adminqqw, Author at Gazheli Rent

Ksamil, Albania: Things To Do in 2024

adminqqw — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:50:13 +0000

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ksamil with Gazheli Rent, offering convenient car rental services for an unforgettable adventure. When you first lay eyes on the incredible scenery of Ksamil, you’d almost think that you were standing on the shores of Italy or Greece. However, this stunning location, with turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches, is actually in Albania! Nestled in the southern part of the country, the area of Ksamil is a real summertime treat. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, swim in crystal clear water, or enjoy the area’s historic tales and nature – there are lots of things to do in and around town. Discover all the best things to do in Ksamil, Albania.

Things to do in Ksamil

Ksamil is one of the beautiful coastal towns along the Albanian Riviera. It’s home to some incredible beaches that look almost exactly like those in the south of France (hence the name!). Here, crystal clear waters back onto soft sandy shorelines dotted with colorful umbrellas.

1. Visit the Beaches

Ksamil has a stunning coastline, with water and beaches mimicking those of what you see in places such as the Maldives. The beautifully diverse beaches and hidden coves are loved by locals and tourists alike, making Ksamil a popular beach destination during the summer. Bring a book, rent a sunbed, and spend your days enjoying the refreshing water and incredible scenery.

Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer holidays, it’s recommended to book a sunbed the day before. The beaches in Ksamil fill up quickly, including the loungers. A sunbed typically costs between 1000 – 2000 LEK (10,90 – 21,80 USD) for the day.

There are many beaches you can choose from, from long stretches of soft sand to quiet pebble beaches off the beaten path. The main beach in front of Ksamil town is the busiest one. Nevertheless, it’s also one of the best beaches in the area, as it perfectly highlights the sea’s beautiful turquoise color. This is a great area to walk along the wooden docks, rent a paddle board or kayak for the day, or relax at one of the seaside restaurants.

2. Butrint National Park

About a 15-minute drive south of Ksamil, nestled in the forest, you’ll find Butrint National Park: a stunning 29-square-kilometer park and important archaeological site. This protected area is a time portal, offering a fascinating journey through various ages of history. Wander amongst the ruins of the impressive works of the ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottoman Empire.

3. Explore Nearby Islands

Situated within the boundaries of the stunning Butrint National Park are 4 small uninhabited islands. These wild rocky islets lie just off the coast of Ksamil and can immediately be seen from the beach.

Apart from admiring them from the beach, you can also easily explore the islands. Hire a kayak or a SUP and paddle out to the rocky outcrops, jumping in the water whenever you feel like cooling off. You can also choose to swim to the closest two, though they’re only covered in a few patches of sand and greenery.

To get to the furthest two, which are actually connected by a thin strip of sand, you can hop on a water taxi. Once you get to the islets, enjoy the quiet while sunbathing on the shore next to the amazingly clear turquoise water.

If you want to rent a car and explore the breathtaking scenery of Ksamil and its surrounding areas with ease, consider Gazheli Rent for a convenient and comfortable experience.

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Theth: Most Beautiful Mountain Village in Albania

adminqqw — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:48:56 +0000

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Theth with Gazheli Car Rent, your reliable companion for exploring Albania’s hidden gems. Discover beautiful Theth, a traditional village that sits deep at the heart of the Albanian Alps. Situated at the end of a winding mountain road, Theth is home to just a few houses surrounded by looming mountain peaks and meadows full of wildflowers. Watch slow village life unfold, wander the roads with the hillside cows, and enjoy some of the most incredible hikes. Find out all you need to know about visiting Theth, Albania!

Things to do in Theth, Albania

Welcome to Theth—a quaint mountain village and one of the best places to visit in all of Albania! The landscape here rivals one you’d find in the Swiss Alps; the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains look over the town and green fields filled with cows and goats.

Tip: The people in the village are lovely and will be very accommodating to help you with anything. You might not be able to speak Albanian, but Google Translate will help you along the way.

1. Theth Village Life

Local life is very traditional in Theth, and you’ll still see the farmers herding sheep and cows along the remote roads.

Within the village itself, you’ll find one long street that hugs the riverside with sweet houses, guesthouses, and campsites (with good facilities). There’s also a beautiful church close to the edge of town that has some of the best views we’ve ever seen!

The road to Theth, Albania

These days, it’s really easy to access Theth, as the road is newly paved (the road reopened in 2022). Until recently, there was no paved road to Theth, and you could only reach the village by 4×4.

2. Valbonë Pass Hike

Aside from the charming village, the area is famous for the Valbonë Pass hike, a long walk through the mountains, and one of the most rewarding and beautiful parts of any Albania itinerary. The hike moves up through the mountains, passing through forests, grasslands, bubbling streams, and meadows full of flowers and boulders.

As you go, you’ll hear barely any sounds, just the sounds of nature; birds, crickets, and colorful butterflies. We even had a group of friendly dogs following us!

Tip: The hike is best done in the month’s May to October when the weather is good. In the winter, the hike won’t be possible due to the snow.

Directions to the peak (half-loop)

First, walk straight past the mini market until you see the white and red flag signs on your right. Follow these and begin your ascent up through the forest. From the start to the cafe near the top, it takes around 2.5/3 hours. You can stop here for a drink and a snack and then hike another 45 minutes up to the top of the peak.

3. Hike to Theth Waterfall

Just 45 minutes from Theth village is the beautiful Grunasi Waterfall, a huge 25-meter-high cascade that falls from a dramatic limestone cliff. It’s a 45-minute walk each way that crosses rocky paths and follows along the mountain river before heading up into the woods. As you go, discover wonderful views out across the mountain peaks—this is nature at its finest!

When you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the pool below. However, be aware that the water is freezing! If it’s the summer, bring your swimsuit and brave the water for a refreshing end to your hike. Because of the water droplets here, you might even be lucky enough to see a rainbow at the foot of the falls.

Tip: We recommend walking to Grunasi Waterfall in the morning to avoid crowds and have the most peaceful hike. This hike is also the beginning of the hike you’ll take to the Blue Eye.

4. Discover the Blue Eye of Theth.

You may have heard of the popular Sarande Blue Eye, but Theth also has its very own Blue Eye. The Blue Eye near Theth (Syri i Kaltër in Albanian) is a deep water pool set deep within limestone rock.

It’s said to resemble a blue eye because of its bright blue color in the center that slowly descends out into lighter blues and greens. This incredible color and clear water come as a result of the depth of the water and the vegetation surrounding it, making it one of the most blissful places to swim. Plus, there’s also a waterfall that cascades down into the pool below.

The Blue Eye near Theth is high up in the mountains and much higher than the one at Sarande, making it even colder, but it’s still worth it for a refreshing dip (although we wouldn’t recommend swimming outside of the summer months). What’s more, make sure to visit before 3 PM, as after this time the sun sets behind the mountains, and it will be very cold.

5. Visit the Church in Theth

This beautiful church is an icon of Theth and truly looks like something out of a fairytale. The grey-tiled roofed church sits in the middle of an open meadow, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and wildflowers. The story goes that people originally came to Theth to practice their faith undisturbed in the peace of nature, and it’s easy to see why!

The church dates all the way back to 1892, and over the years, it has been a school and even a health center during the communist regime. Nowadays, it’s still used by locals as a place of worship, visible from all around with its rooftop cross. After immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich history of the Church in Theth, continue your exploration of this captivating village with the convenience of a car rental from Gazheli Rent.

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Berat, Albania: The City of a Thousand Windows

adminqqw — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:42:27 +0000

Start your amazing trip to Berat with a rental car from Gazheli Rent, ensuring free and convenient movement to discover all the wonders this great city in Albania has to offer. If there’s one place you have to visit in Albania, make it beautiful Berat—also known as ‘the city of a thousand windows’. Discover this wonderful town home to two ancient neighborhoods, filled with traditional Ottoman houses and divided by the River Osum. Use your days to wander the cobblestone streets, explore the bustling markets, and see a beautiful mountain sunset from the ruins of the Byzantine Castle. Enjoy all the top things to do in Berat, Albania!

Things to do in Berat, Albania

Berat is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. Here you’ll discover a stunning bridge crossing the River Osum that unites two hillside neighborhoods. As you wander the cobbled streets, you’ll also find mosques, churches, and ruins home to friendly neighborhood cats.

There’s plenty of history to be discovered in Berat, which is why the historic center is a designated UNESCO. Additionally, the town has newer parts—namely, the main pedestrian boulevard. Here, you can discover many cafes, restaurants, and shops where families gather at the end of the day.

Tip: Berat is just a stone’s throw from beautiful nature and wineries, making it a great jumping-off point for day trips.

1. Berat Castle

Berat Castle is one of the top things to do in Berat. This 13th-century structure is also the biggest castle in Albania, its ancient walls telling the story of Berat. Most interesting is that locals still live within the citadel walls, meaning you’ll find houses, shops, and stalls within the castle quarter. It’s essentially its own village!

To get there, you have two roads you can follow up the hill. Halfway up this route, you can also find a shortcut where you zig-zag over a gravel path. Once you reach the top, it’s very picturesque, with beautiful views all over the valley. Plus, you can also climb on the walls for fantastic sunset views.

Entrance Fee and Opening Times for Berat Castle

The entrance fee for Berat Castle is 300 LEK (2.70 USD) between 9 AM – 6 PM. However, it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can get free entrance if you visit outside the primary hours.

We recommend allowing yourself a few hours for exploring and extra time if you want to visit the museum. You can also join an organized tour of Berat Castle for more information.

2. Visit Berat’s Red Mosque (Top Thing to do in Berat)

On top of the hill, within the citadel, sits the ruins of one of the oldest mosques in the country! An icon of the religion within Albania, the Red Mosque was also the first in Berat. Sadly, there is now only the minaret left and the remains of some of the walls, although this doesn’t take away from its beauty and importance.

Because of its demise, it is not an active place of worship. However, you can still find several active mosques in the old town of Berat (Mangalem)

Did you know? Over half the population of Albania is Muslim, making it the most followed religion in the country.

3. Explore the Old Town of Mangalem

Mangalem is the beating heart of the town and one of the top things to do in Berat. The picture-perfect old city of Berat is home to Ottoman houses sprawled up the hillside and many window panes that have earnt Berat the name ‘the city of a thousand windows’.

Mangalem used to be the Muslim quarter historically, while across the banks of the river lay Gorica, the Christian neighborhood. These days, there is no difference between the two, and both make up the old town of Berat.

Spend some time in Mangalem, strolling around the cobblestone streets and getting a feel for the medieval atmosphere. Look out for all the beautiful buildings in the area, from Orthodox churches to the distinct Ottoman houses that make the town so unique.

4. Gorica Bridge

Gorica Bridge is one of the main things to do in Berat and is well-known because of the many photos that have been taken of it. The old stone bridge, with its 7 arches, links the neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica across the river. Walk across the bridge to see a view of both neighborhoods with the towering mountains and castle in the background; simply beautiful!

5. Discover the Neighborhood of Gorica

Gorica is the lesser visited of the two old town neighborhoods—but it’s just as beautiful! Cross the bridge and discover a maze of cobbled alleys that worm up the steep hill to the top of Gorica Hill. At the top, you’ll get the most incredible views across to Mangalem and the castle (the perfect place to visit at sunset).

Gorica is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in town. It’s the ideal place to see a glimpse of traditional Berat life as you watch locals going about their days, children playing, and people gathering to enjoy a well-earned bite to eat.

6. Church of the Holy Trinity

Within the Citadel walls, discover the beautiful Church of the Holy Trinity, an incredible Byzantine church on the hilltop of Berat. Every ancient stone and tile that makes up this building shows just how extensive the history is. In fact, the church dates all the way back to the 13th century!

7. Join a Tour of Osum Canyon (Top Thing to do in Berat)

Got more time on your visit to Berat? If you do, don’t miss out on visiting the great Osum Canyon! This colossal gorge is Albania’s largest canyon, home to some beautiful nature and some of the most spectacular views. Take a tour, where you’ll experience the views from above the gorge, as well as climb down into the sheer canyon to swim in the refreshing river. This area also becomes popular in the summer for rafting, an exciting activity to do on your trip to Berat.

Osum Canyon is a 1.5 hour drive from Berat. However, although you can reach it by car, its remoteness means that sometimes the roads aren’t always in the best condition. For this reason, we recommend booking an organized tour, including your activities and return transportation. Make sure you arrive and explore Osum Canyon with ease and comfort by using Gazheli Rent’s car rental service for your trip to Berat.

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