İlbasan

Buy

Postcards of the city Souvenirs with Elbasan castle carved in stones. Olive Oil-The Elbasan area, known for its long, sun-soaked hills covered in olive groves, produces some of Albania’s finest extra virgin olive oil. Thanks to its favorable Mediterranean climate and centuries-old traditions, the region offers high-quality, cold-pressed oil with a rich aroma and smooth flavor. Visitors can purchase olive oil directly from local farmers or small processing facilities (fabrika vaji), especially in surrounding villages. Buying straight from the source ensures freshness and supports local producers, making it a perfect souvenir and a taste of authentic Albanian agriculture. You can find them in a shop close to the city center and near to Scampa theatre.

Eat

Bugaçe – A traditional Elbasan breakfast roll found nowhere else in Albania. Smothered in butter and with a dash of salt, this roll is delicious but not for those watching their cholesterol. Depending on the portion of it, bugaçe comes in different prices from 50 lekë to 100 lekë and is usually eaten warm in the morning. Ballakume – Another Elbasan speciality rarely found elsewhere in Albania. It is essentially a large sugar biscuit.They are made with corn flour,butter and sugar giving them a rich flavor and soft texture. While sold in stores all over the city, the best are always the freshly baked warm cookies. Also Ballokume is a dessert unique to Elbasan and is synonymous with the Summer Day.Its preparation is as follows: in a copper pot, special only for them, are put in order, beating with a wooden spoon, melted butter, crushed sugar, eggs one by one, yeast, corn flour and flour. The mass obtained by beating with a spoon is divided into parts in the form of round grains and put in the oven. Its secret is beating by hand and baking in a wood oven. Tavë Elbasani, Fërgesë Elbasani and other yummy specialities. Kompeka is a traditional dessert in Elbasan and is usually prepared duing celebrations and family gatherings.You can try this delicious food in the first floor of Hotel Skampa, where is a restaurant. Revani is also a traditional delicious dessert is a traditional dessert made with corn flour, butter, eggs, and figs, and it is prepared on the occasion of the traditiona…

Drink

Ashure is a very popular traditional dessert in Balkan and oriental cuisine, which is prepared especially during festive and family periods. It is prepared with a mixture of ingredients such as: boiled wheat (or softened wheat grains) sugar.Ashure has a thick texture and sweet taste, and is usually served cold. In many families it is prepared in large quantities and also distributed to relatives or neighbors as a sign of kindness and tradition. Narden kumbulle/ Plums juice are a unique variety of plum native to the region. Grown primarily in central Albania, these plums are prized for their rich flavor and are an important part of local agriculture. With a distinctive dark purple color and a sweet, tangy taste, Narden plums are typically harvested in late summer or early autumn.These plums are commonly used in traditional Albanian recipes, including jams, preserves, and pies. Their juicy flesh and slightly tart flavor make them ideal for turning into plum syrup or being dried for use in winter months. In rural areas, Narden plums are often enjoyed fresh, paired with local cheeses or served as a dessert after meals. Boze It is a thick, slightly sweet drink, prepared with fermented corn or wheat. It is consumed especially in the morning or in the cold seasons and is also very popular in Elbasan.The combination of boza with ice cream (sometimes known as "Boze-up") is one of the most traditional and refreshing summer desserts in Albania. The sour taste and thick texture of boza i…

Sleep

Hotel Vila Imperial – 450 m from the centre. Hotel Vila Imperial features a bar, terrace and free WiFi.

Hotel Guri – 500 m from the centre. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi.

Antique House Elbasan – 650 m from the centre. Antique House Elbasan has a balcony, free WiFi, a garden, as well as a terrace.

Connect

Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city, although it's a good idea to ask if one is available before you sit down. Free public WiFi is also available around the city through Albtelecom.

Several private phone calling shops with long-distance calling are available.

Mobile telephony providers provide 3G and 4G -5G internet telephony.

Go next

Sopot (Albanian: Sopoti) – A small region in north-east Albania. It is also a village (Prrenjas municipality) and mountain with the same name. Pogradec – Overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors on the Macedonian side of the lake, the town of Pogradec has been experiencing a revival. Berat – One of the oldest towns in Albania, known as the "city of 1001 windows", with a well preserved castle and nearby the world famous Osum Canyon. Durrës – One of the oldest cities in Albania. It has the largest amphitheater in the Balkans and a lot of newly explored beaches. Korçë – Albania's cultural capital, full of life during the summer when you can find couples and families strolling through the city's main park, Parku Rinia. You can hike to the top of the beautiful mountain Moravia and view the city and its surrounding landscape. Përmet – “The City of Roses” in the Vjosa River Valley, approximately 30 km from the Greek border. The city is known for its clean environment and tradition of wine and raki making. And it is famous for its nearby thermal springs, located in a beautiful river valley with an ancient Ottoman bridge.

Pristina (Kosovo) – Direct buses leave from the spa center LLixhat to Pristina. Struga (North Macedonia) – On the northern shore of the lake, Struga is a smaller, quieter, cheaper, but less fun alternative to Ohrid.