South Albania in 3 Days – Berat, Gjirokaster, Saranda & Riviera

Be ready to leave Tirana at 08:00 and drive toward Durres. Named also as an “Open Book of History”, it is living proof of the last 25 centuries and many civilizations. Founded as a Greek Colony, the city had passed glorious points in History, Luckily we have some of them still today.
City tour of Durres with a visit to the “Roman Amphitheater”, Medieval Market, and more.

We will leave Durres behind to head toward another city with great importance for Albanian History, Culture, and Heritage. Being part of UNESCO World Heritage, Berat is known as a typical Ottoman-style city with a local blend of styles in architecture, With more than 20 centuries of history, it is a mosaic city of different cultures and influences.
City Tour of Berat into its 3 typical neighborhoods “Kala”, “Mangalem” and “Gorica”.
Visit at the Orthodox Monastery, “Dormitory of Saint Mary” and “Onufri” museum of Iconography.
Overnight in Berat.

OPTIONAL: Wine Tasting in a Local Winery in Berat for 20 euro/person

Located in Central South Albania to the City of Many Windows, Berat. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2008, Berat is an important city even today with more than 20 centuries of History. Surprisingly life has never been stopped throughout History and today, the Castle or “Kalaja” is the oldest neighborhood of the City. Inhabited by a mainly Christian Orthodox population, this part of the city has also the largest collection of churches dating from as early as the 14th century

During the visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Berat you will understand how a local family used to live their everyday life. This unique house, turned into a museum in 1979, is one of the most classic examples of the Ottoman style of Architecture, fused with local specifics and the charm that all the city of Berat glows. 

Mangalem is probably the most scenic part of Berat. Lied steply on the Hill, just under the castle, it is characterized by typical Architecture, White walls, and many windows seeing its other copy, Gorica. Mangalem was structured mainly in the Ottoman period and was definitely shaped as today after an earthquake where some parts of the city were destroyed. The style changed from a heavy towers style with small windows and stone to a lighter structure, with more windows and way lighter feeling. 

During the 17th and 18th centuries Berat was one of the most important cities in Albania and it also attracted citizens from all over the country to create settlements around the city. In this way, Gorica was created mainly as a merchant quarter, especially with citizens from Voskopoja of South East of Albania. The white color of the city and the style were preserved creating in this way a city with two similar faces on 2 sides of the Osumi River, connected through the Stone Bridge of Gorica.  

After leaving Berat, the next stop will be Saranda, a coastal city on the very south of Albania, part of the Albanian Riviera. A short break in the city to enjoy the amazing scenery it has to offer.

Gaining some extra energy after the shortstop in the city of Saranda we head to the Archeological Park Of Butrint to experience the golden Antiquity. Part of the UNESCO heritage, Butrint is also the most important Archeologic site in Albania. The ancient Greek and later Roman city and bishopric in Epirus inhabited since prehistoric times. On our way, we can enjoy one of the most panoramic sights in Albania The Three Islands of Ksamil.

After going past Llogara, a small village by the name of Dhermi is our next stop. During the last decade, the coastal area has seen a boom in the construction of accommodation facilities, such as wooden villa complexes or bars and cafes where people can relax. Dhermi is considered to be a popular tourist destination, especially due to its well-known beaches and at times riotous nightclub-based nightlife centred on the modern resorts of the coastline. In 2018 Dhermi was considered a center in the Albanian Riviera.

As we say goodbye to Dhermi, we make our way to Himara, a municipality that lies between the Ceraunian Mountains and the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast. There we will be able to look at the beach along with its promenade and tavernas but also go into the old town of Himara built up the hill. 

There the old town is built around a Castle in the center, with its ancient walls dating back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. Also, many churches were built inside or close to the Castle and all this makes it a top attraction because of the rich history this old town has.

After a refuel in Sarande, Ksamil awaits us. According to many people, Ksamil is the most beautiful beach in the country and it has been named by a lot of magazines as “The Maldives of Europe” and rightly so. It is the perfect place to take some photos and liven up your Instagram profile as its vibrant blue colors and fresh seawater will leave an impression very few places can.

Our next stop will be in one of the most amazing natural phenomena in Albania. Located in a village near Finiq, the Blue Eye or Syri i Kaltër is a water spring that perfectly describes Albania’s natural beauty – breathtaking. Full of vibrant blue water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom and the sunlight makes it a magical place, especially to take some neat photos or have a quick swim. The spring is an easy hike from the parking area and you can refresh in a cafe nearby while there.

Once we get into the city you would understand that this city is not like the others. The historical part starts at one of the main squares of the city under the name of one of the most famous Albanian Patriots of the 19th century, Cerciz Topulli. It is where most of the cobblestone streets are ending their impetuous run from the high of the castle.

Dating from the 17th Century, during the Ottoman era, has been the heart of the city that pumps life into all directions. It was the most important economical district of the city where the rumors and the gossip of the time were spread quickly through the people. Most people would buy, sell or just chill while sipping coffee. In a time where also a lot of marriages are arranged, it was the perfect central place for the families to meet before the ceremony.

Today, restored and nicely presented to the visitor, this side of the city will bring the history in front of you through the souvenirs or interesting tales of the welcoming, local vendors.

Wondering through the Bazaar we will reach the Gjirokastra Fortress. Build on the top of the hill, into a naturally well-protected position, this was the first settlement of life in the early city.  Closely tied with the fascinating Legend of Argjiro, the young prince who sacrificed herself, this castle is often called the Crown of the City. Heavily restored for the last time in the 19th Century it has been used many times as a fortress and prison from all the regimes and political casts of the time. Despite the Historical values, it offers the same great view of the stone city, lazily settled on the steep parts of the city. 

The typical Fortress-looking style of the houses is one of the reasons why the city is part of the UNESCO Heritage. Unique, chick, and very functional, every house was projected to function independently. 

Furthermore, the house that we will be visiting still ha sall the functional components  that qualify it as one of the most beautiful houses of the Balkans from that period. Since Gjirokastra is a place with very little amount of water, the house was built with an independent system of collecting, filtering, and preserving water. Divided into many family and ceremonial rooms, it also has its own “private bunker” in case of bombardments. It is definitely like living in the past. 

After some free time in Berat, we conclude our trip and start our way back to Tirana/Durres in a comfortable drive back.