Elbasan County: Hotels and Accommodation

Elbasan lies in the valley of the Shkumbin River and was historically an important connection point between northern and southern Albania. Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Elbasan County can continue their accommodation search afterwards.

History and Culture

The Via Egnatia crossed the present-day territory of Bashkia e Elbasanit and connected strategic and commercial points that visitors can explore. Its routes can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. The ancient station of Ad Quintum in Bradashesh was a Roman rest and horse-changing station on the Via Egnatia. Ad Quintum also includes the ruins of a Roman thermal complex with cold, warm and hot rooms, a changing room, underfloor heating and a nymphaeum.

The Basilica of Bezistanit dates from the late 5th to the early 6th century and contains wall paintings and floor mosaics. The Basilica of Tepes lies among the olive groves near Elbasan and is connected with the ancient cemetery of Scampis. It served as a cemetery church for Roman soldiers before collapsing in an earthquake in the 6th century. West of Elbasan is the Church and Monastery of Saint John Vladimir, a three-aisled basilica with partially preserved late frescoes.

Elbasan Castle has been designated as a museum area and is used as a tourist venue for cultural events, exhibitions and festivals connected with the local cultural identity. Within the castle are the King Mosque, the Orthodox Church of St. Mary, the Clock Tower and the Sinan Pasha hammam.

The Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan is located in the 18th-century Sejdin House, a Category I cultural monument near the Bezistan plain. It displays around 80 types of traditional crafts from Elbasan. The Church of Saint Kolli in Shelcan is considered a representative example of 16th-century Albanian iconography associated with the Onufri tradition.

The early Christian basilica in Elbasan is designated as a cultural monument and is a protected archaeological site. It contains masonry foundations, columns and fragments of floor mosaics attributed to the first centuries of Christianity.

Nature and Activities

Funar comprises four lakes or reservoirs between pine and oak forests; fishing is mentioned there as a visitor activity. The four lakes around Funar offer opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.

The Funar Fest programme has included an organic products fair and kayaking on Lake Funar. Funar Fest is described as a recurring festival in Funar that promotes active nature tourism and local hospitality.

Mountain biking is one of the outdoor sports in Gjinar. Bukaniku Mountain is designated as a hiking destination. Gjinar can be reached via the Elbasan–Gjinar Highway.

Thermal Springs and Traditions

Visitors can enjoy the Elbasan thermal baths, mineral mud treatments, physiotherapy and the services of a wellness resort. The Elbasan thermal baths are natural hot springs in Tregan; their use dates back to Roman times.

Dita e Verës is Elbasan's major traditional festival, with ancient pagan roots, concerts, and cultural, craft and fairground activities. Ballokum is a traditional dish from Elbasan that is particularly associated with “Summer Day”.

The selection of accommodation for a holiday in Elbasan County follows this overview.

To the higher-level travel overview: Elbasan County.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Peqin District, Librazhd District.