10 Day Journeys from Tirana: High Sights and Actions

There are such a lot of nice day journeys from Tirana; making it probably the greatest bases in Albania to get out and discover the nation.

Not solely will you expertise Albanian tradition within the metropolis, and among the finest meals and historical past to be present in Albania, however you’ll be able to benefit from the stunning shoreline or go to the extra quaint and historic cities and cities which can be close by when taking one of many many day journeys from Tirana.

I spent 2 months in Albania and was primarily based in Tirana for 1 month. Throughout that point, I visited the coast and noticed among the most beautiful surroundings by venturing out on day excursions from Tirana. So, learn on for my high 10 day journeys from Tirana.

Greatest Day Journeys from Tirana

There are some unimaginable day journeys from Tirana. Because the capital metropolis and residential to the busiest worldwide airport within the nation, it’s the proper place to base your self and discover the remainder of this stunning nation.

Listed below are among the finest day journeys from Tirana.

1. Berat

A go to to the unimaginable metropolis of 1,000 home windows is one in all my favourite day journeys from Tirana. The town is constructed on a hillside, and its stone homes seem like they’re stacked on high of one another. The home windows within the homes are all the identical uniform sq. form, giving town its well-known nickname.

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so you’ll be able to anticipate finding loads of superbly preserved historic buildings which supply an interesting perception into life by means of the ages in Albania.

The citadel in Berat is a must-visit. It’s actually spectacular and presents unimaginable views over town. Equally, take a stroll down the gorgeous Bulevardi Republika which is stuffed with cafes excellent for somewhat people-watching.

The town is framed by the Tomorr Mountains at one finish and the Citadel on the different making it a very spectacular place to take a break.

One of the simplest ways to go to Berat from Tirana is with a tour, and this full-day guided tour actually helps take advantage of your time on this nice metropolis. You’ll be picked up in Tirana and set off for among the highlights of Berat, together with the citadel, the Crimson Mosque, and St Trinity Church.

Berat is one in all my favourite day excursions from Tirana and visiting is an incredible approach to spend a day attending to know the guts of Albania.

Getting There: There are common buses from Tirana bus station to Berat leaving roughly each half-hour, so it’s probably the greatest day journeys from Tirana by bus. The journey will take round 2 hours and 45 minutes every approach.

2. Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla

For these on the lookout for energetic day journeys round Tirana, it’s best to make sure to add a go to to close by Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla to your record of issues to see.

Positioned round 20 kilometers north of Tirana, Lake Bovilla is beautiful. It’s blue and turquoise in shade and is surrounded by peaks and mountains on all sides, making it seem like one thing out of a film. It’s unsurprising that the encompassing Gamti Mountains are vastly fashionable with hikers and climbers.

If you happen to love exploring nature, then head into the mountains on one of many marked trails. From the peaks, you’ll have uninterrupted, breathtaking views over Lake Bovilla and past.

This 1-day climbing tour of Lake Bovilla and Mount Gamti features a personal switch from Tirana to the dam which crosses the lake. From right here, your information will take you on a comparatively straightforward hike into the Gamti Mountains. The hike lasts round 40 minutes and takes you to an unimaginable viewpoint over the lake.

After the hike, you’ll be able to take a refreshing dip within the lake to chill off and benefit from the perspective of the mountains from beneath. You’ll then be pushed again to your lodging for a well-deserved relaxation.

Albania has some unimaginable nature ready to be explored simply outdoors its capital metropolis and this is among the most enjoyable day journeys from Tirana.

Getting There: The place to begin for hikes into the mountains is mostly the dam at Lake Bovilla which is round 20 kilometers north of Tirana. One of the simplest ways to get right here is by rent automotive, personal taxi or by taking a day tour. A tour will embody a information that will help you navigate the mountains for the most effective views.

3. Kruja and Durrës

Durrës is Albania’s second metropolis, and it’s most historical at over 3,000 years previous. Its location on the coast, to the west of Tirana, presents a magical mix of historical historical past with seashores and the ocean.

One of the vital spectacular historic points of interest in Durrës is its Roman Amphitheater which is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and different trendy contrasts.

One other of Albania’s most historical cities is Kruja, which is known as the middle of the resistance in opposition to the Ottoman Empire, led by the hero of Albania, Skanderbeg, in addition to for being house to a well-liked bazaar promoting every kind of handicrafts.

If you wish to be taught extra about each the traditional and trendy historical past of Albania, this is among the finest Tirana day journeys through which you’ll get to see an enormous quantity in at some point.

Getting There: Each Durrës and Kruja could be reached by bus. The buses depart from the Tirana Bus Station. The bus to Durrës takes round 45 minutes, with common departures all through the day. A ticket will price you round 130 lek/€1.

The bus to Kruja will take round 55 minutes and can price round 100 lek/€0.80. There are 15 departures a day making these straightforward day journeys from Tirana. Or, mix each with this epic private day tour.

4. Blue Eye

One of the vital unimaginable sights in Albania, the Blue Eye (positioned within the south of the nation) is among the finest day journeys from Tirana by automotive.

The ‘eye’ is a freshwater spring that rises from a depth of at least 50 meters – it’s so deep that divers have been unable to battle the strain of the rising water to get any deeper than this up to now.

The result’s a shocking blue lake in the course of a nationwide park. The spring brings chilly, recent water from deep underground and feeds an attractive lake and stream. It’s set within the coronary heart of the forest and creates a magical and delightful pure marvel.

There’s a viewing platform that folks typically leap from into the Blue Eye and when you’ve completed exploring, there’s an awesome little restaurant subsequent door serving meals and drinks that will help you cool off additional.

It’s fairly a distance from Tirana to the Blue Eye, however completely definitely worth the journey. I like to recommend combining a day journey from Tirana to the Blue Eye with a cease at Sarandë and Ksamil. These two are referred to as the highlights of the Albanian Riviera and are house to among the finest seashores in Albania.

Getting There: There aren’t any direct buses from Tirana to the Blue Eye nationwide park. If you happen to want to journey by public transport, it’s good to take a bus to Sarandë after which from Sarandë to the Blue Eye. The bus to Sarandë leaves from the main bus station and takes round 5 hours. A non-public taxi is an choice, however I like to recommend combining the taxi with this excellent guided tour.

5. Gjirokastër

One other gem within the south of the nation is the staggeringly stunning UNESCO World Heritage Web site of Gjirokastër. This hilltop city is called the Metropolis of Stone and presents an virtually fairy story look with cobbled streets, stone metropolis partitions, and an attractive citadel and fortress wanting over the city.

It’s additionally positioned in the course of the mountains and so has beautiful 360-degree views throughout the farmland and peaks past.

Exploring the cobbled streets packed stuffed with cafes, native eating places, and boutique shops is among the finest issues to do right here however the citadel is among the important points of interest in Gjirokastër. From inside, you get to discover the depths of the citadel, and benefit from the unimaginable views over Gjirokastër and past.

For the final word expertise in Gjirokastër, this brilliant full-day trip from Tirana comes extremely beneficial. You get to tour the city, go to its citadel and bazaar, go to the household house of Enver Hoxha and take a standard Albanian lunch at one of many stunning household eating places on the town.

There’s one thing magical about Gjirokastër and it’s completely price a go to. It’s positively one in all my favourite Tirana day journeys, and someplace I’d return to repeatedly.

Getting There: There’s a bus from Tirana Bus Station to Gjirokastër, which takes round 4 hours relying on site visitors. Alternatively, you’ll be able to rent a automotive in Tirana for round €20. The simplest approach to go to is unquestionably to take this highly-recommended one-day private tour from Tirana to Gjirokastër.

6. Go to Montenegro

Tirana just isn’t solely an awesome base for exploring Albania, but it surely’s fairly near Montenegro too.

If you happen to like exploring, I like to recommend a day journey from Tirana to Budva or Kotor. These are two walled cities on the south coast, near the Albanian border.

Kotor is among the prettiest locations in Montenegro, stuffed with historical past and Montenegrin tradition. It’s primarily based on the gorgeous bay of Kotor which affords the city unimaginable views over the water and surrounding mountains. The bay is gorgeous and is ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.

I like to recommend taking a strolling tour of the Kotor Previous Metropolis as you’ll see the principle points of interest while having the possibility to be taught so much alongside the way in which. Factors of curiosity within the metropolis embody the Bay of Kotor, the Kotor Fortress, and the scenic view over the ‘Mediterranean Fjords’.

Budva is somewhat completely different – it’s extra of a vacationer resort, but in addition has a big walled metropolis to discover and a few stunning seashores and enjoyable seaside bars. I like to recommend Mogren 2 seaside.

Getting There: To take advantage of the day, I like to recommend taking this brilliant tour. The information is tremendous educated, and also you’ll journey in consolation within the personal bus. You may get a bus from Tirana to each Kotor and Budva. Nevertheless, it takes a very long time, and I like to recommend an in a single day keep. You may view the timetables and costs here.

7. Ksamil Seashore

You should take a day journey from Tirana to see Ksamil when you’re touring within the hotter months (Could-September). The beaches in Ksamil are among the finest within the nation – I typically felt like I used to be in Asia slightly than Europe.

The sand is white, the water is essentially the most stunning turquoise shade, and it’s heat and crystal clear. It’s positively probably the greatest locations within the nation to expertise the ‘Albanian Riviera’ at its finest.

There are additionally another improbable points of interest near Ksamil that are positively price a go to when you’re touring right here. Butrint Nationwide Park, Albania’s first UNESCO World Heritage Web site, is simply 10-Quarter-hour from Ksamil.

If you wish to go to Ksamil, I like to recommend taking this 1-day private day trip from Tirana. You’ll calm down on the most effective Ksamil seashores and go to stunning Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Fortress in Sarande – all wonderful locations within the south of Albania.

Getting There: To go to the Ksamil Seashores, you’ll have to get a bus to Sarande (there aren’t any direct buses to Ksamil). It takes round 4.5 hours and from Sarande you’ll have to get a taxi to Ksamil. The simplest approach to go to Ksamil seaside on a day journey from Tirana is to take a private tour.

8. Komani Lake

That is indisputably probably the greatest day journeys from Tirana for out of doors lovers. Komani Lake is simply accessible by boat, so that you attain it by crusing the Shala River, which traverses by means of stunning gorges and valleys.

The water of the river is crystal clear, and it’s described because the pearl of Lake Komani – it’s completely beautiful. If you happen to’re feeling courageous, take a dip in paradise, however be warned, the water could be very recent!

There are additionally climbing alternatives within the mountains. If you happen to’re feeling energetic, hike to the perspective for essentially the most spectacular views. It takes round 45 minutes and is medium issue, however the sights you’ll be rewarded with are so price it.

Getting There: This present day journey from Tirana is simply actually doable when you be part of a tour. It’s round a 4-hour drive and is simply accessible by boat, so that you want any person who is aware of the realm, and the Shala river nicely. I like to recommend booking a guided tour to take advantage of this unimaginable day journey from Tirana by boat.

9. Lake Ohrid

Tirana is in truth tremendous near the border with North Macedonia. Positioned right here lies essentially the most stunning lake that the border truly runs straight by means of, which means that half is Albanian and half is Macedonian.

Ohrid as a city is totally charming. It’s house to 365 church buildings, one for every day of the 12 months, that you could find squeezed in between buildings, hidden in backstreets, and even proper on the water. The Lake is crystal clear and the surroundings is unimaginable.

It’s additionally a spot with numerous completely different influences, with Turkish being an apparent one. Sip Turkish tea and check out the native meals within the city, or take a dip within the water. A day journey from Tirana into North Macedonia is one thing I positively suggest.

Getting There: There are direct buses that run from Tirana Worldwide Bus Station to Ohrid and price €15 every approach. If you happen to’re touring within the low season, you’ll have to get the bus to Struga, then onto Ohrid from there. You may e-book on-line right here. One of the simplest ways to discover Ohrid from Tirana is by a guided tour to take advantage of the day.

10. Shkoder

The Albanian folks consider Shkoder because the ‘conventional’ capital of Albania for its arts, tradition, and non secular range.

Nevertheless, the principle motive folks go to Shkoder is that it’s the entry level to the Albanian Alps. If you happen to love climbing and being out and about in nature, it’s an important day journey from Tirana.

One in all my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to lease a motorcycle and go pedaling across the lake, cease for a swim, and revel in wanting on the stunning surroundings.

Getting There: You may get a direct bus from Tirana to Shkoder from the Regional Bus Station. The journey takes round 1 hour 45 minutes and prices 400LEK (round €3). As the principle points of interest in Shkoder are fairly a distance from the bus station, for comfort and ease, I like to recommend reserving a guided tour.

Greatest Day Journey Excursions from Tirana

There are some unimaginable day journeys from Tirana. Listed below are a few of my favorites.

Group Tour of Ohrid from Tirana: See essentially the most well-known church in Ohrid, St John at Kaneo, with its beautiful views over the water, take a dip within the glassy lake, and eat conventional Macedonian meals. This excellent tour consists of transportation and begins at 8 am to take advantage of this enjoyable day journey from Tirana to North Macedonia.

Day Journey from Tirana to Berat: This fun day tour to Berat takes you to one of the stunning cities in Albania. From the skin, it seems to be magical with its 1000s of home windows searching throughout the river. Inside, you’re transported again in time the place you’ll be able to uncover lots of Albania’s traditions.

Shkoder Day Journey from Tirana: Uncover Shkoder on this good 7-hour tour from Tirana. The tour consists of pick-up and drop-off out of your lodge in Tirana, and also you’ll see the most effective of town with a educated information. The view over town from Rozafa Fortress is unimaginable.

Blue Eye and Ksamil: That is an unimaginable day tour that takes you to the south of Albania and into the Albanian Riviera. You’ll get to see the most effective seashores in Albania when in Ksamil. As well as, you’ll go to the Blue Eye, which is an exceptional, pure marvel within the coronary heart of a nationwide park.

Durres and Kruja: To maximise your time in Albania and see these two unimaginable and historically-significant Albanian spots, I like to recommend this glorious private day tour from Tirana. The tour will choose you up out of your lodging earlier than taking you on a guided journey by means of each cities.

You’ll go to the Preza Fortress, Skanderbeg Museum, and the well-known bazaar in Kruja and the Amphitheater, the Roman Discussion board, and its Venetian Tower in Durres earlier than being taken again to your lodging in Tirana.

Day Journeys Round Tirana: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on day journeys from Tirana.

In Conclusion

Tirana is a improbable place in its personal proper to discover. It’s one in all my favourite cities in Europe and one of many causes for that is that it’s so well-connected and near most of the different important points of interest in Albania.

Tirana is the proper base for exploring and experiencing the tradition and great thing about Albania. The buses run usually and are dependable, and there are many good excursions which is able to transport you comfortably, and train you all about completely different locations in Albania.

I hope this weblog submit helps you propose some thrilling day journeys from Tirana!

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