Things to Do in Berat, Albania
If you are tired of the same old overcrowded travel destinations and over-priced itineraries that leave you underwhelmed, it’s time to think out of the box. By that, we mean, really out of the box. There are some great things to do in Berat, Albania.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage City for a start. And it isn’t one of the destinations you easily find in travel brochures or top ten lists on travel sites. This beauty of a medieval city, nestled in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. It’s as if time seems to have paused.
A three-hour drive from Tirana, capital of Albania, Berat, would leave you marveling for a long time. If you are among the lucky few to travel there, here are the top 5 things to do in Berat.
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Bernat Old City Walk
It would be walking through those breathtaking towns from Game of Thrones, with their multi-storied houses, cobbled alleys and stone-clad architecture. Among the many sites to behold are the famous Berat castle. The Byzantine era churches, including the one in Blaherna devoted to St. Mary. The Sultan’s Mosque and many others. While you are at it, do remember to look up at the windows on those beautiful houses, and you will realize why Berat is called the “Town of a Thousand Windows.”
Hike to Sotira Waterfall
Just 30 kilometers outside Berat is the awe-inspiring Sotira Waterfall. Set against the majestic mountain range of Tomorri, this is a spectacular site untouched by the excesses of modern tourism. The only thing that matches the purity of water there is the unadulterated lifestyle of the villages surrounding it.
Taste Local Wine and Raki
In the villages surrounding Berati, wine is still traditionally made. With little influence from the industry outside. Once you have a taste of it, you will thank them for not tinkering with their age-old processes. The citizens will happily let you taste their spirit, along with the traditional Raki. Which is significantly more potent than the alcohol you are used to.
Go River Rafting in Osumi
The Osumi Canyons are another stellar attraction for those visiting Berat. Three big and thirty small waterfalls adorn this exquisite work of nature. A 13 kilometer stretch of river rafting that will take about 2 hours will not only leave you refreshed physically but also psychologically.
What you see around you will be the pristine stillness of nature that’s been undisturbed for hundreds of years. Experience and capture the incredible magic with the simple click digital cameras.
Visit Divjake-Karavasta Park
An hour and half from Berat is the world-famous Divjake-Karavasta Park. With around 222 square kilometres of a unique, undisturbed and naturally flourishing ecosystem. Anoteworthy example of biodiversity.
You may relax and breathe in the tranquility, or if you are a bird lover, you can look out for the many species that have made it their home, including the rare Dalmatian Pelican, a beauty in its own right.
Final thoughts on things to do in Berat?
Everyone goes to Croatia. Even Montenegro and Slovakia are starting to draw huge crowds. If you want to experience our beautiful world without the hordes of tourists, we have to go a little further afield. but don’t worry, it’s not so far.
Albania is a beautiful destination. Old city charms and great beaches. And Berat, with its UNESCO status, is perhaps the cream of the crop. So cast that net a little wider and go and experience a place where most people can’t even put on a map! And after that, you may just get the taste for it. That’s what happened to me, and within a couple of years I was on holiday in Afghanistan and running tours to Yemen and Syria. Who knows, it may also happen to you! Enjoy.
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