Visiting Berat Castle: Complete Guide, Costs + Info 2025

Perched high in the hills, overlooking the Ottoman-style city, Berat Castle is one of the most impressive places in the whole of Albania. We visited in July 2023 and fell in love. There was barely anyone there and we spent literally all morning exploring – the castle is honestly huge!

Whether you’re interested in the history of the area, or just want incredible views and perfect photo ops, you need to add Berat Castle to your Albania itinerary!

Visiting Berat Castle: Overview

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat Castle is an ancient fortress located in the city of Berat, Albania, dating back to the 4th century BC. This castle offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of Albanian history, religion and culture, with incredible Ottoman architecture, remains of Mosques and Churches, and stunning panoramic views over the surrounding city.

From the moment you arrive in Berat, you won’t be able to miss the castle perched on top of the hills. Look out for the huge flagpole with the Albanian flag flying high as this is where you’ll be standing, gazing out over the city. Even if you’re not really interested in the history, the views alone are worth visiting for.

Know before you go:

Opening Hours – Berat Castle is technically open 24hrs a day as there’s no fence or wall the whole way round, though the main entrance is open 9am-6pm
Entrance Fee – 300 Albanian Lek, cash only!!
Facilities – There are several small cafés and shops to grab a drink and a bite to eat when visiting.

Best Berat Castle Tours

One of the best ways to explore Berat Castle is via a guided tour. This will take you much deeper into the history of the place and allow you to truly understand what you’re seeing. Here are three tours we personally recommend.

✅ Berat Castle Half-Day Tour

This tour will take you through the city of Berat with an informative and interesting local guide. From Ottoman-era alleys to iconic sites like Berat Castle and the Gorica Bridge, you’ll learn so much about the foundations of Albania.

In our opinion, it’s always best to learn about a place from a local, from someone who’s grown up there and can answer any question you might have. That’s why we love this tour.

Plus, it’s great if you’re pushed for time!

➡️Click Here To Book!

✅ Full Day Tour Of Berat From Tirana

This day trip from Tirana to Berat is perfect for anyone looking to explore Berat Castle without the hassle of getting to the city. You’ll explore the ancient neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, visit Berat Castle, the Red Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Trinity with an informative guide every step of the way.

This tour also allows you some free time to further explore the city, grab an ice cream, or shop for local souvenirs.

➡️Click Here To Book!

✅ Berat Castle And Apollonia

This full-day tour from Tirana allows you to explore two of Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll start your day by exploring the Roman ruins at Apollonia National Park (which, we can confirm, are incredible), before continuing to Berat where you’ll receive a guided tour of Berat Castle and the Ottoman city.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to delve a little deeper into Albania’s ancient past.

➡️Click Here To Book!

How To Get To Berat Castle

Berat Castle is super easily accessible from the town itself. You’ve got a few different options for how to get there.

Walk From Berat Town Centre

If you’re relatively fit, we’d recommend walking to Berat Castle. It’s only a short, straightforward walk from both the Mangalem and Gorica Quarters, that allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and see parts of town you might not otherwise explore.

Starting at the suspension bridge, follow the road forward and round to the right. From there, you’ll find yourself on Rruga Mihal Komena, a cobblestone path leading uphill to the main entrance. There’s also a shortcut to the castle walls on the left halfway up the road, though it’s quite a steep zig-zagging climb. You can find the route here.

The walk is only 1km and takes around 15 to 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, offering picturesque views of the town and surrounding landscapes. Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestones can be a bit uneven and slippery if wet (I found out the hard way…).

Drive From Berat Town Centre

If you don’t feel like walking up a steep hill, especially if it’s blazing hot outside, you can easily drive to Berat Castle from the town centre. There’s a small, free car park near the entrance gates, though be aware it can fill up in the middle of the day. Surrounding streets may have parking available, though please respect the locals and follow any signs.

The route to drive up to Berat Castle is exactly the same as walking and should only take you a few minutes. The roads are quiet to drive on and you shouldn’t experience much traffic.

Where To Stay Near Berat Castle

There are two main areas we’d recommend choosing between to visit Berat Castle. You could either stay in the Mangalem Quarter which is on the same side of the river as Berat Castle, along with most of the bars and restaurants for convenience. Or why not consider staying in Berat Castle itself?!

➡️Best Budget Spot – Guest House Luli is a two-bedroom apartment located inside Berat Castle, offering guests a unique stay with the most incredible views, perfect for watching the sunset in the evening. It’s run by a family which are all keen to get to know you and ensure you have the best stay, whilst also cooking you up some incredible meals. The rooms may be basic, but the kindness of the family more than makes up for it.

➡️Best Mid-Range Spot – Located in Berat Castle itself, Villa Oda Tomori offers guests a traditional stay with a huge delicious breakfast and a warm and friendly host. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and there’s a cute little garden area for guests to enjoy. Villa Oda Tomori has free WiFi, air conditioning, and even Netflix for a cosy evening in after exploring!

➡️Best Luxury Spot – Whilst it’s a little further away from Berat Castle (though still only a 30-minute walk), Hotel Colombo offers guests a luxurious experience. With a spa and fitness centre, a beautiful garden to explore, and stunning decor, it offers a premium experience. Alongside this, Hotel Colombo offers a free breakfast, airport transfers, and air conditioning throughout the hotel to combat the hot Albanian summers.

7 Best Things To Do In Berat Castle

You might be thinking that visiting Berat Castle just means wandering around, but as one of the largest castles in the country, you can actually do so much more! Here are 7 things to do whilst you’re there:

Discover Berat Castle’s Only Mosque

Berat Castle is home to the ruins of one of the oldest mosques in the country.

Known as the Red Mosque, it is believed to have been built in the early 15th Century, shortly after Berat was conquered by the Ottomans. Its name comes from the fact that it was built from red bricks and limestone.

This important historical site is the first sign of Muslim influence in a previously Christian city, which arguably has shaped the look of the town today.

If you’re visiting Berat Castle, you can still see the minaret of the Red Mosque standing tall and strong above the castle walls.

Admire The Incredible Vistas

As Berat Castle is built on top of a steep hill, it’s no wonder it has the most incredible views. With a large viewing platform overlooking the city and the Osum River, it is undoubtedly the best viewpoint in Berat.

That being said, as you walk around the castle, you’ll encounter numerous other incredible viewpoints that will honestly leave you speechless. The green mountainous backdrop to the orange-roofed houses is simply spectacular and you need to head to Berat Castle to see it.

Grab A Drink In A Café

We wouldn’t make you walk all the way up a steep hill in hot summer weather without a café stop at the top!

Spread throughout the castle, there are several small locally-run cafés and restaurants for you to grab a drink, find a shaded spot, sit back, and enjoy the view.

Shop For Local Handmade Souvenirs

Want to shop for a unique souvenir before going home? Well, you can do just that in Berat Castle!

Close to the entrance, you’ll find several artisan market stalls selling a variety of products, from locally produced honey to postcards and even handmade rugs.

Several of the families who live inside the castle walls will often sell handmade goods just outside of their homes.

We purchased a cute handmade postcard near the main viewing platform with the proceeds going to a charity helping disabled adults, though honestly, it was hard not to stuff our bag full of all the goods we found in the markets!

Walk The Castle Walls

Follow the walls around the perimeter of Berat Castle and you’ll discover some of the most amazing views and ruins to explore.

The walls are less than 2km so it shouldn’t take too long to walk, but we recommend taking your time to really explore along the way.

Visit A Museum

Whilst Berat Castle has no dedicated museum to its history, several museums lie on its grounds. The most well-known of these is the Museum of Iconography in the centre of the castle, built inside the largest Church on site. The museum contains a stunning collection of artworks that really are worth seeing.

You can also head to the Mbrica Family Museum for a greater insight into life in Albania.

Explore The Church Of The Holy Trinity

This beautiful Byzantine Church is a must on everyone’s Berat Castle bucketlist! Not only is the Church absolutely stunning, but it sits within a beautiful flower meadow with the most insane views over the Osum River and the surrounding landscape.

Considering most religious buildings in Albania were destroyed during the country’s turbulent past, this Church is remarkably well preserved, dating back to the 14th Century.

However, the doors to the Church remain firmly closed the majority of the time and it’s rare for visitors to be able to see inside.

FAQs

Planning your visit to Berat Castle but have some questions? Dive into our FAQ section for all the essential details about exploring this historic marvel.

Who built the castle in Berat?

Berat Castle was built by the Byzantines in the 13th century. It served as a military stronghold and a strategic point in the region. Over the centuries, different civilizations contributed to its construction and expansion, leaving a diverse architectural and cultural heritage. Today, it stands as a historical monument, attracting visitors from around the world.

Do people live in Berat Castle?

Yes! Whilst it no longer houses the majority of the city’s population, Berat Castle is still home to many residents, including children and young families, which is especially unique as it’s one of the last remaining castles in Europe where ordinary people still live. You can book a stay in a traditional guesthouse inside the castle walls here.

Is Berat the oldest city in Albania?

Berat is one of the oldest cities in Albania, with historians estimating it dates back to 2600-1800 BC. The first settlers in Berat were the Illyrians and the town was originally named Antipatreia. The area on which Berat Castle stands has traces of neolithic settlements from the 2nd or 3rd millennium BC. The centuries of history in Berat have shaped the town today, with the Ottoman-style houses still standing strong, overlooking the Osum River, while Berat Castle towers above.

How long do you need in Berat?

This really depends on how much you would like to see and explore! We’d recommend allowing at least 1 night, but 2 nights in an ideal world. This will allow you plenty of time to explore the castle, Mangalem and Gorica districts, and the trendy downtown area, without feeling like you’re rushing.

Is Berat Albania worth visiting?

Berat is one of our favourite cities in all of Albania, so we’d have to say yes, it is definitely worth visiting! We found Berat to be a lot less touristy than other places and it feels like a complete hidden gem. The locals are so friendly, the city is so pretty, the surrounding countryside is breathtaking, and on top of it all, it’s super affordable to visit! Book your trip there before the secret is out!

A photo of a Byzantine Church in Berat Castle with a flower meadow in the foreground and mountains in the background

Wrap-Up: Berat Castle

Berat Castle is one of the most incredible places in Albania and is one of the reasons why we think Albania is worth visiting. With stunning views over the Ottoman city and centuries of history to discover, Berat Castle offers you a glimpse into Albania’s cultural heritage.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, or simply someone seeking incredible views, Berat Castle deserves a spot on your Albania itinerary. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this hidden gem, where the warmth of the locals, the charm of the city, and the affordability of the experience make Berat a truly unforgettable destination.