Published by Hotel 6 Marsi Team
Staying in Golem puts you at the perfect starting point for some of Albania’s most rewarding day trip adventures. While our beautiful beach and pool are certainly tempting reasons to stay put, the surrounding region offers everything from dramatic mountain scenery to UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional villages, and pristine natural wonders. Here’s your guide to the most exciting adventures within easy reach of Hotel 6 Marsi.
Tirana: Capital City Energy (40 minutes)
Albania’s vibrant capital is surprisingly close to Golem, making it perfect for a day of urban exploration. Tirana has transformed dramatically over the past decade, evolving from a closed communist city into one of the Balkans’ most colorful and energetic capitals.
Skanderbeg Square and the Heart of the City
Skanderbeg Square is where every Tirana adventure begins. This massive pedestrian plaza is surrounded by some of Albania’s most important buildings and tells the story of the country’s complex 20th-century history.
The National Historical Museum dominates one side of the square with its impressive socialist realist mosaic depicting Albanian workers, peasants, and soldiers. Inside, you’ll find everything from ancient Illyrian artifacts to exhibits about life under communist rule. The museum provides crucial context for understanding modern Albania.
The Et’hem Bey Mosque, dating to the early 1800s, is one of the oldest buildings in Tirana and represents the Ottoman heritage that still influences Albanian culture today. What makes it particularly interesting is that it remained closed during the communist era and only reopened in 1991, making it a symbol of Albania’s religious revival.
Bunk’Art: Underground History
Perhaps the most fascinating attraction in Tirana is Bunk’Art, a massive underground bunker that’s been converted into a museum about Albania’s communist period. This isn’t just any bunker – it was built as a potential government headquarters during a nuclear attack and gives you a real sense of the paranoia and isolation that characterized communist Albania.
Walking through the underground rooms and tunnels, you’ll see exhibits about daily life under Enver Hoxha’s regime, including the infamous isolation policies that made Albania one of the most closed societies in Europe.
The Pyramid and Modern Tirana
The Pyramid of Tirana is one of the city’s most controversial landmarks. Originally built as a monument to communist leader Enver Hoxha, it now serves as a cultural center and represents Albania’s complex relationship with its past.
The surrounding Blloku district was once a forbidden area where only communist party elites could live. Today, it’s Tirana’s trendiest neighborhood, filled with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques that showcase modern Albanian creativity and style.
Getting There: We recommend taking the bus from Golem to avoid Tirana’s challenging parking situation. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and buses run regularly throughout the day.
Kruja: The Castle of Albanian Independence (1 hour)
For a dose of Albanian patriotic history combined with stunning mountain scenery, Kruja is absolutely unmissable. This historic mountain town was the center of Albanian resistance against Ottoman rule in the 15th century.
Kruja Castle and Skanderbeg Museum
Kruja Castle sits dramatically on a mountainside overlooking the coastal plain where Golem is located. On clear days, you can actually see the coast from the castle walls. The castle is famous as the stronghold of Gjergj Kastrioti (known as Skanderbeg), Albania’s national hero who led the resistance against Ottoman expansion.
The Skanderbeg Museum inside the castle tells the story of this remarkable figure who managed to keep Albania independent for over 20 years in the 15th century. The exhibits include medieval weapons, armor, and documents that bring this crucial period of Albanian history to life.
The Old Bazaar
Below the castle, Kruja’s Old Bazaar is one of the best places in Albania to shop for traditional crafts. This isn’t a tourist trap – it’s a functioning traditional market where local artisans sell everything from hand-woven rugs to traditional Albanian costumes.
Walking through the narrow stone streets of the bazaar, you’ll find workshops where craftspeople still use traditional techniques passed down through generations. It’s the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs that actually represent Albanian culture.
Mountain Views and Fresh Air
The drive to Kruja takes you up into the foothills of central Albania’s mountains, offering spectacular views and a refreshing change from the coastal heat. The temperature is usually several degrees cooler than at the coast, making it perfect for summer day trips.
Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows (1.5 hours)
UNESCO World Heritage site Berat is one of Albania’s most beautiful cities and absolutely worth the drive from Golem. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” for its distinctive Ottoman architecture, Berat offers one of the most photogenic urban experiences in the Balkans.
Mangalem and Gorica: The Historic Quarters
The Mangalem Quarter on the hillside is where you’ll find those famous “thousand windows” – rows of white Ottoman houses that climb up the steep slopes like terraced architecture. Walking through these narrow cobblestone streets feels like stepping back 400 years.
Across the Osum River, the Gorica Quarter offers the best views back toward Mangalem and the castle. The old stone bridge connecting the two sides of the city has been rebuilt many times over the centuries but still follows its original medieval route.
Berat Castle: A Living Fortress
Unlike many castle ruins, Berat Castle is still a living neighborhood where families have been residing for generations. Walking through the castle gates, you enter a medieval world where people still live in traditional stone houses within the ancient walls.
The Onufri Museum inside the castle showcases the work of Albania’s most famous icon painter. Onufri’s 16th-century religious paintings are remarkable for their vivid colors and expressive faces, representing a unique Albanian artistic tradition.
Red and White Wine Country
The hills around Berat have been producing wine for over 2,000 years. Several local wineries offer tastings where you can sample traditional Albanian grape varieties that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The Cobo Winery and Nurellari Winery both welcome visitors and offer insight into Albania’s ancient winemaking traditions.
Cape Rodon: Dramatic Coastal Wilderness (45 minutes)
For those who love rugged natural beauty, Cape Rodon offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Albania. This wild headland north of Durres features ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and panoramic views across the Adriatic.
Rodoni Castle and Venetian History
The ruins of Rodoni Castle sit on the very tip of the cape, built by Skanderbeg in the 15th century as a coastal fortress. The location is spectacular – waves crash against the rocks below while you explore the remains of this strategic stronghold.
What makes the site particularly interesting is how it demonstrates the ongoing struggle for control of the Albanian coast. Venetians, Ottomans, and local Albanian nobles all fought for control of this strategic position.
Hidden Beaches and Crystal Waters
Below the castle, several small beaches are accessible by foot (with some scrambling over rocks). These beaches see far fewer visitors than the main coastal resorts and offer crystal-clear water and peaceful surroundings.
The Church of St. Anthony near the cape is a small medieval church that somehow survived centuries of conflict and change. It’s simple but moving, representing the persistence of local traditions through all the political upheavals.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Cape Rodon is also a great spot for bird watching, especially during migration seasons. The combination of coastal and inland habitats attracts a wide variety of species, and the relatively undeveloped landscape provides habitat that’s becoming rare along the Mediterranean coast.
Albanian Riviera Day Trip: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye (Full Day)
For the adventure of a lifetime, consider a full-day trip to Albania’s famous southern coast. While it’s a long day (leaving early and returning late), the Albanian Riviera offers some of Europe’s most stunning coastal scenery.
Saranda: Gateway to the South
Saranda sits on a perfect natural bay with views across to the Greek island of Corfu. The town has a distinctly Mediterranean feel with palm-lined waterfront promenades and hillside neighborhoods that cascade down to the harbor.
The Lekursi Castle above Saranda offers panoramic views over the bay and is perfect for photos that will make your friends back home incredibly jealous.
Ksamil: Albania’s Caribbean
Ksamil is often called the “Albanian Caribbean” for its white sand beaches and turquoise water. Four small islands just offshore add to the tropical feel and are accessible by short boat rides.
The water here is incredibly clear – you can see fish swimming even in relatively deep water. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the contrast with the more rugged northern coast around Golem is remarkable.
Blue Eye: Natural Wonder
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is one of Albania’s most famous natural attractions – a deep freshwater spring that creates an intensely blue pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The water is incredibly clear but surprisingly cold, even in summer.
The short hike to reach the Blue Eye takes you through beautiful forest, and the site itself feels almost magical. The intense blue color is created by the depth and mineral content of the spring water.
Tour Options: Several companies offer organized day trips from Golem/Durres to the Albanian Riviera. These typically include transportation, guide services, and stops at all the major highlights. Alternatively, renting a car gives you more flexibility but requires a full day of driving.
Apollonia: Ancient City (1 hour)
For serious history enthusiasts, the ancient city of Apollonia offers one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites. Founded in the 6th century BC, Apollonia was once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire.
Archaeological Park
The Apollonia Archaeological Park preserves the remains of this ancient city, including a well-preserved Roman theater, ancient walls, and the foundations of numerous public buildings. What makes Apollonia special is how much of the original city layout is still visible.
Walking through the site, you can trace the ancient streets and identify residential areas, public spaces, and religious districts. It’s like reading a map of life in the ancient world.
The Monastery and Museum
The Monastery of St. Mary on the site houses a museum with artifacts from the excavations. The monastery itself dates to the Byzantine period and represents the Christian transformation of this ancient pagan site.
The views from Apollonia across the coastal plain toward the Adriatic are spectacular and help you understand why this location was chosen for such an important ancient city.
Practical Planning for Day Trips
Transportation Options
Rental Car: Offers maximum flexibility and is affordable in Albania. Roads are generally good, though mountain routes can be winding.
Organized Tours: Available for all major destinations. These handle transportation and often include guide services and entrance fees.
Public Transportation: Buses connect Golem/Durres to most destinations, though schedules can be irregular for some routes.
Private Drivers: Available through Hotel 6 Marsi or local tour operators. More expensive but very convenient for groups.
What to Pack
Day Pack Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, and cash (many sites don’t accept cards).
Summer Considerations: Hat, extra water, and light clothing for mountain destinations where temperatures can vary.
Swimming Days: Towel, swimwear, and water shoes for rocky beaches.
Planning Your Week
We recommend spacing out day trips to allow for beach relaxation between adventures. A typical week might include:
- Day 1-2: Settle in, enjoy Golem beach
- Day 3: Durres historical sites
- Day 4: Beach day and rest
- Day 5: Tirana or Kruja
- Day 6: Berat or Cape Rodon
- Day 7: Pool day and departure prep
The Beauty of Your Golem Base
What makes staying at Hotel 6 Marsi perfect for these adventures is returning each evening to comfortable accommodations, our refreshing pool, and peaceful surroundings. After a day of exploration, there’s nothing better than relaxing by the pool with a cold drink and sharing stories about your discoveries.
Our location gives you the best of both worlds – easy access to Albania’s most exciting destinations while maintaining a relaxed coastal base where you can truly unwind. Our reception team is always happy to help arrange transportation, provide current information about attractions, and recommend the best local restaurants for post-adventure meals.
Albania offers an incredible diversity of experiences within a surprisingly compact area. From your comfortable base in Golem, you can explore ancient civilizations, dramatic mountain scenery, vibrant modern cities, and some of Europe’s most beautiful natural areas – all while returning each night to the peaceful comfort of coastal Albania.
Ready to plan your Albanian adventures? Our team at Hotel 6 Marsi can help arrange transportation, provide current information about attractions and opening hours, and recommend the best local tour operators. We’re here to help you discover why Albania is becoming one of Europe’s most exciting travel destinations.
