Krujë clings to a mountainside north of Tirana, and its castle was the stronghold of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, who held off Ottoman armies here in the 15th century.
A restored Ottoman bazaar leads up to the castle, lined with shops selling carpets, felt hats and antiques. It's an easy half-day trip from Tirana and very close to the airport, so it also works on your first or last day.
Don't miss in Krujë
- The Skanderbeg Museum inside the castle walls
- The Ethnographic Museum in a traditional Ottoman-era house
- Browsing the old bazaar
- Views over the plain to the coast
How to get to Krujë
- From Tirana: about 1 hour by car or bus.
- From Tirana airport: around 30–40 minutes by car.
Watch out for
- The bazaar's cobbles are steep and slippery.
- Museums are usually closed one day a week; check before you go.
- Bargain politely in the bazaar.
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