[2025 Kucove Attraction] Travel Guide for Berat Castle (Updated Jul)

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!

Berat is a highland city in south-central Albania. It has a history of 2,500 years. The most special thing is the style of multi-window houses built on the mountain, extending out of the mountain city scenery of thousands of households, so it is known as the "City of a Thousand Windows" (The city of a thousand windows) The castle is located on the top of the mountain with a good view and overlooks the entire new district of Berat and the ancient city surrounded by the Osum River. #TravelCoolExperience#Photography Guide for Attractions

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.

#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

Berat Castle is a castle that gives a sense of history from the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire eras. Inside, churches with beautiful murals, such as St. Mary's Church and St. Nicholas Church, are dotted, and you can enjoy Albania's religious and historical heritage along with the spectacular view from the castle. Several beautiful churches are dotted within Berat Castle, and St. Mary's Church has impressive Byzantine-style murals and is of great historical value. St. Nicholas Church is small but has vivid frescoes and a quiet atmosphere. In addition, St. George's Church is located on a hill within the castle, and has a spectacular view of the entire town, and its decorations influenced by the Ottoman era are also a highlight. Each of these churches has a different historical background, making it a place that gives a sense of Albania's religious diversity. The entrance fee is a tip system. Many sheep with bells are released, and you can feel the peaceful flow of time amid the rattling sounds. It is about a two-hour bus ride from Tirana's bus terminal. #FreeTabiWinter #0YenTravel #Albania #Berat

#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.

The very best things to do in Berat Albania, including Berat Castle and a day trip to Osumi Canyon, plus instructions for how to travel from Tirana to Berat by bus. Berat in central Albania is an elegant stone-and-alabaster city wreathed in fig trees and cleaved by the Osumi River. An ancient Illyrian settlement turned Byzantine frontier town, Berat is known for the Ottoman houses that cascade down both sides of its gentle river valley. Evenly spaced portals cut into the stone facades lend it the famous epithet: ‘The City of a Thousand Windows’. Berat is home to one of two UNESCO-listed historic centres (the other being in Gjirokaster), making it a must-see in Albania for history buffs and culture lovers alike. Between the unusual Berat Kala and the medieval bazaar, historic mosques, local cuisine, a lively cafe scene and one of the handsomest Ethnographic Museums in the Balkans, Berat has a lot to offer. Not to mention the spectacular valleys, canyons and wineries within easy reach of the city. Berat Castle (Kala): Head to the platform on the far end of the fortress. From here, you’ll have unparalleled views of Gorica, the Osum River, and the mountains in the distance. Plan to coordinate your visit to the castle a few hours before sunset, so you don’t have to walk up the hill twice. The New Bridge: This modern bridge has excellent vantage points of both Gorica and Mangalem. It’s a great spot to get close up views of the city during sunset hour. Gorica Hill: For one of the best panoramic sunset views, hike up to the top of Gorica Hill for amazing views of Mangalem and the valley below. The hike only takes a maximum of 30-minutes and is worth it for the views. To find the route, we suggest downloading the app Maps.Me and searching for “viewpoint.” In Albania, food is all about freshness and seasonality. It's like picking fruit from the tree or harvesting veggies from the garden. Olive oil, herbs, and spices are magic ingredients that give dishes their special kick. Albanians have a few tricks up their sleeve when it comes to cooking. They grill, stew, bake – whatever it takes to make food taste delicious. And when it's time to eat, everyone gathers around the table like one big family. It's all about sharing good food and good company. The culinary traditions of Albania are a window into the country's vibrant past; dishes here feature a medley of flavours influenced by the Mediterranean and the Balkans. There are so many reasons to add a few days in Berat to your Albania itinerary. Contact us at Berat Turistic Guide

🇦🇱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.

Berat is nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Windows" because of the more than a thousand white huts with multiple windows built against the mountains in the city. It sounds romantic, but in fact due to the terrain, it is cold in winter and hot and dry in summer. Place: The ancient city of Berat brings together many medieval artifacts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as the natural beauty of the Osum River and the farmland and countryside on both sides. It is also known as the "Museum City"; over the centuries, it has witnessed different religions and cultures Community coexistence. The "Berat Castle" built in the 13th century is a fortress overlooking the town of Berat. It is built on a rocky hill on the right bank of the Osum River and can only be entered from the south; some Byzantine-era churches are preserved in the castle. Some of the mosques built during the Ottoman period also have valuable murals and icon paintings inside. Among them, the 14th-century Holy Trinity Church has a well-preserved exterior. The 🇦🇱10-lek coins issued in 1996, 2000 and 2013 all feature Berat Castle on the reverse. Gjirokastër, the ancient city of Gjirokastër, was founded in the 4th century AD and is the commercial center of southern 🇦🇱. Local residents built houses and streets with stones on the hills. Rock flakes replaced tiles to lay the roof, so it is known as the "Stone City"; the city's walls date back to the third century AD; the Turkish Tower is the focus of the town, known for its rich interior decorative details and exquisite painting patterns; there are also An 18th-century mosque and two churches have been preserved; the highest point of the ancient city is the Gjirokastra Castle, built in the 6th century. It is said to be one of the earliest and largest mountain military fortresses in Europe, with 88 cannons and a city wall 8 meters thick. , all made of huge stones. These two well-preserved and rare historical centers from the Ottoman Empire, which have been inhabited from ancient times to the present, have been included in the World Heritage List as cultural heritage!

#tripblazers 📌"Berat Castle" 📍Address: Rruga Mihal Komnena 5001, Berat, Albania Berat Castle, a fortress landmark in the city of Berat, Albania, lies high above the Osum River. After many centuries of stone reinforcement, the exterior (perimeter) was enlarged slowly over time, under Byzantine conquerors, in the 5th, 6th, and 13th centuries. The castle is currently in restoration due in part to a UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledgement. But when I went to visit it I highly recommend to everyone the view from Berat Castle because it is one of its highlights, and the observation deck is the best place to admire Berat’s scenery. Directly below you is the Mangalem Quarter and the splendid Church of St. Michael. You can see the famous Gorica Bridge leading to the Gorica Quarter, and the vibrant blue waters of the Osumi River. In fact, almost the whole of Berat can be seen from this very platform.

#tripblazers 📌"Berat Castle" 📍Address: Rruga Mihal Komnena 5001, Berat, Albania Churches, stone walls, and fortresses are part of the castle, which makes the Berat castle unique and beautiful. Out of all the churches in Berat, the Holy Trinity Church is the one that will most likely catch your eye. The church, perched atop a hill with winding steps going down it, overlooks Mount Shpirag and the Osumi River below. A trip up to Berat Castle is worthwhile only to see the Holy Trinity Church. Situated just a short distance above Holy Trinity Church, the main castle appeared to serve as a hub for everyone. It's a great spot to visit and see everything that goes on inside the castle walls. Most of the Byzantine-era buildings may be seen inside Berat Castle's walls. But the remnants of the Red Mosque serve as a reminder that the Ottoman Empire also had a significant impact here. According to records, the mosque is most likely among the oldest in Albania. One of the best ways to recall the castle's rich past is to watch the minaret soar into the sky.

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.

In addition to looking up to the city of the thousand windows on the ground, the castle on the top of the hill overlooks the entire ancient city. We arrived at the castle before the setting sun set. There were steep and straight cobblestone roads along the road. There were many old houses preserved in the Millennium Village on both sides of the road. The old woman leaned against the pedestrians at the door. At the foot of the castle, there was only a little shimmer on the horizon, and we were walking through this dilapidated wall in such awkward environment. At the moment, there are thousands of lights in the house, and the sunset is the end of the sunset. We are like the lost people who broke into the peach blossoms, and unwittingly walked into the painting, a very strange enjoyment.

Been to such a number of ancient capitals, Albania's Berat is the most ancient city than the ancient capital, with thousands of white cottages built on the hills, known as the city of thousands of windows. There are not a lot of special products, there are no expensive and unreal restaurants, the shouts of screaming are gone, the tourists who are shouldering the shoulders are gone, the old houses on the hillside are scattered, and the locals on the meteorite road are indifferently chatting. The charm of the city of Perrault is not only the windows that are stacked on top of each other, but also the walls that stand for centuries, the preservation of Ormansian architecture, the culture of East and West, traditions and customs. Perfectly combined here. The most interesting thing is to see the architecture of the Byzantine church in the 13th century, the 15th century Ottoman mosque blended here, and the famous castle of the 4th century AD. At the sunset, climb the steep cobblestone road to the top of the castle, the entire ancient city is transformed into a peach blossom source. When the weather is fine on the afternoon, the tourists are stunned. The locals are sunbathing in the square, licking the corn, chatting and looking like a peaceful. At the bridge, I met a friendly and kindly grandfather. They didn't speak English. When he knew that I was from China, I was full of smiles. I used a simple English to praise "China good!". At some moment, they remembered. The "China-Arab friendship" of the last world, if you have been to Albania, the misunderstanding of it may be answered.