Belsh
,Belsh is a small town located in the Elbasan County of Albania. It is known for its agricultural landscape, with vast fields and orchards surrounding the town. Belsh is also home to the Belsh Oil Field, which plays a significant role in the country's energy production.
Visitors can explore the town's local market, traditional restaurants, and historical sites such as the Belsh Castle.
- "Pershendetje" - Hello
- "Faleminderit" - Thank you
- "Si jeni?" - How are you?
- "Mirupafshim" - Goodbye
- "Ju lutem" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Scenic Belsh
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing walk around Lake Belsh, soaking in the beautiful landscape. Enjoy a coffee at a lakeside café while observing local fishermen.
afternoon
:Visit the local market to experience authentic Albanian culture and try some traditional dishes. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village streets.
evening
:Indulge in a hearty dinner at a local taverna, savoring homemade recipes. End your day by watching the sunset over the lake.
Nature Adventures
morning
:Hike the trails surrounding Belsh, where you can appreciate stunning views and diverse wildlife. Bring some snacks for a picnic amidst nature.
afternoon
:Explore the nearby hills and discover hidden waterfalls, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Photograph the pristine natural beauty and enjoy the tranquility.
evening
:Return to Belsh for a casual meal at a local pub. Relish the traditional music while mingling with friendly locals.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural heritage with historical significance.
- Beautiful natural landscapes and scenic views.
- Friendly and hospitable local population.
- Affordable cost of living and housing.
- Growing tourism sector with potential for development.
Bad
- Limited infrastructure and public services.
- Economic challenges and higher unemployment rates.
- Occasional political instability and corruption issues.
- Limited access to modern amenities compared to larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Albanian speakers.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Explore the stunning trails of the Albanian Alps, featuring breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for both novice and experienced hikers.
Canyoning in Lura National Park
Experience the thrill of canyoning in Lura National Park, where you can navigate through beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and crystal-clear river pools.
Biking along Lake Shkodra
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the shores of Lake Shkodra, taking in the picturesque landscapes and local wildlife.
Camping in Theth Valley
Set up camp in Theth Valley, surrounded by towering peaks and clear streams, perfect for relaxing under the stars.
Birdwatching at Koman Lake
Visit Koman Lake for birdwatching, where you can observe various bird species in their natural habitat, set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Visit the Blue Eye Spring
Discover the mesmerizing Blue Eye Spring, a natural water spring renowned for its vivid blue color and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Rafting on the Vjosa River
Take an exciting rafting trip on the Vjosa River, which offers thrilling rapids and beautiful nature along the way.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Krujë Castle
Perched on a hilltop, Krujë Castle offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the town below. The medieval architecture combined with the natural landscape creates perfect opportunities for photography.
Mount Dajti
A short cable car ride from Tirana leads to Mount Dajti, where visitors can capture panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Ideal for both sunset and sunrise photography.
The National Park of Dajti
This national park provides a variety of scenic viewpoints, with lush forests and mountainous terrain. It's a great location for wildlife photography and capturing the serenity of nature.
Shëngjin Beach
Known for its pristine waters and sandy shores, Shëngjin Beach presents beautiful sunset views. Photographers can enjoy capturing the vibrant colors of the sky reflecting on the water.
Berat Castle
An ancient fortress with remarkable architectural features, Berat Castle offers breathtaking views of the town, river valley, and surrounding hills, perfect for capturing the essence of Albanian heritage.
The Albanian Riviera
This stunning coastline features dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. The scenic beaches and charming villages provide countless picturesque locations for photography, especially during golden hour.
Gjirokastër
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Gjirokastër is filled with historic stone buildings and offers incredible views of the surrounding valley. Its unique architecture provides great opportunities for architectural photography.
Lake Ohrid
One of Europe’s oldest lakes, Lake Ohrid boasts dazzling blue waters and surrounding mountains. Capture breathtaking reflections and serene landscapes along the lakeshore.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fërgesë
A hearty dish made with peppers, tomatoes, onions, and various meats, often served with a generous topping of local cheese. For an authentic experience, try Fërgesë at Restaurant Pasho in the town center.
Must-Try!
Byrek
A savory pastry filled with spinach, cheese, or meat, Byrek can be found at numerous bakeries and street vendors across Belsh. Look out for the small, family-run bakery near the bus station for a delicious rendition of this classic dish.
Speca me Gjizë
Roasted peppers stuffed with a delightful mixture of local cheese, onions, and tomatoes. Sample this dish at the bustling weekend market in the town square, where various vendors offer their own unique versions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Belsh Weekend Market
Every Saturday, the town square transforms into a bustling market, offering an array of fresh produce, local cheese, honey, and homemade pastries. Make sure to try the delectable grilled meats and traditional Albanian street food from the vendors scattered throughout the market.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings
When meeting someone, a firm handshake is a common greeting. It's also customary to greet with 'Tungjatjeta,' meaning 'Hello.' In more formal contexts, addressing individuals with their title and surname is a sign of respect.
Hospitality
Albanians are known for their hospitality. If invited to someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift, like sweets or flowers. When offered food or drink, it is considered courteous to accept, even if just a small portion.
Dress Code
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas or when visiting places of worship. Women should avoid revealing clothing, while men should wear neat and tidy attire. This shows respect for local customs and values.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Belsh, Albania, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to round up the bill or leave a small percentage (around 5-10%) for good service in restaurants and cafes. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, although the amounts may vary based on the service provided.
Payment
Payment in Belsh typically involves cash transactions, although card payments are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments and urban areas. Local currency, the Albanian lek (ALL), is used for most transactions. It is advisable to have some cash on hand, as smaller shops and rural areas may not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Belsh. The weather is mild, with blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring nature.
Summer
Summer (June to August) can be warm in Belsh, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season is great for swimming in nearby lakes and enjoying the scenic landscapes, but visitors should be prepared for heat.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) is a wonderful time to visit, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. The landscape is particularly picturesque as the leaves change colors, making it ideal for photography and hiking.
Winter
Winter (December to February) in Belsh can be cold, with occasional snowfall. While it’s less popular for tourism, visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere and the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, along with cozy indoor activities.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Tomorr Mountain
A stunning mountain range offering various trails with breathtaking views, ideal for both novice and experienced hikers.
Dajti National Park
Located near Tirana, this park features diverse flora and fauna, and a variety of hiking paths that cater to different skill levels.
Thekar Mountains
Known for their rugged terrain and scenic beauty, these mountains offer numerous hiking opportunities and are perfect for adventure seekers.
Llogara National Park
Famous for its stunning coastal views and alpine scenery, Llogara features several trails that are popular among hikers.
The Blue Eye
A natural spring located near Saranda, with several trails leading to beautiful scenery and unique landscapes.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Belsh by plane.
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
The primary international airport of Albania, located approximately 25 km from Belsh.
Banja Luka Airport (BNX)
Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it's about 180 km from Belsh and serves as a secondary option for international flights.
Podgorica Airport (TGD)
The main airport in Montenegro, located around 140 km from Belsh, offering various international connections.
Ohrid Airport (OHD)
Located in North Macedonia, this airport is roughly 90 km away and serves several international destinations.
Skopje International Airport (SKP)
The largest airport in North Macedonia, located about 130 km from Belsh, providing a wide range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Albanian
The majority ethnic group in Belsh, constituting a significant portion of the population.
Greek
A smaller ethnic group present in Belsh, primarily residing in certain regions.
Other minorities
Includes small populations of other ethnic groups such as Macedonians and Montenegrins.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Belsh and throughout Albania, with a strong local following and participation at various levels.
Volleyball
Volleyball has a significant presence in Belsh, with many local clubs and competitions engaging the community and youth.
Basketball
Basketball is also popular in Belsh, with schools and local teams participating in regional leagues and tournaments.
Athletics
Athletics is a growing sport in Belsh, with events in running, jumping, and throwing attracting participants of all ages.
Handball
Handball has a dedicated following in Belsh, with local teams competing in national leagues and promoting grassroots interest.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While Albanian cuisine predominantly features meat dishes, many restaurants in Belsh offer delicious vegetarian options such as stuffed peppers, stuffed vine leaves, and various salads. Informal eateries and cafes are usually accommodating and willing to customize dishes to suit vegan preferences.
Gluten-Free Choices
It's recommended for visitors with gluten-free dietary needs to communicate their requirements clearly to restaurant staff. Many traditional Albanian dishes, particularly those featuring rice, grilled meats, and fresh seafood, can be suitable for those avoiding gluten. However, it's advisable to inquire about preparation methods and potential cross-contamination.