Gramsh
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Gramsh is a town and a municipality in Elbasan County in central Albania.
Understand
A small town in the central, southern part of Albania, Gramsh lies between valleys, hills and mountains which create a picturesque view for the eye of visitors. Before reaching Gramsh, on the way you can enjoy the beauty of Banja Lake, which has become a very popular destination for anyone who goes to this city. The surrounding mountain of Tomorri, in the wings of the city, adds to the beauty of the city. It is bordered by some of the most important cities of the country, both economically and culturally.
Get in
By plane
The nearest airport to reach Gramsh is Mother Teresa International Airport in the capital, Tirana. There is no bus directly from the airport to Gramsh, but you can take a taxi or public transport from the airport to the center of the capital, followed by a bus, car or taxi ride.
By bus
Your first and cheapest option is to travel by bus. If you come through Tirana, you have private and public buses that run between the two cities. You can take the bus to Gramsh at the Southeast Bus Terminal from 07:00 in the morning until 15:30 in the afternoon, the ticket from Tirana to Gramsh costs 500 lek. Trip takes about 2 hours.
By car/taxi
You can rent a car to go on your own (if your license is valid in Albania) or rent a taxi. From Tirana, it takes about 90 minutes to reach Gramsh.
Get around
As the town is a small town, within it you can walk along its main roads and the city pedestrian area, you can also do bike rides along the Devoll river valley and Lake Banja.
See
Within the city you can visit the Church and the Mosque in the center of the city, as well as the old military units on the outskirts of the city. In addition to these attractions, if you stay a few days in the suburbs of the city, there are a number of cultural and natural potentials that are worth visiting.
- 1 Sotira Waterfall (in the village of Sotira). It has a height of 100 m and springs from the interior of Mount Tomorri, flowing between its slopes, between forests and oak trees and lawns with greenery and many flowers.
- 2 Holtws Canyon (northeast of Gramsh, near the villages of Kabash and Bardhaj). It is formed by the erosion of the Holta River and karstic phenomena. It is 3 km long, 350 m high and at the exit the gorge narrows to 10 m. On the slopes of the canyon there are many unexplored karst caves suitable for explorers and adventurers.
- 3 Dushku Lake. Another tourist attraction that should not be left unvisited is Dushku Lake, a glacial lake at the foot of the mountain of Komjan, in the middle of a magnificent pine forest, in the spring season this lake is full of water lilies creating a fantastic lake and forest landscape.
- 4 Black Lake. At an altitude of 1634 m, near the village of Lenie Gramsh. Represents a lake of glacial origin. Surrounded by mountain landscapes where the lake and beautiful nature create a wonderful destination. Placing the Black Lake in the middle of a wide plateau, surrounded by pine trees, meadows and mountains as a crown creates exceptional conditions for camping, hiking or organizing holidays for visitors. During the walks, you will step into a tree called the Black Ruby. Declared a national natural monument, this beautiful tree originates in this area. This lake is also known for its healing properties. Over the years, many visitors have come here to cure rheumatism, or other ailments that cause bodily pain, by taking regular dips in the lake. The recommended interval to stay in the water is 15 minutes, twice a day. The best month is August. The water temperature ranges from 2.5 to °C, so prepare yourself for a very cool experience.
Do
Buy
Eat
Gramsh has a traditional local cuisine as well as a mix of the traditionial cuisine of the cities of Korca, Elbasan and Berat, where we can mention nettles pie, meat, Fërgesë me Gjizë (a sort of dish made with the Albanian version of ricotta), Grabova's pickled cheese, compotes made by hand of grandmothers in the suburbs of Gramsh.
- 1 Bar Restaurant Komjani, Rruga Rinia, ☏ +355675708831. 08:00-22:00.
- 2 Bar Restorant Etjoni, Gramsh 3301, Albania, ☏ +355 67 668 1200. 07:30-23:00.
- 3 Bar Restorant Lundra, ☏ +355693783619. 07:00-22:00.
- 4 Bar Restorant Te Sadiku, Rruga Hamit Dollani, ☏ +355 69 815 1999. 08:00-23:30.
- 5 Bio Farm Gramsh, ☏ +355 69 786 2241, biofarmgramsh@gmail.com. 07:30-23:00. An organic farm serving dairy products, veg & fruits and meat on-site.
- 6 Hamit Dollani Pizeri Nur Gramsh, ☏ +355 69 273 3399. 08:00-23:00.
Drink
In the city there are several bars which residents spend the afternoon with their families enjoying coffee, organic tea of the area or various characteristics drinks of Gramsh.
One of the places where you can consume a coffee or something else is the Bar Etjoni and Bar Lundra by the lake of Banja which offers a relaxing and quite relaxing view.
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Tomorri, Sheshi Kamber Dermyshi, ☏ +355692178921. Check-in: 24 hour, check-out: 24 hour.
- 2 Hotel Te Sadiku, Rruga Hamit Dollani, ☏ +355698151999. Check-in: 24 hour, check-out: 24 hour.
- Hotel Latifi, Rruga Hamit Dollani, ☏ +355676527663. Check-in: 24 hour, check-out: 24 hour.