Berat

Salt in Our Hair

The author recommends visiting this UNESCO-listed town as well as Gjirokaster. Despite their similar traditional houses, the two have distinct attractions, character, and food scenes.

Chasing the Donkey

An excellent hostel recommended for budget travellers who want to meet fellow backpackers.

Salt in Our Hair

Explore the citadel where residents still live among houses, shops and historic walls.

Chasing the Donkey

A castle with active residential quarters, featured in their comparison of Berat and Gjirokastër.

Salt in Our Hair

Listed among the author’s favorite hotels for a stay in Berat.

Chasing the Donkey

An affordable accommodation option the author suggests for exploring Berat over several days.

Salt in Our Hair

Wander cobbled lanes among Ottoman houses, churches and the signature hillside windows.

Chasing the Donkey

The stacked Ottoman houses and their window facades are a highlight of Berat.

Salt in Our Hair

Their pick for cocktails with a view at sunset.

Salt in Our Hair

One of the author’s recommended hostels for staying in Berat.

Salt in Our Hair

Explore a medieval citadel where residents still live among shops and stalls. Its walls offer sweeping valley views and an excellent sunset spot.

Chasing the Donkey

One of four vineyards the author recommends for discovering local Albanian wine.

Salt in Our Hair

Seek out this 18th-century church in Gorica for its nine circular pillars, stone bell tower, and old interior frescoes.

Salt in Our Hair

Admire this 13th-century Byzantine church inside the citadel. Although the interior is inaccessible, its hilltop setting provides impressive views over Berat and the valley.

Salt in Our Hair

Listed among their favourite traditional restaurants in Berat.

Salt in Our Hair

This quieter historic neighborhood offers cobbled alleys and a glimpse of everyday local life, with fewer visitors than Mangalem.

Salt in Our Hair

Seven-arched stone bridge linking Mangalem and Gorica, with views of both hillside quarters.

Salt in Our Hair

Walk uphill through Gorica’s winding alleys for outstanding views across Mangalem and the castle, particularly at sunset.

Salt in Our Hair

Byzantine church within the citadel walls; look back from Gorica Bridge for a different perspective.

Salt in Our Hair

Salt in Our Hair’s standout restaurant in Berat for a traditional Albanian dinner.

Chasing the Donkey

One of the author’s affordable accommodation picks for spending a few days exploring Berat’s architecture and history.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended as an affordable base for a longer look around Berat and its historic sights.

Chasing the Donkey

A recommended stop for wine lovers exploring the vineyards around Berat.

Chasing the Donkey

The author includes this vineyard among the area's best places to sample Albanian wine.

Salt in Our Hair

Wander cobbled streets lined with Ottoman houses and historic churches in the neighborhood behind Berat’s thousand-windows nickname.

Salt in Our Hair

Included among the author’s favorite hostel options in Berat.

Salt in Our Hair

Discover Berat’s Ottoman history inside a grand historic house, exploring furnished rooms and a traditional Ottoman bathroom.

Chasing the Donkey

Recommended as part of Berat's surprisingly rewarding wine scene, with opportunities to taste local wines.

Salt in Our Hair

Housed in the Church of the Dormition of St Mary within the castle grounds, this museum displays religious relics from Berat’s important buildings. An English audio guide offers additional context.

Salt in Our Hair

Take an organized excursion to Albania’s largest canyon for dramatic gorge views and a swim in the river below. The author recommends a tour with transport because access roads can be difficult.

Chasing the Donkey

Towering cliffs, emerald water and dramatic rock formations make this canyon a striking natural escape. The author recommends canyoning through its winding passages.

Salt in Our Hair

Visit the surviving minaret and ruined walls of one of Albania’s oldest mosques inside the citadel, valued for its beauty and historical importance.

Salt in Our Hair

Stop here for the coffee and crepes, both singled out by the author.

Salt in Our Hair

Recommended for delicious food near Berat Castle, making it a convenient stop while exploring the citadel.

Salt in Our Hair

Their own traditional hotel stay in the historic town, with sights accessible on foot.

Salt in Our Hair

A favorite for traditional food in a romantic setting.