Are you planning a road trip in Albania? One stop you should not miss is Berat, a beautiful town also called the “City of a Thousand Windows.” It is located between mountains and the Osumi River, and its old stone houses and castle walls make it feel like a step back in time. When you arrive, you will see why UNESCO protects this place. Berat has narrow streets, Ottoman houses, mosques, and churches.
To enjoy your journey with freedom, consider renting a car in Albania. With a car, you can drive straight to Berat, explore at your own pace, and stop for views. Our Berat road trip guide will show you the best activities to do in the city.
Berat is one of Albania’s most beautiful cities, known worldwide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits along the Osumi River, surrounded by steep hills and overlooked by the Tomorr Mountains. This compact city is famous for its Ottoman architecture, mountain views, and warm hospitality. When you come here, you step into a living museum where old stone houses, cobbled streets, and places of worship stand side by side.
Berat is often called the City of a Thousand Windows. Standing on the Osumi River, white Ottoman houses are climbing the hillside. Their many windows create the impression of eyes watching the valley. This unique view explains the nickname that has stayed with the town for centuries. The name is sometimes mistranslated as “One over the Other Windows,” because of how the houses are stacked. Whatever version you prefer, it is one of the most striking sights in Albania.
Since 2008, Berat has been on the UNESCO list for its rare example of an Ottoman town. The two old quarters, Mangalem and Gorica, are the heart of this recognition. Walking through them, you find traditional stone houses, mosques, and churches that have survived for hundreds of years.
One of the most special things about Berat is its history of religious coexistence. For centuries, Muslims and Christians lived here side by side. In Mangalem, you find old mosques, while across the river in Gorica, you see ancient churches.
Exploring Berat by car or on foot is simple because the city is compact. Most attractions are close together, but driving helps if you plan to continue to nearby villages and natural spots. The best activities in Berat combine culture, architecture, and stunning scenery.
Berat Castle, or Kala, is the highlight of the city. Perched high on the hill gives you wide views of the river valley and the surrounding mountains. Walking up the steep cobbled road is tiring, but worth it for the scenery. You can also drive if you want to skip climbing. Inside the walls, people still live in traditional houses. You can visit churches, small shops, and cafés within the fortress. Sunset from the castle terrace is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Berat.
Inside the citadel, you find two contrasting monuments. The Red Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Albania, now stands mostly in ruins with only its minaret rising into the sky. Not far away is the Church of the Holy Trinity, dating from the 13th century, with brick walls and Byzantine design. These two landmarks show the cultures that shaped Berat over centuries.
The Onufri Iconography Museum is inside the Church of St Mary within the castle. It holds over 200 religious works, many created by the 16th-century master Onufri. The wooden iconostasis carved in 1807 is a masterpiece of Albanian art. Photography is not allowed, but the detail and richness of these artworks will stay in your memory.
Mangalem is the Muslim quarter on the north bank of the Osumi River. Here you find three historic mosques: the Sultan’s Mosque, the Lead Mosque, and the Bachelors’ Mosque. The cobbled streets twist across the hillside, lined with stone houses and wooden balconies. Walking here feels like stepping back in time. Every corner is a photographic spot, with terracotta roofs, bougainvillaea, and lemon trees.
The Gorica Bridge, first built in 1780, connects the Christian quarter with Mangalem. This Ottoman stone bridge has seven arches and offers the most classic view of Berat’s old town rising against the hill. Crossing it is one of the best and easiest activities in Berat. The view of houses stacked with endless windows earned the city its nickname.
The Gorica Quarter, on the south side of the river, is quieter than Mangalem. Walking its steep lanes, you reach viewpoints where you see both neighbourhoods and the castle above. At sunset, the sight of rooftops and hills bathed in gold is unforgettable. Gorica is also where you feel the peaceful daily rhythm of local life. Children play in the lanes and locals gather in their gardens, giving this quarter a calm, authentic charm.
The National Ethnographic Museum is inside an 18th-century Ottoman house. Visiting it shows you how a wealthy family lived in Berat during that time. Rooms display traditional costumes, carved furniture, and household objects. The museum helps you understand the daily life behind the grand architecture. Go here if you want to learn more about the city’s past.
The Church of Saint Spiridon, built in the 18th century, is hidden in Gorica. Its walls are decorated with strong stonework, circular pillars, and frescoes, a reminder of Berat’s long Christian tradition.
Berat is not only about history and architecture. It is also a perfect base for reaching some of Albania’s most beautiful natural areas.
About an hour from Berat is Osumi Canyon, Albania’s largest gorge. The Osumi River cuts through dramatic cliffs, creating a landscape perfect for rafting, hiking, or swimming in summer. You can join guided tours because driving the roads here can be rough, and water levels vary by season. The best months for rafting are between February and June. In summer, the canyon is a popular spot for swimming and picnics.
Close to Osumi Canyon is Bogove Waterfall. After a short hike through green hills, you reach the clear, icy waters tumbling into a small pool. In summer, it is one of the most refreshing places to visit near Berat. Local travellers often combine the canyon and the waterfall in a day trip. Together, they show the natural side of Albania that balances Berat’s cultural richness.
About 40 minutes from Berat, the village of Roshnik is known for its rural hospitality. Here you will find a family winery and restaurant. They serve traditional dishes such as roasted goat, alongside local wines. Visit Roshnik to see life in a typical Albanian village while enjoying good food and drink. It is one of the best ways to experience Berat’s countryside.
One of the first things you may be offered in Berat is raki, a fruit brandy enjoyed throughout Albania. The local speciality is walnut raki. It is often served before or after a meal as a gesture of hospitality. You should also try tavë kosi, a baked lamb and yogurt dish, fërgesë made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, or stuffed vegetables such as aubergines and peppers. Grilled meats, homemade bread, and fresh salads are also common.
Like much of Albania, Berat has a lively coffee culture. The pedestrian boulevard in the modern part of the city is the best place to experience it. Locals gather here throughout the day, especially in the evening, when families and friends join the traditional xhiro, the nightly stroll. Cafés line both sides of the boulevard, offering espresso, macchiato, or simple Turkish coffee.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the days are warm and dry. July and August are the busiest months. Winter can be cold, and some attractions may close, but the city is quieter. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and day trips. You need at least 2 days in Berat. This allows you to explore the old town and castle one day, and visit a nearby site such as Osumi Canyon the next. Staying longer, around 3 days, gives you more time for wine tasting and visiting villages.
Public transport is limited and often slow, so having your own vehicle means you can reach places like Osumi Canyon, Bogove Waterfall, or the rural vineyards at your own pace. Renting a car in Albania also allows you to stop at viewpoints, hidden churches, or small villages often missed when travelling by bus.
Most visitors rent a car online and pick it up at Tirana International Airport. The drive takes about 2 hours from Berat, covering 119 kilometres. It is best to book in advance to secure the vehicle you need, whether a compact car for city driving or an SUV for countryside trips.
The road from Tirana to Berat is generally in good condition and easy to follow, but once you arrive in the old town, you will find narrow and steep streets. Many of these cobbled lanes are difficult for larger vehicles, so it is easier to park near the river or in the modern part of the city. From there, you can walk into the historic quarters.
If you drive out to Osumi Canyon or Bogove Waterfall, expect some uneven road surfaces and occasional potholes. A small SUV offers extra comfort, but most standard cars manage these routes with careful driving. Always keep cash for fuel, as card facilities are not available in every station.
Berat is one of the best destinations in Albania for history, culture, and nature. You can experience the city’s full charm by walking through its Ottoman streets, exploring churches and mosques, or enjoying wine in nearby villages. Add in the day trips to canyons and waterfalls, and you have the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals to make your trip easy and flexible. Choose your pick-up point, whether at Tirana Airport or downtown, and select the right car for your journey. With Final Rentals, you get the best rates, convenient online booking, and a car ready on your arrival.
