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

Albania🇦🇱 Xhamia Mbret The mosque was originally closed when we arrived. Just as we were about to leave, an elder came up and asked us if we wanted to go in for a visit. He then opened the door and let us in. He briefly explained that this was a king's mosque. It has been around for more than 500 years, and its square appearance is different from what we have seen before. The interior is made of bright colors. I think the most special thing is that the small arch in the middle looks very similar to Thai design, which is what I saw in the mosque. There are also some archaeological and historical relics around that can be visited. Albania 🇦🇱 Xhamia Mbret mosque we arrived when it was closed. As we were about to leave, a friendly man offered to let us in. He explained that this mosque, built for a king, has been standing for over 500 years. Its square exterior design sets it apart from what we've seen before. Inside, vibrant colors adorn the space, and a small archway in the center caught my attention, reminiscent of Thai design. Surrounding the mosque, there are also archaeological and historical artifacts to explore.

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

#tripaway Berat, "the city of one on one windows", remains one of the strongest riots for the tourism of history, art and culture in Albania. Due to its special historical and cultural values, Berat was declared a "museum city" in 1961, and since 2008 it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city of Berat continues to remain one of the most favorite destinations for foreign tourists, not to mention domestic ones. The fact that the city of Berat is already part of UNESCO, but also the special cultural and historical values ​​that this area carries over the years, have attracted more and more the attention of tourists to visit. Berat harmoniously combines western and eastern culture and best proves the tradition of religious harmony in the country. Only 90 minutes away from Tirana, Berat can offer delicious food, free accommodation, hospitality and history. The neighborhood within the castle walls is still inhabited. If you walk here, do not be surprised to find yourself in someone's yard thinking it is a church (about 40 churches are thought to have existed inside the castle). In spring and summer the aroma of chamomile spreads throughout the castle neighborhood. A picnic under the shade of pine trees and the landscape of Gorica would be a good way to relax, after walking on the steep cobbled streets. Onufri Museum The castle has traditionally been an Orthodox neighborhood, but very few churches have survived. The largest church is the "Sleeping of St. Mary", where the Onufri Museum is located. It dates from 1797 and is built on the existing foundations of a church of the century. X. The works of Onufri are exhibited here. #visitalbania #tripaway

#外游 Berat, Albania is a city of a thousand eyes. Looking up the mountain from the city, the rows of large windows really look like eyes, which is very interesting! Walking into the narrow alleys on the mountain of the city of a thousand eyes, some of them are very steep. It happened to have just rained when we walked down, and the ground was slippery. It was really difficult to walk. We were afraid of slipping. The kind residents took the initiative to demonstrate how to use small steps to avoid slipping. #外游

Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage town, is one of the highlights of Albanian tourism. Just a few hours from the capital, Tirana, it’s perfect for a short 1-night, 2-day trip! Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," Berat is famous for its unique scenery of traditional white-walled houses with large windows cascading down the hillside. Many of the homes in Berat’s old town (Mangalem and Gorica districts) were built in the 18th and 19th centuries in the Ottoman style, offering a charming historical atmosphere. The main attraction is Berat Castle. The view of Berat’s stunning townscape from the top is pure bliss. The path to the castle is steep, so don’t forget to stay hydrated 💦. Alternatively, you can take a taxi 🚕. At night, the beautifully lit houses create a magical scene. However, if you’re only visiting for the day, you’ll miss this breathtaking view since buses back to Tirana stop around 3 PM. Staying overnight is highly recommended. Most accommodations in Berat are family-run, offering warm hospitality. Opt for a stay that includes breakfast! Start your day with a hearty meal featuring traditional Albanian pies and recharge your energy. Even the dogs seem to embrace the laid-back vibe here. Though lesser-known, Berat is a stunning town worth considering for your next trip.

A restaurant where you can savor authentic TAVE KOSI in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Berat Located in the heart of Berat's old town, Restaurant Bar Çuçi is a highly recommended spot to enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine in a casual setting 🍽️. Loved by both locals and tourists, this restaurant boasts a welcoming atmosphere. ⸻ 🍽【Signature Dish: TAVE KOSI】 The must-try dish here is TAVE KOSI (lamb cooked in yogurt). While not commonly found in Japan, this dish features a perfect blend of the rich tanginess of yogurt and the savory flavor of lamb, creating an addictive taste. It's easy to enjoy even for first-timers and is an ideal choice to experience Albanian food culture. ⸻ 💰【Price & Ambiance】 - Overall, the prices are quite reasonable, though they are gradually increasing locally. ※ Due to the weaker yen, Japanese travelers might find it slightly expensive. - The restaurant is equipped with efficient air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable experience even on hot days. - Free Wi-Fi is available, making it a great spot for a break during your travels 💡. ⸻ 📝【Key Points】 - If you want to try authentic TAVE KOSI in Berat, this is the place to go! - Cool indoor seating and Wi-Fi make it convenient for a break during sightseeing. - Suitable for solo travelers or groups, with a welcoming atmosphere. ⸻

A historic and picturesque town where white-walled houses cover the mountainside. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Albania, is famously known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." True to its name, the white-walled houses built during the Ottoman Empire era are densely packed along the mountain slopes. The countless windows of these houses create a breathtaking view that stretches across the landscape. From a distance, it truly looks like a "wall of windows" 👀. ⸻ 🏰【Recommended Scenic Spots】 - View from the Osum River Bridge: A perfect photo spot to capture the "thousand windows" 📸. - Berat Castle (Kalaja): An ancient fortress atop the hill. The view of Berat's townscape from here is exceptional! *Note: People still live within the castle grounds, offering a unique glimpse into the coexistence of history and daily life. ⸻ 🍽【Berat's Signature Dish: TAVE KOSI】 A must-try dish in Berat is TAVE KOSI. This is a gratin-like dish made with lamb, slow-cooked with yogurt and eggs. The creamy tanginess and the rich flavor of the meat strike a perfect balance! While exotic, the taste also evokes a sense of nostalgia. ⸻ 📝【Highlights of Berat】 - A town where history and stunning scenery harmonize, offering a slow-paced atmosphere. - Friendly locals make it easy to explore the town. - Suitable for both day trips and overnight stays. If possible, spend a night to enjoy the different expressions of the town in the morning and evening. ⸻

Berat, located in the south-central region of Albania, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Gjirokastër. This town preserves the architectural style from the Ottoman Empire era, earning it the nickname "The City of a Thousand Windows" due to its unique appearance. The houses are built along the slopes, and visitors can even stay in accommodations within these residential areas. However, as shown in photos 3 to 5, the cobblestone streets are uneven and hard, with steep inclines in some areas, making walking up and down quite tiring. If you have a lot of luggage, it is recommended to check whether car access, such as taxis, is available before booking your hotel. 🌼Name: Berat 📍Location: Berat, Albania 🚍️Access: Approximately 2 hours by bus from Tirana

💰Average Price per Person: from London to Albania, it will cost you around 350£ per person including all for a 4 night 5 days trip 🗓️Itinerary Scheduling: Tirana - Vlora - Sarande - Ksamil - Himare - Berat - Tirana 💞Reasons to Recommend: Best road trip you can experience. We had rented a car for self drive for 5 days. Huge roads and a paradise for those who love driving cars outside their home country

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. �✨*

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Albania is a world-famous tourist resort city, with tourists from all over the world coming here for vacation. Today I recommend a famous ancient city attraction: Berat Ancient City. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in Albania and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for its unique Ottoman architectural style, white houses and long history. It is known as "The City of a Thousand Windows" because of the spectacular sight of its white houses stacked on the hillside and countless windows. The history of Berat can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It was an important settlement in ancient Greek and Roman times and was formerly known as "Antipatrea". During the 6th century, when the Middle Ages developed, the Byzantine Empire built a castle here, and it later became a strategic location for Bulgaria, Serbia and the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman Period After being conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, Berat developed into a prosperous trade and religious center, leaving behind a large number of Islamic buildings. Very suitable for taking photos, sightseeing and vacation! Address: Hovedstaden København KIndre By Nyhavn, Nyhavn, 1050 København K, Danmark Opening hours: All day

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

1. Berat – “Exploring the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’—Berat’s charm never fades! ✨🏛️ #AlbanianHeritage #BeratViews” 2. Dajti Express (Picture Place) – “Views from the top! Dajti Express took me above Tirana, and the sights were worth every second. 🚡🌄 #TiranaFromAbove #DajtiAdventure” 3. Durrës Castle – “Stepping into history at Durrës Castle—where ancient walls whisper stories of the past. 🏰🌊 #DurresDiaries #AlbanianHistory”

It's about a 10-minute walk from the old town of Berat. It's a little far from the center, but in return, it's a restaurant where locals gather and you can eat traditional Albanian dishes at low prices. A plate is generally less than 500 yen. You can enjoy traditional Albanian dishes such as beef fillet, chicken, and eggplant stuffed with vegetables, but if you want something more unusual, there is beef brains. I haven't tried it, but it seems to be delicious lol 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aPrNYZjqwivRu54DA #0yentravelFebruary2025#Berat

"Te Ura" Bar & Traditional restaurant This is the best restaurant in Berat where you can eat traditional Albanian cuisine. You can see the streets of Bera and the old town across the river, the interior is stylish, and the prices are reasonable, starting from about 400 yen per person. Recommendations include fargesa, stuffed eggplant with vegetables, and rakia, an Albanian distilled liquor. After you're done eating, we recommend walking around the cobblestoned old town as a post-meal exercise. 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VpKz7r3YU1cmN8y8 #0yentripFebruary2025#Berat

I went to the city of Berat, a World Heritage Site in Albania. About 2.5 hours from the bus terminal in Tirana. It takes about an hour to walk from the bus terminal in Berat to the town of Berat, but there are local buses. Bus terminal 📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rZR1dxA9N5657fAH7 You can walk around the town in 2 hours, but the night lighting is beautiful, so I recommend staying there for a night. Cheap hotels are available from 1,000 yen per night. The view from the top of the mountain in the old town is spectacular. 📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fDzU7ua1kTLHnb1s6 #0yentripFebruary2025#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

#2024TravelReview #Albania #Berat When you come to the ancient city of Berat in Albania, I highly recommend staying at this three-star hotel. The hotel design is novel and antique, very clean and beautiful. The attached breakfast is also very rich and delicious, with everything you need. The most important thing is that it is easily accessible on foot from Berat Castle and the Gorica District, the World Heritage City of Thousand Windows. Get off at the bus station in Conad and the boss will pick you up. The boss also provided a lot of practical travel information and was very kind.

#2024Travel Review #Albania #Historical Monuments #World Cultural Heritage Berat, this historic city known as the "City of a Thousand Windows", is surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is one of Albania's World Heritage Sites and has been rated as the most beautiful city in Albania💕. It has a history of 2500 years and is located on the banks of the Osum River. What’s special is the style of multi-window private houses built against the mountains, extending the scenery of a mountain city with thousands of households, so it is known as the “City of Thousand Windows”. The town was ruled by the Ottoman Empire from 1400, and allowed Christians and Muslims to coexist peacefully, with churches and mosques sharing the same space; on the top of the hill are Eastern European-style castle fortresses and quaint residential areas, cityscapes and castles on steep hillsides The fortress is a world heritage building. Nearby attractions include Berat Castle and buildings along the Osum River. It takes about two hours by bus from the capital Tirana. It is recommended to stay one night and stay in the ancient city. You can reach the Citadel and the world cultural heritage Gorica district on foot. Berat Lower Town, the City of Thousand Windows, is like a dream😍; Berat Upper Town, with a panoramic view of historical and cultural monuments😘Gorica Bridge, the special architecture of the water and the City of Thousand Windows is very beautiful✨️. #TravelCoolExperience #Historical Monuments #Couple Travel

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

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!

If you think about visiting Maldive, Turkey and Switzerland but you are on budget, there you go! Take a flight to Albania!! Visiting a beautiful historic city in Berat that will make you feel like you are in Turkey, then head to the south to visit Sarande and Samil the peaceful beach make you feel you are in Maldive and the scenario is just like Switzerland Good food with big portion and affordable and omg! They are a very lovely people don’t worry about getting lost the people there are more than happy to help you I love Albania and still can’t move on from this trip #albania #sarande #Samil #beach #historicgem #paradiseonearth

During this adventure, I discovered that the Albanian city of Berat is a hidden treasure of history and beauty. Stepping into this ancient city is like traveling through a time tunnel and immersing yourself in the long history of culture and architecture. Compared with popular tourist locations, Albania shows a primitive and authentic beauty. The residents here are friendly and welcoming, and I felt a real sense of humanity. Berat, this world cultural heritage city known as the "City of a Thousand Windows", added to the magical charm of my travels. Walking through its graceful stone alleys, I found that every ancient window is like a unique painting, reflecting past stories and traces of history. The reputation of the City of Thousand Windows is not fictitious. Climbing up to the castle and overlooking the entire Berat, you can see the layers of white houses in front of you. Each window is like an open window of history. I deeply feel that this city has evolved over time. precipitation and tempering. #2024Travel wish In the travel plan for 2024, we will continue to consider some treasure places that are less visited by tourists. Unpopular places often bring more authentic culture and natural charm, and at the same time, we hope to be known to more people. #UNpopularTravel #UNPOPULARCOUNTRY

#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.

Albania🇦🇱The most beautiful town, Berat, the city of a thousand windows This town has a very rich history, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. What makes it truly special, however, is its Ottoman rule, which has given the city its unique cultural flair. Now, when you come to visit, you will see many Ottoman-style buildings, which are particularly distinctive. Because these houses are built along the hillside, the windows all face the same side, which is why it is known as the "City of a Thousand Windows". Have you ever felt that coming here is a bit like a small Turkish "Saffron City"? Albania 🇦🇱 The Most Beautiful Town Berat This town has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and Roman times. However, what truly makes it special is the period of Ottoman Empire rule, which brought a unique cultural flavor to this city. When you visit now, you'll see many buildings in the Ottoman style, which is quite distinct. Because these houses are all built along the hillside, their windows all face the same direction, which is why it earned the nickname "City of a Thousand Windows." Do you feel like it's a bit like a miniature Turkish "City of Safranbolu" when you come here?