3 Days in UNESCO World Heritage Berat, the 'City of a Thousand Windows' in Albania

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Before I visited, I knew very little about Albania, and Berat? Well, that was completely off my radar. But let me tell you, this hidden gem in south-central Albania, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is absolutely worth the hype. Why? For starters, it's over 2,400 years old, dating back to the 4th century BC when it was known as Antipatreia, founded by the ancient Greek king Antipater of Macedon. Over the centuries, Berat has been shaped by the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and more, making it a historical treasure chest.

3 Days in UNESCO World Heritage Berat, the 'City of a Thousand Windows' in Albania

But its real charm? The hundreds of white houses with brown window frames, stacked on the hillside, overlooking a winding river. It's no wonder it’s called the 'City of a Thousand Windows.' And did I mention it’s all impeccably preserved? Trust me, you won’t want to miss this place.

Where to Stay?

• Hotel Bohem Berat: We cherished our stay at this beautiful 4 star historic property in the heart of Berat's Mangalem district. The room at Berat Bohem was a bit cramped, leaving not much room to move around, but the stunning woodwork and charming aesthetics really made up for it. We loved starting our mornings on the terrace with fantastic views while enjoying breakfast. 1 km away from city center and priced at €100 per night for a family of 4.

  
  

• Hotel Kapllani: 1.5 km from the city center, a family-run hotel with traditional decor, starting at €45 per night for 2 persons.

• Hotel Kaceli: Located 2 km from the center, known for its warm hospitality and stunning views, with rates starting at €50 per night for 2 persons.

  
  

Parking in Berat

There is large car and bus parking 'Camper & Car Parking Hoxha' available near Hotel Colombo in Berat, just a short walk from the main attractions. You buy the ticket there itself at the car parking. WiFi works well, and for the toilet, you get a key, so you can use it at any time, even at night. The toilet is quite clean, and all of this is just 5 EUR for the night—great value!

If you're heading up to Berat Castle, the walk to the top can be steep, but there are parking spaces closer to the castle at the top of the hill if you prefer to drive up.

Day 0 - Arrive in Berat

Drive to Berat (approx. 1.5-2 hours).

We drove on winding roads in pitch darkness to get to the 2400-old UNESCO heritage city of Berat, layered in history and its streets lined in stones under yellow lights. We were absolutely mesmerized! We checked into our charming hotel in Berat, Hotel Bohem Berat which was located on a steep cliff and no cars were allowed to ascend. So the hotel staff helped us with our luggage up the hill. We don’t recommend this hotel to people with mobility issues.

8:00 PM - Friendly House Restaurant

Friendly House in Berat, near an old mosque, is a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere. The walk up is lined with beautiful lights and flower pots, and inside, it feels like stepping into an old house with lovely decor, curtains, and murals. The food is freshly prepared, and the pastas for the kids were excellent—perfectly cooked and delicious. The wine selection is great, and the terrace offers a lovely view of the bridge and lake, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal.

Day 1 - Day trip to Osumi Canyon (Kanionet e Osumit)

10:30 AM - Drive to Osumi Canyon

The Osum Canyon (Kanionet e Osumit) is located near the town of Çorovodë in Albania. It's a beautiful natural site known for its stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and quad biking. The canyon is a popular destination for visitors exploring the area around Berat and Çorovodë.

The Osumi Canyon is just a 1.5-hour drive from Berat, making it easily accessible if you have a car. However, if you don’t, getting there can be a bit challenging. The best option is to book a tour through GYG or Viator, which will take care of transportation, lunch, and fun activities like quad biking or river tubing.

3:00 PM - Bar Restorant Embeltore Ylli Streneci in Corovodë

After spending the day in the Osumi Canyon, we headed back to Corovodë. We had a meal in this really local restaurant run by an Albanian family called Bar Restorant Embeltore Ylli Streneci. Located in the heart of town, this place has a simple, unpretentious ambiance. The menu may be limited, but the food more than makes up for it. We absolutely loved the soup, chicken curry, salad, and pilaf — all absolutely delicious!

5:00 PM - Stroll down the main boulevard Rruga Mihal Komneno

After we arrived in Berat, we parked our car in the spacious lot across the street from the Hotel Colombo. Our plan was to explore the main boulevard, Rruga Mihal Komneno, which we had been admiring from our breakfast hall each morning. The street is bustling with cafes, shops, and stunning views of Berat Castle and the river. We leisurely strolled down the boulevard, grabbed a souvenir magnet, enjoyed some delicious baked corn from a street vendor, and then made our way toward the old town. As we wandered, we marveled at the historic Gorica Bridge and Mingul Bridge, all lit up in the warm glow of the evening.

7:00 PM - Dinner at Kapllani

We crossed the Gorica Bridge to reach the other side, where Hotel Kapllani was located. Initially, we passed the hotel on our way to the steep path leading to the famous traditional restaurant Tradita e Berat. This family-run establishment, part restaurant and part museum, serves a set menu with an entrée, main course, and dessert. The place is beautiful, with a charming outdoor garden and cave-like interiors. However, we weren’t in the mood for a full meal, so we decided to try Restaurant Kapllani instead. Here, we enjoyed a wine and raki, along with our favorite dishes—moussaka, stuffed peppers, pilaf, and a sweet finish with kassata. The atmosphere was lovely, with local-inspired décor, though there were cats everywhere, adding a bit of quirky charm to the experience.

Day 2 - Berat, "City of a Thousand Windows"

12:30 PM - Lunch at ENI Traditional Restaurant

ENI Traditional Restaurant is situated in the heart of Berat, Albania, and opens only at 1 PM. It offers a cozy atmosphere with beautiful views of the hills and castle. We sat at the terrace and enjoyed a sumptous lunch of salad, the Fërgesë, a hearty dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, typically served with bread. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or raki for a truly authentic experience!

2:00 PM - Berat Walking Tour

We took a fantastic, Tip-based Berat Walking Tour starting from Gorica Bridge near vila 4 b&b, which runs daily at 10 AM and 2 PM. Lasting 2 hours, it covered the main sights and hidden gems of the city, with friendly guides sharing unique insights in a relaxed, engaging way—perfect for both newcomers and returning visitors. Contact: Bruno the professional tour guide ,licensed by Ministry of Tourism - +355696743421.

We headed to Berat's new bridge, enjoying the views of the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters. Strolling through the winding, cobblestone streets was quite a workout, but when you are surrounded by iconic white Ottoman houses, you just enjoy the sweetness of the walk. We learned about the town's unique architecture and the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups.

4:00 PM - Berat Castle

Our visit included exploring Berat Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stunning hilltop views, and the fascinating Onufri National Museum. The castle is a steep walk from the town and takes about a good 25 minutes to hike up. If you have a car, there is parking available at the very top next to the castle entrance. The castle overlooks the town of Berat so from atop you are assured fantastic views of the city.

There’s a charming café with a lovely terrace where we spent some time taking drone shots of the stunning Osum Valley and the surrounding views of the castle. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The 13th-century fortress is home to several preserved Byzantine churches, like the Church of St. Mary of Vllaherna and the Church of the Holy Trinity, both dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. You’ll also find an Ottoman mosque and a statue of Constantine here. For a unique experience, there’s even a cozy B&B inside the castle. The area has a few bars, restaurants, and shops, some of which stay open into the evening, though it’s best to enjoy dinner by 8 PM lest you want to hit town for a late dinner.

The Onufri Iconographic Museum situated in the castle has a rich collection of Byzantine art and iconography. Named after the famous 16th-century artist Onufri, this museum celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage of Albania. You can expect to find a fascinating collection of religious icons, paintings, and wooden altarpieces that showcase the rich history of Albanian Orthodox Christianity and the influence of Byzantine art in the region.

In the evening, we walked along Gorica Bridge to catch a beautiful sunset over the city's Ottoman landmarks and sipped a wine at a restaurant with views of the Osum River. The town looked especially beautiful at night when the buildings were lit up, giving it a magical atmosphere.

7:00 PM - Dinner at Lili Home-Made food

This cozy, homely spot is tucked away in the charming streets of Berat. It’s small, family run, gets busy quickly, and is open only for dinner, so be sure to book ahead, using the WhatsApp number provided +355 69 234 9362. A must-try is the traditional Tavë Kosi, a delicious dish of lamb cooked with yogurt, rice, and local herbs, offering a true taste of Albanian cuisine. If you’re after something lighter, try the Byrek with Spinach and Cheese—a flaky pastry filled with fresh spinach, cheese, and herbs, perfect as a snack or starter. Don’t miss the Qofte—flavorful grilled meatballs made with minced meat and spices.The menu also includes Fërgesë, stuffed aubergine, fresh salads, and homemade wine.

Day 3 - Alpeta Wine Tasting and Belshi Lake

Berat is also known for its wine production. Head to Alpeta Agritourism & Winery (Alpeta Agroturizem) which is 30 minutes away from Berat. Alpeta was founded by the Fiska family in 1994 and has been producing wine ever since. They specialize in red wines like Merlot and Cabernet, as well as white wine made from the local Pulez grape, along with traditional raki.

Alpeta Agroturismo & Winery: Roshnik, Roshnik Qendër 4012, Albania. Open daily - 11:00 – 10:00, kitchen 12:00 – 8:00. Wine Tasting Tour starts at 5 PM.

Sweet Souvenir

After all that sightseeing, your taste buds deserve a sweet souvenir too! Best Ice Cream at Pastiçeri Tori Berat: There's an ice cream shop on the main street, right by the river, offering an unbeatable deal with ice cream for just €0.50 per scoop! The price is almost insignificant for such a delicious treat, making it a must-visit spot for anyone strolling by the water.

However, when in Berat, always try the Homemade Ice cream, where you can enjoy a combination of three flavors for just 150 Leke (about €1.5). My favorite combo was pomegranate, cherry, and milk – a perfect mix of refreshing, creamy, and rich flavors!

Off to Vlore

After soaking in all the charm of Berat, we were eager to experience some coastal beauty. So, we hit the road for Vlora, just a two-hour drive south, to explore more of Albania's stunning landscapes.

Closing Thoughts

While we could have explored more of Berat’s surroundings, like hiking up to Kalivo Village for panoramic views or visiting the peaceful Bogas Monastery just outside town, we decided to focus on exploring Berat itself and its charming quarters. Both offer serene escapes and stunning vistas, but we were happy soaking in the beauty of the city and its rich history.

What are your thoughts about Berat? Share with us in the comments below.

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