Berat: The Complete Guide

Berat Mangalem Quarter Albania Scaled
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Avi1111

Berat is located in the country’s south. It is surrounded by mountains and valleys, including the national park of Tomorr.
It is the distinctive typical architecture of this so-called “1000 Windows Town” that has placed Berat in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Beautifully separated into two historic districts by the Osum River, the area is joined by Gorica’s grandiose bridge.

Berat is also a haven for nature lovers, flanked on both sides by Tomorr and Shpirag, two of Albania’s most legendary mountains. Mountain climbing, running, camping, rafting and kayaking are just a few of the city’s popular outdoor activities.

Old churches, museums and iconography by the greatest Albanian artists as well as new bazaars, cafes and a remarkably lively city community are located in the medieval Castle of Berat.

Visiting Berat for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Berat on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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11 Best places to See in Berat

This complete guide to Berat not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Berat and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Berat Iconography Museum

Church Of St Mary Berat Albania 2013 09 01
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs
The National Iconographic Museum  is a museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary which was built 1797 in the castle quarter Berat. The museum features on display 173 objects chosen among 1500 objects belonging to the found of Albanian Churches and Monasteries as well as…
Location: Berat, Albania | Hours: May - October, Every Day 9:00 - 18:00 November - April, Tuesday- Saturday, Sunday 9:00 - 16:00, 9:00 - 14:00 | Price: 200 ALL | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Berat Iconography Museum

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church Berat Albania 4
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Geoff Wong
The Holy Trinity Church is a medieval Byzantine church which stands on the hilly Kalaja district in Barat, Southern Albania. The picturesque Church is located below the upper fortress. It is the best preserved of the churches within the fortress walls. The is an inscription inside the church which contains the name of Andronicus Paleologus a governor of Berat province…
Visiting Holy Trinity Church

Berat Castle

BeratCastle
Public Domain / Gaius Claudius Nero
Berat Castle is more like a village within the walls of a castle. It has many names including the 'Citadel of Berat', 'Castle Quarter', and 'Kalaja' or 'On the castle Hill' It is one of the three areas of Berat and overlooks the town of Berat and lies high above the Osum River. The castle area was first fortified by…
Location: Rruga Mihal Komnena 5001 Berat Albania | Hours: 9am - 6pm. | Price: 100 lek | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Berat Castle

Berat National Ethnographic Museum

Etnografic Museum Berat
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tori Oseku
The National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, which opened in 1979, is located in a 18th century stone building. The ground floor of the building replicates a traditional medieval bazaar lined with embroidery, woodcarving and metalworks. On the second floor is an loom, village sitting room, kitchen and sitting room. The house’s front yard displays an old water well, typical for…
Location: Lagja 13 Shtatori, Mangalem, Berat, Albania | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Berat National Ethnographic Museum

Mangalemi quarter

Berat Mangalem Quarter Albania Scaled
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Avi1111
The Mangalemi quarter is one of the three districts of Berat, and lies north of the Osumi River and to the south of Kalaja (on the Castle hill).  Mangalem, which historically is Islamic and was known as the Ottoman Quarter. Mangalem Quarter consists of narrow streets of old white stone houses with terracotta tiles, wooden doors and hanging flowers. The…
Visiting Mangalemi quarter

Gorica Quarter

Gorica quarter is the part of Berat that lies on the left bank of the river Osum.  The area decorated with cobbled paved streets, stone houses and small orthodox churches. From that side of the reiver you have magnificent views looking back over the Berat district of Mangalem. Following the Ottoman conquest of the are the Gorica quarter became the…
Visiting Gorica Quarter

King's Mosque Berat

Xhamia Mbret E Beratit
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Augesti
There are three Islamic related buildings in the area, the King’s Mosque, Helveti teqe and the Inn of the Dervishes. The King Mosque, also known as the Sultan's Mosque or Sultan Bayezid Mosque, was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest in Albania.  It was built by the Ottoman sultan Bayezid II for the local Albanian…
Visiting King's Mosque Berat

Bachelors' Mosque Berat

Berat Meczet Kawalerow
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek
The Bachelors' Mosque of the 19th century is close to the River Osumi. It was built between 1826–1827 for unmarried young men from various city guilds who made extra money working as night guards at the city market. Its external walls are decorated with wall paintings.
Location: Rruga Antipatrea, Berat, Albania | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Bachelors' Mosque Berat

Tomorr Mountain & National Park

Tomorr Berat Albania
CC BY-SA 4.0 / godo godaj
Mount Tomorr is a southern Albanian mountain 2,417 metres above sea level and is located in the Tomorr National Park. The park is known for its diverse species of deciduous and coniferous trees and a wide variety of flora. Many endangered species, such as bears, wolf, and birds of prey live in the park. umerous species of large mammals such…
Visiting Tomorr Mountain & National Park

Bogove Waterfall

Bogroves Waterfalls
CC BY-SA 4.0 / malenki
The Bogova Waterfall (Albanian: Ujvari Bogovës) is a 20 meters waterfall that cascades down the rocks. The pool at the bottom is a deep jade color, is an exquisite still-untouched spot to get in touch with nature. They might be fairly small, but these waterfalls, which from a distance appear to disappear in and out of the rock walls are…
Visiting Bogove Waterfall

Osumi River Gorge

Skrapar Osum Canyon
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Fadion Dashi
The Osum Gorge is a 26km river gorge in southern Albania. The gorge is near the town of Çorovodë and the river Osum passes through that before flowing through the town of Berat. There are many small caves, caverns and ledges throughout the gorge. Some of the rock formations in the canyon have fanciful names such as the Cathedral, the…
Location: Rruga e Kanioneve 5402 Çorovoda Albania | Distance: 33.4km
Visiting Osumi River Gorge

Where to Stay in Berat

Staying in Mangalem or Gorica, the historic quarters of Berat, offers the best experience, with guesthouses set in traditional Ottoman-style homes overlooking the Osum River. Some travelers prefer castle-top accommodations inside the Berat Castle walls for unique stays with panoramic views.

Berat can be explored in 1 to 2 days, covering its UNESCO-listed old town, castle, and museums. A 3-day stay allows for trips to the Bogova Waterfall, Osum Canyon, and local wineries in the surrounding countryside.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Berat. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Berat Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Berat

The best time to visit Berat, Albania, is during the late spring and early autumn months, typically from May to June and September to October. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low 20s Celsius (60s to 70s Fahrenheit). The days are often sunny, making it perfect for exploring Berat’s historical sites, picturesque streets, and outdoor attractions.

Visiting Berat during the spring and autumn allows you to avoid the large crowds and high temperatures that occur during the peak summer months of July and August. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more tranquil and authentic experience, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and charm without feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, the shoulder seasons offer the opportunity to participate in local festivals and events that celebrate Berat’s culture, traditions, and heritage. You may also find better deals on accommodation and activities during these times compared to the peak summer season.

While visiting Berat during the winter months from November to March is possible, it may not be as popular due to cooler temperatures and fewer tourist amenities available. However, if you enjoy a quieter atmosphere and don’t mind cooler weather, you may still find value in visiting during this time, especially if you’re interested in exploring the city’s indoor attractions and nearby historical sites without the crowds.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 11°C
  • February 14°C
  • March 16°C
  • April 21°C
  • May 24°C
  • June 30°C
  • July 31°C
  • August 30°C
  • September 29°C
  • October 24°C
  • November 17°C
  • December 13°C

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