Albanian Travels

Berat, nicknamed the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is much more than just a stopover — it’s the perfect base to explore the historical and natural heart of Albania. For us, it’s absolutely worth the trip!

Between UNESCO heritage, epic hikes, and hidden villages, you could easily spend a week (or more!) here without getting bored. We loved this city — it’s lively, beautiful, affordable, and the people are incredibly kind. We stayed two nights but could easily have stayed longer!

🏛 Old Town & Castle – A Dive into History

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat’s old town is a true architectural gem. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Mangalem district, where white Ottoman houses line up harmoniously, creating that famous illusion of the “thousand windows.” Visit the castle, explore cathedrals and Orthodox churches, and soak in the atmosphere.

Don’t miss:

• Berat Castle (Kala): One of the few castles in Europe still inhabited today. Stroll through its ancient alleys and discover traditional Albanian homes tucked between the walls.
• Onufri Museum: Located in the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, it showcases magnificent icons by the painter Onufri, known for his famous “Onufri red.”
• Ottoman Mosques: The King’s Mosque and the Lead Mosque bear witness to the city’s rich religious history.
• Holy Trinity Church: Nestled within the castle walls, this 13th-century Byzantine church is one of Berat’s most beautiful. Its stone architecture and ancient frescoes are remarkable, and the site offers stunning views over the city and valley.

Saint Michael’s Church
🧿 Local legend: It’s said that some houses in Mangalem hide secret passages leading up to the castle, once used during times of war.day to enjoy a magical sunset over the Osum River and Berat’s red rooftops. 📸

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🏞 Mount Tomorr – Hiking & Legends

If the weather’s on your side, climbing Mount Tomorr (2,416 m) is an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and mysticism.

(Some guides and local agencies offer group excursions, including transport from Berat and a guided hike.)

Why go?

• Breathtaking panoramas: Stunning views of green valleys and surrounding peaks.
• A mountain steeped in legend: Sacred to the Bektashi community, legend has it that Baba Tomorr, a bearded giant, still watches over these lands.
• Varied trails: Routes for all levels, from light treks to challenging climbs.

How to get there 🚗🥾

• From Berat, you’ll need a car or 4×4 to reach the trailheads. Roads can be rough, so choose a suitable vehicle.
• It’s not possible to hike directly from Berat to the summit.
• Once there, several hiking routes are available, from a few hours to a full day.

More details here

Difficulty 💪:
Some sections near the summit can be technical and demanding — good fitness is recommended.
For less experienced hikers, easier routes still offer incredible views.

🎉 Local event: Every August, the mountain hosts a Bektashi pilgrimage, where devotees sacrifice a sheep at the summit to seek protection and good fortune.

🥾 Hiker’s tip: Hire a local guide to learn about the legends, stay safe, and discover the best trails.

Find GPX and more details here on Wikiloc

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💡 Why Base Yourself in Berat?

📍 Beautiful & Central: Perfect for exploring southern and central Albania.
🏡 Local atmosphere: Lively yet less touristy than Gjirokastër. And you really feel like people « live and thrive » there. It has an amazing atmosphere.
🍷 Food & wine: Enjoy the best local specialties and regional wines.
🚶‍♀️ Easy to explore on foot: Everything — from historic sites to restaurants — is within walking distance.

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📌 Practical Tips for Your Stay in Berat

🏨 Where to stay?
We stayed at a guesthouse called DD Villa, found on Booking. We loved it! The hosts were so kind, the beds comfortable, the breakfast delicious… and the view from the terrace was breathtaking!
The value for money was fantastic — we highly recommend it.
To find this guesthouse, click this link and search for “DD Villa” in Berat (this is an affiliate link — by booking through it, you support our blog. Thank you in advance 💚).

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🍽 Where to eat?
Try Homemade Food Lili for a unique and heartwarming experience. Lili is so friendly that you’ll end up chatting with everyone about everything. It’s rustic (in the best way possible), with shared tables and really good food.

We recommend arriving an hour early, because just before Lili’s, there’s a wine window where you can ring the bell and enjoy a glass of wine with other visitors before dinner (to find it, just search “wine window” on Maps).

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🚗 Getting around:
By car or 4×4 to explore the surroundings (Mount Tomorr, Pojan).
Join organized excursions for hikes and out-of-town visits if you don’t want to drive.
In the city, everything is easily reachable on foot.