Berat

Take a Furgon/Van from Tirana to Berat (cost: 500 lek). From other towns make a connection via Fier (200-250 lek). Buses also run from Tirana to Berat (cost: 400 lek). To Sarandë (via Gjirokastër), departs 08:00 and 14:00 daily, 6 hours (1000 lek). Buses to major towns in Albania from Berat. Check the board at the bus station for destinations and departure times.

The town is small enough to be toured by foot. Taking a walk on the footpaths of the old town is a must!

• The castleIt was mostly built in the 13th century, but with origins going back to the 4th century BC. A very beautiful place with great views of the surrounding area. Getting to the Kala requires a steep walk up a cobbled path - take care, the stones are worn and slippery. The citadel is still inhabited, with many churches, and there are a couple of bars and shops in the Kala area.

• Onufri Iconography Museum

  address: Rrugica Shën Triadha
  at the site of a church, features the vivid iconography works of the famous 16th century painter Onufri and others. The museum hold other artifacts gathered form nearby churches and others around Albania.

• Berat Ethnographic Museum

  address: Rruga Andrea Tavanxhiu
  It features traditional local furniture and house utensils.

• Mangalem old town areaa traditionally Muslim area.

• Gorica old town areaA traditionally Christian area.

• Numerous Byzantine Churches, dating from the 13th century.

• St Mary church

  address: next from Rrugica Panajot Haxhimihali

• Church of St Demetrius

• Church of St. Theodore

• Church of St. Sophia

• Dormition Cathedral

• Holy Trinity Church

• Saint Michael Church

  address: Rruga e Shën Mëhilli

• Cathedral of St. Bitri

  address: Rruga Antipatrea and Rruga Rilindja corner
• Several Mosques from the Ottoman era (starting from 1417).

• Sahatit Mosque

  address: Rruga Xhamia e Sahatit

• Kuqe Mosque

  address: Rrugica Mbrica

• Bachelors' Mosque

  address: Rruga Antipatrea

• Mbret Mosque

  address: Rruga Mihal Komnena

• Tekke of Helveti

• Lead Mosque

  address: Rruga Gaqi Gjika

Further afield

• Tomorri MountainA national park. There is a Bektashi Temple at the mountain peak.

• Bogova Waterfall

  address: Bogovë village

• Osumi River CanyonOne of the most beautiful rivers in Albania passing through canyons as high as 100 meters. Outdoor Albania offers a 3-hour rafting experience inside the canyons.

• Take a walk on the peculiar Footpaths of The Old Town featuring exterior flower and plant decorations, tight paths and unique local hospitality.
• Horse ride at Gorica Hill.
• Take a walk along the main Promenade at sunset where locals hang out for some fresh air.

• Cinema

• Osum Park

• Traditional souvenirs include stone carving, wood cheeping, and textile products.

• Rice with turkey-cock (Pilaf me kaposh deti)
• Mont Blanc pastry named after the white peak of Tomorri Mt
• Try the delicious figs and olives of the area.
• There is a traditional restaurant just inside the Kala area that does very good food.

• Guva Mangalem Hotel-Bar-Restaurant

  phone: +355 32 230 014
  address: Rruga Llambi Guxhumani
  Average. Rooms: air conditioning, room service, Internet, bathroom.

• Ajka RestaurantDelicious food with an excellent view.

• Try traditional Raki made from walnuts (Raki me arra), and peculiar juice made from roses.

• Cobo Winery

  phone: +355 3612 2088
  address: Ura Vajgurore
  Features locally made wine and a winery tour.

Accommodation is mainly in the form of private rooms as many traditional house owners have turned their localities into B&B. Hotels are also available.

• Berat Backpackers

  phone: +355 693064429
  address: Rruga Nikolla Buhuri 295, Gorica
  Berat's hostel. Prices from 1350 lek

• Hotel Mangalemi

  phone: +355 32 232 093
  address: Mangalem District

• Hotel Nasho Vruho

  phone: +355 32 232355
  address: Rr. Llambi Guxhumani, Mangalem District

• Lorenc Guesthouse & Hostel

  phone: +355 696337254
  address: Stiljano Bandilli Road, Porta 18
  Nice private guesthouse in an old quarter of Gorica. It's run by Lorenc and his mother, feels like home.

• Tirana - There are buses.
• Gjirokastër - Take a bus.
• Sarandë via Gjirokastër - departs 08:00 and 14:00 daily, 6 hours (1000 lek)
• Fier - If you wish to travel to Fier, it is recommended not to take shortcuts as the direct road between Berat and Fier is in bad shape. Instead, go via Lushnjë.