In the heart of the Shushica Valley, Brati Bridge is attracting visitors looking for a different kind of summer getaway, away from both the sea and the mountains.
From the new Vlora River Road, a scenic route offering views of the villages along the river, visitors can walk for about 10 minutes to reach the Shushica Valley. There, white river stones, clear water and dramatic mountain landscapes create a striking natural setting.
The walk along the river toward Brati Bridge offers a rewarding experience. Visitors can enjoy the cool water while taking in the surrounding mountains and lush landscape.
The Shushica Valley lies between the Çika mountain range to the west and the Kudhës-Gribë range to the east. Further south, the valley narrows between the Lungara Highlands and Mount Çika, creating a rugged and picturesque landscape where the Shushica River originates.
First, visitors can stop in Kotë, an administrative center serving several nearby villages. Local shops offer traditional products, while roadside restaurants and village celebrations provide an opportunity to experience the area’s cuisine and traditions.
Several access points lead down to the valley from the main road. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Vlora is building stairs to make access to Brati Bridge easier for visitors who want to reach the river without a long walk.
However, many visitors still choose to walk along the river. The approximately 40-minute route passes through cool water, white gravel, vegetation, rocks and small aquatic habitats.
As the river takes a sharp turn, Brati Bridge appears above the valley. Below it, the river widens and flows more strongly, creating natural spots for swimming and relaxation.
Many visitors now spend their summer days along the Shushica River. Locals, visitors from Tirana and foreign tourists come to Brati Bridge to enjoy the cool waters and the surrounding landscape.
Located about 48 kilometers east of Vlora, the bridge stands in the heart of the Shushica Valley. Experts believe that it dates back to around the 16th century, during the middle Ottoman period.
Historically, the bridge served as an important connection for caravan routes linking the villages of the Vlora River Valley with the coast. Today, it continues to connect communities while also attracting visitors interested in history and heritage.
The bridge features an impressive high stone arch, which reflects traditional construction techniques designed to withstand the strong flow of the Shushica River.
Brati Bridge, also known as Bratajt Bridge after the nearby village, has held the status of a First Category Cultural Monument since 1948.
For years, visitors heading to Vlora mainly focused on the coast. However, the completion of the Vlora River Road has gradually turned the area around Brati Bridge into a destination for swimming, nature exploration and cultural tourism.
The new road has reduced travel time from Vlora to around 35–40 minutes. Moreover, the route now continues toward Qeparo, creating a full-day itinerary through several historic villages.
Starting from Drashovica, visitors can explore Lepenica, Vranishti, Tërbaçi and Kuçi before continuing toward Qeparo.
Kuçi, located at the end of the valley, is the area’s largest and best-known village. It has a rich history and strongly preserves the traditions of Labëria.
Meanwhile, Brataj, home to the centuries-old bridge, lies where the valley begins to widen. Tërbaçi features traditional stone houses surrounded by steep mountains.
After enjoying the river, visitors can return to the main road along a newly opened path. From the bridge, the valley offers wide views of distant mountain peaks, while the colors of the river and stones blend under the sunlight.
The setting also evokes the history of the bridge. Visitors can imagine the caravans that crossed it over the centuries and the generations that passed through this historic route.
After crossing the bridge, visitors reach several new stone steps built to improve access. The Municipality of Selenica is funding the project, although construction has not yet finished.
The National Institute of Cultural Heritage has called for the stairs and supporting structures to use local natural stone. It has also requested that the structures blend into the landscape and respect traditional cobblestone techniques to protect the bridge’s visual character.
However, the intervention has also raised concerns. Increased visitor numbers could put additional pressure on the historic structure, while the new stairs lead visitors directly toward the more than 500-year-old bridge.
Finally, several simple cafés have opened along the road as visitor numbers increase. They offer a convenient place to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the Shushica Valley.
Together, the river, historic bridge, mountains and traditional villages are turning Brati into an emerging destination for nature, cultural and rural tourism in southern Albania.
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