From Hills to Heritage — The Beautiful Road to Berat
Morning Light, Mountains & Wine: Tirana → Berat Ride
I embarked on one of my most memorable rides yet — leaving Tirana at dawn and rolling through Belsh, the Dumre lakes, and winding into Berat. The day was long (107.1 km, 1,355 m of climbing) Strava, but every moment was alive.
Dawn Departure & Belsh Lake
I departed early, with the sun just beginning to stretch its light over the hills. The first major pause was at Belsh Lake — a quiet, reflective stop. The water, soft morning tones, and stillness made it the perfect moment to breathe and reset.
I captured a few frames: ripples on the water, the bike leaning by the shore, the sky’s blush.
Dumre Lakes & Panoramic Roads
From there, I entered the Dumre lakes area — rolling terrain, mirror-like lakes, and panoramic roads that climb and descend, revealing new views at every bend. The light shifted, shadows played, and the bike felt light under me.
Arriving in Berat & Evening Moments
I reached Berat in golden hour, heading up toward Berat Castle. The ancient city hushed in the evening; stone houses, narrow alleys, reflections in the Osum river.
Dinner was local, homey — traditional food and a few glasses of authentic wine. Laughter, music, stories — those are the quiet treasures a good ride brings.
Return via Krrabë & High Mountain Roads
The next morning, I began the return to Tirana. But not by highway — a high mountain route through Krrabë, through pine woods, villages, and air so fresh it felt new. No cars, just road, wind, and the ride’s pulse.
The descent into Tirana was calm, gradual, with scenes of villages and lush green views before arriving back home.
Ride Summary
| Detail | Tirana → Berat (Leg 1) | Berat → Tirana (Leg 2) |
| Distance | 93.7 km | 107.1 km |
| Duration | 3h 58m 14s | 5h 18m 44s |
| Elevation Gain | 1,064 m | 1,355 m |
| Average Speed | 20.2 km/h | 23.6 km/h |
| Max Speed | 56.7 km/h | 62.6 km/h |
| Calories | 3,092 | 3,122 |
| Highlights | Morning coffee & cake at Belsh Lake ☕, panoramic Dumre lakes 🌿, arrival at Berat Castle 🏰, traditional food & local wine 🍷, music 🎶 | Early ride in fresh mountain air 🌲, coffe at Dumrea Ecopark, peaceful Krraba panoramic road 🚴♂️, villages & pine forests 🌄, long descent into Tirana 🌇 |