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Fourth largest city of Albania
Photo: Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Elbasan is a city and municipality located in central Albania, situated on the north bank of the Shkumbin River. Due to its central geographic position within the country, it is sometimes colloquially referred to as "Kërthiza e Shqipërisë" (the Bellybutton of Albania).
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Only two ancient walls remain but the area inside is full of old houses and famous personalities houses, cobblestone streets, and an excellent restaurant. One castle wall is centred around the impressive sahati (clock tower). In the center of the castle are two water sources. The two-thousand-year-old Castle of Elbasan, a Roman construction built as early as the 3rd century BC. Foreigners in the 800s noted that cities like Elbasan no longer existed in Europe. Skampis, as this fortress-town was once called, was founded in 1466 by two strikingly different leaders: the Roman emperor Justinian and Sultan Mehmet the Second.
Tourist spot
Byshek, a tourist place 5 km near Elbasan, on the occasion of Summer Day, all the people from Elbasan organize a picnic, with celebrations and traditional food.
Roman thermal complex
kind of sport
Rafting is one of the most popular activities entertainment in Albania, which has been developed here as well river Shkumbin. The Shkumbin Valley has a special beauty rare with cataracts, caves, small beaches which you will if you have the opportunity to visit. In its northern part Shkumbini goes to areas with more radishes by adding speed and making it usable for rafting. Rafting starts from Kamara bridge (via egnatia) and ends near Elbasan city.
Valësh Elbasan
Valësh: Visit the Valësh Canyon and its 22-meter-high waterfall, estimated to be over 300 years old. A quiet, scenic spot for nature lovers.
Kisha e Shën e Premtes
Located in the village of Valësh, near Elbasan, is a hidden cultural gem nestled in the hills of the Shpati region. This small Orthodox church is not only a peaceful spiritual site but also an important piece of Albanian heritage.
What makes it especially notable is that it contains frescoes attributed to Onufri, one of Albania’s most celebrated icon painters of the 16th century, known for his vivid colors and expressive religious imagery. The church's interior preserves part of his artistic legacy, making it a rare and valuable site for lovers of religious art and history.
An ancient road constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE that passes near Librazhd and Elbasan en route from Istanbul to Durrës.
At least two bath houses with quiet hot waters (60°C and up). This is closer to Tirana than Elbasan but the facilities are maintained poorly. The springs that feeds the baths here is the hottest spring in Albania, even though it is actually a well where hot water was discovered by accident.
A set of hot springs in a picturesque canyon and surrounding. The main hot pool is 50-100 m after the entrance of the canyon.
The municipality, with a population of 3,478 according to the 2011 census, includes the villages of Lleshan, Gjinar, Valësh, Pashtresh, Dërstilë, Llukan, Stërstan, Xibresh, Maskarth, Kafërr, and Pobrat. Situated in the picturesque Shpati mountainous region, this area is a well-known tourist destination, celebrated for its natural beauty, including a vast pine forest. It offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. One of the region's standout features is the Valësh Canyon in the Gjinar area of Elbasan, home to a striking 22-m-high waterfall, estimated to be around 300 years old. This natural marvel adds to the area's allure, attracting visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and historical significance.
Tri Bujtinat is a charming restaurant and guesthouse located in the picturesque village of Gjinar. This cozy establishment offers a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to experience authentic Albanian hospitality and traditional cuisine. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush fields, Tri Bujtinat provides not only delicious food but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Sofra e Shpatit is a traditional guesthouse and restaurant located in the scenic village of Gjinar, near Elbasan. It offers cozy accommodations with mountain views and serves authentic Albanian cuisine made from local ingredients. Ideal for a peaceful retreat in nature, it combines comfort, local flavors, and warm hospitality.
The cabins in Gjinar, nestled in the scenic Shpati mountains near Elbasan, offer a peaceful escape into nature and are a great example of agrotourism in Albania. Surrounded by pine forests, fresh mountain air, and traditional farms, these cozy wooden cabins provide visitors with a chance to experience rural life, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in seasonal agricultural activities. Ideal for families, couples, or nature lovers, the cabins offer simple but comfortable accommodations in a tranquil setting.
Bujtina Bezhani is a traditional guesthouse located in the picturesque village of Gjinar. Housed on the second floor of a family residence, it offers visitors a cozy and authentic rural experience. The guesthouse is surrounded by lush greenery, fruit orchards, and a beautiful garden, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation. Guests can enjoy homemade meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, immersing themselves in the rich culinary traditions of the region. The host's warm hospitality and the serene environment make it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Albanian countryside experience.
Traditional cooked food with meat and sour plums ,giving it a distinctive sweet and tangy flavour. Goat meat, garlic, onion, rice, sour plums.
Traditional cooked food
A pie is a baked dish which is usually made of a pastry dough casing that contains a filling of various sweet or savoury ingredients. Sweet pies may be filled with fruit (as in an apple pie), nuts (pecan pie), fruit preserves (jam tart), brown sugar (sugar pie), sweetened vegetables (rhubarb pie), or with thicker fillings based on eggs and dairy (as in custard pie and cream pie). Savoury pies may be filled with meat (as in a steak pie or a Jamaican patty), eggs and cheese (such as quiches or British flans) or a mixture of meat and vegetables (pot pie).
Kondor by Xhevahir
It offers traditional Albanian cuisine and everyday food. It is known for its simple cuisine, good taste and fast service. Another branch is Restaurant Kondor 1996, on Janaq Kilica Street.No.1 for traditional cuisine, cleanliness, hospitality and reasonable prices
It is known for its traditional Albanian cuisine and pleasant family atmosphere. It serves various dishes such as roasted meat, home-cooked meals and Mediterranean specialties. Gjahtari has friendly service.
This place combines a restaurant with a hotel and offers traditional Albanian and Mediterranean food, as well as some international dishes. It is known for its special setting within the historic area of the castle and for its quiet, family atmosphere. The menu usually includes roasted meat, various tavas, fish, pasta and yogurt specialties.
Restaurant
It is surrounded by nature and built in traditional Albanian style. This place is known for traditional Albanian cuisine cooking with fresh local products amily and peaceful environment in nature meat specialties, homemade dishes and local recipes It is one of the favourite places for lunch or weekend for those who want traditional food outside the city, in a rural and relaxing environment.
It is a modern lounge bar, known for its elegant ambiance and relaxed atmosphere. It offers coffee, cocktails, and various drinks and is often frequented by young people for social gatherings or evening outings.
black chocolate
It's like hot chocolate, but almost as thick as pudding and eaten with a spoon.
It offers: accommodation, restaurant with Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine, venue for events, meetings and parties.
This place is frequented by young people and offers: coffee and various drinks (soft drinks, beers, cocktails); modern and comfortable atmosphere; music, especially in the evening.
A modern lounge bar, known for its elegant ambiance and relaxed atmosphere. It offers coffee, cocktails, and various drinks and is often frequented by young people.
Bar
It is a modern lounge bar, known for its elegant ambiance and relaxed atmosphere. It offers coffee, cocktails, and various drinks and is often frequented by young people.
This small, family-run hostel actually feels more like a home-stay. As March 2021 there are 2 buildings for guests: A dorm building with 8 beds and a small shed functioning as private room. Wifi available. Communal kitchen (outdoors), shower/WC (outdoors). The family lives on the premises and breakfast is served at the family's terrace. The host (mother) doesn't speak much English but there's always someone around to translate (the son, Eduart, is fluent in English and French).
Located in the heart of Elbasan, Garden Boutique Hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional Albanian hospitality. Just a short walk from the city's main attractions, including Elbasan Castle and the King's Mosque, the hotel provides easy access to both historical sites and local amenities.
The hotel features 10 allergy-friendly rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast with Italian and halal options, served daily. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, free private parking, a shared lounge, a bar, and a terrace. For those interested in exploring the area, the hotel offers bicycle rentals and can assist with car hire.
Set within the ancient walls of Elbasan Castle, Real Scampis Hotel offers a refined stay where history meets comfort. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a restaurant serving Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine, and a cozy bar and terrace. Surrounded by heritage landmarks, it’s an ideal base for exploring Elbasan’s historic center in a unique and elegant setting.
Veshje popullore
About 45 minute ride from Tirana with the bus through the semi-finished new motorway that is under construction in 2018.
Read in the guideBy taxi
Taxis are located close to the main square at the center of the city.
By bus
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