Visiting Kruja as a Day Trip From Tirana
Kruja is a historic gem in Albania, known for its strong connection to the country’s national hero, Skanderbeg, and thanks to its unique location, it’s often called “The City Beyond the Sky”.
Naturally, we couldn’t leave Kruja off our Albania itinerary, so we planned a day trip from Tirana, the last stop of our road trip.
Located just 45 minutes from the capital, Kruja offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning views.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the ancient Kruja Castle, walking through the town’s bustling marketplace, or simply taking in the panoramic mountain scenery, Kruja is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences visiting Kruja as a day trip from Tirana, highlight what you can see there, and provide helpful tips for your trip!
But let’s begin with the most crucial question: what’s the best way to reach Kruja?
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How to Get to Kruja From Tirana
To get to Kruja from Tirana, you have several options to consider:
By Car
Since we had a rental car for our road trip through Albania, we chose to drive to Kruja. This allowed us the flexibility to explore at our own pace.
From Tirana, the drive is approximately 40–45 minutes. The roads are in good condition, and the scenic route through Albania’s mountainous landscapes makes for a pleasant trip.
In Kruja, you can park at a lot called “Parking 24H”, a small, privately run spot managed by a friendly older gentleman. It was the most affordable option we found online, costing about ALL 400, or roughly $4, for the entire day.
By Public Transport
For those without a car, direct buses run regularly from Tirana’s Regional Bus Terminal between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, departing approximately every hour.
Tickets are affordable, costing around ALL 150–200 each way, and the ride takes about an hour. The bus drops you near the town center so that you can start your exploration right away.
By Organized Tour
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, booking an organized tour is another option.
Some tours offer transportation, guided visits to key attractions, and even lunch. It’s a great choice if you want everything planned for you.
Tours you might find interesting:
What to See & Do in Kruja
Although Kruja is a lot smaller than Tirana, there are plenty of things you can do on a day trip from Tirana.
Kruja Castle & Skanderbeg Museum
Kruja Castle is a must-visit in the town, both for its historical importance and scenic views from its hilltop location.
The fortress played a central role in Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire, led by Skanderbeg. Housed within the castle, the Skanderbeg Museum honors Albania’s national hero with a well-curated collection of weapons, documents, and personal items.
The castle grounds are open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and wandering around them is free.
The museum, open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, has an entrance fee of ALL 500. If you’re passionate about history, it’s worth the time to explore, though if museums aren’t a priority, you might skip this one.
Allow yourself at least 1–2 hours here to take in both the museum and the panoramic views.
Kruja Bazaar (Old Bazaar)
Strolling through the Old Bazaar feels like stepping into a scene from the past, with its cobblestone streets and a delightful array of traditional goods.
The marketplace is open daily from morning until evening (I couldn’t find specific opening hours), but I highly recommend visiting earlier in the day to avoid the crowds, as it tends to get quite busy in the afternoon – speaking from experience.
The bazaar was my favorite place, filled with colorful displays of traditional Albanian souvenirs.
However, I found the shouting of the dealers trying to sell their wares a bit overwhelming at times – especially with the narrow streets crowded with people and shops lining both sides.
Ethnographic Museum
When we visited Kruja in May 2024, they were still renovating the Ethnographic Museum, which later reopened in July 2024.
Housed in an Ottoman-style home, the museum offers a glimpse into daily Albanian life during the Ottoman period, featuring fascinating displays of traditional tools and clothing.
For anyone fascinated by cultural artifacts, this museum is likely a worthwhile visit.
I would have loved to see it during our trip, but I guess that’s a sign I need to go back and explore it for myself!
Sari Saltik Tekke
Just outside Kruja, at an elevation of 1,176 meters on Mount Skenderbeu, you’ll find a remarkable shrine dedicated to Sari Salltik, a 13th-century mystic saint of the Bektashi faith.
Nestled within a cave, the shrine features a tekke – a Sufi monastery for meditation – offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
You can either enjoy a scenic 1–1.5-hour hike to the chapel or drive there for easier access.
Tours you might find interesting:
Useful Tips For Visiting Kruja From Tirana
To ensure a smooth and memorable experience in Kruja, take a look at the following few tips I’ve gathered for your trip.
Start Early
To make the most of your day trip, I recommend leaving Tirana early in the morning, around 8:00 – 9:00 am.
This will give you plenty of time to explore Kruja’s main attractions without feeling rushed, and you’ll avoid the crowds that tend to gather later in the day, especially in the bazaar.
Plus, it’s always better to have extra time at the end than to risk a hurried visit and miss out on anything.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Kruja’s streets are mostly cobblestone, especially in the Old Bazaar and around the castle, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
The town is also hilly, and you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so be prepared for some uphill climbs.
Bring Cash
While some shops and restaurants in Kruja accept credit cards, we found it helpful to carry cash for small purchases, especially in the bazaar.
ATMs are available in the town center, but it’s always easier to have some cash on hand for entrance fees and souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
Kruja is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and it’s less crowded than during the summer holidays.
We visited at the beginning of May, and the weather was perfect – sunny but not too hot – for a casual city exploration.
Tours you might find interesting:
Check out:
Top 10 Best Things to do in Tirana For First-Timers
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Do you want to travel like me?
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Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, so I book an Airbnb every now and then.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.