Tucked into the mountains just a short drive from Tirana, the historic town of Krujë is a must-see stop on any well-rounded Albania itinerary. And this list of things to do in Krujë, has everything you need to know.
Known for its dramatic mountaintop setting, medieval castle, and rich connection to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, this charming town offers a unique blend of culture, history, and incredible views.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or making it a weekend escape, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Krujë- from exploring ancient fortresses to shopping for handmade crafts in the bustling Krujë Bazaar.
This guide on things to do in Krujë will walk you through the best experiences this timeless Albanian gem has to offer.
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Things to Do in Krujë
Krujë is a great alternative to staying in Tirana before your flight home since it’s only 40 minutes from Krujë to Tirana Airport (vs. 30 minutes from the city of Tirana).
And this village has tons of character. From the gorgeous views to the perfect opportunity to purchase some last-minute souvenirs, Krujë is a great place to add to your Albania itinerary even if you just come on a day trip.
Below are some things to do in Krujë while you’re there.
🚎 You can also visit Krujë as a day trip from Tirana.
Krujë Bazaar
Lovely to wander and an excellent place to buy some souvenirs, the Krujë Bazaar is a great place to poke around. This cobblestone street lined with traditional Ottoman-style wooden shops is all about soaking in the atmosphere.
From the handmade rugs, to antique coins and furniture, to local honey and olive oil, to communist-era military items, there is so much to check out here. Just be warned that the shop owners will definitely try to sell you the entire shop- and if you have money to burn then go for it.
My hotel guy has a photo of how the bazaar used to look before the communists destroyed half of it. According to him, it stretched 2km right to the bottom of the castle which is absolutely incredible.
But even just wandering around this beautiful place is a joy. I went early one morning before the shops were open and it felt like an entirely different time period. I could imagine it filled with people selling food and household items 400 years ago when it was built.
Krujë Castle
The other must-see in the village is Krujë Castle. Perched on the hilltop, it has magnificent sweeping views out over the surrounding valley which alone makes it worth a visit.
Krujë Castle was built sometime in the 5th or 6th century- so old they’re not even sure when- and was the stronghold of national hero Skanderbeg, during his 15th century rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
You can wander around this well-preserved castle for free and check out the ruins, paintings, and views. But you might also want to visit the museums located within the castle walls for more in-depth info about the history of Albania.
Skanderbeg Museum
Located within the castle, the Skanderbeg Museum honors an Albanian national hero.
This 15th century military commander convinced the Albanian clans to fight against the Ottomans rather than each other. This strategy worked and they ended up keeping the Ottomans at bay for almost 40 years.
>> The Albanian flag comes from the Skanderbeg family standard- a double-headed eagle on a red background. 🇦🇱
With artifacts, armor, paintings, and reconstructions, the Skanderbeg Museum provides a deep dive into the country’s struggle for independence. The architecture of the museum blends traditional Albanian and medieval design which makes it interesting.
Ethnographic Museum
There are several museums around Albania showcasing the cultures of the country and how they have affected modern Albania. This ethnographic museum, however, is the best- and it’s the only one I found where you can actually climb up into the women’s area which is cool.
This Krujë museum is housed in an old family mansion that was confiscated by the communists then later declared a national treasure and turned into the current museum.
There are lots of exhibits on the bottom level about pressing olive oil and weaving but my favorite was the exhibit on making the national (and highly potent) drink, raki.
Upstairs, you’ll find traditionally furnished rooms, traditional clothing, and information about life in Albania in several languages.
And just like everywhere I traveled in Albania, the people are so proud to tell you all about their beautiful country so be sure to ask questions!
Hiking + Shrine
From Krujë, there are several paths you can take for a hike around the area. This challenging 2km path will lead you to some killer views.
If you keep going, it will also take you to Sari Salltik which is a shrine dedicated to a 13th century dervish and still a place of pilgrimage and one of the most holy sites in Albania.
Once you’ve made it to the top, you can choose to come back the way you came or take the road- along which you can find a few places to eat. You can also drive up and park near to the shrine if you prefer.
Albanian Cuisine
Have a traditional Albanian meal on the terrace of one of the local restaurants and try something new. There are many places with terraces that offer a fabulous view of the surrounding area- especially lovely at sunset.
The mountain towns of Albania make a dish called Tavë Kosi which is a casserole of lamb with rice with yogurt. Or try some kofte/qofte which are grilled meatballs (and are delish) or maybe try byrek which is flakey phyllo pastry stuffed with spinach or meat.
And don’t forget to have a fresh salad with the best feta cheese of your life. 🥗
Places near Krujë
Krujë is a small village and will take a day or less to see everything so you might want to combine it with some other places on your Albania itinerary.
>> If you’re staying in Tirana and want to see more of the country, you can join a tour that takes you to several places in a day (or longer) including Krujë.
🏢 Tirana is the closest, and largest, place near Krujë. It takes just over an hour to get there where you can see all the city sights.
☕️ The drive from Krujë to Shkoder is 1 ½ hours north and feels like a whole different world- it’s all about artsy café culture there- and it’s the entry point to the dramatic northern mountains.
🚗 Looking to rent a car? Just click HERE for the best deals in your area.
⛰️ If you’re looking for some incredible hiking, Theth (3 ½ hours north) is where you’ll want to go. Dramatic views, tons of hiking paths, waterfalls, and a Blue Eye spring that you can swim in. 🧿
>> If you’re traveling solo, tours are a great way to meet other travelers. 👋
🏖️ If you’re after beaches, head south to places like Dhermi (3 hours) for a mix of beach and a cute village, or down to Ksamil (4 hours) if you want to see the Insta-famous islands and Roman ruins.
🏰 If you think Krujë sounds great, check out Gjirokastër which is another mountain town with a beautiful cobblestone bazaar located 3 ½ hours south of Krujë.
Where to Stay in Krujë
Since it’s a small town, all the hotels are clustered around the old town so really, you can’t go wrong.
🏨 Check out Booking.com for more hotel options at all different price points
Here are some places to stay in Krujë that I recommend:
Villa Castriota
This is where I stayed because I wanted to be near the bazaar. Rooms have balconies- some looking out over the castle. There is onsite parking, delicious free breakfast (one morning with tiramisu), and Wi-Fi in a great location and with a very nice host.
Mervin Hotel
Also near the bazaar, this hotel offers great accommodations as well as a restaurant and bar to relax at the end of your day.
The House of Dollma
If you’d like to stay in the castle itself, you have several options and this elegant place is worth a look. It has gardens, a terrace that looks out over the town, and free parking.
Kruja Albergo Infusa
This hotel is also inside the castle walls and has a terrace, gardens, and a bar to enjoy a little sunset cocktail.
Where to Eat in Krujë
Just like all of Albania, the food in Krujë is absolutely delish. It is Greek-ish and Italian-ish but with its own spin so you can be sure you’ll find something good to eat while you’re visiting.
There are lots of places to grab a bite around the bazaar and castle and there is another cute area strung with lights that also has places to eat.
💧 Don’t drink the tap water- it can make you sick. But definitely try an Elbar beer if you see it on the menu. Or go crazy and have a shot of raki.
Here are some places to eat in Krujë that I recommend:
Restorant Bardhi
Incredible Albanian food with a stellar view. You can’t go wrong with this place located right next to the castle.
Restaurant Hotel Deal
At the bottom of the bazaar is this lovely place that has a balcony with an incredible view of the castle- especially at sunset. I especially loved the lemon meatball soup on a chilly evening.
Akullore Krujë
Being so close to Italy, Albanians do a good job with gelato and this one serves a pretty good one. Get a cone and wander the bazaar or just hang out and admire the view over the valley. Yum🍦
Fabiani Restaurant & Bar
Smack-dab in the middle of the bazaar, this place offers grilled meats, pizza, and risotto as well as a wide variety of drink options.
Transportation around Krujë
Whether you’re coming to Krujë on a day trip or spending a night or two, it’s easy to get around. And getting there is part of the experience. You’ll drive through lush hills and small villages along the way.
Getting to Krujë
The nearest airport is Tirana which is only 40 minutes away which makes getting to Krujë super easy. Or you might arrive from Italy or Greece via ferry or drive overland from one of the neighboring Balkan countries.
✈️ Looking for flights? Check HERE for all your options!
It’s only 40 minutes from Tirana Airport to Krujë so it is possible to get a taxi there. You also have the option of taking a bus (furgon) but they’re not the most reliable way to get somewhere on a schedule.
The best way to get around Albania is by renting a car– especially if you want to visit those off-the-beaten path places that make it so special (and you should!).
I promise that driving in Albania isn’t as bad as people might lead you to believe. If I- a certified scaredy cat- can do it, so can you.
🚗 Looking to rent a car? Just click HERE for the best deals in your area.
Getting around Krujë
Krujë is a small town so you’ll be able to walk everywhere you want to go. The only time you might need a ride is getting to and from the airport or if you’d like to see outside of the town.
What to Pack for Krujë
You don’t need to pack anything special, just make sure you have comfy shoes that won’t slip on the wet cobblestones in the bazaar or path leading up to the castle.
>> If you need help packing, I got you!
From Packing Tips to Capsule Wardrobes to free printable checklists and outfit planners in the ⭐️Travel Resource Library⭐️, I make it easy!
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Questions about Krujë
Is Krujë worth visiting?
If you want to see a place with charm and a lot of character, come check out Krujë as either a day trip from Tirana or instead of Tirana if you’re a fan of small towns like I am.
Is Krujë expensive?
Compared to the rest of Europe, Albania is inexpensive. And small towns are almost always less expensive than big cities so you can visit Krujë on a budget- it’s a great (less expensive) alternative to staying in Tirana at the beginning or end of your trip.
Is Albania safe for women?
Albania is very safe and a great place for a solo trip in Europe. You need to take the usual precautions of course, but I felt completely safe everywhere I went. For more info about how to stay safe when you travel, check out my guide to Solo Travel Safety Travel Tips for Women.
Whether you’re a history buff, culture traveler, or simply someone who enjoys beautiful landscapes, Krujë is a unique village to add to your Albania itinerary. Happy travels… 🇦🇱 ⛰️ 🏰
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