cycle tour albania

Explore Albania EUROPE'S MOST BEAUTIFUL UNKNOWN!

Welcome to our page.

We are a small agency with a big heart and passion for organising exquisite Cycling Tours in Albania and around the Balkan countries. We make the plans, do the homework and you get the most beautiful two-wheeled adventure of your life through Europe's best kept secret.

Guided Tour

Experienced guides, carefully organized routes and a support vehicle for your luggage, is your best chooice.

Self Guided Tour

Do you have time constraints? Are you a rider that enjoys independence? We have everything for you.

Tailor Made Tour

You design it, we create it! Our concept is based on giving you a high level of input into planning your own vacation.

Bike Rental

We pride ourselves on having the very best bicycles, maintained by expert staff and custom tweaked just for you.

Cycle, where you feel most alive

Diverse landscape with breathtaking view, where sea to summit, is a matter of minutes, wonderful unexplored beaches under your feet, through ancient ruins, in a forgotten land, where ancient cultures clashed and trade roads met, an energetic team of guides with a 10 years combined experience in travel and hospitality.

What brought together the “Beyond Albania” team, is the passion for the great outdoors and the possibility of exploration through different recreational sports such as hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving and more. Combining the long history of travel, knowledge of historical and geographical attractions, led to the creation of the “Beyond Albania” Tour Agency, focusing on cycling tours, as THE BEST touristic sport activity that weather, landscape and infrastructure in Albania can possibly offer

Perfect Weather

Known for the famous statement: “The country with 300 days of sun”, Albania has the typical Mediterranean pleasant weather

Professional Team

Experienced and quick to respond to any assistance and need that you may have, our guides will be your companions for the duration of the tour

Latest Bike Models

Ensuring comfort, reliability and efficiency, a variety of bicycle models and accessories will be at your disposal

Best Hospitality

Guaranteed the best experience in the chosen hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, as part of our tour

Featured trips

Max Groups Size

10 days unesco tour.

South Albania

Montenegro’s UNESCO Tour

Coming soon.

Self-Guided Tours

Ionian Tour

What people say about us.

We love hearing from your trips! Send us your feedback using the form on our Contact Us page.

Nigel Metcalfe

Just book it. This tour of Albania was incredible from the contrast in scenery between mountains and coast and our expert organisation from our guides, Erlis and Oni.

Fantastic. A fabulous trip that surprised us from day one. Great food, wonderful people and fantastic scenery. Albania was the winner and we will all recommend going there as soon as you can.

Sarah Wichman

Best Ever. Every part of this trip was wonderful, from the people, to the rides, to the organization, to the food, etc. I loved it.

Ellie Caryl

Our Beyond Albania Cycling UNESCO Tour was fantastic and is highly recommended by our group of 6! It was professionally organized in all aspects with top notch service from Erlis, Julian and Idit. The route was very scenic with hardly any road traffic, great climbs and smile-inducing descents. The Albanian cuisine was excellent and lodging choices were comfortable. We also thoroughly enjoyed learning about the culture and history of this fascinating country! Thank you Cycling Albania for a really memorable and fun trip!

Andrew Broan

This is a wonderful trip! Erlis has done a spectacular job crafting a 10-day itinerary covering a surprising variety of landscapes and sights —from serenely beautiful Lake Ohrid, to fascinating Girokaster and Butrint, plus three beautiful days pedaling along the seaside. Jaw-dropping views every day; consistently tasty and varied meals; great bikes and van support; delightful coffee stops; superb guiding. I cannot recommend this tour enough.

Feltin Guillaume

Super experience dans ce magnifique pays. Des magnifiques montagnes Albanaise jusqu’à la cote de la mer Ionnienne, on en prend plein les yeux. Que dire aussi de la nourriture et du sens de l’accueil des Albanais. Je recommande grandement. Pour courroner le tout notre binôme de guide était juste parfait, toujours au petit soin et avec le plaisir de nous partager l’histoire de leur beau pays.

Gian Mario Pisano

Che dire Erlis, se uno vuole conoscere il tuo splendido Paese non ha che rivolgersi a te! Bellissimo itinerario, dai luoghi più nascosti alle località più conosciute. Pedalate in mezzo alla natura, senza auto, splendidi paesaggi e te come guida per immergerti nella cultura e storia Albanese. Non potrò che suggerire la tua organizzazione a tutti quelli che vorranno visitare l’Albania in bicicletta.

Martyn Paterson

Just completed an exciting, challenging and rewarding cycling trip around Albania with Erlis and the Beyond Albania team. We had warm weather and sunshine every day, great for so late in October. Our group all had Giant e-bikes and they performed brilliantly over quiet varied road surfaces. Highly recommended…

Combining experience, agility and passion for adventure, our guides will make sure that you experience the most from your tour in Albania

GET IN TOUCH

Have questions? Want to see which dates are available? Booking?

You can fill the form on the right and we will send you a reply promptly. You can also contact us through different means:

E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +355 69 791 4758

Address Ibrahim Rugova Str, “Sky Tower”, 3rd Floor, Ap.6, Tiranë, Albania Address Ibrahim Rugova Str, “Sky Tower”, 3rd Floor, Ap.6, Tiranë, Albania -->

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Welcome to Beyond Albania!

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Southeast Asia

Central asia.

• Multi Country

Middle East

Latin america, exploring albania by bicycle.

Lying in between Europe and Central Asia, Albania feels at once familiar and fresh. With its old-world, agrarian charm, impressive historical lineage, and unquestionably beautiful landscape, Albania is the perfect destination for the traveler looking to find the sweet spot of nostalgia and undiscovered adventure.

Views to Write Home About

There’s plenty to see while cycling through this gem of a country. And for such a small sized nation, Albania really has it all. From the remote, snow capped mountains in the north, to the glittering Mediterranean beaches along the coast, and the terraced hillside olive orchards in between. Most of the geography boasts beautifully untouched scenery, with views so gorgeous, you’ll wonder why you’re the only one there to admire it.

Untouched Local Culture

One of the last undiscovered destinations in the world, and truly within Europe, Albania has emerged from decades of self-imposed isolation after the fall of communism still clutching its well-preserved heritage. The many archaeological sites and architectural gems tell tales of the country’s Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet history. But the quaint agrarian villages steal your heart with their old world charm.

The perfect crossroads of history, culture, stunning scenery and amazing food. Biking was the perfect way to see this undiscovered gem.

Patricia Weismantel

Choose your Albania Adventure

Craft your own adventure.

We can tailor make your adventure exactly how you want it. Whether it's tweaking an existing itinerary, booking a standard tour on a different date, or creating your own unique one!

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UNESCO Cycling Tour Albania

Considered as one of the most iconic tours ever delivered by albanian guides. cycle through the most diverse natural landscapes in albania, april - oct.

Accommodation

Price 3* and 4* Hotels

E-bike (Extra fee)

Regular bikes.

From: € 1,190

Description

• Cost & Book

The UNESCO cycling tour of Albania on a trekking bike or e-bike is considered as one of the most iconic tours. Cycle through the most diverse natural landscapes in the country. Pass through two of the three Albanian UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy during this trip the city of Gjirokastra and the ancient ruins of Butrinti Park. The UNESCO Tour consists of circular paths to cycle with amazing views. This guided UNESCO cycling tour will let you cycle through great cities like Tirana, Vlorë, Korcë, Pogradec, and many more cities/ villages. With a total distance of 460 kilometers and a total elevation of 6000 meters in 10 days. Above all, you’re able to combine cycling with the amazing culture.

The tour is also available in self-guided: The tour price is 1190 euros and the base price for self-guided – is 980€ (*price for sharing rooms)

Check also our Cycle Classic Tours BIKERENTAL WEBSITE – WWW.CCTBIKERENTAL.COM

Geographical position and climate

Albania (officially the Republic of Albania). It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea and shares land borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Greece. It has a maritime border with Italy as both the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea washes its shores on the West coast. Within a few days, you can visit the extremely diverse landscape from sea to summit. Albania is included in the humid subtropical zone of the Northern Hemisphere and it belongs to the Mediterranean climatic zone. Coastal areas have mild and wet winters, with hot and dry summers, whereas alpine areas have cold and wild winters, with wet summers. Albania proudly records an average of 300 days of summer a year.

About Albania

• The official language is Albanian a very old and rare Indo-European language
• The currency in Albania is called ”Lek”. It was first introduced in Feb 1926
• The national flag represents a black bicephalous eagle with open wings in the middle of a red background
• The country entered a ruthless communist regime by Enver Hoxha. This lasted until 1992
• The most famous Albanian in the world is Mother Teresa
• The term Albania is the medieval Latin name of the country

Scheduled departures for 2024

Dates guided: April 5 – April 14 – April 11 – April 20 – April 21 – April 30 April 30 – May 9 – May 12 – May 21 – May 15 – May 24 – May 20 – May 29 – May 23 – June 1 June 1 – June 10 June 6 – June 15 – June 16 – June 25 (guaranteed departure) – June 21 – June 30 July 1 – July 10 August 24 – September 2 – August 31 – September 9 September 9 – September 18 – September 19 – September 28 – September 20 – September 29 – September 27 – October 6 October 6 – October 15 – October 8 – October 17 – October 15 – October 24 – October 17 – October 26

You can rent a top-class e-bike for a little more

Come and enjoy the UNESCO Cycling tour of Albania, and discover all the beauties of this wonderful country!

Cost & Book

Booking information.

• All prices are based on double rooms - for bookings & inquiries: send an email to [email protected]
• Price per person in double room € 1190

Extra Information

• Fill out and submit the online booking request or send an email to [email protected]
• We tend and try to send all over within 48 hours.
• You will receive an invoice, the tour program, and the terms and conditions of the tour operator.
• Please do not make travel plans until you receive our confirmation.
• Please be advised that we make every effort to ensure that all the information given on this site is accurate. All statements and information have been researched and supplied by third parties.
• The information given is accurate and reliable, to the best of our knowledge. Should errors be found, we will rectify them as quickly as possible. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies.
• 9 nights of shared accommodation in a mix of hotels and guesthouses
• Meals (9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners)
• Hybrid bike rental with panniers – e-bikes available for an additional charge
• Bag support vehicle with driver/guide
• Multilingual cycling guide
• Transfer to Tirana International Airport

Not Included

• E-Bike (Extra fee) 200 euro
• Single supplement € 200
• Cycling gear (Shoes, water bottle, helmet)
• Water Bottle
• Entrance to selected visitor sites and attractions
• Transfer from Tirana International Airport to Hotel in Tirana

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Bicycle touring. Outdoor adventures. Solo female travel.

Cycling in Albania – practical bike touring guide

Cycling in Albania will be a blast for every adventure seeker. After nearly half a century of the communist regime and total isolation followed by social unrest in the 90s, this little Balkan country is still undiscovered and little known to a broader audience. Hop on your bike and experience the untouched mountains, wild rivers, spectacular canyons, fascinating culture and outstanding hospitality of Albanians. 

I have spent three weeks cycling in the country of Skanderberg. Writing this article, I did my best to give you all the information you need before bike touring in Albania.

How to get there?

It is easy and affordable to travel to Albania by plane from Europe.

Wizzair has direct connections to Tirana from many European cities, like Berlin, Paris, Eindhoven, Oslo, Warsaw, Stockholm, London, Madrid, Budapest, Brussels, Vienna, and almost all major Italian cities.

Taking your bicycle on a plane with Wizzair costs 40 euros. Read more about  travelling by plane with a bike in this article.

If you cannot find a connection to Tirana, check out also flights to Skopje (Macedonia), Podgorica (Montenegro) or Corfu (Greece).

You can also take a ferry to Albania from Italy. I travelled from Bari to Durres with Adria Ferries and paid 60 euros for my ticket (including the bike). The ferry leaves at 22:00, and the ride lasts 10 hours. If you don’t want to sleep in the deck restaurant  as I did , you will have to spend another 100 euros for the cabin.

The alternative route is from Ancona to Bari, for 80 euros. The ferry leaves at 17:00, and the trip is really long – 19 hours.

Covid travel restrictions in Albania

Per 17.05.2022, you can enter Albania if you have:

• proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• negative PCR COVID-19 test performed up to 72 hours ahead of arrival
• rapid Antigen (COVID-19) test performed no more than 48 hours ahead of arrival
• proof that you have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months

You can check the current Covid restrictions in Albania  on this website.

Bike rental in Albania

Cycle Albania  offers Giant hybrid bikes with a pre-installed pannier rack for 15 euros per day.

Bike shops in Albania

If you are looking for spare parts or a box to pack your bicycle for the flight, you will find a lot of small bike shops along Rruga Qemal Stafa street in Tirana.

Is Albania safe for solo female travellers?

Being still an unknown and mysterious destination for most people, Albania has to still fight its reputation as a dangerous country with organised crime and human trafficking. You might hear a few „are you crazy” when you reveal you’re going alone there.

I can say that I felt even safer than in some countries in Western Europe. I have wild camped there alone without any problems and didn’t feel threatened.

Of course, I would still take the usual precautions, like not disclosing to anyone that I am going to wild camp and remain hidden. I also kept a close eye on my belongings.

In small towns, in the public spaces, you will notice mostly men, which might feel intimidating at first. As a solo travelling woman, I would get some attention, but I was treated with respect and kindness. The locals are very eager to help, so whenever I looked a bit „lost”, someone would approach me and ask if I needed something.

I had one situation when a young guy on a mountain bike started cycling next to me for a bit longer than I actually wanted. I think he tried to give me some advice about my bike (he didn’t speak English, so I couldn’t quite understand). After about 20 minutes, I started getting annoyed that he was still there, so I made clear I was ok and would be fine on my own, and he respectfully left then.

More than 70 % of the territory of Albania consists of mountains. Make sure to get some training before you come here. To reduce the elevation metres, you can take the coastal route and follow Eurovelo 8. But it is much less scenic and exciting than the mountains.

Bike lanes, traffic and safety on the roads

Regarding safety on the roads, Albania is full of contradictions. You might have heard that Albanians drive like crazy and that it’s super dangerous to cycle there. It is only partially true. On the main roads, you might feel unsafe. There is often no roadside, and drivers will overtake you without maintaining a proper distance. However, the truck drivers usually honk to warn you, so you can slow down or even stop.

But most of the roads in the country are quiet and perfect for cycling. Have limited trust in Google Maps, Komoot, Maps.me, Mapy.cz or any other  navigation . They might often lead you through some pretty potholed and rocky dirt roads. 

Cycling lanes are surprisingly good in big cities like Tirana or Shkoder. Unfortunately, they are often treated as a space for parking.

Mountain biking in Albania

The wild and undiscovered Albanian mountains are the perfect playground for every mountain biker. If you are looking for the best MTB adventure, hit up  Ride Albania  – they organise both guided and self-guided tours through the best trails in the country.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joanna Chmara (@chmaraa)

A post shared by Joanna Chmara (@chmaraa)

Public transportation

Public transportation in Albania is limited. If you want to skip some cycling and take your bike on a train or a bus, it will be a challenge.

The railway network in the whole country is only 424 km long. Trains are very infrequent, so don’t count on them. 

There are many buses between the major cities, but the public transportation in the countryside is pretty much inexisting. 

If you cannot keep on cycling, you will most likely need a taxi.

Albania’s Mediterranean climate makes it a perfect destination for cycling holidays. Albanian summers are sunny and dry, so expect some lovely cycling tan (remember to bring good sunscreen!). In July and August, the heat might make biking unbearable. The best time to visit Albania is from April to June and September to October. Bear in mind that in April and in October you can expect some heavy rainfalls. Up in the mountains, there might still be snow in April.

Wild camping

Wild camping in Albania is legal and uncomplicated.

In the mountains, it’s easy to find a green and scenic spot for your tent. It can happen that some shepherds will pass by in the evening. Before my trip, I often read online that there was a lot of litter everywhere, but I was pleasantly surprised. In my opinion, it wasn’t so bad, at least compared to  North Macedonia  or  Bosnia and Herzegovina .

If you need a warm shower after a day of cycling or don’t feel confident enough to wild camp, you can also stay at one of many small campsites. Most of them are very basic, so don’t expect full-scale campsites with a restaurant and a pool like on the Croatian or Italian coast. They usually have a toilet, shower, electricity and wi-fi. On most of them, I paid about 5 euros per night.

Accommodation

Can you cycle in Albania without camping?

If you don’t want to carry your camping gear while travelling to Albania, I have good news. It is absolutely possible to cycle around Albania with no camping gear! The network of guesthouses, hotels and hostels is well-developed, and you will easily find accommodation. Even if you travel on a budget, you will be fine. Accommodation prices are low: a dorm bed in a hostel is 5 to 10 euros. You can also easily find a private room for about 10-20 euros.

I have met a Dutch couple travelling light, and they said they didn’t have any problems finding accommodation.

The currency in Albania is Albanian Lek (LEK). 100 LEK = 0,83 EUR. Many hostels, hotels, restaurants and shops accept euros as well.

Card payments are not very popular, especially in the countryside, so make sure to carry enough cash.

There are a lot of ATMs, but most of them charge a high fee for withdrawal (from 300 to even 800 LEK). Don’t make the same mistake as I did, not having enough cash when cycling through the mountains from Permet to Korca and having to withdraw money from the only ATM in 140 km. Unfortunately, it was Raiffaisen Bank which charged me 800 LEK.

The only ATMs that don’t charge an extra fee are Credins Bank.

It’s good to know that sometimes Albanians say 1000 when they mean 100 leke. This is the remainder of the „old” lek, with an additional 0. So if the amount you hear seems too high, ask the seller to write the price down for you to double-check.

Internet and local sim card

The provider I used is called One. For 1500 leke (13 euro), I got 20 GB (15 GB internet, 5 GB for social media) for 21 days (or at least I thought it was for 21 days, but in fact, it worked for 25 days, I still don’t know why).   

Many small shops in the countryside were poorly stocked and offered mostly sweets, pasta, cheese and some fruits and veggies. After my trip to Albania, I can’t look at  7-days  croissants. If you plan to tour a lot „in the wild”, buy enough food in bigger towns. For a better selection, go to Conad or Spar. The prices are very reasonable.

I loved to stop by some small bakeries for lunch and get byrek – a traditional pastry with cheese, spinach or meat. It usually costs about 40-50 leke, and the greasy pastry will keep you full for a while.

Is Albania vegetarian-friendly?

The Albanian cuisine is delicious. Although many local dishes are meat-based, you will find plenty of vegetarian options with fresh, organic vegetables. The prices in restaurants are pretty low, for 600-700 leke you can get a good meal.

I read many warnings about aggressive wild or shepherd dogs. Luckily, I didn’t have any problems with them. Only once in a small town, two dogs were barking at me ferociously. A motorcyclist passing by honked at them and told me to ride away. Bringing an air horn might be a good idea to protect yourself from the dogs.

In all the other cases, my usual method worked quite well. When I see a dog in the mountains, I slow down, sometimes getting off my back and talking to the dog while slowly moving forward. If you are afraid of a dog attack, consider taking pepper spray or citronella spray.

Best cycling routes in Albania

Everywhere in Albania, you will have gorgeous views and beautiful nature around. Below are some of my favourite routes in this country.

1. Shkoder – Theth (through Thore Pass)

Cycling from Shkoder to Theth will be a challenge, but the reward will be worth every drop of sweat. The 1600 metres climb to Thore Pass will be full of breathtaking views of the Accursed Mountains, also called the Albanian Alps. The new road is paved, so you can do it on a road bike. It is usually closed from October to May (I was lucky, and in April 2022, the snow was already gone). 

The village of Theth is a remote and charming place with a unique culture. I recommend staying longer to enjoy some hikes (the most popular is the route to Valbona and the Peak of the Balkans trail ). 

Back to Shkoder, you can take the same route or choose the real off-road challenge on the southern road through Nderlysaj (and visit the famous Blue Eye waterfall). This road following the Kir river is really rocky and strenuous, so brace yourself for some hike-a-biking. On the 55 kilometres long dirt road, there is just you versus nature. No shops, no civilisation (there are two tiny villages on the way) – make sure to get enough food and bring the camping gear.

2. Berat – Osum Canyon – Permet

Visiting the UNESCO-listed town of Berat is a must-do. The Ottoman houses, the medieval castle, and a relaxed atmosphere will enchant you. After the cultural experience, head into the wild and see the largest canyon in Albania. The Osum Canyon is 26 kilometres long and offers spectacular views with astonishing rock formations and numerous waterfalls.  

The road from Osum Canyon to Permet is one of the most challenging mountain roads ever cycled. I only recommend it if you are eager to face some mud, potholes and rocks to have the raw and untouched mountain landscape only for yourself. 

In Permet, I definitely recommend staying at  Albturist Ecocamp Përmet , with an idyllic view over Dhëmbel and Nemërçkë mountains. The owner, Robert, is also a hiking and rafting guide. If you are looking for some adrenaline, he can take you rafting on Vjosa – the last wild river in Europe.

3. Permet – Korce – Lake Prespa – Lake Ohrid

The road from Permet to Korce through Leskovik allows you to admire the beauty of the Vjosa river and the mysterious charm of the Gramos mountains. You will find some great places to wild camp on the way. 

Korce is a vibrant and fascinating town with a beautiful bazaar, artsy vibe and rich history. From there, head up north to visit the Prespa National Park. Life in the villages on the shores of the lake is slow. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including pelicans, turtles and brown bears. If you spend some time walking around, you will also discover some breathtaking historical sights, like old rock eremite churches from the middle ages.

From Lake Prespa to Lake Ohrid, you can go the same way and then turn in the direction of Zvezde. You will eventually reach Pogradec, a quiet, charming lakeside town. The alternative is to cross the border to North Macedonia and take the scenic route through the Galicica mountains (you can read more about it here ). The latter will give you a chance to visit the city of Ohrid, which is rich in historical monuments and has a unique atmosphere. It tends to be crowded in the summer, so to avoid the crowds in the mid-season, Pogradec might be a better choice.

Click on the map to see my route and the most interesting places I have visited.

Any information you were missing in this article? Hit me up in the comments!

19 thoughts on “Cycling in Albania – practical bike touring guide”

I appreciate some of the basic information, such as camping and vegetarian food, which is of particular interest to me.

You mention not having too much confidence in the navigation methods. Then, what does one do? You use them, but just stay aware that they may be wrong?

Also, did I miss, I’m wondering about communication? Are you able to find people who speak English or another language? Thanks

Hi Carlos, thanks for your comment! When it comes to navigation, it’s always good to ask the locals if a road you are planning to take is good (especially if it is a small local road). Or just be aware that the roads can be in bad condition and it might take you longer time than usual (take more food and water).

When it comes to the language: quite a lot of people, especially those working in tourism, speak basic English. It is not the case everywhere but most of the time it was ok. Kids even in small villages speak English, so I expect the situation will be improving over the next few years.

Besides English, almost everyone speaks Italian, so if you know at least a bit of this language, you will be fine!

Pingback: Cycling in Albania, part 1: Durres, Berat, Osum Canyon and an unrideable road to paradise - Wobbly Ride

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Hello, Super useful tips! We are planning a similar tour this summer 🙂 We are considering to go from Shkroder to Theth from the southern road and come back from the paved northern road. How long did the southern part take you roughly? Is there possibility to refill drinking water at the small villages? Thanks a lot for the help! Cheers, Edoardo

Hi Edoardo, thanks for your comment! Excited to hear about your summer plans 🙂 the southern path is pretty tough and I needed two full days to do it. The first part, there are not many water sources but you can refill in the village of Kir. After the pass, there will be more streams and easier to find water. Enjoy Albania! Joanna

Hi Joanna. Firstly thank you for your excellent work in writing up yout travels. My name is Martyn, my wife, Jo, and I are planning a trip to include Albania next year. Your blog has helped me to really want to go to this country. We are 68 and 70 year olds from Australia and are regular cyclists. We will be touring on dual suspension e mountain bikes. The route you document sounds great and we could just follow this but there are a few questions I have in relation to my wife. Would the hard and challenging bits you describe be made easier by having shorter days and if so is there accomodation to allow this. We will not be carrying tents. How and why did you choose this route. Was it recommended , did you work it out yourself????? Are there other routes that you have heard of that would also include the best and essential parts of Albania? We will have approximately 2 weeks in the country. We will arrive on the ferry from Bari to Dures then after touring in Albania make our way north from Albania through Montenegro then Croatia then ferry back to Italy. Your answers of my questions and any other suggestions you might have in general would be really appreciated. Thank you again, Martyn. PS I am pressuming that we will have no problem charging our e bikes at our accomodation. Would you agree?

Hi Martin, thank you for your comment! So exciting to hear about your plans, Albania is indeed a very special destination. When it comes to the route, I really played it by ear 😉 I had some recommendations of places to visit from my friend earlier and then I only tried to connect the dots somehow. I think you should be able to follow it and the accommodation should allow you to do shorter days. The only problematic section might be from Osum Canyon to Permet – there is no accommodation on the way there and this road is pretty bad, so you might want to consider skipping it and maybe visit the Osum Canyon just as a day trip from Berat. I would definitely recommend you to cycle to Tepelene and Gjirokaster as well (I did it after returning to Albania in June and it was absolutely lovely). I have also heard Valbona valley is amazing, not sure how the routes are there but maybe you can somehow work it in on your way to Montenegro. Charging your bikes at the accommodation shouldn’t be a problem at all. Hope you’re gonna have an amazing trip and if you have any follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to let me know 🙂 Joanna

Hey Joanna, Thank you so much for putting this blog together and for providing so much helpful information! I read all of your blogs about Albania, North Macedonia and rest of Balkan countries and it helped me massively to plan my route through Albania. I chose to go inside the country as opposite to the coast and I loved it! Albania is so underrated so hope to see more people enjoying it soon. Happy and safe cycling to you!

Hi Zlatimira, thank you so much for this positive feedback! So glad my posts were helpful and that you had a great trip in Albania 🙂 I definitely agree – this is such an underrated country but seems like more people are starting to finally discover it. Safe travels to you too!

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Hello; I enjoyed reading your adventure! We are thinking of travelling to Albania with our road bikes for the month of April. What area or routes would you recommend for the best paved road conditions for our road bikes? Thank you, Sharon

Hi Sharon, thanks for your comment. So great to hear about more and more cyclists planning to go to Albania, it’s really a fantastic place for a biking adventure! I haven’t done Llogara pass myself, but I’ve heard it’s really stunning and with good asphalt. I would certainly recommend the road from Shkoder to Theth, although you cannot be sure it’ll be already open in April (it depends on the snow conditions as it’s quite high in the mountains).

From my own experience, I can also say that the road between Permet, Korce and Pogradec (with a detour to the Prespa Lake) is also quite alright for a road bike (although the asphalt is partially a bit potholed) and with little traffic and stunning views. In general, the coast should be fine for road bikes too, but there you can expect some more cars.

I hope it helps. Happy travels! Joanna

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I enjoyed it immensely. The leaders had an informal style which allowed for changes to reflect the wishes of the group, weather, road conditions etc. The leaders were always ready to discuss aspects of local culture, local history etc and that added a lot to the trip. Mechanical problems were dealt with in a caring manner but with a low key approach. I really recommend the firm.

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Cycle Albania - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Cycling holiday in Albania

Cycling in albania.

Some say that visiting Albania is as close as you will get traveling back in time. It wasn't until the collapse of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania in 1991 that the world got its first glimpse of the country within.

Huge snow-capped mountains, inviting beaches, pretty rural villages, a genuine subsistence culture and an exceptionally friendly welcome is what you will find here. We ride through the very best of Europe's beautiful unknown.This diverse tour will lead you from the tranquil beauty of Lake Ohrid, via picturesque mountains and sparkling rivers, to the inviting beaches of the Albanian Riviera, providing a taste of all the very best Albania has to offer. This incorporates visits to UNESCO heritage sites, as well as fascinating glimpses into an untouched subsistence culture. A challenging route, providing a feast for the senses and plenty of opportunity to experience the hospitality of the friendly Albanian people.

Our Cycling tour in Albania

Southern albania.

Cycling along UNESCO World Heritage

• 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• 8 Riding days with support van
• Multilingual cycling guide
• Bike rental included

UNESCO World Heritage in Albania

Albania is home to a number of landmarks with valuable cultural and historical importance. Several of these have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites because of their uniqueness and importance to the collective interests of humanity. In our tour you will visit 3 of the 5 sites:

• Lake Ohrid Lake Ohrid is a deep and ancient lake which has existed continuously for approximately two to three million years. Its waters are home to over 200 species of plants and animals unique to the lake, including algae, flatworms, snails, crustaceans and fish
• Butrint This archaeological site contains a variety of ruins representing each period in the city’s development. Visitors can view a well-preserved Greek theater, and the beautiful mosaic floor of the ancient Christian baptistery, adapted from an ancient Roman monument.
• Historic Berat and Gjirokaster (photo) Nestled in the hills of southern Albania, Berat and Gjirokaster have been continuously inhabited since ancient times right up to the present day, and reflect the diversity of cultural and religious influences in the Balkans

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Tirana bike tours.

Tirana, Albania’s capital and largest city, is enclosed by the country’s central mountains and looks out towards the Adriatic Sea. Founded as a city in 1614 by an Ottoman Albanian general, the area itself has been continuously inhabited since at least the Iron Age. This long history has left behind a distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary influences, from Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, to a growing tourism industry and excellent transport links, making Tirana the perfect location for taking day tours on your trip to Albania.

Spend time in the center of Tirana soaking up its lively cafe culture. Cafes, bars, and restaurants spill out onto the streets whilst markets bustle with locals and tourists seeking groceries and handmade souvenirs. The city also boasts a raft of cultural sightseeing opportunities: the National History Museum, the Archeological Museum, and the Natural Science Museum, as well as the National Theatre and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, all waiting to give you a taste of Albania's rich cultural offerings.

While there’s plenty to see in town, visitors should also take advantage of the city’s enviable location by taking a day tour from the capital. Ride to the resplendent Cape of Rodon on a bike tour that meanders through Durres Country and arrives at the chalky cliffs and tranquil shores of Albania’s largest cape.

For a bicycle tour that leads you from Albania’s capital to its second city, take the Tirana to Durres Bike Tour. You’ll discover the port city where sandy beaches, poplar trees, and ancient ruins abound. Or, if you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the deepest lake in the Balkans, and one of the oldest lakes in the world, the Tirana to Lake Ohrid Bike Tour is for you. Cross the border by bike as you cycle into Northern Macedonia and ride along the shores of Lake Ohrid, before stopping at the city of Ohrid and the historic town of Struga.

In short, there is no end of sightseeing opportunities in Tirana, and taking a bike tour is a surefire way to enjoy an immersive experience of Albanian culture and to gain some local insight into life in ‘The Land of Eagles’ with the help of your guide.

Tirana Bike Tours · 1 to 4 of 4

Tirana to Mount Dajti Downhill MTB Tour

Tirana · from €85 EUR

Description: Take a day tour up Mount Dajti, located in a lush national park just a short ride from the center of Tirana. Follow your guide on bike lanes out of the city and hop in a cable car to ascend to the peak of the mountain. Soak up the views before enjoying…

Tirana to Lake Ohrid Bike Tour

Tirana · from €135 EUR

Description: Discover one of the world's oldest lakes on this bike tour to Lake Ohrid from Tirana. A shuttle will take you to the mountain pass of Qafe Thane. You'll cross the border into Northern Macedonia, accompanied by breathtaking views of the vast lake. Head…

Tirana to Cape of Rodon Bike Tour

Tirana · from €105 EUR

Description: Beginning in Tirana, this bike tour takes you to one of Albania's most picturesque stretches of coastline: the Cape of Rodon. Take a shuttle to the tiny, traditional village of Maminas, where your ride begins. Cycle through the lush countryside…

Tirana to Durrës Bike tour

Tirana · from €110 EUR

Description: This bike tour begins in Tirana, Albania's capital and largest city, and ends in Durres, the country's second-largest city. Ride out of the center of Tirana through the Kombinati neighborhood and head to Durres, located on the Adriatic Coast, for a day…

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Roundtrip Albania · Albania

• Islandhopping
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• Hotel & Bike Tour Albania | Guided bike tours in Albania

Discover Albanias stunning nature by bike!

Albania (Shqipëria) has recently become one of Europe’s hottest and least expensive holiday destinations. Its untouched beaches, snow-capped mountains, traditional cuisine, Cold War era artefacts, unique traditions, unrivalled hospitality and wild countryside are just waiting to be discovered.

Some say that discovering Albania by bike is as close as you’ll get to traveling back in time. On our Albania tour we explore the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Butrint, Korçë and Gjirokastёr. This tour is offered as self-guided tour with luggage transport and as guided tour.

Accommodation

Rental bikes.

• Dates & Prices
• Extended Stay
• Things to note

Our Hotels (3 - 4 stars)

During the tour, we stay at the best possible hotels currently reachable to us in Albania. The current infrastructure in Albanian currently allows our tours to reach 4-star hotels in big cities and 3-star hotels in smaller cities and towns with en suite facilities (according to Albanian Tourist Board grading system). We overnight in family-owned guesthouses in remote locations. The tour price covers one bed in a double room with two people. If you would like to stay in a room alone, single rooms are bookable for a surcharge of 15 euro/night depending on the hotel capacity.…

Preise, Leistungen und Termine

Included services guided tour:

• 9 nights in selected hotels and family-owned guesthouses
• 9 x breakfast, 8 x lunch & 9 x dinner
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• 30-speed rental bicycle (GIANT™) and waterproof panniers
• Transfers as described in the itinerary
• Support vehicle with bilingual driver
• Luggage service from hotel to hotel

Not incluced guided tour:

• Journey to/from Albania
• Taxi from Tirana Airport to Tirana town: 20 euro (1 – 3 people)
• Drinks with meals
• Entrance fees for sights
• Lunch/Dinner on day of departure
• Tips for driver and tour guide

Additional optional services (guided tour)

If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our SEA-YOU-AGAIN discount for your next tour in 2025.

As this tour is operated by a third party partner, not all regular Islandhopping discount offers apply.

Arrival - How to get there

Arrival by plane.

The Airport of Tirana – Rinas (TIA) can be reached by direct or stop-over flights from around the world.

When booking your flight, please keep in mind that the transfer from Vlorё to Tirana Airport on the day of departure takes about 3 hours. We recommend booking a return flight that leaves after 1 pm.

Important information

The guided bike tour in Albania is only conducted in English.

Albania has temperate, Mediterranean climate. In the beginning of spring temperatures begin to rise. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures provide a nice way to ease into the heat of summer. Cycling season: April to June; September to October.

This trip consists of mid to high difficulty tours through mountainous terrain with lengths of 15 - 40 mi./29 - 72 km. Our routes usually follow quiet asphalt or gravel roads with an average daily elevation of 2,427 ft./740 m. On the self-guided tours, you have the full day to cycle the tour and can complete it at your own speed, following a route description. Albanian drivers are generally very considerate of bikers.

Should you decide to take the guided tour, you will have an escort vehicle (Van, 8 seats with a trailer for up to 20 bikes) at your disposal on each tour, which transports your luggage and up to seven people. Your tour guide has expert knowledge of the region. It is important to us that everyone is able to cycle at their own pace, so it is possible that the group splits during the ascents. Should this be the case, the group generally meets at the top of the climb, or at another specified meeting point.

Should you choose to do the self-guided tour, you will receive an extensive information package, consisting of detailed maps, a GPS device, list of hotels, recommendations for restaurants, information on the most important sites as well as a small dictionary with the most important vocabulary and expressions. We also supply tools and a repair kit as well as waterproof pannier for transporting everything you need en route.

On our regular cycling tours, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.

Helmet use is mandatory on all bike rides. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.

The basic tour price covers a continental breakfast at the hotels, which is usually served at 7:30 am. Full board is only included in the tour price for the guided tour. If you choose the self-guided tour, lunch and dinner are not included in the tour price. However, with the information and tips we provide you will easily be able to find great places for lunch en route.

The tour which you have booked requires a bike with a fully functional set of gears. Islandhopping can offer you high quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfect for the terrain of this tour.

Should you however wish to bring your own hybrid bicycle or e-bike with you, please make sure to check the condition of your brakes, gears, and tires and don’t forget to bring along a puncture repair kit and the essential spare parts for your bike (e.g. brake pads and spare tubes). Your bike should be in prefect mechanical working order.

We do not recommend bringing along private road bikes, as the thin tires are not suitable for some of the road surfaces encountered on the tours.

Liability disclaimer: Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH. Will not be held liable for any damages caused to private bikes during loading, unloading or other logistical handling thereof.

On the guided tour your luggage will be transported in the supporting vehicle. On the self-guided tour luggage can be left at reception desk for luggage service pick up.

Other Tours you might enjoy

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Bicycle Tours in Albania

Are you ready to embark on a two-wheeled adventure through Albania and explore the world from a different perspective? All of the amazing bicycle tours listed here have been carefully analyzed, considering key factors such as price, destinations, guest ratings, service, and activities. Our goal was to find the best cycling and biking tours to make your trip planning process easier. So, get ready to pedal through awe-inspiring scenery, charming towns, and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Feel the freedom of the open road as you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and soak up the local culture. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, these tours cater to all skill levels and interests.

• Cycle Tour In Albania - UNESCO 10 Day Tour 10 Days, $1337.05
• Cycle Albania 8 Days, $1610.00
• Cycling in Albania 8 Days, $1945.00

What are cycling tours like in Albania?

Here are the important factors:

• 4 trip options analyzed
• $160 average price per day (USD)
• 7 to 10 days in length
• 4.78 of 5 average rating
• 16 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of biking and cycling tours in Albania, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.78 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 16 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 8 days, with tours ranging from 7 to 10 days long. With our thorough analysis of 4 biking and cycling tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Albania has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 4 Best Bike Tours in Albania

Cycle tour in albania - unesco 10 day tour.

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for biking and cycling tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This 10-day bike trip is ideal for guests from 16 and up. And priced at only $134 per day, it's a great value, too. Experience a trip that takes you to 9 remarkable destinations, including Pogradec, Korca, Sotire, and Benje. Begin your trip in Tirana and complete it with a memorable finale in Vlore. It's offered by Cycle Albania , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

Cycle Albania

• On Sale: 15% Off See Prices

Priced at just $171 per day, this terrific 8-day bicycle tour, visiting Albania and Macedonia, is ideal for guests from 16 to 85 years old. Explore 11 incredible locations on this trip, including Saranda, Qeparo, Dhermi, and Pogradec. Tirana kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. Organized by the reputable Explore! , this is one of the best tours on this list. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

Cycling in Albania

Check out this incredible bike trip that has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 8 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 16 people, and is good for guests from 16 and up. Discover a journey that spans 14 destinations, with notable stops in Carshove, Benje, Kelcyra, and Gjirokastra. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Tirana. This fantastic option, organized by Exodus Travels , presents an unbeatable value at just $243 per day.

Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices

Spanning over 7 days, this cycling trip, visiting Albania and Kosovo, has a maximum size of 10 individuals. Welcoming guests from 12 to 70 years old, it is organized by Choose Balkans , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip takes you on an adventure to 7 destinations, including Valbona Valley National Park, Çerem, Doberdoll, and Shkoder. Tirana will be both the start and end of your journey. Available at an unbeatable price of only $94 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Self-Guided Cycling

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Albania , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Albania , The Best Historical Tours in Albania , The Best 10-Day Tours in Albania , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Albania , The Best 3-Day Tours in Albania , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Albania , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Albania , The Best Adventure Tours to Albania , The Best Eco Tours in Albania , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Albania , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Albania , The Best Cultural Tours in Albania , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Albania , The Best Camping Tours in Albania , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Albania , The Best Walking Tours in Albania , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Albania , The Best Budget Tours to Albania , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Albania for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Tirana , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tirana , The Best 10-Day Tours from Tirana , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Tirana for more package tour options.

How much do Biking Tours in Albania cost?

Travelers to Albania will have a large number of terrific options for biking and cycling tours at a variety of great prices. The price of biking and cycling tours here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 4 biking and cycling tours, their average daily price is a very reasonable $160 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Albania .

And for more information on Albania, see Albania Travel Costs and Albania Hotel Costs .

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Cycling in Albania – Tips and Advice For An Albania Cycling Trip

Visiting Albania for a cycling trip? These Albania cycling tips and advice are an interesting read and show you exactly what to expect.

Bike Touring in Albania

During my 2016 cycling trip from Greece to England, I spent just over a week bicycle touring in Albania.

There's no need to tell me a week cycling in Albania is not long enough – I already know! Don't worry I will return in the future for a couple of months to go bike touring in Albania properly!

In the mean time, I thought I'd share some travel tips for cycling through Albania. This should help you prepare for what to expect when bikepacking in Albania. At the end of this post, there's also my daily YouTube vlogs and other information you might find useful for planning cycling tours in Albania.

A Brief Intro to Albania

Let's kick off with a quick look at Albania. It's a country many people have heard of, but know little about.

Albania is a small, mountainous Balkan country that is located in Southeastern Europe. The county shares borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south.

The official language of Albania is Albanian and and the currency of Albania is the Lek.

Albania has a rich history and culture and some of the main tourist attractions in Albania include the ancient ruins at Butrint National Park, UNESCO sites like Berat Castle, Gjirokastër Castle, and Lake Ohrid. The Albanian Riviera is growing a reputation as a good place to spend the summer and enjoy the inviting beaches!

After emerging from Communist rule after 1992, Albania has been going through a period of transition. This is still a country in the process of rebuilding itself, so it's a great time to visit and take a self guided bicycle tour not only to see Albania as it is now, but also as it will be in the years ahead.

Tips for Bicycle Touring in Albania

Is it safe – I have to say, that I believe Albania is Europe's friendliest country! The people are warm, welcoming, and almost over-the-top in the way they want to treat you. It is hard to put into words, so I encourage you to visit Albania and explore the country by bicycle to see for yourself!

Currency – I toured in 2016, and the Albanian Lekh was pegged at 140 to a Euro. In most big towns, I was able to use either currency. In the small villages though, Lekh are preferred.

How do you get Lekh? There are plenty of ATM machines in Albania to withdraw Lekh from, you can exchange Euros for Lekh, or you can pay in Euros for goods, and have your change back in Lekh.

Credit Cards – Don't expect to be able to use your credit cards everywhere. Some hotels MAY accept them, but don't bank on it (if you will forgive the pun).

What's it like cycling in Albania?

Road Conditions – The road network has improved drastically over the last few years, which makes bicycle touring in Albania relatively easy.

The main highways are all sealed and paved, and most major connecting roads are also sealed. get off the beaten track a little though, and you will find dirt and gravel roads galore, especially up in the mountains.

I would always recommend long distance bicycle touring with 26 inch wheels (take a look at the Stanforth Kibo+ I used for this trip), but you could cycle from one end of Albania to the other on sealed roads on a road bike if you wanted to.

Road Safety – Much has been written about ‘Crazy Albanian driving'. Is it actually that bad though?

If you have just landed from an orderly Northern European country, jumped on your bike, and started pedalling in Tirana, then yes, you will probably think things are chaotic and aggressive.

If you have progressed southwards through the continent and reached Albania on your bike, then no, you will probably not think so. I live in Athens, and personally, I think Albanian driving is a lot saner than Athenian driving!

Accommodation – Although I didn't wild camp myself, there are plenty of opportunities around should you wish. In terms of ‘official' camping, there are a number of campsites scattered around, which were priced at 5 Euros a night per person.

If hotels are your thing, for between 10 and 15 Euro per night, you can get something half decent, and normally with a breakfast.

Albania Bicycle Touring Vlogs

I should start by saying that I normally do a full write up of my time on the road when I am on a bike tour. On this Greece to England cycle trip though, I started vlogging instead. As a result, you've got a partial bike touring blog post and vlog with commentary!

I think the daily videos (vlogs) are a better record of what happened on a day to day basis during the bike tour through Albania. As the trip went on, they got a little better, so you might find these a bit raw.

Keep in mind I created these bike touring vlogs in Albania each day after finishing riding. They're a bit rough and ready in places, but I hope they give a feel for cycling in Albania.

Bicycle Touring in Albania

If you are interested in Albania or plan on bicycle touring in Albania, I strongly recommend you check the vlogs out, as there is tonnes of information there for you!

If you carry on reading to the end of the article, you will also find some useful tips and general information for bicycle touring in Albania. I also have an Albania Travel Guide from a previous trip to the country. This guide to Tirana Tourist Attractions should also be useful.

Wednesday 18th May 2016 Day 11 – Cycling from Ksamil to Gjirokaster

The Albania bike touring vlog below covers the day's ride between Ksamil to  Gjirokaster . 

Thursday 19th May 2016 Day 12 – Day off in Gjirokaster 

As it took a fair bit of effort to get up to the old town section of Gjirokaster, I decided to stay to have a look around! Here's a little video I put together.

Friday 20th May 2016 Day 13 – Cycling from Gjirokaster to Fier

Leaving Gjirokaster in the rain, I cycled to Fier. It was a good test of my rain gear, including Sealskinz Hat ! Here's the vlog from the day's ride in.

Saturday 21st May 2016 Day 14 – Cycling from Fier to Durrës

Cycling from Fier in Albania, I braved the traffic on a a motorway as I headed to  Durrës .

Sunday 22nd May 2016 Day 15 – Cycling from Durres to Schkoder

Leaving Durrës, I decided to skip out Tirana, and head toward the border with Montenegro. The Albania bicycle touring vlog is below.

Monday 23rd May 2016 Day 16 – Cycling from Schkoder to Ulcinj in Montenegro

My last full day of cycling in Albania. Definitely one of my favourite countries from the Greece to England bike tour, and one I am eager to return to!This vlog covers from Schkoder and into Montenegro .

Related Albania Blogs

You might find these other articles I have written have useful information for bicycle touring in Albania.

• Albania Travel Guide – Don’t skip Shqiperia in the Balkans!
• Visit Berat in Albania – Castle and UNESCO Historic Centre

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