getting to Berat isn’t difficult at all. At only 120 kilometers from the capital city; Tirana, you can easily reach Berat by car in under 2 hours. From the coastal city of Vlore, it is only a 1,5-hour drive and from Saranda it is 3 hours.
I do recommend renting a car in Albania, as it is good to have the freedom to explore hidden gems like Berat. If you choose to rent, make sure to check out Discovercars for the best prices and coverage!
Parking is Berat is quite easy, with Gorica parking garage in the middle of town and camper parking Berat as a good alternative.
If you’re not too keen on renting a car, it is also possible to book a tour to Berat from Tirana. I personally think that Berat is perfect for spending a couple of days, but a day trip from Tirana could be a good alternative!
Book your highly-rated tour here!
You can also reach Berat from Tirana’s South and North Bus Terminal. Buses leave every hour during the day. There is minimal information of these buses online, so I recommend buying your ticket at the counter, where they will also give you information on which bus to take and times.
How many days in Berat?
We originally wanted to stay in Berat for 2 nights, but being flexible, we decided to stay 1 night more, to explore more hidden gems the city offers.
Because there is so much to be explored here, I recommend having at least 2 full days in Berat.
Stick around to the end of this post to find the best accommodations in Berat!
The best things to do in Berat, Albania
Wander through Berat Castle
My absolute favorite activity in Berat is visiting the Berat Castle! Perched atop a big cliff, the castle not only offers amazing views, it also has the unique opportunity to learn about its local history and traditions! Berat Castle is one of the few castles to still be inhabited by local residents, giving the place a lively atmosphere and heartbeat.
I must say, Berat Castle is really surprising too! It’s like a second old town in Berat, as within its walls, you will find houses, churches, mosques, shops, restaurants, hotels, and so much more!
We spent over 5 hours in this place, just because the atmosphere was incredible and there was so much to be explored!
Places not to miss in the Berat Castle are:
- The Red Mosque
- The White Mosque
- Citadel
- The Holy Trinity Church
- Water Cistern
This place is very special and amongst my long list of visited Balkan fortresses, the Berat Castle felt truly unique.
You can easily hike up to the castle in about 20 minutes, following the Rruga Mihal Komnena street from Mangalem. This street will bring you straight to the front gate, where you have to pay an entrance fee of 300 Lek (€3) per person. We took a lesser known route up (following Rruga Shkembi) and didn’t see any place to pay the entrance fee, so we visited the castle for free.
Because people still reside in the castle, it is opened 24/7, which gives you great options to visit it early in the morning or at night as well, to avoid the crowds and get great views of Berat in different lights.
Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum
Located within the fortress walls of the Berat castle, the Iconographic Museum, also known as the Onufri Museum, is a treasure trove of religious art housed within the historic Church of the Dormition of St. Mary in Berat Castle. Named after the famous 16th-century Albanian icon painter Onufri, the museum showcases an impressive collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons and liturgical objects, dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
The museum’s highlight is Onufri’s distinctive icons, recognized for their vibrant colors, expressive features, and intricate details. His mastery set him apart, particularly in his use of a unique red hue, now called “Onufri’s Red”.
Entrance to the museum costs 400 Lek (€4) and you can get an audio guide for an additional 100 Lek (€1).
Explore Mangalem
Mangalem, the historic quarter of Berat, Albania, is one of the most picturesque areas of the city, known for its iconic white Ottoman houses that climb the hillsides. Forming the iconic ‘’City of a Thousand Windows’’, Mangalem is the most photographed spot in Berat!
Here are some amazing things to do in Mangalem:
- Explore the narrow, cobbled streets of Mangalem
- Tour the Ethnographic Museum in a traditional Ottoman-style home
- Visit the King Mosque, a notable example of Ottoman architecture
- Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Halveti Tekke
- Stroll along the Osum River for scenic views
- Cross the historic Gorica Bridge for a different perspective of the city
In Mangalem, it’s also simply a must to sit down in one of the beautiful restaurants for some delicious Berati Steak. We chose Friendly House and the food was incredible!
We loved Berati steak so much that later on the same day we sat down in Restaurant Ansel to taste this delicious Cordon-Bleu-like steak again!
Get lost in the Gorica neighborhood
One neighborhood that completely stole my heart is Gorica. On the other side of the Osum River, you will find this picturesque neighborhood, reflecting the ‘’City of a Thousand Windows’’ idea.
In this cozy part of Berat you will find many narrow, cobblestone alleys with hidden restaurants and guesthouses.
Our favorite restaurant in particular was the Lorenc Secret Garden Bar & Restaurant. To get to this restaurant, first you need to walk up some hidden stairs, then go through a house, and finally you will arrive in this hidden gem. With great food and live music (sometimes), this place is great for a traditional meal in a great atmosphere!
And climbing up the steep cobblestone street, behind Hotel Muzaka, will get you all the way to the top of Gorica Hill, where you can admire spectacular views of the city, Berat Castle, and the mountains in the backdrop. Definitely a must!
Cross the Osum River on both the New Bridge and the Old Bridge
And getting to the Gorica neighborhood, you have to cross the Osum River. This can be done at 2 bridges; the new and the old bridge.
From the Mangalem Quarters of Berat, you will find a beautiful bridge (new bridge), that will give you the best views of the Ottoman-style houses in Mangalem. After crossing this bridge, you will find yourself in Gorica, where you can make your way to the Gorica Bridge (old bridge).
The Gorica Bridge – also known as the Old Bridge – is an incredible sight to see. This bridge was built in the late 18th century with the purpose of connecting the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods.
With its elegant arches and historical significance, the Gorica Bridge is definitely worth a visit!
Visit the Church of St. Spiridon
The Church of St. Spiridon in Berat is a small yet significant religious site located in the heart of the historic Gorica district. Dating back to the 18th century, this Orthodox church is dedicated to St. Spiridon; a revered saint in the Eastern Orthodox tradition known for his miracles and devotion.
Although not as spectacular as other churches in Berat, the Church of St. Spiridon offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into the town’s religious heritage. It’s a quiet, spiritual stop for those exploring the rich cultural layers of this historic city.
Explore some of Berat’s Byzantine churches
Aside from the big churches you’ll come across in Berat, there are also quite a few historical Byzantine Churches that you might want to check out. Some of these churches are:
- St Mary of Blachernae Church
- Church of the Holy Trinity
- Vlacherna Church
- Church of St. Michael
I recommend visiting at least one of these churches, to get some incredible insights into ancient religion.
Climb up to picturesque St. Michael’s Church
Mentioned above, the St. Michael’s Church is one of Berat’s Byzantine churches. However, this one is special… The St. Michael’s Church is perched on the cliff below the castle. It takes a short, but steep hike to get there, but if you do, the views are incredible!
Inside you’ll be able to admire the remnants of frescoes and religious icons of this 13th century orthodox church. In my opinion, you simply have to check it out!
Visit the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum in Berat offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional life and culture of the region. Housed in a beautifully preserved 18th-century Ottoman-style home, the museum showcases a wide collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, household items, and tools used in everyday life.
Visitors can explore the various rooms, each designed to reflect different aspects of Albanian life, from the kitchen and living quarters to workshops and storage areas. The museum’s architecture, with its wooden ceilings and stone floors, adds to its charm, making it a must-visit for those interested in Berat’s cultural heritage!
Shop for local products at Solidarity Shop
One of my personal favorite activities in Berat is visiting the Solidarity Shop. Not only can you find some amazing local and handmade products here, but you also get to taste whatever you want! On their menu, you can find the most delicious local wines, olive oils, teas, Gliko (fruit confiture), and so much more. You can even do full tastings for a very cheap price!
Because we had a wine tasting planned later on the same day, we just sat down for an olive oil tasting, some tea and just one wine (I just can’t say no to a good wine). I loved every part of it, and even left the shop with some unique souvenirs.
This is such a hidden gem in Berat, that you simply don’t want to miss out on 😉
Join the locals on Boulevard Republika
A special place that I only found out about on the last day of my trip to Berat is Boulevard Republika. This street connects the old part to the new part of the city and is lined with the cutest cafés and restaurants.
Our favorite café on the Boulevard was Shtëpia e Kafes Gimi. They serve every kind of coffee, sweets, pancakes, and much more! I highly recommend taking a sweet break here!
Watch the sun go down with a view (and explore at night)
One of the most rewarding experiences in Berat is watching the sun go down on the city. The golden hour in Berat is a wonderful time to take photos, or simply sit down and enjoy a delicious glass of wine.
Some of the best places to watch the sunset are:
- The New Bridge
- Berat Castle (the viewing platform on the south side)
- Gorica Hill
On a good day, you simply must enjoy the sunset in Berat.
And then after the sun has set, make sure to explore the city in the dark. There are many places you can sit down for a nice refreshing drink while discovering spooky back alleys 😉
Go wine tasting
With 3 popular wineries around the city of Berat, going wine tasting in Berat is a non-negotiable. These wineries are:
- Çobo Winery
- Nurrellari Winery
- Alpeta Winery
We personally chose to go to Çobo Winery because it was on our way to the next destination. And we loved it! At Çobo Winery you can choose for a small tasting and a big tasting.
The small tasting includes 1 white wine, 2 red wines, and a delicious dark Raki. The small tasting costs €25,- (in 2024).
The big tasting includes completely different wines. Also 1 white wine, 2 red wines, a sparkling wine, wine brandy, and some more snacks than the small tasting. The big tasting serves more expensive and prize-winning wines, and is therefore €45,- (in 2024).
Because we are curious as monkeys, we did one small and one big tasting together and tasting pretty much every wine (luckily there was a camping next door, because driving was a no-go).
And believe me when I say: Every single wine was charmingly delicious in its own unique way. We even left with plenty of bottles to enjoy another time.
I loved Çobo Winery and highly recommend doing a tasting there!
Take a day trip to Osum Canyon
A day trip to Osum Canyon from Berat is a fantastic way to experience Albania’s natural beauty. Located about 60 kilometers from Berat, Osum Canyon is one of the country’s largest and most stunning canyons, with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters.
To get there, you can drive or join a guided tour. The trip takes around 1.5 hours by car, following the SH72 road towards Çorovodë. Tours often include transportation, lunch, and a guided exploration of the canyon.
Once there, you can hike along the canyon’s edge, take in breathtaking views, or join a rafting tour (available seasonally from March to June). The river cuts through the canyon, creating a thrilling whitewater experience. Other highlights include the “Bride’s Hole” and “Love Waterfall,” both offering spectacular photo opportunities.
Pack comfortable shoes, water, and snacks for the trip. Don’t forget a swimsuit if you’re rafting or want to cool off in the river.
Book your tours locally or in advance on GetYourGuide.
Where to stay in Berat
With lots (and I mean LOTS) of charming traditional hotels and guesthouses in Berat, finding the right one for you is easy.
When we were in Berat, we stayed at Riverside Camping with our campervan, but one night I did a lot of research for a ‘’romantic getaway’’ in Berat, and found some of the most beautiful hotels!
So here are my recommendations:
Most romantic – Ador Boutique Hotel
Most romantic in the castle – Berati Castle Hotel
Budget – Villa Park Berat
Luxury – Vista Boutique Hotel
Where to eat in Berat
Since we had to work from our laptops during our trip to Berat, we have sat and ate in a lot of restaurants. These were my favorites:
- Lorenc Secret Garden
- Hotel & Traditional Food Ansel
- Solidarity Shop
- Shtëpia e Kafes Gimi
- Friendly House
- Ballkoni Gorices
- Te Zalua (in the castle)
Final thoughts
So now that you have everything you need to know about visiting Berat, Albania, it’s time to book your trip!
Happy travels!
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