Spending 24 hours in Kruja, Albania, is a must-do if you are visiting the north of the country. While Albania has lots of historically important sites, including Berat and Gjirokaster, it is Kruja that holds a special place in the heart of many local people. This is because it was the site of resistance to the Ottoman invasion of the 15th century, led by the country’s national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg.

The popularity of Skanderbeg is evident by the huge museum dedicated to him within the grounds of Kruja Castle. The town also has a famous bazaar, where you can still see traditional crafts being made. 

It is easy to get to Kruja from Tirana, although if you are planning on driving in Albania, read this first. If you want to extend your stay, you could easily spend the night here, which we did, staying in this lovely airbnb. However, it’s also very easy to do as a day trip from Tirana or Durres with one of these tours:

Is Kruja in Albania worth visiting?

Kruja in Albania is definitely worth visiting, for its historical importance and link to Skanderbeg, the old bazaar and its delicious food. 

It’s easy to add Kruja into a 10 day itinerary for north Albania. Or even if you are planning an itinerary for south Albania you can still do this as a day trip from Tirana before heading down the coast.

How long should you spend in Kruja, Albania?

Realistically you could spend half a day in Kruja, and many tour groups do. However, what I liked about spending 24 hours there was that you get to see the town when most of the tourists have left. If possible get out early in the morning, before the bazaar opens, to really appreciate the Ottoman style buildings which line the narrow cobbled streets.

Likewise, eating dinner in Kruja in the evening is really special, especially if you choose a restaurant looking out over the town, which provides fantastic views. If you decide to stay in Kruja, I would recommend opting for accommodation in the old town, as then you’ll be close to the main attractions.

If you don’t have a full day to spend in Kruja, you can easily book a tour from Tirana which will make sure you get the chance to check out all of the important sights during your visit. 

Visiting Kruja, Albania

Visiting Kruja in Albania gives you a great insight into the history and traditions of the country. We stayed there at the end of our 10 day trip through north Albania and it was a lovely way to finish it. 

Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Kruja, Albania:

24 hours in Kruja – Morning – Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg Museum and the National Ethnographic Museum

Start your 24 hours in Kruja at the town’s main attraction. Kruja Castle sits high above the city and can be accessed by walking through the Old Bazaar. If you have stayed in town the previous night, it’s worth walking through the bazaar before 9am if you can. This allow you to see the traditional Ottoman buildings with their wooden shutters closed, before the busyness of the day begins. 

Standing proudly on the edge of a rocky cliff, Kruja Castle is a symbol of the resilience of the Albanian people. Inside you can see an Old Clock Tower, a former church, which later became a mosque and the foundations of some of the houses where inhabitants of the castle would have lived.

A word of warning, when we visited in April 2024 some of the site seemed to be under construction. The Old Clock Tower was undergoing some serious structural work and you couldn’t get too close to it.

Also, if you are visiting Albania with kids, remember there is not the same level of health and safety you may expect in other countries. So keep your children close by on the boundaries of the castle, as there are sheer drops.

The Skanderbeg Museum is the main attraction of the site and is really interesting. It costs 500 lek for adults and children are free. As its name suggests, the museum tells the story of Skanderbeg, including his early life and military achievements. It has information boards in English and you can also hire an English speaking guide at the entrance. It’s not a particularly child-friendly museum, although strangely enough my three-year-old really enjoyed hearing the stories about various conquests.

Within the castle complex there is also the National Ethnographic Museum. I was looking forward to taking my little adventurers to this museum, located in an Ottoman house built in 1764. Considered to be one of the most unique museums in Albania, it tells the stories of the country’s customs and traditions throughout the centuries. However, unfortunately for us, it was closed for a public holiday when we visited.

If you’re looking for lunch options, a number of restaurants are located in the castle grounds. However, I would advise heading back to the main street to one of the restaurants which overlook the town below. Our particular favourite was Deal, which has a balcony view of both the castle and the rooftops of Kruja.

24 hours in Kruja – Afternoon – Explore the Old Bazaar 

After lunch explore the bazaar, which is one of the oldest in the country. I’ll be honest and say that it does feel very touristy. While it is possible to see traditionally made table cloths, rugs and wooden utensils, there is also a huge amount of tat for sale, which is quite difficult when you’re travelling with children! I also found the stall holders much more pushy than in Gjirokaster. I like to take my time looking at things in markets, but I felt like there was always someone right next to me telling me the price of everything.

However, we did buy a beautiful handwoven rug. If possible, I would advise going into one of the shops with a huge loom. It’s fascinating watching the women create the woollen rugs and definitely makes you appreciate how much work goes into them.

I also enjoyed checking out the antiques and memorabilia for sale in some shops. Treasures ranged from copper plates and buckets, to helmets and medals from various wars over the years.

When you’re all shopped out, choose one of the many coffee shops along the route to stop and catch your breath. 

24 hours in Kruja – Evening – Sample some of the region’s specialities at dinner with a view

Kruja is a great spot to try some of the traditional food from the north of Albania. During our visit we tried qofta (minced meat rissoles) and tave (meat baked with egg and cheese). I’d also recommend ordering the turshi (pickled vegetables) which is usually homemade and therefore different everywhere you go.

After dinner wander through the cobbled streets and it really does feel as though you are stepping back in time.

How do I get to Kruja, Albania?

To get to Kruja, Albania you can travel by car from Tirana. It is 40km from the capital and takes about an hour. The route is pretty straightforward and Kruja is an easy city to navigate. However, you should be prepared for driving in Albania, as it may be different to what you are used to.

Once in the town, also be prepared for the narrow streets, which can be quite steep. We watched one car get stuck on a tight bend and a group of locals had to push it back up the hill! On-street parking can also be quite tricky if its not included with your accommodation. 

What is the temperature like in Kruja, Albania?

The temperature in Kruja varies greatly and is definitely dependent on the time of year you visit. If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Albania, don’t forget the summer can get very hot. In the summertime temperatures in Kruja tend to range from 26C-29C. However in winter temperatures can get as low as -1C. So the best months to go if you like a more comfortable temperature are the shoulder months of May and September.

We spent our 24 hours in Kruja at the end of April and it was warm enough not to need coats. However, it can often still be chilly at this time of year.

Is Kruja in Albania safe?

We felt very safe during our time in Kruja in Albania. We stayed about 15 minutes from the bazaar and walked around a number of quiet backstreets, but always felt safe.

According to the UK government, more than 120,000 British nationals visit Albania every year. Most visits are trouble-free. However, as when you’re visiting any new place, it is always worth being aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut if you don’t feel comfortable somewhere and always keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas. 

Like everywhere we visited during our holiday, we found the locals to be very welcoming. They especially love children and our little adventurers always got VIP treatment wherever we went. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed my recommendations for how to spend 24 hours in Kruja. As always, let me know if you have any questions! I’ve also written lots about the country here: travelling in Albania: Everything you need to know before you go.