Berat. The name alone sounds like a place from a fairytale, and in a way, it is. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Albanian town had been high on our bucket list for years. During our road trip through Albania, we finally got the chance to explore it. Two days full of stunning views, delicious food, beautiful nature, and a little bit of adventure. In this article, we share the best tips and highlights of Berat, plus our personal experiences.
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How to Get to Berat, Albania
Berat is easy to reach from different parts of Albania. Whether you’re coming from
Getting to Berat by car
Driving is the most flexible way to reach Berat, especially if you want to explore more of Albania. You set your own pace, stop at viewpoints, and easily visit nearby sights such as Osumi Canyon.
We booked our rental car in advance, which we definitely recommend, especially in summer. We usually compare prices via DiscoverCars, since they often have the lowest rates and you can quickly see which providers are reliable. Prefer an all-in option with no hassle about insurance or hidden fees? Sunny Cars is a good choice, as everything is included.
👉 Tip: Rental cars in Albania are often fully booked in summer, so make sure to reserve early.
Best Routes to Berat by Car
- From Tirana:
The drive takes just under 2 hours on well-maintained roads. The route is easy, but expect some traffic in and around Tirana, especially during rush hours. - From Gjirokaster:
You have two options:
The easy route via Fier: This paved road takes about 2.5 hours and is ideal if you prefer a relaxed drive. We chose this route, and it was probably a lot calmer than the alternative.
The adventurous route via Osumi Canyon: Only suitable for a 4×4, this route takes you through rougher terrain. It can be a special experience, but be prepared for unpaved roads and a slower trip. - From the Albanian Riviera:
From coastal towns like Vlora or Himarë, the drive takes about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your starting point. Expect a mix of main roads and scenic mountain roads.
Note: If you’re staying inside the castle walls, you’ll face a steep and narrow climb up. Meeting oncoming traffic can be tricky, especially if you’re driving up from the Mangalem side. Want to avoid this? Take the northern route via the camping “The Castle of Berat.” This road is less steep and much easier.
Want to book a rental car right away for your trip through Albania?
👉 Check prices via DiscoverCars of 👉 choose the all-in option at Sunny Cars.
How to get to Berat by public transport
No car? No problem! Berat is also accessible by public transport, though it takes a bit more planning. Don’t expect strict schedules, but local minibuses (furgons) will get you where you need to be.
- From Tirana: Furgons to Berat leave from the South and North Bus Terminal (Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut). They run several times per day, and the ride takes around 2 hours, a bit longer than by car. At only 500 LEK (5 euros), this is a very budget-friendly option.
- From other cities: Furgons also run from towns like Vlora, Fier, and Gjirokaster. The frequency depends on the day, so ask your hotel or a local guide when the next one leaves.
Note: The bus station in Berat is not located in the historic center or at the castle. Count on paying around 10-15 euros for a taxi to the castle or the old town. From there, everything is within walking distance.
Tip: Furgons usually only leave once full, not at fixed times. Stay flexible and plan some extra time.
Visiting Berat with organized tours
Don’t feel like driving yourself? An organized day tour is a great option. Many tours depart from Tirana and often combine Berat with other sights nearby, such as Lake Belsh or Durres. Perfect if you want to see a lot without the stress of arranging transport.
Georganiseerde tours naar Berat en omgeving
👉 Check GetYourGuide for the most popular tours to Berat.
What to Do in Berat During Your Trip to Albania
Berat has three must-sees: the old town, the castle, and the nearby Osumi Canyon. Each place has its own charm and is worth exploring. We had two full days in Berat and used all of it to see everything. Here are our best tips and personal experiences.
The Old Town of Berat: City of a Thousand Windows
If you’ve ever seen photos of Berat, you’ll recognize the iconic “Thousand Windows.” Many Dutch travelers may also know it from the game show ‘Wie is de Mol?’, where contestants had a challenge in this city. Seeing those images made Berat a top priority for us. The old town, with the districts of Mangalem and Gorica, was one of the highlights of our road trip through Albania.
Highlights of Berat’s Old Town
- The View from Gorica to Mangalem:
Cross the bridge near the roundabout at the start of the boulevard for the best view of the Thousand Windows. The white houses stacked against the hillside make for a perfect photo spot. - The Gorica Bridge:
This 18th-century Ottoman bridge connects Gorica and Mangalem. Its stone arches take you back in time. - The Boulevard:
Parallel to the Osum River, the boulevard is a great place for a stroll. Families gather here, kids play, and older men chat or play board games. Our kids loved the playground here while we relaxed on a terrace. - Mangalem and Gorica:
Mangalem is known for its maze of narrow streets and white houses built closely together. The atmosphere is lively, with plenty of little alleys to explore.
Across the river lies Gorica, a quieter neighborhood that even feels a bit romantic. Both districts are beautiful and perfect for wandering around and soaking up the vibe of Berat.
Our tip:
End your day in Gorica at Restorant Ajka, with amazing views of the Thousand Windows. Their traditional mix dish is a must-try.
Visiting Berat Castle
A trip to Berat isn’t complete without visiting its castle, perched high above the town. What makes it special is that people still live here. You’ll walk through narrow streets, past traditional houses, and small shops selling handmade carpets and souvenirs.
Must-Sees Inside the Castle Walls of Berat
- Holy Trinity Church: One of the most photogenic spots in Berat, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage status.
- The Red Mosque: Only the minaret remains, making it even more striking. This is thought to be one of the oldest mosques in Albania.
- Castle Walls: You’re free to walk along the ancient walls. Kids will love climbing around, though it’s not always safe, so keep an eye on them. The views over Berat and the mountains are incredible.
- Viewpoint: At the southern tip of the castle, you’ll find a panoramic lookout point.
Food and Drinks Inside the Castle
Because the castle is near one of Albania’s wine regions, it’s also a great place to enjoy local wine and traditional food.
Our favorites:
- Antipatrea Traditional Restaurant: Great food and views from the rooftop terrace.
- Te Zalua: Perfect for sunset dinner with traditional dishes.
- Bakallana: Small ice cream shop with homemade ice cream.
A Day Trip to Osumi Canyon
Osumi Canyon is about 1.5 hours from Berat and makes for an amazing nature escape. The road there winds through the hills with plenty of photo stops.
At the start, there’s a parking lot with a short walk to a stunning viewpoint. Drive further and you’ll find more stops, including a bridge with one of the best views of the canyon. Beyond this, the road becomes unpaved and only suitable for 4×4 cars.
Our favorite stop was a quiet spot by the river where we went for a swim with the kids. The atmosphere was peaceful and felt almost private.
Tip: In spring, rafting tours are possible here. In summer, the river is lower, but the views are still fantastic.
Best Time to Visit Berat
Berat is worth visiting all year round, but if you ask us, spring and autumn are the best seasons. The weather is pleasant, and it’s much less crowded. In summer it can get very hot, especially when you visit the castle, so make sure to bring enough water and a hat or cap for the sun.
We visited Berat in July, right in the middle of summer. Luckily, the crowds weren’t too bad. Tourism in the inland areas is much calmer compared to the busy Albanian Riviera. But the heat did take some getting used to. Since we’re tied to the school holidays, we didn’t really have a choice. Still, we wouldn’t have wanted to miss Berat, or any other part of our Albania trip.
If you can travel outside school holidays, we recommend May, June, or September.
Berat With Kids: Tips for Families
Berat is fun with kids too! Here are some tips for families:
- Playground on the boulevard: Great spot for kids to run around while parents relax.
- Motion sickness pills: Roads can be winding, especially towards Osumi Canyon. Our youngest got car sick here.
- Taxi to the castle: The walk up is steep. For around 1000 LEK (10 euros), a taxi takes you to the entrance. Even easier: stay inside the castle walls. 👉 View all hotels within the castle walls.
- Stay hydrated and sun-protected: Summers are hot, especially at the castle.
- Quiet river stops at Osumi Canyon: Perfect for kids to play and cool off.
- Ice cream treats: Our favorite was Bakallana inside the castle.
- Food for kids: Most Albanian menus have simple options like fries or grilled dishes. Very family-friendly.
- Family rooms: Many hotels and guesthouses in Berat offer them. 👉 View all family-friendly accommodations and hotels in Berat.
Where to Stay in Berat: the best accommodations and hotels
The nice thing about Berat, and Albania in general, is that you don’t have to spend much for a special place to stay. Family-run hotels and guesthouses make it feel personal.
Inside the Castle Walls
We stayed at Berati Castle Hotel, a unique spot right inside the old fortress. The hotel is run by a super friendly family, and from the terrace you have views over the city and the surrounding mountains. It almost felt like we were part of castle life for a little while.
👉 Check availability at Berati Castle Hotel
Note: Hotels inside the castle walls are popular and often fully booked in summer. Make sure to reserve early if you want to stay here.
Sleeping Among the Thousand Windows in Mangalem
Prefer to stay in the lower part of town? In Mangalem you’ll find cozy guesthouses among the famous white houses. From here, you can walk straight onto the boulevard and are close to restaurants and main sights.
👉 Check hotels in Mangalem
Peace and Affordability in Gorica
Across the river lies Gorica, a quieter neighborhood that’s often cheaper too. From here it’s just a short walk to the old town, with beautiful views of Mangalem along the way. Perfect if you want more peace and quiet while still being close to everything.
👉 Check hotels in Gorica
Prefer to compare all options yourself?
Why You Should Add Berat to Your Albania Road Trip
Berat is a place you won’t forget. The mix of history, culture, and nature makes it truly special. Whether you’re wandering the old castle streets, admiring the Thousand Windows, or swimming in the Osumi Canyon, Berat has something for everyone.
Have you already been to Berat? Let us know your favorite spot!
Plan Your Trip to Berat, Albania
Hotels and other accommodations in Berat
👉 Check the best places to stay on Booking.com
Car rental in Albania
👉 Compare prices at DiscoverCars, Rentalcars or Sunny Cars
Tours and Activities?
👉 See the best tours and activities on GetYourGuide
Want to know our full Albania itinerary?
👉 Check out: Our 3-Week Albania Road Trip With Kids
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