Cities and destinations · 📍 Elbasan
Elbasan by rental car: the castle, the thermal spa and Summer Day
The city in the middle of Albania: a castle that is still lived in, thermal springs and a starting point towards Pogradec, Korçë and Gramsh.
Elbasan lies in the heart of the country, on the Shkumbin river, where the Via Egnatia once passed. Its centre is the Ottoman castle, where people still live, with quiet streets, cafés and old monuments. With the new road from Tirana, Elbasan by car is also a natural stop on the way to Pogradec, Korçë or Mount Gjinar.
The road from Tirana and parking in Elbasan
The Tirana–Elbasan road passes through the Krrabë tunnel and has made the trip much shorter. After the tunnel the descent towards the city is long and steep: use a low gear and do not overheat the brakes. In town the centre around the castle is busy at peak hours. Park in the car parks outside the walls or on side streets and enter the castle on foot through the Bazaar Gate.
What to see in Elbasan
Elbasan Castle
Castle
15th-century walls on the foundations of the Roman fort of Scampa, with gates, towers and inhabited quarters inside. Walking its streets is free.
King Mosque and Saint Mary's Church
Place of worship
Two monuments inside the castle, a few metres apart, that show the city's religious coexistence.
Ethnographic Museum
Museum
A traditional house with everyday objects, costumes and crafts of the area.
Day trips from Elbasan
Llixhat e Elbasanit
Nature
Thermal springs known since Roman times, with hotels and treatment centres.
The Belsh lakes
Lake
Dozens of small karst lakes on the Dumrea plain, quiet and green, with a promenade around the main lake.
- Pogradec and Lake Ohrid: 1 hour 20 minutes. See Pogradec by car.
- Gramsh, Librazhd and Shebenik park: read the guide to the east of Elbasan.
- Berat via Kuçovë: about 1 hour 30 minutes. See Berat by car.
Summer Day and practical tips
On 14 March Elbasan celebrates Summer Day (Dita e Verës), an ancient pagan feast marking the arrival of spring. The city fills with people, concerts and ballokume, Elbasan's traditional biscuits. If you come that day, set off early and park away from the centre.
- Summer in Elbasan is very hot: visit the castle in the morning or evening.
- Fuel stations are plentiful at the city entrances and along the road to Librazhd.
- For distances to other towns use the distances table.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Tirana to Elbasan?
About 50 minutes without traffic, through the Krrabë tunnel.
Where should I park to visit Elbasan Castle?
In the car parks outside the walls or on side streets. Inside the castle the streets are narrow and residential.
When is Summer Day celebrated?
On 14 March every year, with celebrations across the city.
How far is the Llixha thermal spa?
About 20 minutes by car south of the city.
