Kavajë

Kavaja/Kavajë is a city located in the western lowlands region of Albania, with about 80,000 inhabitants.

Understand

Kavaja, a city of rich heritage and vibrant culture, beckons travelers with its tapestry of traditions, craftsmanship, and rhythmic melodies echoing through its streets. Founded as a fortress town by the Illyrian tribe of Taulant in ancient times, Kavaja's roots run deep, tracing back to the first centuries BCE. Over the centuries, it evolved into a vital transit point along the historic Via Egnatia, leaving behind remnants of its illustrious past etched in the eastern part of Kavajë.

Nestled amidst rolling hills and fertile plains, the Municipality of Kavaja unfolds its scenic charm, stretching from the city's heart to the picturesque Adriatic Sea. Sandy shores and rocky beaches dot its coastline, inviting sun-seekers and explorers alike to bask in its coastal splendor. Bordering Durrës to the north, Tiranë to the east, and Rrogozhinë to the south, Kavaja is cradled by the tranquil embrace of the azure Adriatic Sea to the west

Steeped in history, Kavaja bears testament to its bygone glory as a thriving craft center, bestowed with the esteemed title of Kasaba in 1867. The bustling Grand Bazaar and ornate mosques once epitomized its medieval allure, while remnants like the majestic clock tower, erected by the formidable feudal lord Ibrahim Bey Alltun, stand as silent sentinels of its storied past.

During the communist era, Kavaja flourished as a hub of artisanal craftsmanship, with mud and clay vessels, carpets, and burgeoning industries adorning its landscape. However, the winds of change swept across the cityscape post-communism, ushering in a period of transition marked by significant emigration and industrial decline.

Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of time, Kavaja's cultural heartbeat remains resolute, resonating through the soul-stirring melodies of its traditional aheng music. Rooted in the fabric of Albanian life, this folk genre embodies the essence of love, family ties, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Notable figures like Parashqevi Simaku, known for her melodious voice, and Spiro Moisiu, a stalwart of the Albanian National Liberation Army ( legacies endure, intertwined with the city's cultural legacy, alongside luminaries like Alfred Moisiu and Aleksandër Moisiu, who have graced the international stage with their talent and leadership )have left an indelible mark on Kavaja's tapestry of history.

As you traverse the cobblestone streets of Kavaja, tantalize your taste buds with the flavors of Albanian cuisine, infused with Mediterranean influences, at its charming restaurants. From savory delicacies to culinary delights, every dish is a testament to Kavaja's rich culinary heritage, inviting you to savor the essence of its cultural mosaic

Get in

By plane

The closest airport to reach Kavajë is the Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza located in the capital, Tirana. There is no bus directly from the airport to Kavajë, but you can take a cab. The airport is nearly 47 km from the center of Kavajë.

By bus

First option is to travel by bus. If you are coming through Tirana, you have multiple private and public buses running between the two places. You can catch the bus to Kavajë at Regional Bus Terminal - North and South Albania (8QVG+MQV, Kashar) from 07:00 in the morning until 17:00 in the evening .

By car

You can also rent a car to drive yourself (if your license is valid in Albania) or hire a taxi. If you are driving for things to do in Kavajë, you can take route SH4. The town lies on this route and so do most of the sightseeing places in Kavajë. The same route will also take you to the coastal side where there are beaches and water sports to enjoy in Kavajë.

By boat

Kavajë does not have a port, but the nearby town of Durrës does. Durrës Port is nearly 23 km from the center of Kavajë. You can visit Kavajë directly by water, but you can reach Durrës from Italy by a boat and then continue your journey by road.

Get around

Kavajë is not that big and the best way to get to see it is by walking. Taxis are quite inexpensive: you can get around the city for €2-3 at most.

By bike

The city is quite suitable for biking too.

See

The historical mosque "Kubelie" (Xhamia Kubelie), its portico and the 200-year-old clock tower (Kulla e Sahatit), are some of the attractive elements of the small town, which bears full evidence of a history that stretches back to antiquity. Here we can find the traces of an ancient settlement of the Illyrian tribe of Taulantes, to continue with the traces of the "Egnantia" road.

A little further away from the town is located The Fortress of Bashtovë, a large fortified medieval quadrangular structure located in a fertile flat ground east of the mouth of the Shkumbin River.

One of the tourist spots that attracts many visitors is the Church of Saint Premtes (Kisha e Shën e Premtes), which is located in the village of Çetë in the Municipality of Helma, very close to the city of Kavaja. It is known for two major pilgrimages, that of July 25 and August 15, and the building was declared a cultural monument in the 1960s.

After immersing yourself in the charms of Kavajë, venture towards the shores of Golem, Plazhi i Gjeneralit, and Spille for a seaside retreat. Renowned for their beauty, the beaches of Kavajë stand as coveted gems along the Albanian coastline, beckoning visitors far and wide

• 1 Fortress of Bashtovë, 2FWW+MJ Kavajë. 24 hours. Fortress of Bashtovë. It's one of the most well-preserved fortresses in Albania. A quadrangular fortress with walls that are 9 metres high and comprise a roughly 60 by 90 metres interior, it represents one of the finest architectural medieval structures in Albania. It's a great place not only for its historical aspect, but for camping and nature, too. (updated May 2024)
• 2 Sahati Clock Tower, Rruga Tironsëve, Kavajë. 24 hours. Sahati Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is a cultural heritage monument in Kavaja, located in the center of the city next to the Mosque of Kapllan Pasha (Kubielie Mosque). It represents a type of clock towers built in different cities in Central Albania. (updated May 2024)

Do

Explore Kavaja's enchanting streets with leisurely strolls, where you'll encounter a tapestry of monuments, historic Ottoman-style houses, and architectural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Don't miss the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey to the illustrious Fortress of Bashtovë, a must-visit destination steeped in history and charm

Buy

You can go for shopping on Kavaja Street or Princ Topia Street .

• Butik Meleqe Kazazi, Bulevardi Indrit Cara,5HM6+7W. This boutique offers you in every moment and season beautiful clothes with style and full of charm. (updated Jul 2021)
• 1 Ferramenta 3D, 5H4J+378, ☏ +355 68 408 4212. Sunday closed, M-Sa 06:45–17:00. At this shop you can shop for the power tools from a brand like Makita,reknown for its high quality power tools. (updated Aug 2021)

Eat

The culinary scene in Kavajë is celebrated for its harmonious fusion of authentic Albanian flavors with Mediterranean influences, creating a unique gastronomic experience. Renowned as a culinary hub in the region, Kavajë boasts an array of culinary gems where you can indulge in exquisite cuisine. Treat your palate to mouthwatering delicacies at establishments such as:

• 1 Fiore Restorant, Egnatia, ☏ +355 55 242 911. Daily 12:00-23:00. (updated May 2024)
• 2 Te Gazi, Rruga Tironsëve, ☏ +355 68 200 5565. Daily 10:00-23:00. (updated May 2024)

Drink

• 1 Bar Piazza, Shëtitorja Josif Budo 4245. Open 24 hours. (updated May 2024)
• 2 Bar Kavaja, Kavajë, Albania. (updated May 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Eli, Kavajë, Albania. (updated May 2024)
• 2 Fiore Hotel, Kavajë, Albania. (updated May 2024)

Connect

Wireless internet is readily accessible in bars and restaurants across the city; however, it's advisable to inquire about its availability before settling in. Regrettably, free public Wi-Fi is not accessible throughout the city.

For mobile internet access, telecom providers such as Vodafone, One, and Eagle offer reliable 3G and 4G services on mobile devices.

Go next

You can go south to Rrogozhinë is the nearest city, or go north to Durrës, by bus or by car.