Berat Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 8.2/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the hilly old town.
- Population
- 0.1M
Overview
Known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' Berat is a UNESCO-listed Ottoman gem where whitewashed houses tumble down hillsides above the Osum River. Its hilltop castle is still inhabited, and the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters feel frozen in time.
Getting around
The old quarters are best explored on foot, and taxis can be arranged for trips to the Osum Canyon or nearby wineries.
Local etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees inside the castle's churches and mosques, and ask before photographing local residents.
Safety
Berat is a peaceful, low-crime town that feels very safe for walking day or night. Wear sturdy shoes, as the castle's cobblestones are steep and uneven.