Autumn Day in the Shadows of Heroes: From Tirana to Krujë

#falladventures

A day trip from Tirana to Krujë is one of the most rewarding escapes from the capital—close, cheap, and full of history.

I recommend you start early from the North Bus Terminal (just a short taxi ride from the city centre) and hop on a furgon heading to Krujë. My ride took less than an hour, winding through hills and small villages for just a couple of euros.

Arriving in Krujë felt like stepping back in time. The cobbled bazaar street, lined with wooden shops and colourful carpets, had the scent of wood polish and mountain air. From there, I walked uphill to the castle, a stone fortress clinging to the mountainside with sweeping views all the way to the Adriatic. Inside the castle walls stands the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero who led the resistance against the Ottomans in the 15th century.

Fun fact: Krujë was Skanderbeg’s actual stronghold, and legend says he could spot enemy armies from the castle long before they reached the valley below. Standing there, looking at the vast plains, it’s easy to believe.

After the museum, I had lunch at a small terrace restaurant overlooking the valley—tavë kosi and a glass of cold mineral water, simple but perfect. Later, I caught another furgon back to Tirana, watching the mountains fade into dusk through the window.

The whole trip took less than a day and cost under ten euros, yet it felt like a real journey through Albania’s past—a mix of legend, landscape, and living history.

#autumnseason #europeonbudget #albania #history #kruje #bazaar #instagramworthydestinations

Post by Lavinia Popescu | Nov 4, 2025