Berat, Albania’s window to the past

(1)

Berat is your chance to peek at the Ottoman charm that was instilled back in the mid-1400s. It is one of Albania’s best bets for tourism that champions the country’s heritage and culture. Be amazed by the city’s allure found in its ancient structures.

What’s more impressive is the preservation of these remnants making Berat a living memory paving way from the past’s collection of stories and events.

Location

(2)

The name Berat is believed to come from an ancient Bulgarian word meaning white city. The city is situated in South Central Albania. It is the capital city of Berat County and lies on the right bank of River Osum.

The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to the well preserved Ottoman houses that make up the majority of the town. As a matter of fact, due to its impressive structure, the city was named the ‘town of a thousand windows.’

Climate

(3)

Berat is known to possess the hottest weather in Albania and is categorized to have a Mediterranean climate. The driest month is July while wettest is January.

The hottest month is August with average temperatures of around 24 degrees Celsius. Average precipitation per annum is at 128 mm.

Transportation

(4)

The city can be reached via buses from its neighbors Tirana and Saranda. Travelling from Tirana will take approximately three hours.

There’s a minibus found outside the university and hospital that passes through Berat. Be informed that the road going to the city will be dusty, but this would not hinder the amazing view of the places you would come across as during the trip.

Attractions

Berat Castle

(5)

(6)

Berat Castle provides a good view of the town. Believed to be founded during the 13th century, see various mosques and churches found in this beautiful tourist attraction that is located in the rocky hillside.

What’s even more impressive is the fully functional town that’s equipped with bars and restaurants, which is why tourists need not worry about satisfying their hungry stomachs as eateries are conveniently situated throughout the town.

Mangalemi Quarter

(7)

(8)

Known as the city of a thousand windows, Mangalemi quarter’s architecture is one of a kind. 

Impressive due to its uniform white facade and houses made of bricks, the houses that make up this ancient attraction provide a good view of the Osumi River.

Get the best of both worlds and never miss a chance to see the beauty of Mangalemi Quarter.

Bridge of Gorica

(9)

Founded in the 18th century, this became one of the famous landmarks in Berat. The bridge that was originally made of wood connects the city to its neighboring town, Gorica.

The seven-arch bridge measures 423 ft. long and has undergone several renovations since it was originally built.

http://laurenceourac.com/berat-albanias-window-to-the-past/

Images:
(1) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP4k5k-Gh9K0CdC-CBQnWbMr4v_G8VNqSYUCTBuNW1h_9RtAoOvn4-pZ-3dfG7hL3U7E1eetOb8T-EphiF3hGI-DUQmmAJshyphenhyphenLuaZ7giqYptS7E0z807yYryvIxy4XJzdlhsRn3lG53cE/s1600/Berat_8.JPG
(2) http://www.infoalb.net/02conavstivit/Berat/Berat-city-map.jpg
(3) http://cdn.travelcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WALK3.jpg?ff89e8
(4) http://www.2wanderers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/150504-Albania-Gjirokaster-1-640x480_thumb.jpg
(5) http://www.rearviewmirror.tv/albania/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/berat-castle-1.jpg
(6) http://www.bikooch.com/social/imageviewer/19426
(7) http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/8500000/Berat-albania-8583081-800-600.jpg
(8) http://albca.com/albania/images/berat/berat.jpg
(9) https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5538/11365549114_6419eae986_b.jpg

Enjoy the natural beauty of Albania

(1)

Albania has a natural beauty and offers remarkable and unique, different tourist attractions. It has ancient mountains, a forgotten archaeological village and sites. Albanians are also known worldwide for their kind and sincere hospitality towards the people who visit their country.

They make visitors and tourists feel at home in the small yet wonderful country. It also has breathtaking mountain scenery. It has beautiful and blooming cities that have rich cultural traditions, heritage, and attractive river valleys, spectacular mountains that are picture perfect and beautiful beaches to offer the tourists a wonderful and dream vacation of all time.

(2)

(3)

(4)

Location

(5)

Albania is located in the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea. Its neighboring countries are Montenegro and Serbia to the northern part, Macedonia to the eastern part and Greece to the southern part.

It is somewhat larger than Maryland of USA. Albania is composed by two major regions, the mountainous highland region to the northern, eastern and southern part of the country, and a western part is the lowland region that contains all the of country’s agricultural land.

Climate

(6)

The climate in Albania is Mediterranean. Each season offers a distinct but a pleasant weather. The features of the climate might vary per region. The coastal areas of the country have a Central Mediterranean climate with a mild, wet winters and hot humid summers.

The Alpine areas have Central Continental climate with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. While in the lowland areas have mild winters that have an average temperature of 7 °C and during summer the average temperature is 24 °C.

Nearly the ninety-five percent of rainfall happens during the winter and rainfall season in the upland mountain area. Despite the rain showers in the country, Albanians still enjoy a great of sunshine and for them the overall climate in the country is pleasant and favors outdoor activities.

Transportation

(7)

There is only one and major international Airport in Albania and it is the Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza or also known as the Tirana’s Mother Teresa International Airport in English. It lies in the village of Rinas.

The location of this airport is 6 nautical miles away to the north western part of Tirana, and just 15 minutes away from the city. It is served as the air hub of several European flag carries, these includes British Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian, Alitalia also some low-cost carriers like German Wings and Bell Air that has daily flights not just to other European countries but all over the globe.

What to see

The city of Sarande

(8)

The enthralling city of Sarande is striking and stunningly a beautiful city. This is really a great tourist attraction in Albania. It has a unique atmosphere and splendor that has to offer.

It has a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, a gentle and quiet climate and the lushness of the rich beautiful flowers around the area that tourists love.

Southern Adriatic Coast

(9)

Southern Adriatic Coast is one of the very few area in Europe that has not yet been explored but with the tourism it started to gain a foothold, and in the recent times the Southern Adriatic Coast offered an azure and breathtaking virgin beaches with fine sands, it also offers ancient towns, lagoons, national parks and other attractions that are to die for.

Vermosh

(10)

Vermosh is called as the artistry of the divine hands. This is an Albanian highland that is also known as the Albanian Alps where some of the traditional villages are nestled and untouched.

It offers stunning views of landscapes and grand vistas of the dramatic Alps that make the village considered as a true paradise on earth.

http://laurenceourac.com/enjoy-the-natural-beauty-of-albania/

Images:
(1) http://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/
(2) http://summitcountyvoice.com/2011/09/04/travel-seaside-albania/
(3) http://www.netglobers.com/europe/albania-travel-reports.html
(4) http://threefivefive.net/2014/09/29/bucket-list-item-biggest-secret-in-european-tourism-travel-writers-fall-in-love-with-albania/
(5) ) http://www.operationworld.org/
(6) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/
(7) http://www.new-corner.com/
(8) http://farm9.staticflickr.com/
(9) http://www.european-camping-group.com/
(10) http://montenegro-for.me/