What to do in Kruje

There is a national pride that remains in Kruje and Krujtanes are very proud of their national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti (Skendebeg). If you come to Kruja you must visit the Kalaja (castle), it’s museum and also the Graphical Museum for a treat on historical elements of Shqepreia (Albania). The old Bazaar is great for a stroll and bargaining is allowed. The food is great at the local Panarama Hotel and also the Grand Hotel, (haven’t known anyone who has been sick from them), which is more than I can say from the places within the Castle walls. Nevertheless they have a charm all their own, in summer days it is great to dine outside – and boy the view is to die for!

If you like a good climb head up the mountain. The track is good – may be hard for some but if you like adventure go to the top for a look around. There are some great spots for a picnic up there – you can play the 2 main national sports volleyball or football (bring your own ball of course). Bring food but the water from the mountain near the top was excellent for drinking at the time of writing. Very pure, Kruje is known to have the best water in all Albania. There is also a burial place for the Bectashi faith at the top.

By the way – always assume that they are using Old Leke for prices, where they say a thousand but mean a hundred (but not in supermarket). Just everywhere else where they tell you the price. Unless they speak English of course and if they do that they are obviously out to rip you off! lol

Getting here is easy just go to Zogel i zi in Tirana before the hour and you will see a big bus with Kruje in the windscreen. It goes every hour except 2 o’clock and it will cost you 100 leke. It will take you to the top where the town is and you can find your way from there. You can leave the same way or on a Furgon, which could be around 150 leke.