How Many Days in Berat, Albania Do You Need?

You need a minimum of 2 days in Berat. This is one of Albania’s most beautiful cities and there’s quite a bit to see. Berat’s old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the historic centre of Gjirokaster.

Before I visited Berat the first time I wasn’t sure if I should stay overnight or not. I decided to go as a day trip from Vlore with my dog. As soon as I arrived I immediately regretted that decision! Berat looked so lovely, I knew I wanted to spend more time there.

A year later I returned for 5 days and was able to explore and enjoy Berat properly. You don’t need to stay in Berat 5 days like I did, but take my advice and stay at least 2 nights. You won’t regret it!

How Many Days Do You Need in Berat?

I think you need 2 days in Berat. If you have the time, add an extra day or two. Not every Albanian historic city is a good candidate for a 3 or 4 day visit, but Berat is not one of those! I was recently there for 5 days and was not bored at all.

You’ll be able to see Berat’s sites and attractions in a couple of days, but with extra time you can slow down and just enjoy the beauty of the city. Berat is worth visiting, full of traditional and atmospheric guest houses, cafes and restaurants.

I’ve set out an ideal 2 day itinerary with options for extra days in Berat below.

How To Get to Berat

It’s easy to get to Berat from major Albanian cities. There are 3 ways to travel around Albania and get to Berat: bus, private transfer (taxi) and self-drive.

To check bus schedules and availability, the best website is Gjirafa Travel. The schedule may not be exact, but it’s close enough to give you a good idea.

Tirana to Berat: You can take a direct bus from Tirana to Berat. They depart hourly from the South North Bus Terminal, cost 500 lek ($6 USD), and take 2.5 hours.

It’s possible to book a private transfer through most taxi companies. I use Taxi Landi for these sort of transfers in Albania. They are based in Tirana.

Saranda or Ksamil to Berat: There are direct buses from Saranda to Berat twice a day. Cost is 1400 lek ($17 USD), and it takes 4 hours. From Ksamil you have to take the bus first to Saranda.

Again, you can book a private transfer with a taxi company. Saranda Eco Taxi charges 16,000 lek ($194 USD) for this route.

Vlore to Berat: This is an easy route with about 8 buses a day. They take 2 hours and cost 500 lek ($6 USD).

I used Taxi Landi when I went to Berat from Vlore the first time, but Vlore taxis will also do private transfers to Berat.

Driving to Berat

I’ve found the driving in Albania easy compared to Italy and Greece. The roads are (mostly) good, and for the most part Albanian drivers are courteous.

Just make sure your Berat accommodation has parking. Not all do, especially in the most historic parts of the city.

Once you’re in Berat everything is walkable, but there are some spectacular sites (and excellent vineyards) near Berat you could explore if you had a car.

Things to Do in Berat

Berat is a very old city and has a number of historic sites. The Osum River divides the city into the Mangalem Quarter (historically the Islamic side) and the Gorica Quarter (historically the Christian side).

Most of the things you’ll want to see in Berat are on the Mangalem side, but the Gorica side is worth exploring too. There are two pedestrian bridges connecting Mangalem and Gorica, so it’s very easy to cross back and forth.

1. Explore Berat Castle

Not only is Berat Castle one of the largest in Albania, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Europe. People have been living within the castle walls since 400 BC.

The castle is a historic neighbourhood with homes, shops, churches, mosques, guesthouses and restaurants. And there is an actual castle too that was mostly rebuilt in the 13th century.

This is a charming part of Berat. It’s all cobblestone lanes and windy stairs, with many ancient churches. The area is open 24/7 and free to enter. Wear sensible shoes – the cobblestone roads can be steep and slippery.

2. Discover the Historic Churches in Berat Castle

There are 14 churches in Berat Castle. Most are in ruin, but you can still visit these ones:

• Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae: Originally built in the 5th century, it was rebuilt in the 13th century. There are 16th century icons and frescoes painted by Nicholas Onurfi (son of Onurfi).
• Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helen: Byzantine era church built in 1639. It has frescoes painted in the 15th century.
• Church of Saint Nicholas: Orthodox church built in 1591 with frescoes painted by Onurfi.
• Holy Trinity Church: The most picturesque church in the castle, built in the 13th or 14th centuries in a Byzantine cross formation.
• Orthodox Church of Saint George: Partially torn down during communism. The first floor is original, while the second floor was rebuilt as a government residence.

3. Visit the Onurfi Iconographic Museum

The museum is in the Castle district. It is the historic Assumption of St. Mary Cathedral, built in 1797. The church has the most spectacular icons, murals and wood carvings, many by Onurfi, considered the Albanian master of religious painting.

4. See the Red Mosque

Also in the Castle district, this may be the oldest Islamic building in Berat. It was built sometime during the 13th century. Most of the mosque is in ruins, but the minaret is still standing, which is remarkable. It’s called the Red Mosque because of its red stones.

5. Learn About Berat’s History at the Ethnographic Museum

Located in a historic Berat mansion, this is supposed to be one of the best ethnographic museums in Albania. It was closed for renovation in October 2025 when I visited, but check to see if it’s open when you’re in Berat.

6. See Berat’s Historic Mosques

There are several historic mosques on the Mangalem side of Berat, which was the Islamic side.

King Mosque: This is the largest and prettiest mosque in Berat. It was built in the 15th century by Sultan Bayezid, and recently restored. A 100 lek ($1.20 USD) donation is required to enter.

In the same courtyard is the Halveti Tekke. Another 100 lek donation will get you the keys to open it. A tekke is a Bektashi meeting house, a branch of Sufism popular in Albania.

Lead Mosque: The mosque was built in 1530 by Ahmed Bey Usgurli and named for the lead coating on its domes. Much of the original structure has been lost and rebuilt, but the minaret is original.

Bachelors Mosque: The mosque was built in 1827 for Berat’s unmarried craftsmen. Today the lower half is a shop and the upper half is the mosque (a result of a post-communism ownership dispute – very common in Albania).

7. Walk Through the Gate of the Pasha to the Palace

You can still walk through the entrance to the 18th century palace of Ahmet Kurt Pasha today. On the other side of the courtyard is what remains of the palace, which was partially constructed of stones from the ancient city of Apollonia, one of Albania’s most important sites.

8. See Orthodox Cathedral of St. Demetrios

This is the largest Orthodox church in Berat. It’s a newer church, built near the ruins of the original St. Demetrios, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1851.

The cathedral is next door to the Lead Mosque, reflective of Albania’s high religious tolerance.

9. Hike up to the Church of Saint Michael

Saint Michael is a beautiful 14th century Byzantine church perched on the steep hill overlooking Berat. The views of Berat are exceptional from here.

You can access it from Berat Castle, or from the steep back lanes and stairs off Rruga Antipatrea. When I visited the church was locked, but it is often open. Hopefully you’ll have better luck.

10. Stroll Bulevardi Republika

Albanians have a strong tradition of ‘xhiro’ – the evening stroll, and Bulevardi Republika is the most popular place for xhiro. This central pedestrian road is lined with cafes and restaurants on one side, and a park and the Osum River on the other.

11. Explore Gorica Quarter & Saint Spiridon Church

Gorica is the quieter side of Berat. It was built in the 4th century, and there are still some ruins on Gorica Hill. Today it is a small residential neighbourhood of cobblestone roads and lanes.

The lovely church of Saint Spiridon is located in Gorica. This was the first church to re-open after the fall of communism in Albania. There are frescoes dating back to the 1800s.

12. Eat Vienezi i Berati

Vienezi i Berati is a traditional dish of Berat. I’ve never seen it in other parts of Albania, so try it while you’re here. Vienz is thin steak rolled around cheese and walnuts, coated in bread crumbs and fried.

Almost all traditional Berat restaurants make it, but the best one I had was at Zgara Zaloshnja in the centre.

13. Take a Free Walking Tour

This is an excellent way to get acclimated to Berat and see the highlights, especially if you are short on time. For the record, a free tour isn’t really free – you tip the guide what you feel the tour is worth.

I took the Free Tour Berat with Bruno. He is a fantastic guide and a Berat local. He even took us to his home in the Gorica Quarter!

2 or 3 Days in Berat Itinerary

Based on my own explorations, if you have two days in Berat I recommend the following itinerary:

Day 1 in Berat

The Berat Castle is the top attraction, so it makes sense to start there. After breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse walk up Rruga Mihal Komnena to the castle entrance. Make sure you were solid shoes.

Morning

• Explore the Citadel and fortification walls.
• Stroll the cobblestone lanes where people still live today.
• Visit the ruins of the Red Mosque and Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae, Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, Church of Saint Nicholas, Holy Trinity Church and Orthodox Church of Saint George.
• Visit the Onurfi Iconographic Museum in the Castle.

Afternoon

• Have lunch at one of the restaurants in the Castle. Klea Restaurant, Bujtina Bega Traditional Food and Temi Albanian Food are highly rated.
• Walk down to the Viewing Platform for fantastic views of Berat and the Osum River.
• Continue down the path to the Church of Saint Michael, which sits high on the hill overlooking Gorica and the river.
• Take the cobblestone lanes down into Mangalem.
• Stop at Pasticeri Tori Berat for ice cream.
• Watch for the Bachelor Mosque as you walk down Rruga Antipatrea.

Evening

• Take a traditional stroll (xhiro) along Bulevardi Republika.
• Have dinner at Homemade Food Lili (advance reservations a must) or Zgara Zaloshnja.

Day 2 in Berat

Today you’ll explore the sites of Mangalem (the centre and the Old City) and the Gorica Quarter.

Morning

• Visit the largest church in Berat, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Demetrios.
• Next to the Cathedral is the Lead Mosque.
• See the largest mosque in Berat, King Mosque and the Halveti Tekke.
• Walk through the Gate of the Pasha and see the ruins of the Pasha’s palace.
• Stroll through the Old City to visit the Ethnographic Museum.

Afternoon

• Cross the Gorica Bridge.
• Have lunch at Eni Traditional Food in Gorica.
• Explore the Gorica Quarter.
• Visit the historic Orthodox Church of Saint Spiridon.
• Cross back to Mangalem on the pedestrian suspension bridge.
• Stroll through Osumit Park and/or enjoy a coffee or drink on Bulevardi Republika.

Evening

• Take a traditional stroll (xhiro) into the Modern City (along Rruga Antipatrea or Bulevardi Republika – but in the opposite direction of the Castle).
• Have dinner in the Modern City at Traditional Food Anxhelo. This is a popular spot with locals. It’s simple, but the food is good.

Day 3 in Berat Options

Now that you’ve seen all the sites of Berat you can explore the surrounding area. Berat is in a beautiful part of Albania and there’s some great options.

Osum Canyon

Nicknamed Albania’s Grand Canyon, Osum is a spectacular river gorge that is 13 km long. It’s 35 km away from Berat. You can drive there yourself, or take a guided day tour.

Tomorri Mountain National Park

No doubt you have seen Tomorri Mountain from Berat, it is the large majestic mountain in the distance. There are all sorts of hiking trails, lakes, alpine valleys and an important Bektashi tekke. It’s less than 50 km from Berat.

For organized day tours of Osum Canyon, Tomorri Mountain or your own customized tour (like local vineyards and agrotourism spots), I highly recommend Bruno of Free Tour Berat. I’ve used Bruno and can honestly say he is a fantastic guide.

Vineyards & Agrotourism

Berat is in prime wine country. If you didn’t know (and don’t feel bad because I had no clue until my third trip to Albania), there is a thriving and very old viticulture in Albania. And Albanian wine is really, really good!

Alpeta Agrotourism and Winery, Pupa Winery, Nurellari Winery and Cobo Wine are an easy drive from Berat. Make sure you call ahead because reservations are needed to visit some vineyards.

Agrotourism is fairly new in Albania, as more tourists discover how gorgeous rural Albania is. There are a couple of really good ones near Berat, Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery and Agroturizem Kodra e Gjelber.

I had my first Albanian agrotourism experience at Mrizi i Zanave on my way to Lezhe. It remains one of my most unforgettable dining experiences ever.

Where to Stay

Berat is divided by the Osum River. The Mangalem side is the busier one where most of the restaurants, hotels, attractions and Berat Castle are located.

The Gorica side is much quieter. It’s mainly residential, but has a few guest houses and restaurants. Gorica is also cooler than Mangalem because it doesn’t get the sun. It’s very pretty with the stone houses and windy lanes.

These are my top recommendations on where to stay in Berat:

Hotel Plaza Berat: New 4 star boutique hotel, beside the Mangalem Quarter. Excellent location close to everything. It’s one of Berat’s best hotels. Rooms from $80 USD, including breakfast and parking.

Beratino Hotel: Small, traditional hotel on the main road directly below Berat Castle in Mangalem. Luxurious rooms feature original architectural details like stone walls and carved wood ceilings. Rooms from $70 USD, including breakfast.

Hotel Mangalemi: Very traditional hotel at the bottom of the road that leads to the Castle. It’s in the Old City, right in the heart of Berat. Rooms start at $60 USD, including breakfast.

Ador Boutique Hotel: A charming guest house on the Gorica side of Berat. The guest house is in a restored historic home, still with many original details. Rooms begin at $40 USD, including breakfast and parking.

Where to Eat

Most of the restaurants are in the Mangalem Quarter, but there’s some good ones on the Gorica side too. These were my favourite places to eat in Berat:

• Eni Traditional Food: Home cooked traditional Berati food. I would have eaten here every day if I could have. The mum does most of the cooking and even served me. It’s also dog friendly.
• Zgara Zaloshnja: Traditional restaurant in the centre. I had the best Vienezi i Berati here (local specialty). They have a nice outdoor seating area.
• Rus Restaurant: Good traditional food with most dishes displayed cafeteria style, so you can see what looks good and pick what you like. They make excellent fergese, a vegetarian Albanian dish.
• Bibo Bar: Cafe serving Italian pizza, pasta and desserts. A popular spot with locals who come here for coffee.

Where to Go Next

Berat is in the middle of southern Albania, so it’s pretty easy to go in any direction from here. The easiest places to reach are the Albanian Riviera, Tirana or Durres.

The last time I was in Berat I travelled onward to Korce by bus. While I highly recommend visiting Korce, the bus was not a direct route and it wasn’t the easiest transfer. But if you have a car – go for it. Korce is totally under-visited and beautiful.

Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is a stunning stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. It starts in Vlore, and heads south through some beautiful and dramatic scenery all the way to the Greek border.

The unofficial capital of the Riviera is Saranda, while Ksamil is a beach paradise and smaller towns like Himare dot the coast. The Riviera is extremely popular in summer, especially with European travellers.

Durres

Durres is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a great alternative to the Riviera. While the beaches aren’t quite as stunning, there’s some important historic sites, and it’s proximity to Tirana makes it very attractive.

I really like Durres and find it much more budget friendly than the Riviera or Tirana.

Tirana

Tirana is one of Europe’s most under-rated capital cities. The city may be quirky, but it has a lot to offer. Tirana is very walkable and safe, and has enough sites to keep you busy for a few days, but not overwhelm you.

I put together a Tirana 2 day itinerary, which is perfect if you’re staying a couple of nights on your way in or out of Albania.

Here’s how to get to Tirana from Berat.

As you can imagine, I fly to and from Albania quite a bit because of this website. I am always happy to spend as much time as I can in Tirana. It’s a city that grows on you!

FAQs

Last Words on How Many Days in Berat Do You Need

I think two day in Berat is enough to see the sites and get a feel for the city. But, if you have more time you can easily fill 3 or 4 days in Berat by taking a day trip or just going at a slower pace.

Berat is very beautiful, so it’s entirely possible to enjoy yourself just by relaxing and taking in the surroundings. That is one of the best things to do in Berat!

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