How To Get To Kruja
Most will arrive from Tirana, the capital city, either by bus or on a day trip tour.
Another option however – and what we did on our Albania road trip – is drive directly to Kruja from Tirana airport on the way north.
Alternatively, if you’re doing a longer Balkans trip, then you may travel south from Montenegro into the mountains and / or Shkodër, then continue down to Kruja.
Kruja is also just an hour’s drive from Durres on the coast.
This is what you need to know.
By Car & Parking
From Tirana International Airport, it’s a 35-45 minute drive (20kms).
Hopefully the diversion on a muddy backroad shortly after the airport is no longer in operation, and it’s an enjoyable steep ascent with hairpin bends on the final stretch between Fushë-Krujë and historic Kruja.
However, the route into the the historic centre may provide a bit of an unpleasant introduction to driving in Albania for those of a nervous disposition: our Google Maps sent us a horrible way via slender cobblestone streets and a very tight spot where three vehicles were going down and we were going up.
Subsequent research leads us to believe that it defaults to that route, so we suggest asking it to go to the centre of Kruja via Market Saga – here on Google Maps. That’s the direction the car park attendant told us to exit the old town, and it’s a newer, wider and much easier road to take.
Note that there are some narrow streets, steepness, and pedestrians as you approach this historic centre, so go slow on arrival.
These are the main parking options (cash only), and we suggest having one in your GPS before you arrive.
Near Castle 24H | Run by a friendly old man, it’s 200 lek and this is the best option on price / niceness.
Parking of Castle Krujë | Where we parked, next to the Bazaar. It’s large and the easiest to access, but it is more expensive at 500 lek for 24 hours (or however long you stay). Campervans may be charged €10, and the lot is monitored by an attendant.
Another Option | 300 lek for a car and positive reviews, particularly as it allows you to avoid driving through the town to reach it. Possibly free for customers of Kroi restaurant.
You can also drive up the side road to the castle ruins for the small free parking area (maps), but it’s a very sharp turn to get up there and probably not a wise one for everyone to attempt. For most, it’s going to be easiest to park near the Bazaar and walk up.
If you have issues with any of the above car parks, or have an…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at blog —ALONG DUSTY ROADS…