2025 Kucove Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Arriving in Berat, one of the most important cities of the Ottoman era, we explore one of the World Heritage Sites, Berat Castle. This 13th-century castle, still inhabited today, is quite large. On one side, you can enjoy natural scenery, while on the other, you can admire the ancient cityscape. Both sides offer different views. From the castle, you can overlook the beautiful cityscape from above. At the foot of the castle lies the Ottoman-style town, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have time, you can stay in the old town for a couple of nights to slowly experience the local life.

Albania🇦🇱Berat Castle This is a must-see, entry to the castle is free, but you need to climb a hill, which takes about 20 minutes. The view of the entire town from the heights of the castle is breathtaking. Interestingly, the castle area is integrated with the houses of local residents, serving as both a tourist attraction and a place for residents to live. When you come to Berat, be sure to climb up to the castle, it's definitely worth it! 😍 Albania 🇦🇱 Berat Castle This is a must-visit spot. It's free to enter, but you'll need to climb a small hill from the old town, which takes about 20 minutes. The view from the castle's high point over the entire town is stunning. What's unique is that the castle area blends seamlessly with the local residents' homes, making it both a tourist attraction and a residential area. When you're in Berat, be sure to make the climb – it's worth it! 😍

The beauty of travelling is you never know what you will find whether they are old cars, street art or MR BEAN!

This place was truly the best. Everywhere you walk is picturesque. Prices are cheap, the people are friendly, and the food is delicious. The cobblestones make you feel like you've wandered into the world of Ghibli. The town is beautiful. I stayed here in June, and the temperature rose to 38°C during the day, so I'm glad I brought a parasol. The humidity is less than 30%, so it's comfortable in the shade. The castle is on a steep hill, so it's best to go early in the morning, before 8am. The temperature is around 22°C. You can get to the city from Tirana by taking a long-distance bus and a local bus. It's not that easy to get to, so many people come by rental car.

#summervacay *"Where 2,400-year-old stone streets meet Osum River coolness"* #### **🌞 Why Visit in Summer?** ✅ **River canyon breezes** make it cooler than coastal cities ✅ **Summer festivals** (July-Aug: Berat Ethnographic Festival) ✅ **Fewer crowds** than UNESCO rivals like Dubrovnik ✅ **Albanian summer fruits** - fresh figs and mountain berries --- ### **🗓️ 2-Day Itinerary (With Heat Beaters)** #### **🌅 Day 1: Castle & Culture** **7:30 AM** - Sunrise at **Berat Castle** (enter early to avoid heat) - Walk the **ancient walls** with valley views - See the **Onufri Museum** of Byzantine icons **10:00 AM** - **Mangalem Quarter** - Photo stop at **"Thousand Windows" viewpoint** - Cool off in **King Mosque** (15th-century stone coolness) **1:00 PM** - **Lunch with a View** - **Homemade Food Lili** - Try *tavë kosi* (baked lamb with yogurt) - **Antigoni** - Rooftop fig salad and local wine **4:00 PM** - **Osum River Swim** - Taxi to **Bogove Waterfall** (30min) - natural plunge pool - OR **Bogove Canyon** shallow wading spots **8:00 PM** - **Dinner in Gorica Quarter** - **Bar Restorant White House** - Sunset views of illuminated castle --- #### **🌊 Day 2: Adventure & Crafts** **8:00 AM** - **Ura e Goricës** (Gorica Bridge) morning photos **9:00 AM** - **Wine & Raki Tasting** at Nurellari Winery **12:00 PM** - **Cold Lunch** at **Mulliri i Vjetër** (stone mill-turned-cafe) **2:00 PM** - Choose Your Adventure: - **Canyoning** in Osumi (book with **Outdoor Albania**) - **Paper-Making Workshop** at historic Berat Paper Factory **6:00 PM** - **Summer Evening Bonus**: - Free **folk dance shows** at Ethnographic Museum (Wed/Fri) --- ### **📌 Summer Pro Tips** - **Heat Hack**: Stone houses stay cool - visit **Gorica’s backstreets** at midday - **Dress Code**: Shoulders/knees covered for religious sites - **Local Transport**: Shared taxis ("furgons") cost €1-2 around town - **Hidden Gem**: **Saint Spyridon Church**’s natural spring (drinkable) **"Berat’s castle has been continuously inhabited for 2,400 years - sip a cold Birra Korça where Roman soldiers once stood."**

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip 📍Berat Albania It takes 2 hours from the bus terminal in Tirana ⚠️It departs from the South and North Albania Bus Terminal, so don't confuse it with other bus terminals!! The bus terminal doesn't have an electronic display board, so you get on the bus with the driver shouting "Beratti!" The city of Berat is a World Heritage Site, and its Ottoman-era streetscape and ancient fortresses are attractive. The snow-covered mountains visible from the city are fantastic, and the scenery that you can never see in Japan was overwhelming🪟 The cobblestone streets are cute, and it was a wonderful place that looks picturesque even just walking around✨

Ever dreamed of exploring a country where history, nature, and culture collide — without the tourist crowds? Albania surprised me in the best possible way, and here is the 7-day itinerary that helped me see the absolute best of it. Bookmark this for your next Balkan adventure! 📍 Day 1: Tirana – The Quirky Capital Start in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant heart. 🛬 Land at Tirana International Airport (TIA). ✨ Must-sees: BunkArt 2 for Cold War vibes Skanderbeg Square for local life New Bazaar for souvenirs & local food 🍴 Food Tip: Try Tavë Kosi, Albania’s signature lamb dish. 💡 Pro Tip: Tirana’s cafes rival those of Paris — do not skip a coffee break! 📍 Day 2: Shkoder – Northern Gateway Just 1.5h drive from Tirana, Shkoder is artistic, chill, and close to nature. 🎨 Explore the Marubi Photography Museum 🏰 Climb to Rozafa Castle at sunset 🚲 Rent a bike and cycle around Lake Shkoder 🏡 I stayed in a local guesthouse — warm hosts and homemade breakfast! 📍 Day 3: Kruje – Medieval Charm A short detour to Kruje is worth it for history lovers. 🛍 Wander through the Ottoman-style bazaar 🏰 Visit the Skanderbeg Museum & Castle 📸 Incredible views of the valley below 💡 Kruje is a great spot for handcrafted souvenirs like traditional rugs and copperware. 📍 Day 4: Berat – City of a Thousand Windows Drive south to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🏘️ Explore the white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside 🏰 Visit Berat Castle (locals still live inside!) 🍷 Wine tasting at a local winery like Cobo Winery 💤 Tip: Sleep inside the old Mangalem Quarter for an unforgettable night. 📍 Day 5: Gjirokaster – Stone City & Legends Another UNESCO gem! 🏠 Visit Enver Hoxha’s House and Skenduli House for traditional interiors 🎭 The castle houses a weapons museum & even a Cold War-era prison 🌄 The architecture is stunning — bring walking shoes! 📍 Day 6: Blue Eye & Sarandë – Nature & Coastline Start your day with a stop at the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër) — surreal turquoise water you have to see to believe. Then head to Sarandë, Albania’s southern beach town. 🏖️ Walk the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, and catch the sunset! 📸 Best light for photos at the Blue Eye? Before 11 AM! 📍 Day 7: Ksamil – The Albanian Maldives Finish with a bang in Ksamil, 20 minutes from Sarandë. 🏝️ Crystal-clear beaches with white sand and islands you can swim to! 🚤 Rent a kayak or boat for the best views 🌅 Have a drink with a sunset view over the Ionian Sea 💡 Visit in shoulder season (May or September) for fewer crowds and warm waters. ✅ What I Wish I Knew Before Going: Card payment is not common — carry cash (LEK) Roads can be narrow and winding — drive carefully or hire a driver Albanian hospitality is REAL — you’ll often be treated like family

Berat is one of Albania’s most picturesque and historic towns, often called the “City of a Thousand Windows” for its hillside houses with large, symmetrical windows that overlook the Osum River. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat perfectly blends Ottoman architecture, Byzantine churches, and Islamic mosques in a harmonious landscape. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, cross the old stone bridge, and climb up to Berat Castle for stunning views and glimpses of village life within the fortress walls. This peaceful town is a true gem for history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a slower, soulful travel experience. #berat

Hey adventurers! Just back from Berat, Albania’s “Town of a Thousand Windows,” where I got lost in cobblestone daydreams, ate *all* the cheese, and learned that “stairs” is basically the town’s love language. Let’s gooo! **First Glimpse:** Rolling into Berat felt like stepping into a sepia-toned postcard. Those iconic white Ottoman houses stacked like layered cake, windows glittering in the sun? *Chef’s kiss.* The air smelled like fresh-baked *burek* (flaky pastry stuffed with spinach and feta) mixed with ancient stone—a vibe I’d call “grandma’s kitchen meets Game of Thrones.” **Hidden Gem Alert 🔍:** Climb to the **Church of the Holy Trinity** (yes, *up* 1,000 thigh-burning steps). The reward? A 13th-century chapel carved into a cliff, views of the Osum River snaking through olive groves, and *silence* so pure you’ll hear your own heartbeat. 🕊️ **The Great Cheese Incident 🧀:** At a family-run spot in **Mangalem Quarter**, I tried *Tave Kosi* (baked lamb with yogurt sauce). The owner, Nonna-level enthusiastic, brought me *three* extra cheese plates. Me: “I’m good!” Her: “You look hungry,” *drops more cheese*. Albanian hospitality = next-level. **Unexpected LOL Moment:** Tried to “blend in” at the **Ethnographic Museum** by wearing a traditional Albanian hat. Spoiler: I looked like a confused tourist cosplaying a shepherd. A local kid pointed and giggged. *Fair.* **24 Hours in Berat ⏰** (because time travel is real here): - **8 AM:** Coffee + burek at **Antigoni Café** (balcony views = *mind-blown*). ☕ - **10 AM:** Wander Mangalem’s steep, laundry-lined streets. Snap 1,000 window pics. 📸 - **1 PM:** Lunch at **Traditional Restaurant Klea**—order Tave Kosi + a stretchy waistband. - **4 PM:** Hike to Berat Castle (yes, *more* stairs). Explore ruins and secret alleys. - **7 PM:** Sunset cocktails at **Winery Çobo**—sip local wine with valley views. 🍷 - **9 PM:** Stargaze from your stone-walled guesthouse (I stayed at **Hotel Mangalemi**—*obsessed*). **Pro Tips:** ➜ **Shoes > Fashion:** Cobblestones are *ruthless*. Wear trainers, not sandals. ➜ **Learn “Faleminderit”** (thank you)—locals *light up* when you try Albanian. ➜ **Cash is king**—many spots don’t take cards. Berat, you’re a time capsule with a cheese problem. My calves are still screaming, but my camera roll? *Priceless.* *DMs open for cheese detox tips + how to survive Albanian stair marathons. �✨*

Situated in central Albania on the Osum river, famous for its Ottoman houses and massive hilltop fortifications, Berat is a must for history enthusiasts. The massive hilltop fortress is comprised of a huge compound and the extensive ruins of the castle. The hike up to the castle as well worth it the fortress compound is so huge there’s even different hiking routes within the castle ruins itself. Interestingly, the fortress is still inhabited by townspeople. There are many different buildings, such as churches and mosques and museums that can be explored. Buses run from Tirana every day, the journey takes about two hours so it can be done as a day trip but if you can stay overnight, it’s even better. there really is so much to see and do here! #getgoing2025 #mountainhike #berat #albania

#2024Travel Review Berat Castle dates back to the 4th century BC and was built by the Illyrians, the ancestors of the Albanians. It is built on a rocky hill on the right bank of the Osum River and can only be accessed from the south. Berat Castle has appeared on the Albanian 10-dollar coins issued in 1996, 2000, and 2013, and is very representative. At the commanding height of a hill with an altitude of 214 meters, there is a viewing platform overlooking the town. It is beautiful to watch the sunset from here. From the ancient city of Berat, you can walk there, and the tour takes about two hours. 📍Address: Sheshi Sallabanda 5001, Berat, Albania🕰️Business hours: 09:00～18:00 💰Per capita consumption: 100 lek 💞Reason for recommendation: It’s beautiful to climb to the highest point of the castle and overlook the town, and the sunset at the castle is also beautiful.

🇦🇱Albania｜Berat Travel Guide||| Berat is one of the oldest cities in Albania. Berat has a unique architectural design and is famous for its white stone houses and "thousand windows". These traditional Ottoman-style houses were built along the hillside, forming a unique urban landscape. In 2008, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage City in Albania. 🌟Recommended attractions 📍Berat Castle Berat Castle Located high up in the city, you can overlook the panoramic view of the city. Internal attractions: 1⃣️St. Mary's Church: This church is located inside the castle. It is a typical Byzantine building with high religious and historical value. 2⃣️Mosque: There is still a mosque in the castle, which reflects the influence of the Ottoman period. 3⃣️Residential area within the castle: The castle is not only a historical site, but also an active residential area, and residents still live here. 4⃣️Museum: The castle also has a museum displaying Albanian history and culture. You can learn about the historical background and cultural heritage of the castle through the exhibits. 📍National Ethnographic Museum Berat Housed in an old Ottoman-style building, it's a great place to learn about local culture, with the museum displaying traditional Albanian homes, clothing and handicrafts. 📍Turaz Museum Onufri National Iconographic Museum This is a museum related to religious art that displays native Albanian religious icons and works of art. It is located in St. Mary's Church and displays religious icons created by the 16th-century painter Onufri. 📍 Mangalem and Gorica District 1⃣️Mangalem District: This area is famous for its narrow streets and traditional white houses, many of which have the typical "thousand windows" design. 2⃣️Gorica District: Opposite Mangalem, across the Ossen River, the street style is equally charming, and you can enjoy a quiet walking experience. 🌟Traffic information 1⃣️How to get to Berat From Tirana Station 🚉: Google South and North Albania Bus Terminal (Bus Station) From Gjirokastra 🚉: Bus stop to Tirana, Berat & Sarandë 2⃣️Traffic within the city The city is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. ⚠️⚠️⚠️Many small shops and restaurants only accept cash, it is recommended to carry lek with you.

Berat, a small UNESCO World Heritage city in Albania. I traveled by bus from Vlora for about 2 hours. This city has an ancient European style. Most of the roads are made of stone, and the houses are located on the hills, which requires some climbing (quite tiring). The main highlight of this city is the climb to Berat Castle to watch the sunset. I must say, the view is well worth the climb.

#tripblazers 📌"National Iconographic Museum Onufri" 📍 Address: Berat Castle, Berat City, Albania The National Iconographic Museum “Onufri” is an Albanian national museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary in Berat Castle. The museum was named to honor Onufri, a painting headmaster of the 16th century. The museum contains an immense collection of one hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries. The museum is spread throughout many church spaces. The different rooms showcase the best works by the most renowned artists, such as Onufri and Nikolla, as well as some anonymous painters. They are monuments to culture and civilization and genuine encyclopedias of Christian thinking. The two Berat codices are listed in the list of humanity’s most important works, known as “Memoire du Monde,” under the protection of UNESCO.

As someone who loves to eat fruits discovering juicy and fat fruits are my favourite. Walking along the stone streets in Berat, you will find loads of olive trees, grapes, prunes and figs! I didnt know that some species of figs which are coloured green are actually ripen and ready to eat.