You can read about my previous trip to Ohrid in North Macedonia here.
From Ohrid in North Macedonia, I traveled to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
The distance between Ohrid and Tirana is about three hours by bus, and it is a popular route for backpackers traveling around the Balkan Peninsula.
Albania is still not very well known in Japan, but after visiting I realized it is actually a very fascinating country.
It offers very affordable prices compared to many other European countries, a unique and interesting history, and surprisingly delicious food.
In this article I will introduce sightseeing in Tirana and a day trip to the nearby historic town of Kruja.
Getting from Ohrid to Tirana
I traveled from Ohrid to Tirana by bus.
The journey takes about three hours. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with mountains and lakes, so the trip feels quite short.
However the bus terminal in Tirana is located a little outside the city center.
Because of that you will need to take a local bus to reach downtown.
There is one important thing to know.
Local buses in Tirana often accept cash only.
The currency used in Albania is the Lek, so it is best to withdraw some cash from an ATM before arriving.
The bus I took was bus number 2 and the fare was about 40 Lek.
When boarding the bus it is a good idea to ask the driver or staff if the bus goes to the city center.
Hostel in Tirana
The hostel I stayed at was
ART Hostel Tirana.
The interior was very clean and stylish, making it a comfortable place to stay.
There is also a shared kitchen on the top floor, which is convenient if you want to cook your own meals.
The price was very reasonable.
I paid about 40 euros for three nights and four days.
There are many backpacker hostels in Tirana, but this one was especially comfortable and well maintained.
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Italian Food in Tirana
Albania has historically had strong connections with Italy, so you will find many Italian restaurants throughout the city.
When you actually try the food, the quality is surprisingly high for the price.
You might find yourself thinking that the food is incredibly good value.
If you are traveling around Europe and getting tired of typical tourist food, Italian food in Tirana is a great option.
Recommended Restaurant Xheni
One restaurant I strongly recommend in Tirana is
Xheni.
I liked it so much that even though I stayed only three nights, I visited twice.
They offer daily menu options such as soup and pasta.
The prices are affordable and the food is very tasty.
The atmosphere is also relaxed, so it is easy to visit even when traveling alone.
If you visit Tirana, this is definitely a place worth trying.
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Tirana Castle Restaurant Area
If you are not sure where to eat, Tirana Castle is a convenient area to visit.
This is a tourist friendly district designed to resemble an old town atmosphere.
You will find many restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops gathered here.
It is a popular place for visitors.
Prices are slightly higher because it is a tourist area, so I did not eat there this time, but it was still enjoyable to walk around and explore.
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Things to Do in Tirana
Bunk Art 2
One of the most popular attractions in central Tirana is Bunk Art 2.
This museum is built inside a former underground nuclear bunker from the Cold War period.
During the communist era Albania built hundreds of thousands of bunkers across the country.
This particular bunker was originally a secret facility designed to protect government and interior ministry officials.
Today it has been transformed into a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the communist period.
The structure goes deep underground and walking through it feels like exploring a hidden bunker.
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Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is a large public square in the center of Tirana.
When I visited there was a beer event taking place.
However many people were actually gathered to watch football on a giant screen, and the atmosphere was very lively.
It is a place where you can really feel how strong football culture is in Europe.
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Tanners Bridge
While walking around the city you might suddenly come across a small stone bridge called Tanners Bridge.
This bridge dates back to the eighteenth century during the Ottoman period.
In the past the surrounding area was known for leather craftsmen, and the bridge was used by those workers.
There used to be a river flowing under the bridge, but due to urban development the river changed course and now there is almost no water.
It is a small historical spot but still interesting to visit.
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Day Trip from Tirana to Kruja
About thirty kilometers north of Tirana is a historic town called Kruja.
It is a very important place for Albanians and symbolizes their independence and national identity.
Kruja and the Hero Skanderbeg
Kruja is famous as the stronghold of the Albanian hero Skanderbeg.
In the fifteenth century he defended Kruja Castle against the invading Ottoman Empire for about twenty five years.
Because of this he is known across Europe as a hero who defended the Christian world.
How to Get to Kruja
First you need to go to the South and North Albania Bus Terminal in Tirana.
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At the terminal you will see many minibuses waiting.
Look for one that says Kruja.
The fare is about 200 Lek and payment is cash.
If you are planning a day trip, be careful about the schedule.
The last minibus back to Tirana was around four in the afternoon.
Kruja Castle and the Old Bazaar
Once you arrive in Kruja you should head toward Kruja Castle.
On the way you will pass the Old Bazaar of Kruja.
This small bazaar street is full of charming shops selling handmade souvenirs and traditional crafts.
It is a great place to explore and buy souvenirs.
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Skanderbeg Museum
Inside Kruja Castle you will find the Skanderbeg Museum.
The museum displays historical artifacts such as weapons, armor, and documents related to Albanian history.
The visit takes about one hour.
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Lunch with a View in Kruja
If you have time before the return minibus, having lunch in Kruja is highly recommended.
Because the town sits on a mountain slope, there are many restaurants with panoramic views.
I entered a restaurant that was not listed on Google Maps.
I asked the staff for a traditional Albanian dish and they recommended the dish shown in the photo.
It is called Fegese.
You eat it with bread.
I also ordered a local Albanian beer called Birra Elbar.
Drinking beer during the day while enjoying the view was one of the best moments of the trip.
If you visit Kruja this is definitely an experience worth having.
Final Thoughts Albania is More Interesting Than Expected
I spent three nights and four days in Albania and it turned out to be a very rewarding trip.
Tirana offers excellent restaurants, interesting historical attractions, and affordable prices.
The nearby town of Kruja is also full of highlights such as the history of Skanderbeg, beautiful mountain scenery, and charming bazaar streets.
Albania is still not widely known among Japanese travelers, but after visiting I believe it is one of the most interesting destinations in Europe.
If you are traveling around the Balkan Peninsula, I strongly recommend adding Albania to your route.
In the next article I will introduce Montenegro.
