There are such a lot of nice day journeys from Tirana; making it the most effective bases in Albania to get out and discover the nation.
Not solely will you expertise Albanian tradition within the metropolis, and among the greatest meals and historical past to be present in Albania, however you’ll be able to benefit from the lovely shoreline or go to the extra quaint and historic cities and cities which are 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 gorgeous surroundings by venturing out on day excursions from Tirana. So, learn on for my prime 10 day journeys from Tirana.
Finest Day Journeys from Tirana
There are some unbelievable day journeys from Tirana. Because the capital metropolis and residential to the busiest worldwide airport within the nation, it’s the right place to base your self and discover the remainder of this lovely nation.
Listed here are among the greatest day journeys from Tirana.
1. Berat
A go to to the unbelievable metropolis of 1,000 home windows is certainly one of my favourite day journeys from Tirana. The town is constructed on a hillside, and its stone homes seem like they’re stacked on prime of one another. The home windows within the homes are all the identical uniform sq. form, giving the town its well-known nickname.
Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and so you’ll be able to look forward to finding loads of fantastically preserved historic buildings which supply an interesting perception into life by way of the ages in Albania.
The fortress in Berat is a must-visit. It’s actually spectacular and presents unbelievable views over the town. Equally, take a stroll down the attractive Bulevardi Republika which is full of cafes good for somewhat people-watching.
The town is framed by the Tomorr Mountains at one finish and the Citadel on the different making it a extremely spectacular place to take a break.
One of the best ways to go to Berat from Tirana is with a tour, and this full-day guided tour actually helps profit from 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 fortress, the Crimson Mosque, and St Trinity Church.
Berat is certainly one of my favourite day excursions from Tirana and visiting is an incredible technique to spend a day attending to know the center of Albania.
Getting There: There are common buses from Tirana bus station to Berat leaving roughly each half-hour, so it’s the most effective 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 lively day journeys round Tirana, you must make sure to add a go to to close by Mount Gamti and Lake Bovilla to your checklist of issues to see.
Situated round 20 kilometers north of Tirana, Lake Bovilla is gorgeous. It’s blue and turquoise in colour 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 encircling Gamti Mountains are vastly well-liked with hikers and climbers.
In the event you 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 mountain climbing tour of Lake Bovilla and Mount Gamti features a non-public 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 unbelievable 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 under. You’ll then be pushed again to your lodging for a well-deserved relaxation.
Albania has some unbelievable nature ready to be explored simply exterior its capital metropolis and this is likely one of the most enjoyable day journeys from Tirana.
Getting There: The start line for hikes into the mountains is usually the dam at Lake Bovilla which is round 20 kilometers north of Tirana. One of the best ways to get right here is by rent automotive, non-public taxi or by taking a day tour. A tour will embody a information that will help you navigate the mountains for the perfect 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.
Probably the most 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 towards 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 study extra about each the traditional and trendy historical past of Albania, this is likely one of the greatest Tirana day journeys by which you’ll get to see an enormous quantity in someday.
Getting There: Each Durrës and Kruja may 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 value you round 130 lek/€1.
The bus to Kruja will take round 55 minutes and can value round 100 lek/€0.80. There are 15 departures a day making these straightforward day journeys from Tirana. Or, mix each with this epic non-public day tour.
4. Blue Eye
Probably the most unbelievable sights in Albania, the Blue Eye (positioned within the south of the nation) is likely one of the greatest 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 to date.
The result’s a surprising blue lake in the midst of a nationwide park. The spring brings chilly, recent water from deep underground and feeds a wonderful lake and stream. It’s set within the coronary heart of the forest and creates a magical and exquisite pure marvel.
There’s a viewing platform that folks usually bounce 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 well 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 greatest seashores in Albania.
Getting There: There are not any direct buses from Tirana to the Blue Eye nationwide park. In the event you want to journey by public transport, that you must take a bus to Sarandë after which from Sarandë to the Blue Eye. The bus to Sarandë leaves from the most important bus station and takes round 5 hours. A non-public taxi is an possibility, however I like to recommend combining the taxi with this wonderful guided tour.
5. Gjirokastër
One other gem within the south of the nation is the staggeringly lovely UNESCO World Heritage Website 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 a wonderful fortress and fortress wanting over the city.
It’s additionally positioned in the midst of the mountains and so has gorgeous 360-degree views throughout the farmland and peaks past.
Exploring the cobbled streets packed filled with cafes, native eating places, and boutique shops is likely one of the greatest issues to do right here however the fortress is likely one of the most important points of interest in Gjirokastër. From inside, you get to discover the depths of the fortress, and benefit from the unbelievable views over Gjirokastër and past.
For the last word expertise in Gjirokastër, this sensible full-day journey from Tirana comes extremely really useful. You get to tour the city, go to its fortress and bazaar, go to the household house of Enver Hoxha and take a conventional Albanian lunch at one of many lovely household eating places on the town.
There’s one thing magical about Gjirokastër and it’s completely value a go to. It’s undoubtedly certainly one of my favourite Tirana day journeys, and someplace I’d return to many times.
Getting There: There’s a bus from Tirana Bus Station to Gjirokastër, which takes round 4 hours relying on visitors. Alternatively, you’ll be able to rent a automotive in Tirana for round €20. The simplest technique to go to is unquestionably to take this highly-recommended one-day non-public tour from Tirana to Gjirokastër.
6. Go to Montenegro
Tirana is just not solely an awesome base for exploring Albania, nevertheless it’s fairly near Montenegro too.
In the event you 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 likely one of the prettiest locations in Montenegro, filled with historical past and Montenegrin tradition. It’s primarily based on the attractive bay of Kotor which affords the city unbelievable 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 Outdated Metropolis as you’ll see the primary points of interest while having the prospect to study loads alongside the best way. 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 additionally has a big walled metropolis to discover and a few lovely seashores and enjoyable seaside bars. I like to recommend Mogren 2 seaside.
Getting There: To profit from the day, I like to recommend taking this sensible tour. The information is tremendous educated, and also you’ll journey in consolation within the non-public bus. You will get a bus from Tirana to each Kotor and Budva. Nonetheless, it takes a very long time, and I like to recommend an in a single day keep. You’ll be able to view the timetables and costs right here.
7. Ksamil Seashore
You should take a day journey from Tirana to see Ksamil in case you’re touring within the hotter months (Could-September). The seashores in Ksamil are among the greatest within the nation – I usually felt like I used to be in Asia relatively than Europe.
The sand is white, the water is essentially the most lovely turquoise colour, and it’s heat and crystal clear. It’s undoubtedly the most effective locations within the nation to expertise the ‘Albanian Riviera’ at its greatest.
There are additionally another implausible points of interest near Ksamil that are undoubtedly value a go to in case you’re touring right here. Butrint Nationwide Park, Albania’s first UNESCO World Heritage Website, is simply 10-Quarter-hour from Ksamil.
If you wish to go to Ksamil, I like to recommend taking this 1-day non-public day journey from Tirana. You’ll loosen up on the perfect Ksamil seashores and go to lovely Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Citadel in Sarande – all superb 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 technique to go to Ksamil seaside on a day journey from Tirana is to take a non-public tour.
8. Komani Lake
That is definitely the most effective day journeys from Tirana for outside lovers. Komani Lake is simply accessible by boat, so that you attain it by crusing the Shala River, which traverses by way of lovely gorges and valleys.
The water of the river is crystal clear, and it’s described because the pearl of Lake Komani – it’s completely gorgeous. In the event you’re feeling courageous, take a dip in paradise, however be warned, the water could be very recent!
There are additionally mountain climbing alternatives within the mountains. In the event you’re feeling lively, hike to the point of view for essentially the most spectacular views. It takes round 45 minutes and is medium problem, however the sights you’ll be rewarded with are so value it.
Getting There: This present day journey from Tirana is simply actually doable in case you be a part of a tour. It’s round a 4-hour drive and is simply accessible by boat, so that you want anyone who is aware of the world, and the Shala river effectively. I like to recommend reserving a guided tour to profit from this unbelievable day journey from Tirana by boat.
9. Lake Ohrid
Tirana is in actual fact tremendous near the border with North Macedonia. Situated right here lies essentially the most lovely lake that the border truly runs straight by way 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 yr, that you’ll find squeezed in between buildings, hidden in backstreets, and even proper on the water. The Lake is crystal clear and the surroundings is unbelievable.
It’s additionally a spot with plenty of 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 undoubtedly advocate.
Getting There: There are direct buses that run from Tirana Worldwide Bus Station to Ohrid and price €15 every approach. In the event you’re touring within the low season, you’ll have to get the bus to Struga, then onto Ohrid from there. You’ll be able to e book on-line right here. One of the best ways to discover Ohrid from Tirana is by a guided tour to profit from the day.
10. Shkoder
The Albanian folks consider Shkoder because the ‘conventional’ capital of Albania for its arts, tradition, and non secular variety.
Nonetheless, the primary purpose folks go to Shkoder is that it’s the entry level to the Albanian Alps. In the event you love mountain climbing and being out and about in nature, it’s a vital day journey from Tirana.
One in all my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to hire a motorbike and go pedaling across the lake, cease for a swim, and revel in wanting on the lovely surroundings.
Getting There: You will 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 primary 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.
Finest Day Journey Excursions from Tirana
There are some unbelievable day journeys from Tirana. Listed here 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 gorgeous views over the water, take a dip within the glassy lake, and eat conventional Macedonian meals. This wonderful tour consists of transportation and begins at 8 am to profit from this enjoyable day journey from Tirana to North Macedonia.
Day Journey from Tirana to Berat: This enjoyable day tour to Berat takes you to some of the lovely cities in Albania. From the skin, it appears to be like 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 sensible 7-hour tour from Tirana. The tour consists of pick-up and drop-off out of your resort in Tirana, and also you’ll see the perfect of the town with a educated information. The view over the town from Rozafa Citadel is unbelievable.
Blue Eye and Ksamil: That is an unbelievable day tour that takes you to the south of Albania and into the Albanian Riviera. You’ll get to see the greatest seashores in Albania when in Ksamil. As well as, you’ll go to the Blue Eye, which is an outstanding, pure marvel within the coronary heart of a nationwide park.
Durres and Kruja: To maximise your time in Albania and see these two unbelievable and historically-significant Albanian spots, I like to recommend this wonderful non-public day tour from Tirana. The tour will decide you up out of your lodging earlier than taking you on a guided journey by way of each cities.
You’ll go to the Preza Citadel, 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 here are some solutions to generally requested questions on day journeys from Tirana.
Gjirokaster and Berat are very fashionable day journeys from Tirana. Each are lovely, historic cities with fairly streets, historic castles, and virtually countless cobbled streets to discover.
You’ll be capable to do and see a whole lot of Tirana’s points of interest and find out about its tradition over a weekend, however I like to recommend round 3–4 days for a visit to Tirana. If you wish to embody just a few day journeys from Tirana, every week is an efficient period of time to discover.
When you’ve got a automotive, the most effective day journeys is to Shkoder. The bus station isn’t near the primary points of interest, so entry to a automotive is an actual bonus.
There are only a few trains in operation in Tirana. If you wish to go on a day journey from Tirana, you’ll have to go by bus, taxi, or non-public switch. The buses are common and dependable.
There’s some gorgeous nature near Tirana. Lake Bovilla could be very near Tirana and is a superb place to go to to hike and see the attractive landscapes of Albania with out touring too far.
In Conclusion
Tirana is a implausible place in its personal proper to discover. It’s certainly one of 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 most important points of interest in Albania.
Tirana is the right base for exploring and experiencing the tradition and fantastic thing about Albania. The buses run usually and are dependable, and there are many sensible excursions which can transport you comfortably, and educate you all about completely different locations in Albania.
I hope this weblog publish helps you intend some thrilling day journeys from Tirana!