Elbasan Car Hire

Guide of Elbasan

Geography

Elbasan is the county and municipal headquarters of Elbasan County, as well as the fourth most populated city in Albania. It is located in central Albania, high up in the highlands, between the Skanderbeg Mountains and the Myzeqe Plain to the north of the river Shkumbin.

Climate in Elbasan

In Elbasan, the summers are brief but scorchingly hot and dry, while the winters are lengthy and bitterly cold and damp and partially overcast. The average annual temperature ranges from 0 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius, seldom falling below -5 degrees Celsius or rising beyond 37 degrees Celsius. Outdoor activities in Elbasan are best experienced during the months of late June and late August.

Culture

The name Elbasan originates from the Turkish word Elbasan, which translates to "the stronghold." However, when it was part of the Roman Empire, the city was known as Mario Scampa.

Several groups have inhabited Elbasan, including Serbs, Bulgarians, Austrians, and Italians. Even after the Ottomans invaded Elbasan, it remained an Islamic hub in Albania. After the 1908 Congress of Monastir (in contemporary Bitola, North Macedonia) voted to utilise the Latin alphabet for written Albanian, Muslim clerics inspired by the Young Turks staged a series of rallies in Elbasan in support of the Arabic script.

Things To Do in Elbasan

Explore the medieval architecture and alleyways

Parts of the city date back to mediaeval times, and its winding alleys and cobblestone streets are sure to pique your curiosity. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, fortifications were built to protect the castles. The fortifications and walls of the city were restored during the reign of Sultan Mohammed the Second. There is also a vast market in the heart of the city where you may find unique souvenirs. End your day with a visit to the Turkish baths, some of which have been meticulously conserved.

Learn about the city’s multi-religious history

Beyond the defences can be found an Orthodox church and the remnants of a basilica that dates back to the 5th or 6th century. These structures, together with the surviving walls of the 2,000-year-old Roman Castle, are absolutely fascinating. Early Christian communities were established inside the confines of the castle walls, while numerous mosques may be found on the outskirts of the city.

One of Elbasan’s most famous religious sites is Saint Mary's Orthodox Church, found in the heart of town. The 1830 structure was erected on the remains of an earlier church that had burned down in 1819. David Selenicasi and Kostadin Shelcani's restorations of Onufri's paintings and frescoes are still on display. Due to its historical significance as a place of worship and cultural hub, the Albanian language has flourished in the context of this cathedral. Many of the psalms now available in Albanian were originally written by them. Upon opening its doors in 1909, the church edifice housed Elbasan's first modern-era Albanian school.

Visit the Elbasan Ethnographic Museum

The Elbasan Ethnographic Museum is located next to the Castle of Elbasan, which serves as the city's primary attraction (11 Nntori Street). The cultural heritage of Elbasan is shown in a traditional two-story mansion that dates back to the 18th century. Felt producers, makers of qeleshe (a white cap similar to a fez), and makers of traditional leather shoes called opinga, together with saddlers, jewellers, goldsmiths, gunsmiths, carpenters, and bell-makers, all showcased their products during the event.

Eating Out in Elbasan

Take advantage of your stay in Elbasan to sample some authentic Albanian dishes. Elbasani ballokume is a simple cookie usually baked on Dita e Vers, the Albanian national festival. The long process of preparation, which is done entirely by hand, is traditionally carried out in a copper bowl using a wooden spoon to ensure the dough is as silky and smooth as possible. Albania's unofficial national dish, tavë kosi, is a casserole of seasoned lamb meat and rice topped with kos, a kind of Albanian-soured milk often produced from goat's or ewe's milk. The meal was first prepared in the 15th century in the town of Elbasan but is now popular all across Albania and Kosovo, as well as in Turkey (where it is called Elbasan Tava), where béchamel sauce is used in place of kos. To try these dishes and more, some of our top restaurant recommendations include Ura e Lizes, Bar Restaurant Shpati, and Taverna Attika.

Transport

Airport

The closest major airport to Elbasan is Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa (TIA), about 28 miles (48 kilometres) away.

Getting Around Elbasan

You may take a bus or a van from Tirana to Elbasan. Alternatively, you may also hire a car. One of the nicest parts about hiring a vehicle is that you may pick it up in one location and drop it off in another before your flight. This is known as a "one-way hire." You may avoid driving it all the way back to the city from where you set off, which is a huge time saver. If you're on a long drive, this is the perfect option for you. Hiring a vehicle is a common choice for tourists for a variety of reasons, including those on a tight schedule (like business travellers), those on a romantic getaway, those travelling with children, and those in big groups.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Elbasan

• Elbasan Car Rental Search: Start by searching for reputable car hire companies that operate in Elbasan. There are several car rental companies offering a range of vehicles to choose from.

• Compare Car Hire Rates: To find cheap car rental deals, compare the rates offered by different car rental companies in Elbasan. This allows you to select the most cost-effective option among car hire deals.

• Monthly Car Hire: If you plan to stay in Elbasan for an extended period, consider monthly car hire options. This can often lead to significant cost savings compared to daily or weekly rates.

• The Best Car Rental Locations: Check the car rental locations available in Elbasan to ensure convenience for pick-up and drop-off. The proximity to your accommodations and destinations is important.

• Specific Car Models: If you have a preference for a specific car model, such as the Elbasan Economy Chevrolet Spark, inquire with the car rental companies to see if they offer that particular vehicle.

• Book in Advance for the best car rental deals: Securing your rental car in advance is a smart move to find the best Elbasan car rental deals. This also guarantees availability during your visit to Elbasan.

• Read the Fine Print: Review the terms and conditions of the car rental company you choose. Pay attention to drop-off and pick-up locations, insurance coverage, and any additional fees.

• Local Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with Elbasan and its surroundings to optimize your car rental experience. Knowing the area can help you make the most of your car rentals.