2025 Kucove Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Arriving in Berat, one of the most important cities of the Ottoman era, we explore one of the World Heritage Sites, Berat Castle. This 13th-century castle, still inhabited today, is quite large. On one side, you can enjoy natural scenery, while on the other, you can admire the ancient cityscape. Both sides offer different views. From the castle, you can overlook the beautiful cityscape from above. At the foot of the castle lies the Ottoman-style town, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have time, you can stay in the old town for a couple of nights to slowly experience the local life.

Albania🇦🇱Berat Castle This is a must-see, entry to the castle is free, but you need to climb a hill, which takes about 20 minutes. The view of the entire town from the heights of the castle is breathtaking. Interestingly, the castle area is integrated with the houses of local residents, serving as both a tourist attraction and a place for residents to live. When you come to Berat, be sure to climb up to the castle, it's definitely worth it! 😍 Albania 🇦🇱 Berat Castle This is a must-visit spot. It's free to enter, but you'll need to climb a small hill from the old town, which takes about 20 minutes. The view from the castle's high point over the entire town is stunning. What's unique is that the castle area blends seamlessly with the local residents' homes, making it both a tourist attraction and a residential area. When you're in Berat, be sure to make the climb – it's worth it! 😍

The beauty of travelling is you never know what you will find whether they are old cars, street art or MR BEAN!

Hey adventurers! Just back from Berat, Albania’s “Town of a Thousand Windows,” where I got lost in cobblestone daydreams, ate *all* the cheese, and learned that “stairs” is basically the town’s love language. Let’s gooo! **First Glimpse:** Rolling into Berat felt like stepping into a sepia-toned postcard. Those iconic white Ottoman houses stacked like layered cake, windows glittering in the sun? *Chef’s kiss.* The air smelled like fresh-baked *burek* (flaky pastry stuffed with spinach and feta) mixed with ancient stone—a vibe I’d call “grandma’s kitchen meets Game of Thrones.” **Hidden Gem Alert 🔍:** Climb to the **Church of the Holy Trinity** (yes, *up* 1,000 thigh-burning steps). The reward? A 13th-century chapel carved into a cliff, views of the Osum River snaking through olive groves, and *silence* so pure you’ll hear your own heartbeat. 🕊️ **The Great Cheese Incident 🧀:** At a family-run spot in **Mangalem Quarter**, I tried *Tave Kosi* (baked lamb with yogurt sauce). The owner, Nonna-level enthusiastic, brought me *three* extra cheese plates. Me: “I’m good!” Her: “You look hungry,” *drops more cheese*. Albanian hospitality = next-level. **Unexpected LOL Moment:** Tried to “blend in” at the **Ethnographic Museum** by wearing a traditional Albanian hat. Spoiler: I looked like a confused tourist cosplaying a shepherd. A local kid pointed and giggged. *Fair.* **24 Hours in Berat ⏰** (because time travel is real here): - **8 AM:** Coffee + burek at **Antigoni Café** (balcony views = *mind-blown*). ☕ - **10 AM:** Wander Mangalem’s steep, laundry-lined streets. Snap 1,000 window pics. 📸 - **1 PM:** Lunch at **Traditional Restaurant Klea**—order Tave Kosi + a stretchy waistband. - **4 PM:** Hike to Berat Castle (yes, *more* stairs). Explore ruins and secret alleys. - **7 PM:** Sunset cocktails at **Winery Çobo**—sip local wine with valley views. 🍷 - **9 PM:** Stargaze from your stone-walled guesthouse (I stayed at **Hotel Mangalemi**—*obsessed*). **Pro Tips:** ➜ **Shoes > Fashion:** Cobblestones are *ruthless*. Wear trainers, not sandals. ➜ **Learn “Faleminderit”** (thank you)—locals *light up* when you try Albanian. ➜ **Cash is king**—many spots don’t take cards. Berat, you’re a time capsule with a cheese problem. My calves are still screaming, but my camera roll? *Priceless.* *DMs open for cheese detox tips + how to survive Albanian stair marathons. �✨*

Situated in central Albania on the Osum river, famous for its Ottoman houses and massive hilltop fortifications, Berat is a must for history enthusiasts. The massive hilltop fortress is comprised of a huge compound and the extensive ruins of the castle. The hike up to the castle as well worth it the fortress compound is so huge there’s even different hiking routes within the castle ruins itself. Interestingly, the fortress is still inhabited by townspeople. There are many different buildings, such as churches and mosques and museums that can be explored. Buses run from Tirana every day, the journey takes about two hours so it can be done as a day trip but if you can stay overnight, it’s even better. there really is so much to see and do here! #getgoing2025 #mountainhike #berat #albania

#2024Travel Review Berat Castle dates back to the 4th century BC and was built by the Illyrians, the ancestors of the Albanians. It is built on a rocky hill on the right bank of the Osum River and can only be accessed from the south. Berat Castle has appeared on the Albanian 10-dollar coins issued in 1996, 2000, and 2013, and is very representative. At the commanding height of a hill with an altitude of 214 meters, there is a viewing platform overlooking the town. It is beautiful to watch the sunset from here. From the ancient city of Berat, you can walk there, and the tour takes about two hours. 📍Address: Sheshi Sallabanda 5001, Berat, Albania🕰️Business hours: 09:00～18:00 💰Per capita consumption: 100 lek 💞Reason for recommendation: It’s beautiful to climb to the highest point of the castle and overlook the town, and the sunset at the castle is also beautiful.

🇦🇱Albania｜Berat Travel Guide||| Berat is one of the oldest cities in Albania. Berat has a unique architectural design and is famous for its white stone houses and "thousand windows". These traditional Ottoman-style houses were built along the hillside, forming a unique urban landscape. In 2008, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage City in Albania. 🌟Recommended attractions 📍Berat Castle Berat Castle Located high up in the city, you can overlook the panoramic view of the city. Internal attractions: 1⃣️St. Mary's Church: This church is located inside the castle. It is a typical Byzantine building with high religious and historical value. 2⃣️Mosque: There is still a mosque in the castle, which reflects the influence of the Ottoman period. 3⃣️Residential area within the castle: The castle is not only a historical site, but also an active residential area, and residents still live here. 4⃣️Museum: The castle also has a museum displaying Albanian history and culture. You can learn about the historical background and cultural heritage of the castle through the exhibits. 📍National Ethnographic Museum Berat Housed in an old Ottoman-style building, it's a great place to learn about local culture, with the museum displaying traditional Albanian homes, clothing and handicrafts. 📍Turaz Museum Onufri National Iconographic Museum This is a museum related to religious art that displays native Albanian religious icons and works of art. It is located in St. Mary's Church and displays religious icons created by the 16th-century painter Onufri. 📍 Mangalem and Gorica District 1⃣️Mangalem District: This area is famous for its narrow streets and traditional white houses, many of which have the typical "thousand windows" design. 2⃣️Gorica District: Opposite Mangalem, across the Ossen River, the street style is equally charming, and you can enjoy a quiet walking experience. 🌟Traffic information 1⃣️How to get to Berat From Tirana Station 🚉: Google South and North Albania Bus Terminal (Bus Station) From Gjirokastra 🚉: Bus stop to Tirana, Berat & Sarandë 2⃣️Traffic within the city The city is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. ⚠️⚠️⚠️Many small shops and restaurants only accept cash, it is recommended to carry lek with you.

#tripblazers 📌"National Iconographic Museum Onufri" 📍 Address: Berat Castle, Berat City, Albania The National Iconographic Museum “Onufri” is an Albanian national museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary in Berat Castle. The museum was named to honor Onufri, a painting headmaster of the 16th century. The museum contains an immense collection of one hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries. The museum is spread throughout many church spaces. The different rooms showcase the best works by the most renowned artists, such as Onufri and Nikolla, as well as some anonymous painters. They are monuments to culture and civilization and genuine encyclopedias of Christian thinking. The two Berat codices are listed in the list of humanity’s most important works, known as “Memoire du Monde,” under the protection of UNESCO.

As someone who loves to eat fruits discovering juicy and fat fruits are my favourite. Walking along the stone streets in Berat, you will find loads of olive trees, grapes, prunes and figs! I didnt know that some species of figs which are coloured green are actually ripen and ready to eat.