Berat and Gjirokastër in 3 days: Albania's UNESCO towns

Berat and Gjirokastër are Albania's two best-preserved Ottoman towns and share a UNESCO listing. Berat is white and green along a river; Gjirokastër is grey stone on a mountain slope. Three days is enough to enjoy both without rushing.

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Day 1: Berat

1. Berat Castle – Walk up to the castle, where people still live inside the walls.
2. Onufri Iconographic Museum, Berat – Painted icons in the Cathedral of the Dormition.
3. Mangalem Quarter, Berat – The stacked white houses with many windows.
4. Gorica Bridge, Berat – Sunset over the river and the old town.

Day 2: Berat to Gjirokastër

1. Ethnographic Museum, Berat – Morning visit to a traditional house before you leave.
2. Gjirokastër Old Bazaar – Arrive and walk the stone streets of the bazaar.

Day 3: Gjirokastër

1. Gjirokastër Castle – Huge fortress with a museum and views over the Drino valley.
2. Skenduli House, Gjirokastër – A 300-year-old family tower house.
3. Zekate House, Gjirokastër – One of the largest tower houses, high above the town.

Tips

• Stay inside the old towns to enjoy them in the evening.
• Try qifqi, the rice balls that are a Gjirokastër speciality.
• The road between the towns is scenic; allow time for photo stops.

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