The history of Albania: The beauty of Kruja and the National Park of Qafshtama

What to see in Kruja

Kruja city is located 600 meters above sea-level, between steep mountains, freshwater sources, and green valleys. It is not a coincidence that “Kruja” in Albanian stands means for WATER FLOW, the water sources have always been an important factor in the area. If you are planning to spend your vacation in Albania, it’s worth adding Kruja to your itinerary and considering what you must see there. According to an old Albanian saying, “if you haven’t seen Kruja, you haven’t seen Albania”. This city is a must-see-visit in Albania. It was founded by the ancient Illyrians, ancestors of Albanians, Kruja will leave get you amazed at every street corner along with the breathtaking landscapes.

What Kruja and the National Park of Qafshtama tour includes

Kruja tour is the tour of origin and holds the treasures of Albania history in its streets, culture, and museums. Here we can find traces of life that date back to the third century BC, a time when the Illyrian tribe of Albani built their settlements. Kruja is also the place where you will find the walls of the castle that date back to V-VI century AC.

The tour starts from the old Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in Albania. Old habitats, well-conserved are among the artisan shops where you can buy products of all kinds. In Kruja Bazaar, also known as “Pazari i Derexhiut”, you can see the historical shops, organized just like the old times. You walk through the untouched facades and feel the magical atmosphere.

Here you can find many handmade products by the local artisans, products that represent the Albanian craftsmanship. Continuing on the street to the castle, you will reach the highest spot in the city where you can take a break and enjoy the breathtaking view. In the interior of the castle, you will find the famous Skanderbeg Museum or also known as the Kruja castle museum, dedicated to the Albanian National Hero, and you will be able to see the story of Albanian people against the Ottomans. The story of Skanderbeg is the story of a man, a general that kept the Albanian territories out of the Turkish invasion for twenty-five years. After the visit to the castle, you will have enough time to enjoy a typical meal at one of the many traditional restaurants in the area. And if you are not sure where to eat in Kruja, you can always ask our guide.

In the afternoon you will finally reach the Entographical Museum. It is where the true values of Albanian culture are seen through: artifacts, ethnographic findings, costumes, and musical instruments.

Before returning to Tirana, the last part of the tour, is dedicated to nature. The visit to the Qafë-Shtamë National park, also known as Qafshtama Park. It is an oasis of precious value, protected and to be valued. Here you can see the waterfalls and streams, forests populated by foxes, wolves and brown bears. You can get completely lost in the immense beauty of an untouched place. 

•Due the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs.

•This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchair. 

•In case of hot weather we suggest you to bring a cap with you.

•Reach the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure time.