Things to do in Kruja, Albania
Northern Albania is certainly gaining some interest on social media, and its easy to see why! The dramatic, rugged landscapes, turbulent history and amazing food will draw anyone in. The mountain town of Kruja is becoming more popular with tourists, helped by its spectacular location and incredible castle. In this post, we highlight all the very best things to do in Kruja, when to visit, how long you will need to explore the area and loads more!
Where is Kruja
Let’s start with the basics. Kruja (or Krujë in Albanian) is an ancient town in Central, Northern Albania, only 20km north of Tirana, the capital city. The town sits amongst the Albanian Alps and is not far from Ulza Regional Nature Park. But is Kruja worth visiting?
How do you get to Kruja?
There are several ways to get to Kruja, Albania. The most convenient is to drive from Tirana. This takes around 50 minutes and is relatively low cost – just be aware that Tirana traffic can be a little crazy and might slow you down.
Another option is to take a taxi. if there is a small group of you, this is usually a good option. Of course, the traffic will still affect your jounery, but at least you can relax and look out the window. A one way journey from Tirana to Kruja will cost between €25-€30.
The Bus from Tirana to Kruja
Finding the correct bus station in Tirana can be difficult. Google maps isn’t always correct and there are several different bus stations across the city. For buses departing to Kruja, you will need the Regional Bus Station, northwest of the city centre. The bus costs 100 Lek (about €1) each way and takes around an hour.
What are the Best things to do in Kruja?
There are so many unexpected things to do in Albania. Here are the very best things to do in Kruja. Most of these sights are within the town and can be explored on foot.
Kruja Castle
One of the best things to do in Kruja is to visit the spectacular fortress. Perched on the side of the mountains, the view from this imposing castle in phenomenal. Not only is the castle and grounds worth a visit, there are also some nice cafes and restaurants in the vicinity as well as some amazing photo opportunities.
The castle dates back to the 5th century and was vital in the recapture of Albania from the Ottomans. Skanderbeg is the Albanian national hero and one of the definitive battles was fought here in Kruja in the 1400s.
Things to do in Kruja – The Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu Museum
Also known as the Skanderbeg Museum, this exhibition is dedicated to Albania’s National hero. Fittingly it is presented within the castle and has a lot of information about Albania’s history. The opening times are as follows –
May – October, Every Day 09:00 – 19:00
October – April, Every Day 09:00-14:00 & 16:00-19:00, Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
Entry to the Skanderbeg Museum costs around Є6.
The Old Bazaar
Taking a stroll trough the old bazaar and browsing the wares is certainly one of the best things to do in Kruja. The ancient Ottoman market has retained much of its charm and it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like centuries ago.
Today, the stalls sell mostly souvenirs. However, some locally handcrafted items are available and are definitely worth a look.
Things to do in Kruja – Skanderbeg Monument
The Skanderbeg monument sits in a prominent position in the centre of Kruja. Another reminder of how important the man was in creating Albania as it is today.
Baruni Lake
Take a walk down to the lakes and enjoy some peace and quiet. The town of Kruja can get quite busy in the summer months so a nice relaxing afternoon in nature is perfect to reset.
Things to do in Kruja – Try Some Amazing Food
There are plenty of great restaurant in Kruja. However, our favourite is Garden Restaurant. It is a little walk out of town but totally worth it. They serve organic food grown on their land and it is cooked to perfection. The staff are super friendly and the views across the valley are incredible.
If you are looking to stop for a coffee, and you definitely should, Restaurant Alba by the castle sells nice espresso for about 80cents and you can enjoy the panoramic views.
Do a Little Hiking in Kruja
As Kruja is perched in the mountains, there are plenty of hiking options. Climbing Mount Kruja is a great idea if you want views for miles. There is even a Bektashi Temple near the top. There is a sign identifying the trail in the centre of the town. The hike should take around 4 hours and it is considered to be of moderate difficulty. The path isn’t that well signed but not dangerous. However it is steep in parts and the summit is 1,117m.
You can return back the way you came or you can join the road that will also return you to the town centre. Just beware of speedy drivers. You will need hiking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen and clothing for changeable conditions.
There are miles of amazing trails in this area so check out a website like WIKILOC for more Kruja hiking inspiration.
When to visit Kruja?
This town definitely gets busier in the summer! Everything is open, the streets are busy and restaurants are in high demand. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and the higher prices (still cheap by western standards) try visiting off season. Spring and autumn are beautiful as the weather is pleasant and the town is still quite quiet.
How long to visit for?
Kruja is pretty easy to visit from Tirana and can be done comfortably in a day. If you are in a hurry, it would be possible to have a quick look around and enjoy some food in a morning or afternoon.
You could also stay for a few days if you want to explore the surrounding countryside a bit more.
How expensive is it?
By Albanian standards, Kruja is actually quite pricey during peak season. However, compared to other European towns it is really great value and your holiday money will go far! A coffee will cost about €1.50 – €2, a meal at one of the amazing BBQ restaurants will cost about €30 for two people and an air BnB can be found for around €40 per night. These are average prices during the summer months. Most things are cheaper off season.
Is Kruja safe?
Kruja is a safe town. As two females we never felt in danger at any point – including while using public transport. We found people to be very helpful and curious about what we thought of their country. Take the same precautions as you would in any other town and you will really enjoy your visit.
What to pack for a trip to Kruja
Here’s a super easy packing list to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A good book
- Hat
- Cell phone- keep in mind that Albania is not in the EU so data might be more expensive as roaming charges will apply.
- power bank and charger
- Adaptor (European)
- Cash – Albanian LEK
- Map downloaded on phone (if you’re going exploring)
- Walking boots or comfy shoes
- Day backpack
- Decent camera (or phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
The Albanian language
Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. Like all Balkan languages, it is certainly not an easy language for English speakers. However, any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)
Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)
Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)
Yes Po (poh)
No Jo (yoh)
Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try some more of Albania’s incredible beaches? Perhaps you have a little more time in the north of Albania? Don’t miss Tirana, the country’s vibrant capital city!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Kruja or elsewhere in Albania already? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop us a message below, we would love to hear from you!
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