Berat – Albania: Where to go in the city of a thousand windows

Last Updated on 7.2.2026 by Pája

Our road trip through Albania had a bit of a rocky start; many of the cities felt gritty and didn’t have much to offer. But then we pulled into the ancient city of Berat, and it completely changed our perspective. This ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ absolutely enchanted us, and our only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. Curious about where to go in Berat, what to see in Berat, and what to keep an eye out for? Here is our guide to Berat.

Summary of the article in brief

• Best time to visit: April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
• Main attractions: The citadel with Byzantine churches, Onufri Museum, the historic quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, Osum Canyon.
• Where to stay in Berat: A guesthouse directly inside the citadel or a traditional house in the Mangalem district for an authentic experience.
• How to get there: Regular buses from Tirana (2.5–3 hours), entrance fee to the citadel 200–300 LEK (approx. 2–3 €).

Why Berat, Albania is absolutely worth visiting

One of the main reasons to visit the city of Berat is that the entire city is protected by UNESCO. It is so beautiful and ancient that you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You walk through old streets, admire stunning mountain views, and most of all – the windows.

A city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Berat was added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 together with the city of Gjirokastër. And not by chance. It is a living testament to how different cultures and religions have coexisted side by side in harmony for centuries.

In Berat, you’ll find Byzantine churches from the 13th century standing just a few meters from Ottoman mosques from the 15th century. An Orthodox cathedral stands next to a Muslim prayer hall. This religious tolerance is not just a historical fact – it’s a living tradition that locals still uphold today.

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The city of a thousand windows and a thousand stories

The nickname “City of a Thousand Windows” is not just a poetic name. If you stand on the opposite bank of the Osum River and look at the Mangalem district, you’ll literally see hundreds of windows watching the river below like eyes. Each of them belongs to one of the traditional Ottoman houses that have been preserved here in almost unchanged form.

When to visit Berat

You can visit Berat practically all year round, but in summer be prepared for high temperatures, which may not be ideal for exploring the city.

• Spring and autumn: The best time. From April to June, everything is in bloom and the Osum River has enough water for rafting. September and October bring grape harvests and pleasant temperatures around 25 °C.
• Summer: July and August are hot (up to 35 °C) and the city is crowded with tourists. If you visit in summer, plan sightseeing for early morning or evening.
• Winter: Quiet, empty, and cheap, but expect temperatures around 10 °C and limited operation of some businesses.

Getting to Berat and transportation

We arrived by rental car, but there are many other options.

• Bus from Tirana: Runs every hour from the South-North terminal. Tickets cost about 400 LEK (approx. 4 €) and the journey takes around 3 hours. Expect mostly smaller minibuses.
• By car: The best option for flexibility. Rental prices start at 35 €/day. The road from Tirana is fine, but a sturdier car helps for trips into the mountains.
• From the coast: There are few direct connections from Vlorë or Sarandë. Transfers often require changes, so a private transfer (approx. 60–80 € per car) may be worth it.

Getting around Berat

The historic center of Berat is compact and best explored on foot. From Gorica Bridge to the citadel it’s only 1.5 km. If you arrive at the main bus station outside the center, use the local bus (every 20 minutes for 30 LEK) or a taxi for around 400 LEK. Locals may also offer rides for a small fee – just agree on the price beforehand.

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Where to stay in Berat

To fully enjoy the ancient atmosphere of Berat, we recommend staying close to the historic center so you don’t have to commute.

• Inside the citadel: A true unique experience – people still live inside the fortress. Try Guesthouse Belle View (around 35 €). The terrace views over the city are unbeatable.
• Mangalem district: The heart of history. A great choice is Hotel Mangalemi, located in an original Ottoman house. For about 50 €, you get an authentic atmosphere with excellent service.
• New town: If you prefer a modern, air-conditioned room at a lower price (from 40 €), try Hotel Colombo. However, it’s a 15-minute walk to the historic area.

Berat, Albania – what to see in the surroundings

The city of Berat in Albania is not just about its historic center, charming streets, and viewpoints. The surrounding area offers mountains and beautiful nature worth exploring. What should you see in Berat and nearby?

Kala Citadel – the heart of the city

Climbing up to the citadel is a must for every visitor to Berat. The path is steep but manageable even for less experienced hikers. The entrance fee is 200 LEK (about 2 €), and the citadel is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, until 19:00 in summer.

Inside the citadel, you’ll find 8 preserved Byzantine churches out of the original 42. These are small buildings with typical Byzantine architecture – tall towers, narrow windows, and beautifully painted frescoes. Some churches are still active and serve the local Orthodox community.

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Onufri Museum – a treasure of icons

The National Iconographic Museum Onufri is located inside the Cathedral of the Dormition of St. Mary within the citadel. It is named after Onufri, the greatest Albanian icon painter of the 16th century. His works are famous for their unique red color, which other painters were unable to replicate.

The museum exhibits over 200 icons and liturgical objects from the 14th to the 20th century. Some are so finely detailed that you’ll discover hidden elements only upon closer inspection. Admission is 300 LEK (about 3 €), and the museum is closed on Mondays.

Mangalem district – a maze of white houses

Mangalem is the most photogenic part of Berat. It is an old Muslim quarter where houses are stacked one above another on a hillside. Narrow cobbled streets twist between the houses and often end in dead ends or open onto small viewpoints.

In Mangalem, you’ll also find several historic mosques. The King’s Mosque (Xhamia Mbret) from the late 15th century is among the oldest in Albania. You may enter outside prayer times, but dress modestly, and women should cover their heads.

Gorica district – the quieter side of the river

Crossing the historic Gorica Bridge takes you to the second part of the old town – the Gorica district. It is originally a Christian quarter founded in the 16th century. Houses are less densely built here, and streets are wider. The Gorica Bridge from 1780 has seven stone arches and is a landmark in itself. Locals say that if you make a wish on the bridge, it will come true. In summer, children jump into the Osum River from below.

In Gorica, you’ll find the Church of St. Spyridon from the 19th century, the largest church in Berat. Its tall bell tower is visible from all over the city. If you’re lucky and a service is taking place, you can step inside and admire the rich interior decoration.

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Gorica Fortress – mountain viewpoints

Above the Gorica district rises the ruin of another fortress. It’s not as impressive as the main citadel, but the hike is worth it for the views. The marked trail starts at the end of one of the uphill streets.

The ascent takes about 30–40 minutes at a moderate pace. It’s not difficult, but sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain. From the ruins, you’ll have panoramic views of the entire city of Berat, the Osum River, and the opposite citadel.

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The Lead Mosque – a jewel of Ottoman architecture

The Lead Mosque (Xhamia e Plumbit) is located on the main street, Bulevardi Republika, in the newer part of the city. It was built in 1554, and its name comes from the lead plates that originally covered its dome.

The mosque has recently undergone a complete renovation and today looks almost brand new. You may enter outside prayer times, but remember to remove your shoes. The interior is simple, as is typical for mosques, yet beautifully decorated with geometric patterns on the walls.

Cathedral of St. Demetrius – a symbol of the return of faith

This Orthodox cathedral has an interesting yet somewhat tragic history. The original 19th-century church was demolished during the communist era and replaced by a party headquarters. The new cathedral was completed only in 2008, eighteen years after the fall of communism. The building is impressive, offering a modern interpretation of Byzantine style. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful wooden iconostasis completed in 2010.

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Osum Canyon – adrenaline in nature

The Osum River Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural formations in Albania. Over millions of years, the river carved a 13-kilometer-long gorge into the limestone bedrock, narrowing in some places to just 4 meters. The canyon walls rise up to 80 meters high.

The most popular activity here is rafting, which you can easily book via GetYourGuide online to know exactly what to expect. It’s not extreme – the rapids are class II, making it suitable even for beginners and families with children. A full-day rafting trip with lunch costs around 40–50 EUR per person.

Mount Tomorr – a sacred place

The Tomorr mountain range dominates the region and is considered sacred by locals. The highest peak reaches 2,416 meters and is visible from almost anywhere in Berat. Local legend tells of two brothers who killed each other over a beautiful girl and were turned into the mountains Tomorr and Shpirag.

You can reach one of the peaks by off-road vehicle along a dusty serpentine road. The views are breathtaking – the entire central Albanian basin lies before you, with Berat looking like a tiny toy town in the valley below. It’s recommended to hire a guide with a 4×4 vehicle (around 60 EUR for a full day).

Apollonia – an ancient city

About 60 km from Berat, you’ll find the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Apollonia. Founded in the 6th century BC, it became an important trade and cultural center. Julius Caesar even sent his nephew Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus) here to study.

On site, you can see the remains of an ancient theater, temples, city walls, and other structures. The best-preserved monument is the Odeon, a small theater used for musical performances. The entrance fee is 300 LEK (about 3 €), and the site is open daily.

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Divjaka–Karavasta National Park

Nature and bird lovers will enjoy a trip to this national park located about 70 km from Berat. It is home to Karavasta Lagoon, the largest wetland in Albania and an important stopover for migratory birds.

The park is home to the rare Dalmatian pelican, with around 70 breeding pairs. It is one of the few breeding sites of this endangered species in Europe. The best time for birdwatching is spring and autumn during migration. You can hike along beaches and dunes or rent a kayak to explore the lagoon. The entrance fee is 200 LEK, and the park is open year-round.

Halveti Tekke – a Sufi brotherhood

The Halveti Tekke from 1782 is a religious center of a Sufi brotherhood. This branch of Islam is known for its mystical approach to faith and spiritual practices. The building is beautifully decorated and features a typical portico in front of the prayer hall. You may enter if no ceremonies are taking place, but the sacred nature of the site must be respected. Staff members are usually happy to explain the history and principles of Sufism.

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Albanian cuisine – what to taste in Berat

Balkan cuisine can be bold at times, but Berat offers plenty of great restaurants where you can try traditional local dishes.

• Lili Homemade Food: A true legend. A family-run place where you literally eat “at Lili’s home.” Honest, homemade food and an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Restaurante Apollonia: A safe bet in the city center. Huge portions of traditional dishes at fair prices (approx. 7–10 € per main course).
• Mangalemi: For something more upscale, head here. The restaurant offers a terrace with views of the historic houses and excellent service.

Frequently asked questions about Berat