5 attractions you shouldn’t miss out on in the outskirts of Elbasan

They might not be as well-known, but the outskirts of Elbasan offer great potential for alpine and mountain tourism, because of the wide variety of natural resources that can be found in this area, as well as their affinity with the main cities and good road infrastructure that connects them.

Tourism in villages around the ancient city of Elbasan offers numerous attractions that you should definitely not miss out on. For years now, Elbasan has been attracting both local and foreign tourists and we know why.

These are only 5 beloved tourist spots in the outskirts of Elbasan, so don’t hesitate to add them to your go-to list this summer!

Oasis of Bushek

9.5 km from the Elbasan city center, the village of Shushica is a very attractive tourist point, not only for the residents of Elbasan but also for visitors coming from all over Albania and certainly the world.

Locals tell the history of this village with pride, not only because of the traditional hospitality and religious harmony, which are characteristic of the entire country, but because of the stories they tell about Shushica being a battleground for numerous wars in the past, making this a deeply rooted patriotic region.

A very interesting place to visit in the village of Shushica, is the Oasis of Bushek, which in the Turkish language means a relaxing, fun place. This name was given to this place by Turkish fighters, who would come here with their horses to rest, taking advantage of the valley of the Shkumbin river, the many crystal clear water springs and the relaxing shadow offered by the century-old plane trees. All of these contribute to the healthy microclimate that can be found in Bushek, so don’t hesitate to visit this place that is filled with natural and historic riches!

Church of St. Cole

The church of St. Cole is found in the village of Shelcan, which like Shushica, is part of what the locals of Elbasan call the Area of Shpat.

This church is a cultural monument that is truly unique and should defiantly make your list. Built in 1554, this 500-year old structure offers visitors the rare chance to have a close encounter with the work of renowned Albanian master of iconography, Onufri.

Born in Elbasan in the 16^th century, Onufri has painted the walls of many churches around Albania and his famous iconostases can be found in the National Art Gallery in Tirana as well as the Museum of Iconography of Berat. Don’t miss out on this 500-year old masterpiece, which is found in the middle of an idyllic landscape in Central Albania.

The Oak of Lleshan

The Oak of Lleshan is a must-see location, located in the village of Lleshan, which is found in the middle of the villages of Derstile and Shelcan. This ancient oak holds within it a legend that is 5-centuries old.

The legend says that a child unfortunately passed away here, – while travelling, his family had stopped to take rest in the shade of an oak tree, but a fruit from the tree was stuck in the child’s throat, causing him to stop breathing and die. After this, it is said that the fruit grew from within the stomach of the child and extended its roots and branches to form the current massive Oak tree.

Since then, this tree has been respected by locals, who also say that oaks are rare and aren’t really found in this area. Since 2002, the Oak of Lleshan was designated a monument of culture not only because of its symbolic but also because of the beautiful nature surrounding it.

Village of Gjinar

Known as a pearl of tourism in Elbasan, the village of Gjinar is located around 25 km from central Elbasan. Gjinar can be visited year-round, in the summer and winter, when it becomes the perfect spot for alpine tourism.

For quite some time now, it has become a famous tourist hotspot for all those wishing to spend a beautiful day in nature, but also those wishing to enjoy the traditional dishes in the area, which are offered all around the many wooden guesthouses available here.

Gjinar is found 800-1000 m above sea level and it offers a variety of landscapes and natural resources that make this place one of the most sought-after spots for nature lovers. Clean mountain air filled with oxygen, pine forests and many water springs, make this area part of the recommended list for all those wanting to benefit from the curative aspects of Gjinar. For a long time now, tourists have made Gjinar a favorite go-to spot, so don’t hesitate to find here what you’ve been missing, in your daily lives in the metropolis.

Peak of Bukanik

And lastly, the Peak of Bukanik is the highest point in the Mountain of Shpat, which is found 30 km from central Elbasan and only 9 km from the famous village of Gjinar.

At a latitude of 1.821 m above sea level, this very attractive point has turned into a favorite place by visitors, who prefer long walks in nature and mountain hikes.

Known as a perfect spot for picnics and strolls, for all those passionate about hiking, they should take advantage of the peak of Bukanik, from where they can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The hike can last around 3 hours, starting from the village of Gjinar, but many groups meet up in Elbasan or Tirana, for short day trips or longer visits.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE