Quick Guide to Lezhe, Albania
I visited Lezhe, Albania on my way back to Tirana at the end of a northern Albania road trip. Lezhe is a small and colourful city, and it’s in a beautiful part of Albania for exploring. This guide will help you make the most of your time in Lezhe.
Quick Guide to Lezhe, Albania
I spent 2 days in Lezhe after driving from Prizren, Kosovo. Lezhe may not be as famous as other Albanian small cities, but it’s a very tidy and colourful place with neat parks and colourful buildings painted in geometric designs.
While it’s not a usual tourist stop, Lezhe is an authentic, local city and I enjoyed it.
Where is Lezhe
Lezhe is on the west side of Albania, near the Adriatic Sea (in summer the beaches are busy). It’s basically between Tirana and Shkoder. Because it’s an hour or less from either city, Lezhe makes a really good day or overnight trip.
Is Lezhe Worth Visiting
That depends. If it’s your first time in Albania and you’re deciding between Kruje and Lezhe, than no – you should go to Kruje. Both destinations are easy day trips from Tirana, but Lezhe is not as charming or beautiful as Kruje.
Lezhe is worth visiting if you’ve already seen Kruje and Gjirokaster, or are travelling in that direction anyway.
It’s an ideal stop if you want to visit Kallmet Winery or the famous agrotourism restaurant Mrizi i Zanave. Both are just outside of Lezhe.
What is Special About Lezhe
Lezhe is actually a very old city, originally founded as Lissos in the 4th century BCE. You can see some of the ruins beside the Skanderbeg Memorial.
It’s also the site of the League of Lezhe, where Skanderbeg united the Albanian prices against the Ottoman empire in 1444. Albanians consider this the start of their independence from Ottoman rule, and beginning of their statehood.
The national hero Skanderbeg died and is buried in Lezhe. His tomb is in the Skanderbeg Memorial.
How Much Time Do You Need in Lezhe
A day or two is enough in Lezhe. There are only a few sights and it’s a small place.
If you have a car, I highly recommend taking a half day to visit Kallmet Winery and the fantastic restaurant Mrizi i Zanave. They’re on the same road and not far from each other.
How to Get to Lezhe
There are buses all day from Shkoder and Tirana to Lezhe. You can also drive from either city. It’s usually an hour or less.
Check the Gjirafa Travel website for bus schedule information. Keep in mind Tirana has 2 main bus stations: South North and East Gate. Buses to Lezhe leave from both. It’s best to buy your ticket from the bus driver (you’ll need cash).
An airport taxi from Tirana costs 4000 lek ($48 USD), and from Shkoder with Elektrik Taxi it costs 2200 lek ($27 USD).
Guide on What to Do in Lezhe
This is what I did and recommend seeing in Lezhe:
- Lezhe Castle: One of Albania’s oldest castles, the original fortifications date back to the 4th century BC. In the 15th and 16th centuries it was rebuilt by the Venetians and Ottomans. It’s on top of a hill overlooking Lezhe and the surrounding valleys.
- Skanderbeg Memorial: The mausoleum of Albania’s national hero Gjergj Kastrioti (aka Skanderbeg). His grave is located in the remains of St. Nicholas Cathedral, with the memorial built around it.
- Ruins of Ancient Lissus: Around the Skanderbeg Memorial are the ruins of the ancient city of Lissus – now Lezhe.
- Drin River Pedestrian Promenade: Nice pedestrian promenade beside the Drin River that runs north south through the centre. It’s on both sides with a couple of small bridges. Have a meal at Bistro Serrani overlooking the river.
- Orthodox Church of Lezha: Large Orthodox church overlooking the Drin River. Newer, but very pretty.
- Mrizi i Zanave: Amazing agrotourism restaurant outside of Lezhe. If you have a car, it is well worth the drive. One of most famous restaurants in Albania. I recommend you make a reservation.
- Kallmet Winery: If you have a car and like wine, drive to Kallmet Winery. It’s about 10 km outside of Lezhe and a pretty drive. Albania has some fantastic wine and Kallmet is one of the best. The website says open every day, but call ahead to verify. When I went on a Sunday they were closed.
Guide on Where to Stay in Lezhe
I like the area on and beside Shetitorja Gjergj Fishta, the end that is close to the Drin River. It’s a main shopping street, and that section is quite green and within walking distance of everything.
Lezhe doesn’t have many hotels or guest houses, but there are apartments you can stay in. I stayed in an Airbnb beside the mosque. I would recommend it, but the morning call to prayer was super loud and early at 5:30 am.
These are both highly rated and have excellent locations:
Hotel Liss: 4 star hotel with an excellent location in the centre. Considered the best hotel in Lezhe. Room from $90 USD, including breakfast and parking.
Sunny City Centre Apartment: 2 bedroom apartment in the centre. Great location and comes with small kitchen and washing machine. From $35 USD. Excellent value.
Where to Eat in Lezhe
I actually didn’t eat in the restaurants in Lezhe (I cooked in my Airbnb), but my friend had an excellent meal at Bistro Serrani overlooking the Drin River.
I did however have an unforgettable meal at Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizem, 15 km from Lezhe. If you have a car, head out there but make sure you have a reservation.
Last Words on Quick Guide to Lezhe, Albania
Lezhe may not be as beautiful or popular as destinations like Berat, Kruja or Gjirokaster, but it is authentic and has a very local vibe. And for a small Albanian city, Lezhe is quite scenic, which is why I put together this guide.
