hiking trip albania

Albania Hiking Guide: 17 BEST Albanian Hikes & Tours 2024

With over 70% of the country being mountainous, hiking in Albania is a must. After spending a month exploring the country from high to low, we can easily say that hiking was one of our favourite things to do. In fact, almost all of our favourite memories revolve around hiking trips, from incredible views to personal accomplishments.

If you want to do something a little adventurous whilst visiting, this Albania hiking guide is a must, as it’ll take you through all the best hikes, why you should do them, and all the essential information, so you know what you’re setting yourself up for in advance!

No matter where you are planning on basing yourself, there’s bound to be a beautiful hike not too far away, with almost all of the hikes on this list being very close to the main towns and cities. This way you can reward yourself to a nice rest following your hike, to visit some of the other amazing attractions in Albania.

Best Albania Hiking Tour

The Theth To Valbona hike is one of the most incredible hikes in Albania. If you’re short on time, we’d highly recommend booking onto this tour for the ultimate hiking experience!

17 BEST Albania Hiking Trails

Whether you’re a hiking expert, or just looking for a nice place to stroll, there are plenty of options to suit you. Whilst there are so many different hikes you could do, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 17, so you can get your Albania hiking fix!

1. Theth To Valbona

Completing the Theth to Valbona hike has to be top of your Albania hiking bucket list! This spectacular hike takes you through Theth National Park , to the top of the 1795m tall Valbona Peak, where you will be rewarded with the most incredible views over Valbona Valley. 

Click here for a full guide to the Theth to Valbona hike!

Despite being renowned as one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe, and possibly the most famous in Albania, Theth to Valbona is unique in that it does not see the same footfall as many other places in Europe. The trail retains an untouched feeling, surrounding you with the peacefulness of nature. 

The hike itself is relatively challenging, with steep uphill sections on loose gravel paths, so a base level of fitness is advisable. However, if you take it slow, we would expect most people to be able to complete this hike. The sense of personal achievement when you finish is second to none, leaving you feeling as though you’re on cloud 9.

Quick Facts

• Location: Theth National Park
• Length: 17km / 10.5 miles
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Type of Trail: Point to Point
• Elevation Gain: 1043m
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Maja e Rosit

Starting in Valbona, the Maja e Roshit hike is one of the more adventurous Albania hiking routes in this guide! Whilst the peak is actually situated over the border in Montenegro, you’ll start this hike in the little mountain village of Valbona.

Winding through the pristine landscapes of the Valbona Valley National Park, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountain peaks and lush alpine meadows.

The trail to Maja e Rosit is best described as a rewarding challenge, with a mix of diverse terrains, from forest paths to rocky scrambles. The first two sections of the hike will see you meandering uphill through a canyon, followed by beautiful alpine meadows. 

The final section of the trail is particularly steep and challenging, though the views from the top make it more than worth it, as you get unrivaled vistas over Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, all from one spot.

It is worth noting that there is nowhere to refill water along the trail, so ensure you have at least 2.5 litres per person, considerably more in summer. 

• Location: Valbona Valley National Park
• Length: 19.7km / 12.25 miles
• Duration:  8-10 hours
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1605m
• Difficulty: Challenging

3. The Blue Eye, Theth

Albania is home to a beautiful and unique natural wonder: The Blue Eye. Located in the idyllic mountainous landscapes near Theth, hiking to the Blue Eye offers a captivating experience hiking to one of Albania’s most enchanting natural wonders.

The hike begins at the beautiful village of Theth, so we’d recommend combining it with some of the other hikes in the region for the perfect Albania hiking adventure. 

The hike begins by following a path through the Grunas Canyon, through lush green meadows and dense forests, gradually revealing the beauty of the rugged mountains.

As you approach the Blue Eye, you’ll see the crystal clear, turquoise waters of the natural spring tucked away amongst a rocky landscape. The vivid blue hues will honestly take your breath away with their beauty.

This hike is especially beautiful, as you’ll be following along the river most of the way. Whilst you will have a relatively steep uphill section lasting around 45 minutes, the majority of the trail is relatively flat so most people will be able to complete it.

It is worth noting, the trail is closed between November to May.

• Length: 18 km / 13 miles
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Elevation Gain: 359m

4. Liqeni i Tiranes

Exploring the hiking trails around Liqeni i Tiranes, or the Lake of Tirana, is one of the best Albania hiking experiences for families.

Located within the Grand Park of Tirana, and set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery, this hike offers the chance to explore Albania’s natural beauty whilst having the convenience of being right in the city. 

Read More: Is Tirana Worth Visiting?

Whilst it is only 5.6km around the lake, the trail is pretty flat and has plenty of amenities, including cafés, restaurants, and toilet facilities. It meanders through forests, open fields, and along lakeside paths, providing a beautiful backdrop to the city.

Even if you do not wish to hike around the entire lake, a day out in Tirana Park is a day well spent. Bring a picnic and a frisbee and you can easily forget you’re in a capital city.

• Location: Tirana
• Length: 5.6km / 3.5 miles
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Type of Trail: Circular
• Elevation Gain: 76m
• Difficulty: Easy

5. Grunas Waterfall

Theth National Park is by far one of the best Albania hiking destinations, and the Grunas Waterfall hike is another stunner. This hike is an easy out and back, though if you wish to hike up to the base of the waterfall, there is a steep climb on loose gravel, which I may or may not have slipped over on!

This hike winds through the stunning Grunas Valley, past beautiful traditional mountain huts, surrounded by greenery, with the tall peaks of the Accursed Mountains surrounding you in all directions.

Make sure you bring swimmers as you can swim at the base of the falls – if you’re brave enough! You’ll likely find a handful of other hikers relaxing around the base of the waterfall and we would recommend doing the same. It’s an incredibly serene spot.

If you’re in Theth as part of a larger Albania hiking holiday, we’d recommend completing this hike the day after the Theth to Valbona hike, or one of the other longer day hikes, in order to give your legs a bit of a break!

• Location: Theth
• Length: 6.5km / 4 miles
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 236m

6. Maja e Tujanit, Mount Dajti National Park

Located just outside Tirana, the Maja e Tujanit hike is one very few people know about, but it quickly became one of our favourite. 

Located at the top of the Dajti Ekspres, the longest cable car in the Balkans, you’ll wind along forest paths uphill to a clearing with spectacular views over Tirana. Continue along the path a little bit further and you’ll be greeted with the most spectacular view over the mountain valley and lakes below. It is honestly breathtaking.

Whilst the trail is sometimes a little bit questionable, look out for the red and white stripes as these will guide you in the right direction.

This hike is one that most locals don’t even know about, so expect to be hiking alone the majority of the way. Surrounded by the sounds of nature, you’ll feel totally at peace. As it is such a short and quick hike, easily accessible from Tirana, this hike has to make it onto your Albania hiking bucket list. We promise you won’t regret it.

• Location:   Dajti Ekspres, Tirana
• Length: 5.3 km / 3.3 miles
• Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 425m

7. The Blue Eye, Saranda

Ah, yes, another blue eye! The Blue Eye in Saranda is more famous and much more easily accessible than the one in Theth, mentioned previously. With an easy, out-and-back trail, this is definitely one for the whole family.

The route is well-defined, along a mixture of paved and gravel paths, with the most beautiful natural phenomenon waiting for you at the end. There’s even a small restaurant for you to grab a bite to eat.

Once you reach the Blue Eye, gaze into it’s depths with small blue dragonflies fluttering around you. Can it get any more magical than that?

If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, continue along the trail around the Blue Eye for spectacular views of all the different shades of turquoise and blue. It really is something special.

• Location:   Saranda
• Length: 2.2km / 1.4 miles each way
• Duration: 30 minutes each way
• Elevation Gain: 100m

8. Maja e Thanasit, Llogara National Park

This Albania hiking trail is great for a variety of different abilities, with its straightforward paths and gradual inclines. This is a must-do hike if you want a great Albania hiking experience. This moderately challenging 7.4km hike is a great way to get the ultimate view overlooking the stunning Ionian coastline.

If you are planning on tackling this hike in the hotter months then be prepared to pack a sun hat and plenty of water. Along the route you will encounter a wide variety of fauna and flora which will give this hike a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

• Location:   Llogara National Park
• Length: 7.4km / 4.6 miles
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 337m

9. Aquarium Beach

To reach this small hidden paradise you will need to start in the nearby town or Jala, where you can enjoy the beautiful beach that they have to offer. From there you will hike south along a gravel path that will give you amazing panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. We would recommend getting to this beach as early as possible, as it can get quite busy in the middle of the day, especially for such a small beach.

There are no facilities at Aquarium Beach, so make sure you bring plenty of water and enough food for as long as you intend to visit. If you want to visit Aquarium Beach from a different route, then Livadhi Beach makes a great starting point. This alternate Albania hiking route will take you up a gradual incline over a cliff that overlooks Livadhi Beach. From here you will begin to decline down the same gravel path to Aquarium Beach.

• Location:   Jala, Himara
• Length: 1.5km / 0.9 miles each way
• Elevation Gain: 17m

10. Gjipe Beach

Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Albania, Gjipe Beach is definitely as good of an endpoint as any for an Albania hiking route. To get to the trailhead, you will need to drive down to the furthest part along the road that heads towards Gjipe Beach, however, unless you have a 4×4, you will need to park in the car park and start the 2km hike from here (200 lek per person).

The hike will take on a gradual decline down a gravel track that overlooks the bright blue ocean. Along the way, you will pass several bunkers, which allow you to witness a glimpse of Albania’s troubled past. Be careful of cars that may be driving past, but regardless this is a beautiful and relatively easy hike that will allow you to reach a golden sand beach, where you can swim, relax, eat, or continue your hike down Gjipe Canyon.

If you fancy a longer hike then why not start in the nearby towns of Dhermi or Vuno, which will allow you to add an extra few kilometers to your Albania hiking fix.

• Location:   Ilias, Dhermi
• Length: 2km / 1.2 miles each way
• Duration: 45 minutes each way
• Elevation Gain: 130m

11. Mill Trail

This beautiful Albania hiking trail will allow you to explore the beautiful Old Town of Dhermi, as well as the stunning beaches that this seaside town has to offer. This hike starts in the picturesque old town of Dhermi, where you can wander through the beautiful cobblestone streets. Head up to the Monastery of St. Mary, where you will be rewarded with gorgeous panoramic views of the whole town and get a glimpse of the trail’s endpoint, Dhermi beach.

This gentle 1.5 kilometer hike is a great way to explore more of the town, while finding an excuse to get a delicious ice cream at the bottom. The path down is clearly marked and the starting point, which is at the hairpin bend as you enter/ exit Dhermi Old Town, will be noticeable, with a board about the history of this trail. 

Following the stream down to the coast, you will pass a beautiful waterfall as well as a bright red bridge. Towards the end of the hike, you will pass a century-old church which you will be able to stop and admire, before finishing with a refreshing dip in the inviting sea.

• Location:   Dhermi
• Elevation Gain: 150m

12. Mount Korab

Mount Korab is part of the Radika Mountains, located on the border between Albania and North Macedonia in the beautiful Dibër area. This is considered to be a fairly challenging hike, as the route can be slightly difficult to follow at times. Due to its remoteness, you are unlikely to encounter many other people on this route.

Despite the challenging nature of this hike, it is well worth it for the beautiful nature and sense of accomplishment you will achieve by completing this stunning Albania hiking trail.

• Location:   Dibër, Albania
• Length: 17.1km / 10.6 miles
• Duration: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 1493m

13. Lake Prespa

Located in the east of the country, the Lake Prespa Loop offers a beautiful trail along the stunning lake. If you’re in Albania, hiking in the summer, this is one of the most beautiful hikes, in the middle of the mountains, with the summer sun sparkling off the lake’s waters. 

Lake Prespa is nestled between Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, and is renowned for its natural beauty and serene landscapes.

The trail will take you through varying landscapes including dense forests, charming lakeside villages, and beautiful viewpoints with incredible views over the lake and its surroundings.

Very few tourists venture to the East of Albania, and by doing so you’re spoiled with some of the most beautiful, untouched scenery in the whole of the country.

• Location:   Pustec, Korce
• Length: 10.6km / 6.6 miles
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 380m

14. Ali Pasha Bridge Loop

Located just outside of the beautiful town of Gjirokaster is a historical treasure tucked away where most tourists will never venture. This makes this Albania hiking adventure super accessible and easy to combine with a day exploring the historical town.

Read More: Best Things To Do In Gjirokaster

This loop starts in Gjirokaster Bazaar, before heading steeply uphill into the hills overlooking the castle. You’ll follow a track round some houses before you’re suddenly hit with incredible views over rolling green hills and a valley deep below. It will honestly feel like you’re miles out of town, when in actual fact, you’ll only be around 30 minutes away!

Hiking down to Ali Pasha Bridge is relatively steep, and the last section may require a little bit of scrambling on loose scree, so good footwear is essential.

Whilst you can hike out and back, we’d recommend completing the loop to spend longer in the beautiful Albanian countryside, enjoying the 360-degree views.

This hike is relatively exposed for most of the way, so we would recommend bringing plenty of water and a sun hat if you’re hiking in summer.

• Location:   Gjirokaster
• Length: 6km / 3.75 miles
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation Gain: 313m

15. Freskia Marshez Loop

The Freskia Marshez Loop is a popular Albania hiking route that is situated near the city of Shkodër in the north of Albania. This hike is not for everyone, as sections are difficult to navigate and often over-grown. 

However, if you are up for a challenge, then is the perfect hike to add to your Albania hiking adventure. With views overlooking the small village of Fushë Arrëz, the effort you put in will definitely be worth it for the stunning views and sense of accomplishment upon completion.

• Location:   Fushe Arrez, Shkodër
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 398m

16. Mount Gamti

Located just a short distance from the picturesque village of Kruje, Mount Gamti is one of the best hikes in Albania. This 13.2 kilometer long hike is ideal for people who want to challenge themselves whilst still being able to enjoy all of the wonders of any Albania hiking trip.

Whilst climbing up this beautiful mountain, you’ll be able to soak in the beautiful nature of Albania. At the halfway point, you will be rewarded with a picturesque view of Lake Bovilla, which will imprint in your mind for the descent down through a gorgeous forest.

• Location:   Kruje, Durres
• Length: 13.2km / 8.2 miles
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 958m

17. Kryezi Waterfalls Trail

This family-friendly hike is a perfect short adventure for all ages and abilities. This Albania hiking trail is the perfect alternative to the slightly longer and harder Blue Eye trail in Theth.

On this short hike, you’ll encounter some stunning views whilst being immersed in Albania’s beautiful nature. In the warmer months make sure to bring your swimmers and enjoy a nice relaxing dip in the crystal blue water of the plunge pool.

• Location: Fushte Arrez, Shkodër
• Length: 2.4km / 1.5 miles
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Type of Trail: Out and Back
• Elevation Gain: 84m

Best Albania Hiking Tours

If you don’t fancy going it alone, or if you’re short on time, we’d highly recommend booking onto a tour with an experienced guide. There are a few, such as Lake Bovilla, which would be difficult to complete yourself, so a guided tour is a great option!

Bovilla Lake

This private tour will allow you hike around Bovilla Lake as well as Mount Gamti with your own personal guide. This Albania hiking tour will allow you to hike at your own pace, so a variety of fitness levels are able to take part. From the summit of Gamti Mountain you will be able to enjoy panoramic views overlook the lake, as well as the surrounding area.

Peaks Of The Balkans

This 8-day ultimate Albania hiking experience isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you want to challenge yourself and tackle some of the largest mountains in the region then this is the perfect tour for you! Covering Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro this adventure will have you testing your limits while being catered for by your personal guide.

Mount Korab

Mount Korab sits at 2764m and is the fourth-highest mountain in the Balkans. This multi-day hike is a great way to challenge yourself and complete a bucketlist Albania hiking experience. Situated on the border between Albania and North Macedonia, Mount Korab sumit gives you panoramic views spanning over two countries. Complete with delicious meals and a knowledgable guide, this is a great way to explore one of the most beautiful places in Albania.

Theth To Valbona

The Theth to Valbona hike is the pinnacle of any Albania hiking holiday, with amazing views, beautiful nature and a knowledgable guide this tour is the best way to explore the area. With all the stress of organising transport and accommodation taken away, this tour allows you to truely enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Theth National Park, as well as take a breathtaking ferry through Komani Lake. This tour is a must for anyone wanting to explore the beauty of Albania without the stress that planning has associated with it.

Albania Hiking Map

Recommended Gear for Albania Hiking

Filter water bottle.

We’d highly recommend bringing a filter water bottle on your Albania hiking trip. The water in Albania is non-potable, so by bringing a filter bottle, you can not only fill it up from the tap to save plastic waste, but you can also fill it up from lakes and streams you encounter along the way.

We’ve used Water to Go filter bottles for years. They’re incredible quality, never leak, and have never once made us ill, despite some of the very questionable water we’ve filled them up with.

Lightweight Backpack

A decent backpack can make or break a hike. Imagine carrying something that’s going to rub and chafe, dig into your back, or feel extra big and heavy for 20km. That sounds completely miserable. This backpack is lightweight and comfortable and will make all the difference when hiking long distances, trust us!

Hiking Poles

Whilst not necessary for every hike, you may benefit from a pair of hiking poles on some of the longer, more challenging hikes, especially those that are steep and with loose footing. This will give you that extra bit of support so you don’t fall and twist an ankle.

Hiking Shoes

A good pair of hiking shoes is essential for any of the trails marked ‘moderate’ or ‘challenging’. They will stop your feet from blistering and protect them against sharp stones and twisting an ankle. Your hike will be way more comfortable wearing them! We’ve linked the hiking shoes we recommend, though we understand this is a very personal thing and it’s important to get shoes that feel comfortable for you.

Still got questions about all the amazing Albania hiking trips? We’ve tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below.

What is considered a tough hike?

A tough hike is generally one considered to have one or a combination of: challenging terrain, significant elevation gain, and a demanding level of physical exertion. 

Whilst the difficulty level we’ve detailed throughout this post is subjective, the grading of hikes uses a relatively universal guide, outlined below. 

Easy: Suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness. Less than 12km in distance and elevation gain of less than 800m. Terrain is considered relatively even.

Moderate: A base level of fitness is advisable. This level would be considered easy for frequent hikers. A maximum distance of 20km and elevation gain of 800-1500m. There may be some more difficult terrain sections, including loose gravel, scree, and rocky paths.

Challenging: Regular hiking experience is advisable. May be longer than 20km and elevation gain of more than 1000m. Terrain will be challenging, which may include scrambling in sections and difficulty navigating paths.

Is Albania worth visiting?

Albania is absolutely worth visiting and it quickly became one of our favourite countries in Europe. With stunning mountain landscapes, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and delicious food, it’s becoming one of the most up-and-coming European destinations. The Albania hiking trails are remote and beautiful, perfect if you want to fully immerse yourself in nature.

What is the prettiest place in Albania?

Albania is full of so many stunning places, it’s hard to choose just one! If you love hiking and being in the mountains, Theth has to be considered the prettiest place in Albania. Nestled into a valley in the heart of the Albanian Alps, with beautiful rivers, waterfalls, and quaint mountain huts, Theth has to take the number one spot.

If you prefer beaches, Aquarium beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. Tucked away with no amenities, the sparkling turquoise water is simply stunning. 

Wrap Up: Albania Hiking Guide

Immersing yourself in the hiking trails of Albania is the best way to discover this beautiful, mountainous country. From the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains, to the tranquil lakeshores and crashing waterfalls, Albania offers something for every kind of hiker.

The Albania hiking experience not only immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of the country, but also provides you with the unique opportunity to discover traditional villages and warm hospitality along the way. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker ready to tackle the country’s toughest trails, or someone who simply wants to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature, there really is something for everyone.

The memories you make on these trails will last a lifetime, and even if the going gets tough, you won’t regret your decision one minute. The views during the hike, and the feeling of accomplishment when you finish, will make every difficult step worth it.

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Nathaniel Willmore is one half of The Endless Travellers. With his partner Megan, he aims to discover incredible destinations in all corners of the world. With a love of finding hidden locations that will fuel your wanderlust, Nat aims to inspire and inform you about all the incredible places that this beautiful planet has. When not typing behind a keyboard he loves being in nature, while filming all of his trips for The Endless Travellers YouTube channel.

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Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Albania

Encounter some of Albania’s and Balkans ' best kept secrets on a hiking and walking adventure like no other. Start in Tirana amd travel to the white sandy bays of the Albanian Riviera or hike through dense forest in llogara National Park, and discover the hidden gems of this small but incredible country.

53 Hiking & Trekking tour packages in Albania with 194 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Peaks of the Balkans Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 5 days

One of the best trips. This was an amazing tour- incredible scenery, friendly local people, mountain food such as cheese and home baked bread. We had such a pleasure hiking and climbing together. Our tour guide was extremely friendly and helpful. I will strongly recommend this tour.

• Walking Adventure
• In-depth Cultural

Walking Albania

The Albania walking holiday was absolutely fantastic - excellent, friendly and knowledgable guide (Erenik), challenging and interesting walking, stunning scenery and great food.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hiking Tour of Theth, Valbona Valley, Koman Lake & Shala River in 6 Days

This was an excellent tour to experience some of the best highlights of North Albania, Koman Lake, the valleys and villages of Valbona and Theth and the experience of doing some scenic hikes in the mountains of North Albania. Being nearly 70 years old, I will confirm that some of the hikes were quite challenging and not easy. But the constant guidance and support of our tour guide Mirjan was so beneficial in allowing us to complete these challenging hikes. He was constantly watching our progress and making sure that we were doing OK and allowing sufficient rest stops to allow us to continue the hikes safely and make continued progress. I give him high marks for his guidance and care of his hikers. The boat ride on Koman Lake was spectacular, as the weather was very good on the day we cruised. The guesthouses in Valbona and Theth were both very good with their basic accomodations and the food provided, as well as the friendliness of the guesthouse owners and families. They really made us feel at home. Mirjan took us on several guided walks in the villages of Valbona and Theth and this gave us the opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery and some history and culture related to each village. The Lock Tower in Theth was a great example of this. Transportation was often bumpy and a bit uncomfortable, but still safe. One has to remember that the valleys of Valbona and Theth are quite remote. To see some of the highlights in these valleys, it takes a bit of acceptance that transport will be rough at times. But the end result makes it worth a bit of discomfort. All in all, it was an excellent tour and despite being challenging at times, it was very much worth it.

Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania's Cultural Highlights (8 days)

Highly enjoyable trip with a strong sense of being well away from the more popular areas and seeing something of a hidden Albania. People were incredibly hospitable and the walking wasn't too strenuous. Highly recommended.

Small Group Hiking Tour in the National Park of Valbona

• €29 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Short Hiking Tour in the Albanian Alps

Both accommodations and tour guide were excellent

High Scardus Trail - Trek the newest section of the Via Dinarica (8 days)

Trekking on the High Scardus Trail to Albania's Highest Peak

Homestay Trekking in the South of the Country

Mini Tour: National Parks of Theth & Valbone

The trip was great! On all accounts. Varied, interesting and in accordance with our request.

Walking in Albania

Hiking Tour: Albania & Montenegro

We had a wonderful experience. It was more than we expected - in all the best ways! The focus on traditional life, food and people in the region made it much more enjoyable than a simple hike in the mountains. Rando was more than a competent guide; he was gracious and willing to adjust to the pace of our (admittedly) small group. Overall, the blend of a physical challenge with a cultural one made the trip for us. Don’t change a thing!

Hiking Tour of Theth National Park, Valbona Valley & Koman Lake in 3 Days

This trip was perfect. Choose Balkans team provided one of the best experiences of my life. My trip was the Hiking tour of Komani Lake, Valbona Valley and Theth. Our guide, Ervin, not only taught us all about the surrounding areas along the trek, but he genuinely cared for our group. The accommodations, food, gear, etc all blew my expectations out of the water. I can't say enough good things about this organization.

Self-Guided: Hiking Tour of Theth, Valbona Valley & Koman Lake in 6 Days

Best self guided tours with the best staff. Amazing views and very clear instructions by the kind staff.

Tour of the Accursed Mountains: Theth, Valbona, Koman Lake & Shala River in 4 Days

We chose this 4-day Accursed Mountains trip because of its challenging and diverse itinerary. Albania and Choose Balkans delivered: Breathtaking mountain hikes and views, serene lakes, hideaway locations in addition to wonderful local food and guest houses. The logistics were spot on too with timely transportation. In keeping with Albanian hospitality, our guide Redon went the extra mile to connect with each person in our party and ensure everyone had a safe and great time. Make sure you try the plum raki!

What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Albania

It was a very fun experience and everything was well organized. The tour guide was very informative and pretty charismatic. Also, i have to mention Mira, one of the travel agents of the Choose Balkans Team who helped us with information and advice on the local food and restaurants while we were staying in Tirana after the tour.

My guide was great and one problem was solved most satisfactorily by the office. And certainly the scenery was spectacular. However, prior to the hiking trip I was on a 10 day bike tour that cost the same but on it all three superior meals were included plus the occasional coffee stop and a couple of excursions such as a visit to a hot springs pool. In other words, the value for the cost was not good. The breakfasts at the Valbona Valley guesthouse were very satisfactory but at the other two places they were totally inadequate. Also the first stop should be eliminated--that atmosphere and all the loud thumping "music" are not what most people doing this trip enjoy. An extra day in the Valbona Valley would be better. Am totally glad I did the trip and had many memorable experiences but I feel much could be improved.

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• Albanian Alps (9)

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A Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps: Trails, Planning, Itineraries, +

The Albanian Alps are a truly spectacular destination in the Balkans . The rugged peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and crystal clear waterfalls are enough to ignite any traveller’s sense of adventure. In this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting the Albanian Alps including hiking trails in the Albanian Alps, how to get there, where to stay, what to pack, and so much more.

The Alps were the thing that *caught my eye* about Albania. I didn’t know much about Albania when I spontaneously booked my flight to go there, however the beautiful mountains in the north of the country were enough to make me swoon. After spending significant time in Albania (1.5 months) I can confidently say that there is SO much more the country offers than just mountains (although the mountains are a huge selling point). Warm & welcoming people, yummy food, beautiful beaches, cheap… everything. Albania is a real backpacker’s paradise.

The Albanian Alps though… Wow. There’s really something special about being in the Albanian Alps. I’d love to explain what that something is, but it’s more of a feeling and something that can’t be put into words. You’ll have to experience it for yourself!

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All about the albanian alps, albanian alps: faq.

• How to get to the Albanian Alps
• 10 Things to do in Albanian Alps

Where to stay in the Albanian Alps

• Tips for visiting the Albanian Alps
• Packing list for the Albanian Alps
• Recommended itinerary for the Albanian Alps
• Albanian Alps tours

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Quick Albania Travel Guide:

Currency : Albanian LEK (aka ALL). This is a closed currency so you’ll need to wait until you’re in Albania to exchange $.

Transportation : to enter the country you can find 1 international airport in Tirana, 1 port in Saranda (daily ferry arrivals/departures to Corfu, Greece), and a bus line from Montenegro. Buses are very cheap here, but unreliable. Driving is chaotic, I’d recommend sticking to buses. There are no trains within the country.

Phone : purchase a local SIM card from Vodafone – the plans are cheap and they include lots of data, however international minutes are typically not available.

Language : Albanian, however you can get by with English. Google translate is recommended for smaller cities/villages.

Helpful Info : don’t drink the tap water or bring a purifying bottle like this one . Bring an international travel adapter , and notify your bank before travelling.

Travel Insurance : ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance prior to any trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world, however here are a few more insurance company suggestions .

Purchase my Albania map which is downloadable to google maps on your phone. It has 200+ pinned locations around the country – all available at your fingertips.

Albania is one of the last “undiscovered” countries in Europe. Plan your trip while prices & tourism levels are low!

Downloadable Map of Albania

I’ve created a map of Albania equipped with 200+ pinned locations including:

• Hiking trails, national parks, caves, waterfalls & beaches
• Historical, cultural & religious sites
• Lodging options, restaurant recommendations & transit hubs
• Main points of interest, big cities, beach towns and mountain villages

Each pin has photos, a description, direct booking links, and external itineraries (when applicable).

The map is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and was designed to be a digital tour guide when you’re on-the-go.

This map has all of Albania’s best and will save you loads of pre-travel research time.

Related Articles:

• 18 Helpful Tips You Should Know BEFORE Travelling Albania
• 30+ Best Things to do in Albania: Excursions, Tours, and Destinations
• 17 Best Places in Albania
• Backpacker’s Guide to the Best Hostels in Albania
• Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps
• 10 Reasons to Visit the Shala River aka the “Thailand of Albania”

The Albanian Alps are 100% the highlight natural feature of Albania and the #1 bucket list destination in the country. They’re located in the northern region of Albania (Theth National Park & Valbona Valley National Park) and are accessible via the ancient city of Shkoder (or Shkodër in Albanian).

The Northern Albanian Alps (aka the Accursed Mountains) are the highest section of the Dinaric Alps which stretch all the way from Albania to Kosovo and even eastern Montenegro. The Peak elevation is 2,694m (8,839ft) which belongs to Maja Jezercë.

I know what you’re thinking… “I didn’t know Albania had big mountains.” And honestly, I thought the same as you before visiting the Albanian Alps myself! Something else you might not know is that 70-75% of Albania’s surface is covered in mountains.

But mountains aren’t the only beautiful natural feature you’ll find in Albania. Albania is also home to steep canyons, intricate coastline, forest, and Europe’s last virgin river. Cool, right?

Interested in discovering more of Albania’s nature? You can find the “Grand Canyon” of Albania in Berat , you can find natural hot springs in Permet , hidden beaches in Himara , and one of Albania’s Blue Eye’s in Saranda .

I’m sure if this is your first time visiting the Albanian Alps you have TONS of questions. So, I thought it’d be best to start this post out with a quick FAQ section.

Q: How do I plan a trip to the Albanian Alps?

A: I’ll get into all the nitty gritty details for how to plan a trip to the Albanian Alps in this post. If you’re looking for an easy, no hassle way to book a trip to the Albanian Alps though, I recommend booking a stay with Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder the day before and the day after your trip to the alps. Wanderer’s is the #1 hostel in Shkoder and they’re known for planning tours to the alps.

An added bonus of booking a stay with Wanderer’s is that they’ll store your extra luggage while you’re out hiking!

Q: When is the best time of year to visit the Albanian Alps?

A: The best time of year to visit the Albanian Alps is in September. Hiking season in the Albanian Alps runs from May to October, however in September temperatures are cooler, tourism is minimal, and you’ll get to see all the autumn colours changing.

During the winter months you’ll find heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures – hiking is not possible during this time unless you have mountaineering experience. Summer is also a nice time of year to visit if you’re okay with high temperatures and more people around.

Q: How hard are the hikes in the Albanian Alps?

A: It’s what you make it! I find the hiking trails in the Albanian Alps to be quite long, however the terrain is easily navigable. Plenty of experienced hikers tackle the Albanian Alps, however plenty of newbie hikers take on the mountains here as well.

I will point out that when I say this ^ I’m referring to more of the popular, touristy hikes; like Valbona to Theth and the Blue Eye. Many of the “locals” trails can be quite challenging and dangerous and should only be attempted with a guide or local who knows the terrain.

Q: How long should I spend in the Albanian Alps?

A: Many people breeze in and out of the Alps in a couple nights, however if you’re a hiker you’ll want to stay longer. Seeing the pointy peaks, magic wildflowers, and stunning valleys of the Albanian Alps will only leave you wanting more!

At the bottom of this post I answer this question more in depth and create multiple itineraries based on what type of trip to the alps you’re after. Keep reading!

Q: Where can I buy food in the Albanian Alps?

A: Food is quite limited in the Albanian Alps, however you needn’t worry at all about going hungry. The guesthouses in the alps are the main source of food and they all serve plentiful and traditional meals at a reasonable price. Yum!

Aside from the guesthouses you may be lucky enough to find a few popup fruit stands here and there, but compared to the rest of Albania the produce at these places will be limited and expensive. If you want snacks or a little extra “security food,” buy and bring groceries from Shkoder.

When I was in Valbona there was a popup market here (approximately) and apparently there’s a little market in Theth here .

Q: Is it expensive to travel to the Albanian Alps?

A: Although travelling to the Alps is more expensive than travelling elsewhere in Albania , it’s dirt cheap compared to visiting mountainous regions in other countries. I’ll explain costs for accommodations, transportation, etc later in this post, however on average people spend around 100-150 euros for 3 nights (incl. transportation & food). You can obviously do this on a much cheaper or more expensive budget depending on your travel style, however generally this is what people spend.

Q: How easy is it to access the Albanian Alps via public transportation?

A: Super easy! The Albanians Alps are reached via minibus and ferry. If you stay at the Wanderer’s Hostel the staff will book transportation for you. If you like to DIY things I explain the transportation/booking situation more in depth next.

Rest assured the Albanian Alps are set up for tourism – you’ll have no issues getting there.

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Q: Do you need a guide to hike in the Albanian Alps?

A: Nope! You can definitely hike on your own in the alps. In fact, I spent 3 days hiking solo in the alps and felt perfectly safe. If you feel more comfortable travelling and hiking with a guide though, I have some tour/guiding options linked here .

^I’m going to reiterate what I said earlier though about locals trails vs tourist trails. The locals trails are more intense and technical whereas the tourist hikes are easy and well marked. There are some hikes in the alps I wouldn’t do without a guide (or at least a local), but you won’t have to worry about those trails because you won’t find any information about them online. What I’m trying to say here is they’re hard to find – unless you go looking for these challenging hikes, you won’t even know they exist!

If you want any information about hiking in Albania past the touristy hikes, you’ll have to ask the locals.

Q: Is there cell service in the Albanian Alps?

A: Depends where you go. I had cell service the entire trek from Valbona to Theth, however when I hiked to Maja Rosit in Valbona I didn’t have any service.

If you’re worried about lack of cell service for safety reasons, it’s always a good idea to bring a satellite device or download a map – you can use Alltrails or Maps.me . If you stick to the main trails in the alps though you’ll be surrounded by people. Not too much to worry about here!

Have more questions about the Albanian Alps? Ask in the comment section below!

How to get to the Albanian Alps via Public Transportation

Your Albanian Alps adventures will always start in Albania’s ancient city, Shkoder. Shkoder acts as the base city for hiking in the northern region of the country for it’s proximity to the Alps and for the availability of transportation to and from the national parks in the alps.

You have 2 options for accessing the Albanian Alps: Shkoder to Theth, or Shkoder to Valbona. If you want to get to one park from the other, you’ll have to hike! But I’ll get into more details about that later.

If you’re looking for a headache-free way to plan your trip to the Albanian Alps, book a stay with the Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder OR book an all-inclusive Albanian Alps tour .

The Wanderer’s Hostel employees and the hostel itself are LOVELY. Plus the staff are super knowledgeable, they’ll store your extra luggage, and (literally) plan your entire trip to the alps: accommodations, transportation, itineraries, and all.

You can book a stay with the Wanderer’s Hostel via Booking.com .

^Book in advance though. Wanderer’s fills up quickly!

How to get to Theth via Public Transit

**previously you had to take a 4×4 vehicle into Theth – recently the road has been paved and you can now drive a regular vehicle to the park.**

Getting to Theth via public transportation is super easy, especially if you stay with Wanderers Hostel – they book the bus for you!

Anyways, you’ll book a minibus (cost: 1200LEK / 12 euros) to Theth from Shkoder and that bus will most likely pick you up around 6:30am at or near your accommodations. After the bus picks you up you’ll have around a 3 hour drive up and down a beautiful, windy mountain road until you reach the tiny village of Theth. Try to get a window seat so you can admire the views along the way!

Your accommodation supplier in Shkoder should be able to book the bus for you, however if for some reason they can’t, you can book via this number +355 68247301 .

How to get to Valbona via Public Transportation

Similar for how you’d get to Theth, you’ll first need to book a minibus to get to Valbona. The minibus will take you to the Komani ferry port early in the morning where you’ll then catch a 1.5hr scenic ferry ride to Fierza. From Fierza you’ll need to take another mini bus to get to Valbona Valley National Park. Once you arrive in Valbona the driver will ask what guesthouse you’re staying at and you’ll be dropped off at the door.

The combined cost for the ferry and buses will be approximately 2000LEK / 20 euros.

You can book your tickets for the Komani Lake ferry here .

How to Access the Albanian Alps via Personal Vehicle

I’m recommending you leave your car back in Shkoder for a number of reasons:

Why You Should Leave Your Car Back in Shkoder

• If you want to visit both national parks you HAVE to hike. This means you’ll either have to do the hike between parks twice to retrieve your car OR return to either Theth or Valbona again via public transit. This is time consuming and costly.
• If you’re wanting to complete more hikes in Valbona and are worried about the distance to the trailheads, don’t be. Hitchhiking is super common here and you’ll have zero issues catching a ride around the park!
• Although “untouched,” the national parks in the Albanian Alps are super touristy which means transportation is set up for visitors. Its easy to plan a trip to the Albanian Alps without a car – trust me, I did it myself!

The only time I’d recommend bringing a car to the Albanian Alps is if your trip falls under 1 of the 2 categories:

When You SHOULD Bring Your Car to the Albanian Alps

• You’re ONLY visiting Theth. Why? The drive to Theth is only 2-3 hours from Shkoder (no ferry involved) and the Blue Eye – which is the most popular hiking trail in Theth – is located quite far from the village centre. If you have a car you can drive much closer to the actual Blue Eye trailhead which cuts out a TON of distance you’d otherwise have to hike.
• You’re visiting Valbona for an extended period of time. Why? There are TONS of great hiking trails in Valbona. If you have a car you can plan for longer visits that involve more day-hikes and/or multi-night hikes. Having a car will allow you to drive to the trailheads, pack more gear, and bring extra food. Plus, if you’re staying for a longer period of time the extra ferry costs for transporting your car back and forth are more “worth-while.”

How to Access the Albanian Alps via Car

Anyways, the way you’d access the parks in the Albanian Alps would follow the same route as the car-less access route I mentioned above, however you’d replace the minibus sections with your own car.

NOTE – if you’re taking your car to Valbona, book your ferry ticket in advance . There are very limited spots on the boat for vehicles.

10 Things to do in the Albanian Alps

Of course there are waaaay more than 10 things to do in the Albanian Alps, however the following 10 things are bucket-list worthy and easy to access! If you only have a few days in the Albanian Alps, I highly recommend checking as many of these things off your bucket list as you can.

1. Go Hiking!

Mountains and hiking and outdoor adventure is why you go to a place like the Albanian Alps. So, of course hiking is #1 on the list of things to do in the alps. There are plenty of great hiking trails in the alps that range from quick day hikes to multi-day treks (cue Peaks of the Balkans ).

When it comes to finding hiking trails for the alps online, you’re not gonna find anything. Why? 1) Albanian people don’t like putting stuff on the internet and 2) Albania is an up & coming travel destination. This means travel bloggers ( like me ) haven’t completely infiltrated and exploited all the secret beauty that exists within the alps… Yet.

You’ll have to wait until you are physically in the alps in order to talk to the locals who know about the trails in the area. Only then will you be able to find all the good trails!

More: Hiking Trails in the Balkans

2. Visit Theth National Park

Theth National Park is the most well known – and one of the most beautiful – National Parks in Albania. If you only have a day or two to explore the Albanian Alps, Theth is easily accessible and it’s therefore the easiest park to visit.

Theth is a charming mountain village which is home to great hiking trails, gorgeous mountains, and the stunning Theth River. The most notable thing to do/see in Theth is hike to the Blue Eye. Note that during the hike you’ll pass by Grunas waterfall and Grunas canyon which are totally worth a detour to go see.

Most people hike to Theth from Valbona Valley National Park (which I’ll talk about next) and spend 2 nights before returning to Shkoder.

3. Visit Valbona Valley National Park

Valbona Valley National Park was by far my favourite spot in all of Albania. The mountain peaks here are absolutely WILD and the valley the little village sits in… Absolutely stunning.

If you’re looking to do more hiking in the Albanian Alps – more than just the popular hike that goes between Theth and Valbona, that is – I’d recommend spending more time in Valbona. There are plenty of off the beaten path hikes located all over the park and the locals in the valley will be happy to point them out to you.

Besides the big day hikes in Valbona there are also quick walks from the village to smaller natural attractions like Xhema Lake and the Old Mill.

I can 100% guarantee that driving into Valbona Valley en route from Komani Lake will legitimately blow your mind. I went to Albania after spending 15 months living in the Canadian Rockies followed up by 2 months of hiking and road tripping in Norway and damn. Even after spending time in these incredible places Valbona Valley literally put my jaw on the floor.

4. Swim in the Blue Eye of Theth

The Blue Eye of Theth is one of the 2 biggest bucket list attractions in the Albanian Alps. It’s reached by the village of Theth and is either a quick day hike (if you have access to a car) or a lengthy 20km+ day hike from the village.

The Blue Eye of Theth is fed by melting snow which gives it an icy cold temperature and a vibrant blue/green colour. This is the most refreshing place in all of Theth to take a cold dip on a scorching summer day.

Tips for Visiting the Blue Eye

• Hike to the Blue Eye early to avoid crowds.
• There’s a curtain at the Blue Eye where you can change into a bathing suit.
• There’s a hiking trail and a road from the village of Theth to the Blue Eye. The hiking trail is much longer and has more elevation, however it’s much more scenic than the flat road.
• Syri Kalter – located directly next to the Blue Eye (hike in accommodation).
• Driti GH Nderlysa – located next to the Blue Eye trailhead; approximately a 2km walk to the Blue Eye.
• If you hike, bring lots of food. You won’t be able to buy much along the way.
• I always recommend hiking with 2L – I use a Hydrapak to transport my water.
• Blue Eye on Google Maps

5. Walk to Xhema Lake

Xhema Lake (Liqeni I Xhemës in Albanian) is a cute little “lake “(more like a pond) located near the centre of Valbona Valley. It’s just a few kilometres walk – depending where your guesthouse is – followed up by a quick jaunt through the woods.

As you’re walking in the forested section you’ll want to take a left to reach Xhema Lake.

TIP – all the water sources in Valbona Valley are drinkable with the exception of Xhema Lake… For obvious reasons.

Here’s Xhema Lake’s location .

6. Complete the Biggest Bucket List Hike in Albania

The biggest bucket list hike and the #1 thing to do in the Albanian Alps is hike between Valbona and Theth. Yup, the only way to get from one park to the next is via hiking!

If you’re not a “hiker,” the trail between the two parks may seem a bit daunting, however with a moderate fitness level and a bit of preparation almost anyone will be able to tackle this famous trail.

The trail is approximately 17kms with around 800m of elevation gain and the views along the way are exceptional. I’ll be coming out with a complete trail guide for this hike soon (stay tuned), however for now the following tip is the most important: hike from Valbona to Theth.

For reference here’s the Alltrails map for this trail. This is recorded as a roundtrip hike – which you won’t be doing – so you can half the elevation gain and distance.

7. Hike to Montenegro

My favourite hike in the Albanian Alps is none other than Maja Rosit. This is one of those local trails you won’t find much information about online, but WOW is it bucket list worthy!

This trail starts off in the village of Valbona and follows a path that winds through forest, alpine meadows, and mountain passes. The views on this hike will actually blow your mind as they closely resemble mountains you’d find in the Swiss, Italian, and/or French Alps.

You can summit Maja Rosit, however I opted not to because the daytime temperatures were absolutely brutal. Instead I hiked to a pass that actually ended up in Montenegro! You won’t come up short by finishing your hike at the pass. The views here are (obviously) immaculate and if you hike in July you’ll find loads of wildflowers.

I’ll be posting a complete trail guide for Maja Rosit (soon) however for now you can refer to this Alltrails map .

8. Find the Old Mill in Valbona

The Old Mill in Valbona is located right up the road from Xhema Lake. It’s an Old Mill situated next to the bright blue Valbona River.

This is a great photo-op for all the photographers out there and it makes for an easy walk if you’re looking for something to do in the village of Valbona.

Here’s the location for the Old Mill .

9. Visit the Shala River

The Shala River is known as the “Thailand of Albania.” To be honest I don’t even know how to start talking about this place because it actually left me speechless .

The Shala River is connected to Komani Lake, BUT it’s even more beautiful. The stretch of Komani Lake that leads to the Shala River somehow has even bigger and more scenic mountains and greener water. You’ll find a few cute guesthouses along this stretch of Komani Lake as well as incredible hiking trails.

Once you reach the end of the lake you’ll find the Shala River which has crystal clear blue water originating from Theth. There are beach huts, restaurants and bars, as well as river hiking opportunities here.

If you want to discover more of the Shala River (which I totally think you should!), you can check out my post “ 10 Reasons You Need to Visit the Shala River .”

Along with Valbona Valley National Park, the Shala River is one of my top 2 favourite places in all of Albania. It’s 110% worth a visit!

10. Go Chasing Waterfalls

A trip to the Albanian Alps wouldn’t be complete without seeing a waterfall!

The Grunas waterfall (along with the Blue Eye of Theth) is one of those “must see” things in the alps. The waterfall is only a quick walk from the village of Theth and it’s definitely worth a visit.

The waterfall is popular so I’d recommend hiking to it early in the morning before crowds show up. The final ascent to the waterfall is pretty steep, however it’s short-lived and this final steep section leads to the best place to view the waterfall from. If you want to take a dip, you can find less crowded, smaller pools and falls beneath the highest viewing point.

You can find the location for Grunas waterfall here

(don’t forget to also check out Grunas Canyon which is located just “around the corner”).

Choosing where to stay in the Albanian Alps can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many options. Luckily for you, I’m gonna break down all those options now.

Essentially, when you’re in the alps you’ll need to stay at a guesthouse or at a campsite. The guesthouses are run by locals and they cook yummy, traditional food. Campsites are (obviously) the budget option for accommodations in the alps, however you’ll need to bring your own camping gear for this AND you’ll have to carry it with you when you hike from one park to the next… Which is kind of a huge pain in the butt. To each their own, though!

PS – there are campsites along the hike from Valbona to Theth AND free camping is permitted anywhere in the park. Like obviously don’t just camp on the side of the road or on someone’s property – be discreet. But, you get the point.

Where to Stay in Shkoder

Since Shkoder is the start and end point for your Albanian Alps adventures you’ll need at least one day in the city before and after leaving the Alps. I always recommend Wanderer’s Hostel as the #1 place to stay in Shkoder (especially for backpackers) because they help plan your trip and store extra luggage for you. OH they also serve the yummiest (included) breakfast.

You can check availability for Wanderer’s via Booking.com – but book in advance! The hostel fills up quickly.

If you want to keep with the Hostel vibe, but Wanderer’s is full, check out Shkodra Backpackers . Alternatively if you’re looking for something more private you can try Hotel Tradita or, if you’re on a budget, Hotel Floga .

You most likely won’t begin your Albanian Alps adventures from Tirana, however if you do you can check out this post for all my Tirana-based activity and accommodation recommendations.

Where to Stay at Komani Lake/Shala River

If you’re looking to spend a night (or two) on the Shala River, I recommend staying at Riverside Komani Lake or Bee Eco Guesthouse . I stayed at Riverside Komani Lake and had an absolutely lovely experience . If you want to learn more about the Shala River, I’ve written about my experience at the Shala River here .

Where to Stay in Valbona

• Ultimate budget stay : Bujtina Albjoni .
• Best campsite : Valbona Eco Camp .
• Luxury experience : Drino’s Guesthouse . I stayed here for a night and WOW. Drino is so kind, he has great local suggestions, his guesthouse is immaculate, and his family owns a delicious restaurant next door.
• Cabin-style: Villas Jezerca
• Quiet Escape (hike-in) : Rosi Guesthouse .
• Closest to the Valbona to Theth trailhead : Guesthouse Bujtina Visi .

Where to Stay in Theth

• Ultimate Budget Stay : Bujtina Terthorja .
• Best all around : Shpella Guesthouse (book in advance – this one fills up quickly).
• Where I stayed : Guesthouse Rrashkadoli . I cannot speak highly enough of the owners! They’re so kind and generous.
• Located in the centre of the village : Guesthouse Villa Gurra .

Tips for Visiting the Albanian Alps

• Book a stay in Shkoder before and after your trip to the alps with Wanderer’s Hostel – they’ll plan your entire trip to the Albanian Alps and store your luggage while you’re out hiking.
• Ask the locals for trail information. They and their families have most likely lived in these alpine valleys for hundreds of years – they’ll know all the good spots for hiking.
• The best time of year for hiking in the Albanian Alps is September – cooler temps, less crowds, and colourful vegetation.
• By the way, if you think temperature will be “cooler” because of the altitude, you’re unfortunately wrong. I went hiking in the Albanian Alps in July and temperatures still reached 35 degrees (at elevation) during the day.
• Bring sunscreen or wear long sleeves to protect your skin from the intense Balkan sun.
• Book your accommodations and ferry tickets in advance. You can book last minute, however booking ahead ensures you’ll be able to select the guesthouse you want and it guarantees you a spot on the ferry.
• Budget an extra night on your Albanian Alps itinerary to visit the Shala River ! This is an incredible destination in Albania and it’s surely a spot you don’t want to miss.
• Withdraw enough cash before you leave for the alps. There are no ATMs once you reach the mountains and no one accepts card payment.

Food & Hydration Tips

• Bring snacks! Besides meals from the guesthouses you won’t be able to purchase much food once you arrive in the alps. if you’re lucky you might find a popup fruit stand here or there, but that’s about it.
• Take advantage of packed meal options from the guesthouses. This way you can start hiking early in the morning, but still have access to food.
• Bring a hydrapak . This is the most effective way to stay hydrated on-trail. There are limited water sources on many of the trails in the Albanian Alps, so you’ll want to bring minimum 2L with you.
• The fresh water sources in the Albanian Alps are drinkable.

Packing List for the Albanian Alps

Packing List: Summer in the Albanian Alps

If you’re visiting the alps in summer you don’t need much! Temperatures will be quite high and Albania experiences minimal rain. You’ll need:

• Hiking clothes and an extra pair of socks.
• A comfy/sleeping outfit for when you’re not hiking.
• 1 sweater for nighttime.
• A rain jacket – you honestly probably won’t need this, but it’s always good to have an extra layer in the mountains!
• Sunscreen or long sleeves for sun protection.
• You’ll also want an extra pair of shoes for when you’re not hiking. Sandals – like TEVA’s – are good, however I prefer Crocs . They’re a great outdoor adventure shoe, plus they’re easy to strap to the outside of your pack.
• A hat and sunglasses.
• Extra food/snacks.
• Something to carry water in – I always bring my 2L Hydrapak with me. It’s great for both hiking & travelling.
• A bathing suit & travel towel if you plan to visit the Blue Eye of Theth.
• Toiletries.

Packing List: What size bag for the alps?

If you’re only visiting the Alps for a couple nights in summer you should be able to pack up all your belongings in a small bag (24L ish). If you’ll be staying longer, you’ll want to bring a slightly larger bag; maybe around 30-34L or so.

I always travel with this pack – it’s the perfect size for day hikes and as well as walking around cities when I travel. It was a little small when I travelled to the alps though (I spent a week in the Alps), so I packed up my extra clothes in dry bag and carried that with me.

Packing List: Off Season in the Albanian Alps

If you’re visiting during off season (spring & fall) it’d be wise to bring everything listed above in addition to extra layers. Definitely pack a pair of pants and, if you have them, bring waterproof pants too. Pack a pair of gloves as well as a warm hat. Extra socks are also always great to have.

Not many people visit the alps during winter because activity options are limited, there’s a mass amount of snow, and the temperatures are freezing. If you do visit though, you’ll need a full winter set up. Waterproof/insulated boots, snow pants, a winter coat, etc. The full nine yards.

Recommended Itinerary for the Albanian Alps

Most people stay for 2-3 nights in the Albanian Alps. The most common itinerary is:

• 1 night in Valbona and 2 nights in Theth. This gives travellers time to see Xhema Lake and the Old Mill in Valbona on night one followed up by the hike between national parks the next day. On day 3 travellers can then hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, Grunas waterfall, and Grunas Canyon.

Here’s the ultimate Albanian Alps itinerary I recommend:

• On day 1 in the Alps you’ll want to catch the early mini bus from Shkoder to the Komani Lake ferry port. From here you’ll jump on a boat and travel down Komani Lake to the Shala River. You can check out this post to read all about the hiking, activity, and accommodation options at the Shala River.
• On day 2 your hosts from the Shala River will take you back to the Lake Komani ferry port where you’ll board the big ferry that goes to Fierza. After the 1.5hr scenic ferry ride you’ll hop on a mini bus and drive to Valbona. When you arrive at your guesthouse you can grab some food, then take off and walk to Xhema Lake & the Old Mill.
• On day 3 you’re hiking to Montenegro! There’s a beautiful trail called Maja Rosit and I highly recommend completing this trek. Although more challenging, it’s much more scenic than the hike between the 2 national parks.
• On day 4 you’ll hike from Valbona to Theth which takes anywhere from 3-9 hours (depending on experience, hiking abilities, and fitness level). After the hike you can spend the afternoon chilling in Theth or you can walk to the old church in the village.
• Day 5 you’re hiking to the Blue Eye of Theth. This is a long trek, especially if you plan to stop at the waterfall and canyon. Start early!
• Day 6 will conclude your time in the Albanian Alps. The mini bus back to Shkoder usually leaves around 11 from the village centre. It takes around 3.5 hours to reach Shkoder from Theth.

Albanian Alps

I’m recommending (especially if you’re a hiker) that you stretch your time in the Albanian Alps to include an extra day in Valbona and 1 night on the Shala River. This will give you more time to experience both parks as well as see the incredible Shala River. Most people bypass the Shala River which, in my opinion, is a huge mistake! This place is totally. hidden gem.

Albanian Alps Tours

Now, tours for the Albanian Alps! Trekking in unknown territory, planning multiple days in the alps, and spending extended time in nature can be intimating. Booking a tour takes away the stress and the “unknown” aspects of visiting the Alps. Instead of focusing on logistics and planning, booking a tour allows you to just experience the fun stuff without the worry!

Tour Companies in the Albanian Alps

• If you like supporting local, Tours by Locals might be for you! Tours by Locals is a website where local guides list their tours and excursion opportunities. This multi-day hiking trip through the alps encompasses both national parks as well as multiple hikes in each location spanning a total of 8 days.
• Get Your Guide offers TONS of diverse excursions to the Albanian Alps. From multi day hiking trips to single day adventures, you can find a littleeee bit of everything listed on this site. Get Your Guide has the most extensive list of options for trips to the Albanian alps, so if you’re interested in finding a tour, I’d recommend starting here .
• Viator is another excursion booking site that lists tours from various companies and organizations.

Popular Tours in the Albanian Alps

Now, time for some popular tours in the Albanian Alps!

• This jeep tour is the perfect way to experience Theth in 1 day. This tour will bring you to the beautiful Theth from Shkoder and back in the same day. It showcases all the highlights of the park; Grunas waterfall, the rolling countryside, and the Blue Eye.
• If you’re coming from Tirana and want a full taste of the Alps (including Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth, and Shkoder highlights), check out the 6 day tour listed on this page.
• If you’re looking for something a little more wild and extreme, check out this multi-day trek through the Peaks of the Balkans . This is one of the most famous hikes in Eastern Europe and the trail crosses through 3 countries; Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.

aaaand that concludes my guide for visiting & planning a trip to the Albanian Alps!

Think I missed something? Let me know in the comments.

Happy adventuring!

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About The Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

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Have you been looking for the best Albania hiking tours? I’ve got you covered!

Are you an adventure traveller looking for a convenient and safe way to explore the stunning beauty of Albania ? Look no further!

During my month-long trip to Albania, I had the opportunity to hike in the Albanian Alps and a few other spots around the country and discovered some of the best hiking tours in Albania.

From breathtaking views to hidden trails, these 15 Albania hiking tours offer some of the most scenic trails in Europe – all while discovering local culture and history.

Whether you’re into multi-day treks or day hikes, there’s something here that will satisfy your wanderlust. 

So come along with me as we explore the top 15 Albania walking holidays and some of the most beautiful places on earth !

Hi, I’m JJ!

I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.

I spent a month travelling around Albania and had the most incredible adventure! There are a bunch of great hiking trails all over the country but my favourite place to hike in Albania is the Accursed Mountains .

I hope you enjoy my free guides and travel tips! If so, please consider supporting my work 💕

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Albania Hiking Tours

Peaks of the Balkans

✅ Visit 3 countries

✅ Hotel pickup

✅ Small group tour

Bovilla Lake from Tirana

✅ Private Tour

✅ Air-conditioned transport

✅ Customised to suit you!

Kayaking & Hiking at Komani Lake

✅ Stay with a local family

✅ Kayak on Lake Koman

✅ Hike the famous Valbona to Theth trail

Best Places For Hiking Tours In Albania

Albanian alps.

This was by far my favourite hiking spot in Albania. 

Known as the Accursed Mountains, the Albanian Alps are wild, rugged and remote. Getting here is not easy but is absolutely worth the effort. 

Whilst hiking the Albanian Alps you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, secluded mountain villages, thundering waterfalls, the blue eye springs and fields of wildflowers. 

The Albanian Alps are one of Europe’s last remaining truly wild places and the best hiking in Albania.

Gjipe Canyon 

This is one of the best places for hiking in southern Albania. 

An afternoon spent relaxing on gorgeous Gjipe Beach will feel so much more rewarding after you’ve hiked through Gjipe Canyon to get there!

Hike through the canyon and you’ll find yourself surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation as well as several incredible viewpoints.

Berat is a charming city that is worth a visit but it also has some great hiking opportunities nearby. Tomor Mountain is within an easy day trip distance from Berat. 

The area is dotted with small villages and old churches, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

You probably wouldn’t associate a capital city with hiking but Tirana has some excellent hikes nearby. 

The Bovilla Reservoir is a popular spot for locals to hike and is becoming more popular with those that are backpacking in Albania.

Another excellent hike near Tirana is Maja e Tujanit which is located near the Dajti Ekspress, the city’s cable car. It’s an under-the-radar hike so the trail is never crowded and you will get amazing views of the lesser-explored Dajti National Park.

Free 3 Day Tirana Itinerary

15 Best Albania Hiking Tours

Best multi-day hikes in albania.

Multi-day hiking tours in Albania are the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and discover some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions.

With these tours, you have the chance to explore hidden trails, take in stunning views from mountain peaks, visit secluded villages, and experience local culture up close.

Plus, with the help of an experienced guide, you can relax knowing that all your needs are being taken care of.

1. Peaks Of The Balkans Tour In 10 Days

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 days | ✅  Book it!

The Peaks of the Balkans guided tour is an amazing 10-day hiking tour that will take you across three countries – Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro – while exploring some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world.

During this Balkan hiking adventure, you will cross borders multiple times as well as experience life away from civilization. One of my favourite spots was the Valbona Pass in Albania – a scenic alpine pass with breathtaking views.

Backpacking through the Balkans is a must-do for anyone seeking a true adventure. This tour is definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list!

“ The Peaks of the Balkans trip was absolutely amazing and the organisation of the entire trip was flawless. ” – A TripAdvisor reviewer ( Read more reviews )

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Hiking, Via Ferrata And Exploring Albania & Kosovo In 6 days

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 days | ✅  Book it!

This six-day and five-night adventure is one of the best options for Albania walking tours and will give you the chance to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Albanian Alps, known as the Accursed Mountains. You’ll also explore some of the historical sites and national parks located in Kosovo.

Along your journey, you’ll have access to a Via Ferrata, a type of protected climbing route found in mountainous regions that allows hikers to traverse steep mountain terrain with safety equipment provided by the tour guide.

With this tour, you can experience all these wonders while enjoying quality accommodations and delicious local cuisine.

3. Kayak, Snorkeling, Jeep Safari, Hiking And Canyon Exploration In Albania – 6 Day Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 days | ✅  Book it!

This six-day small group hiking tour of Albania offers travellers an opportunity to explore mysterious caves, snorkel in remote bays and kayak in an uncrowded lake.

This hassle-free adventure includes experienced, English-speaking guides, four nights of accommodation, meals, local transport and airport transfers.

As well as hiking in some of Albania’s best trails, you can enjoy jeep safari excursions and canyon exploration for an unforgettable experience!

With all these activities included in one package, this tour is perfect for active travellers who want to experience the best of what Albania has to offer.

“ Albania exceeded my expectations on every point. Good food, great hospitality, excellent adventures, great accommodation and a great guide ” – A TripAdvisor Reviewer ( Read more reviews )

4. 5-Days Hiking Tour To The North Of Albania

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 days | ✅  Book it!

This 5-Day Hiking Tour offers a comprehensive overview of the best that trekking in Albania has to offer. 

You will explore the stunning northern Albanian Alps, discover the hidden history and legends, taste traditional Albanian food, and take a ferry ride back to Shkodra . 

National Parks, castles, archaeological sites and beaches are just some of the highlights of this tour. With this tour, you can get an authentic experience of Albania at its best without missing out on any of its unique attractions. 

With such a variety, this tour will surely provide travellers with an unforgettable experience!

“ The Hike was perfect with magical views ” – A TripAdvisor Reviewer ( Read more reviews )

5. Kayaking And Hiking At Komani Lake, Valbona And Theth – 4 Days Tour From Tirana

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 days | ✅  Book it!

This 4-day Komani lake kayak and hiking tour from Tirana is perfect for nature lovers looking to explore the beauty of Albania. It is one of the best Albania tours on offer. 

 Starting in Tirana, you will head out to Berisha, a very remote village situated on the shores of Koman Lake where you can spend the night with a local family. 

You will then embark on an amazing adventure kayaking on Komani Lake and enjoy stunning views as you hike from Valbona to Theth national park, all while learning about Albanian culture and traditions along the way. 

This tour offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views that will stay with you forever. 

It is also an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with Albania’s beautiful landscape and let its unique culture take over!

“ The tour guide was very helpful and flexible and made the trip perfect. I would highly recommend this hiking tour ” – Sandra_K ( Read more reviews )

6. 3 Days Tour To Komani, Valbona & Thethi In Albanian Alps

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 days | ✅  Book it!

Explore the great outdoors of northern Albania on this 3-day walking tour through the Accursed Mountains, otherwise known as the Albanian Alps. 

This tour is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. 

During this experience, you will be able to experience lush forests, small villages, rivers and much more. Plus, with a small group size, you’ll get more attention from your tour guide.

Learn about local history and culture along the way while enjoying delicious meals included in the price of this tour.

“ Highlight of my time in Albania ” – Kelly S ( Read more reviews )

7. Self-Guided Tour: Hiking Of Komani Lake, Valbona Valley & Theth In 3 Days  

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 days | ✅  Book it!

This self-guided tour is an excellent way to explore Albania independently and in a professionally organized manner. 

The 3-day program is specially designed to give travellers the best combinations of pristine wild nature, local folklore, and traditions, as well as an unforgettable ferry ride through the heart of the Albanian Alps. 

This tour comes with a number of benefits such as saving you money and time and providing you with the freedom to travel on your own.

Take this opportunity to experience some of Albania’s most stunning and untouched landscapes while hiking around Komani Lake, Valbona Valley and Theth.

“ I definitely recommend doing this hike. It’s easy to do by yourself. Some parts are a bit steep, so do being your hiking shoes! The views are worth every bit of it! ” – A TripAdvisor reviewer ( Read more reviews )

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’S TOP TIP: Make the most of the hospitality in Valbona. The people here are some of the most warm and welcoming people I’ve ever met!

8. Hiking At Korabi Mountain Peak In A 2 Days Tour From Tirana

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 days | ✅  Book it!

This two-day tour of Mount Korab , Albania’s highest peak, is a great way to experience one of Albania’s lesser-known hiking trails. 

This private adventure from Tirana is an amazing opportunity to explore Radomire and its surroundings while staying overnight in a traditional guesthouse. 

The next day, your guide will lead you on a hike through woodlands and pastures, culminating in spectacular views from the peak of Mt. Korab. 

With meals, accommodation and return transport all included, this tour offers an unparalleled experience of hiking in Albania and is guaranteed to be both enjoyable and rewarding.

“ Hiking in Korab is a must-see tour. A very beautiful and tiring experience 😜 ” – A TripAdvisor reviewer ( Read more reviews )

Best Albania Day Trips With Hiking 

One of the biggest benefits of taking a day trip hiking tour in Albania is that it is a great option for those short on time or travelling on a budget.

 If you’re looking to get out and experience some of Albania’s most stunning landscapes without committing to a lengthy trek, then a day tour is your ideal choice.

9. Hiking Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain On A Day Tour From Tirana

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Albania day tour is the perfect way to get out and explore some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. 

Starting at Bovilla Lake, you’ll hike up to Mount Gamti with stunning views along the way. The hike isn’t too long or challenging, so it’s suitable for all levels of experience. 

On the way back, you can cool off with a swim in the river if you like. 

This private tour can be customized to suit your needs and is ideal for couples, friends and families who want to combine sightseeing with some physical activity while travelling in air-conditioned private transportation.

“ You should book this tour! This was a real highlight of our trip and we would recommend it to anyone – A 10/10 experience. ” – Joe_W ( Read more reviews )

10. Tomorr Mountain Tour & Bogove Waterfall – 4×4 And Hiking Tour  

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5-9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Albania hiking tour is a great way to explore the beautiful Tomorr Mountain and Bogove Waterfall. 

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who can tell you stories about the mountain’s significance as a holy sanctuary for different religions. 

The 4×4 vehicle makes it easy to get around while you take in spectacular views. Plus, lunch is included so there’s no need to worry about planning meals! 

Small groups of just 10 people ensure an intimate experience and with pickup from Tirana available, it’s easy to get started on your adventure.

“ I have done the Tomor Mountain Tour and have to say it was a fantastic experience. The views are stunning and the trekking is not too extreme ” – A TripAdvisor reviewer ( Read more reviews )

11. Exclusive Qafshtama National Park Hiking Tour With Private Transfer

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✅  Book it!

This exclusive Qafshtama National Park hiking tour with Private Transfer is the perfect way to explore Albania’s beautiful nature. 

You will be able to discover a variety of flora and fauna while admiring breathtaking views from Red Mountain Peak, the highest peak in the park. 

With the help of a professional local guide, you will get to learn about the animals and plants found in this area. 

It is an ideal tour for all nature enthusiasts who want to experience unspoiled scenery and take part in one of the best Albania hiking tours around!

12. Tomor Mountain Hiking Tour From Berat

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 – 9 hours | ✅  Book it!

This Tomor Mountain hiking tour from Berat is the perfect way to explore this beautiful region of Albania. 

The tour includes a 1.5-hour drive to the village of Tomorr, followed by a hike/trek lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on the traveller’s fitness level, to reach the castle of Tomorri or the highest peak of the mountain. 

Along the way, you will get to enjoy breathtaking views, rest and take in your surroundings at ‘Qafa e Skures’, as well as learn about local customs and culture as you explore. 

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking for an adventurous outdoor experience close to Berat. 

“ We had a beautiful, spectacular climb to the top of Tomor Mountain ” – A TripAdvisor reviewer ( Read more reviews )

13. Discover The Black Cave Hiking Tour From Tirana

This Black Cave Hiking Tour from Tirana is a perfect way to explore the natural wonders of Albania and its significant archaeological sites. 

On this tour, travellers can enjoy spectacular views of the Black Cave and Erzeni Canyon with hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Tirana. 

The small group tour allows hikers to explore the cave by torchlight at their own pace. 

This tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience, giving guests a chance to see some of Albania’s most impressive sights up close!

“Just Excellent!” – Hola68 ( Read more reviews )

14. Canyoning In The Gjipe Canyon

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This incredible adventure is sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience as you explore the rugged terrain and stunning views of the Gjipe Canyon- one of the best places to go hiking in south Albania.

You’ll be given all necessary instructions and equipment before descending into the canyon. 

Once you’ve completed the 27-metre descent you will hike through the canyon to the gorgeous Gjipe beach where you can relax for the rest of the day.

Enjoy your time in Albania on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

15. Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall Hike

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  7 hours | ✅  Book it !

This adventure tour through Albania’s largest canyon is a great way to explore the country’s history, nature, and religion. 

Led by a professional guide, this 7-hour experience will take you past interesting rock formations formed by water erosion and into caves in the Osum Canyon. 

You will also learn about communism and weapon production in Polican as well as discover legends at the Hole of Bride viewpoint. 

As you hike through the beautiful scenery of the canyon, you can also cool off with a swim in one of its natural pools and admire Bogove Waterfall. 

This tour offers an immersive experience that lets visitors explore Albania like never before!

“ Canyon and waterfall were incredible and the context given while there and on the journey made it even better. ” – A TripAdvisor reviewer ( Read more reviews )

FAQs: Best Albania Hiking Tours

What is the best hike in the albanian alps.

The best hike in the Albanian Alps is the hike from Theth to Valbona through the Valbona pass. This hike can be completed in around 7 hours and offers some of the most stunning views of Albania’s accursed mountains.

What Is The Best Month To Hike In Albania?

The best month to hike in Albania is during the summer months of June, July and August. The weather is mild and the days are long, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes.

What To Pack For Hiking In Albania?

When hiking in Albania, it is important to bring a good pair of hiking boots, plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, as well as a first aid kit and a map. Sunglasses, insect repellent and a flashlight will also come in handy.

How To Get To Bovilla Lake From Tirana?

The easiest way to get to Bovilla Lake from Tirana is on a guided tour with transport included . Hitchhiking and renting a car are also good options. 

How Long Can Americans Stay In Albania?

American citizens can stay in Albania for up to a year without a visa.

Is Albania Welcoming To Tourists?

Yes, Albania is a very welcoming country to tourists. The locals are friendly and the government has put a lot of effort into making sure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. Tourists can take part in activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, bird watching and more.

🥾 This is my favourite of the Albania hiking tours – The Peaks of the Balkans trail is an epic adventure through the Albanian Alps, It’ll feel so good to tick it off your bucket list! 

Final Thoughts: Best Albania Hiking Tours

Albania is a great destination for outdoor lovers, and its hiking tours provide an incredible way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems. 

From discovering the Black Cave to hiking the Valbona Pass and Canyoning in the Gjipe Canyon, there is something for everyone! 

Whether you are looking for adventure or want to learn more about Albania’s history and culture, these tours will be sure to give you an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

If you need more inspiration on what to do in Albania then check out this round-up of the best Komani Lake tours ! 

Or if you’re not yet sold on Albania then why not take my travel quiz to find out where you should travel next ? 

My Favourite Travel Resources

Travel Itineraries: I offer a range of pre-planned travel itineraries for many popular destinations. Use them to make planning your next trip a breeze!

Accommodation: I always use booking.com for hotels and Hostelworld for hostels. I’ve found some great bargains by using these sites!

Flights: My favourite tools to find the cheapest flights are WayAway , Expedia and Skyscanner

Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets I use Ferry Scanner

Activities: I use Viator and GetYourGuide to find the best tours and activities in every destination I visit. I’ve had some fantastic experiences using these sites!

Cashback: With the WayAway Plus membership plan, users get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. I love using Wayaway to get cashback on my travel expenses. In fact, it is one of my fave budget travel hacks 😉 Click here to get 10% off of a WayAway Plus membership

Foreign Currency: I highly recommend getting an international card to save you loads of money in expensive bank fees. The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!

Travel Insurance: Never travel without proper travel insurance! I always use EKTA

Luggage Storage: Radical Storage is a Luggage storage network that operates in over 70 countries and 350 cities with more than 3500 storage points. I love using Radical storage to store my bags before or after checking in/out of my hotel as it gives me an extra day to explore without having to worry about dragging my luggage around with me.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Albanian Alps: A 4-day hiking itinerary

• Post author: Marlou
• Post published: April 9, 2023
• Post category: Albania / Europe

The Albanian Alps, or the Accursed Mountains, is a mountain range located in the north of Albania, shared with Montenegro . It’s one of the highlights of many people visiting Albania. And it’s easy to see why! Here you’ll find beautiful mountain scenery, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, and a giant lake. The best thing is that you can combine all of this in a 2 to 4-day circular route to and from Shkoder! And when you’re well prepared this trip is actually really easy! And you will be well prepared after reading this itinerary for the Albanian Alps.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission when you click on them, at no additional cost to you. It just helps to keep this site running. I only promote products and services I really recommend and always give my honest opinion about them.

Table of Content

• Clockwise or counterclockwise
• Day 1: Getting from Shkoder to Theth
• Day 2 (optional): Hike to Blue Eye
• Day 3: Hike to Valbonë

Day 4 – Valbonë to Shkoder via Lake Komani

Day 1 – shkoder to valbonë via lake komani.

• Day 2: Hike to Teth

Day 3 (optional) – Hiking in Theth (skip if you only want 3 days)

• Day 4: Theth to Shkoder

Lake Komani

• Valbonë Pass

Grunas Waterfall and Blue Eye

You might wonder if it’s really necessary to do this trip as a circuit. Well, the answer is no, but if you want to see all the sights, it is the best and most efficient way of doing so. The main highlights of the Albanian Alps are the Valbonë Pass and Lake Komani. In order to hike the Valbonë Pass, you will need to sleep at least one night in either Theth or Valbonë. You could travel back to Shkoder the next day, and do a day trip to Lake Komani another day if you really wanted.

This is what we did, as we didn’t plan well. We traveled at the end of the season and we didn’t check the ferry schedule. The last day the ferry was going for sure, was a day we had booked accommodation for already. Besides, our hotel was going to close after we left, meaning we couldn’t leave our luggage. So we did a day trip to Komani and traveled to Theth the next day for some hiking.

I wouldn’t recommend this though. It’s both easier and quicker to travel directly from Valbonë to Komani Lake. As this is a very popular route, many accommodations in Shkoder will let you leave your luggage there. (Provided it’s not the end of the season and they are going to close ;).) And if you really want to do day trips (in case you don’t want to take the ferry for example, or can’t find a place to store your luggage), I will include this option at the end as well. 

Clockwise or Counterclockwise

The loop can be done both clockwise and counterclockwise. Which direction is best mainly depends on your personal preference and further travel plans. If you’re on a tight schedule and you want to complete this loop in as little as 2 days, you’ll need to do it clockwise. The transport schedule doesn’t allow the loop to be done in 2 days counterclockwise. Traveling to your next destination on the same day you’ll finish your circuit? Then you’ll have to do it counterclockwise for the same reason.

If your travel plans don’t tie you to one of these options, the best way to go about this itinerary for the Albanian Alps is clockwise in my opinion. This way you can spend a day or two hiking in Theth before doing the more challenging Valbonë pass hike. The ferry is a nice way to end your trip and give your legs a rest too. Starting the hike in Theth means that you almost immediately start hiking up, but the route keeps getting easier. Afterward, you go down and the last kilometers are almost flat. Going from Valbonë, you don’t have to hike as far up (Valbonë lies about 200m higher than Theth) but further down. I also thought the valley on the Valbonë side was (even) more beautiful than on the side of Theth and these views are best enjoyed hiking down.

I will give you itineraries for both directions below so you can compare them. If you have made up your mind already, you can jump straight to the clockwise or counterclockwise section. 

The Clockwise Itinerary for the Albanian Alps

Day 1 – getting from shkoder to theth.

There is no regular public transport between Shkoder and Theth, but shared vans/cars leave from the center of Shkoder around 7 am. If your accommodation is centrally located, they might pick you up from your accommodation. You can discuss this with the driver when you make your reservation.

As we were staying in Shirokë (outside of Shkoder) they offered to pick us up for an extra € 5 per person. We spoke to a few people, and they all offered the same. There is no taxistand in Shirokë, and there was no reception at our accommodation to call one for us, so we just went for the easy way and took the pick-up.

We traveled to Theth with Zef (+355 68 246 8693) who was great! If you want more options, or if he’s unavailable, you can find some more numbers here . Zef included a(n optional) coffee/toilet stop and a picture stop on the way before arriving in Theth between 9-10 am, which we all really appreciated.

As you’ll arrive in Theth early, you can go hiking the same day already. 

2 day itinerary

If you’re short on time and want to complete the loop in 2 days, you can start your hike to Valbonë right away. Take a packed lunch and plenty of snacks with you from Shkoder in that case, as Theth doesn’t have many options. There was only one small shop in town, which was closed most of the time we were there. We did visit at the end of the season, but better safe than sorry and arrive prepared. 

If you’re doing the 2-day itinerary, skip ahead to day 3 , as you will be skipping the additional hikes in Teth, and get started with the hike to Valbonë on your first day already.

3 day itinerary

If you have 3 days, you can leave your stuff at your accommodation and hike to the Blue Eye today. Make a stop at the Grunas waterfall on the way there or back as well. We didn’t actually walk all the way to Blue Eye, as it was raining in the afternoon. I’ve heard it’s really beautiful though and many people have recommended it. So if you’re up for a 6 – 7h hike (3-3.5 h one way), you can walk here. If you prefer to take it easy and save energy for the next day, Grunas is a nice spot too and you can just stop there and turn around. 

4 day itinerary

If you have 4 days you can take it easy today, which is what we did. We got some work done and hitchhiked back to the viewpoint where Zef stopped on the way here, this time for sunset. You can also hike to Grunas Waterfall today and relax here, so you can go directly to the Blue Eye tomorrow and save time if you wanted to stay there longer.

Day 2 (optional) – Hike to Blue Eye

If you’re following the 4-day itinerary, I would save the longer hike to Blue Eye for today, and take it easy on your first day. That way you can start earlier and have more time to enjoy Blue Eye itself.  Note that Theth doesn’t really have shops where you can buy snacks or food for a picnic, but many guesthouses offer packed lunches and there are restaurants in the town of Ndërlysaj, which you will pass on the way.

If hiking to Blue Eye sounds like a bit much to you, you can always opt for hiking as far as Grunas and head back to Theth from there. Or just see how far you get. The route itself is nice and it’s a one-way route, so you can turn around at any time and head back if you decide it’s too much.

Day 3 – Hike to Valbonë

Hiking is the only way to travel between these towns (without having to travel via Shkoder). The hike is about 17 km and takes about 7 hours to complete. We did it in 6 hours but were unlucky with the weather. So we didn’t make many stops and stayed in a hotel about 3 km before Valbonë, as we walked back the next day. 

It’s a long hike, which includes quite some elevation gain and loss, so I recommend starting early. Especially if the weather is nice. There is no need to rush and there are plenty of nice places on the way for picture stops or for breaks in general. It looks like there are some places for food and drinks as well. They were closed when we were there, but you might be able to buy something during in summer. Do bring enough water and food with you just in case though! You don’t want to find yourself without food or water halfway through the hike. 

Hiking from Theth to Valbonë means you’re starting with a steep uphill for the first 7-ish km. Luckily a big part of this is through the forest which will protect you from most weather conditions. Whether it’s the sun, rain, or wind you’re seeking shelter from. Once you exit the forest the views are already amazing, distracting you from the difficulty of the hike. There is less forest on the other side of the Valbonë Pass, so hiking down toward Valbonë you’ll really get to take in the views of the beautiful Valbonë Valley. And the last bit is nearly flat, so the hike just keeps getting easier. This is one of the things I quite liked about doing the hike in this direction.

Once you arrive at your accommodation , all you need to do is take a shower and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Tomorrow is an easy day, no hiking involved!

Today will be a long day, but a very enjoyable and quite relaxing one! Today you’ll cross the beautiful Lake Komani by ferry on your way back to Shkoder. Note that the lake isn’t exactly close to the lake, but the ferry company offers pick-up services to and from the ferry. You can book this service when you book your ticket for the ferry. Make sure to book a pick-up. There is no public transport and you don’t want to rely on hitchhiking when there is only one ferry a day. 

The van will pick you up from your accommodation in Valbonë at about 10.30 am. The drive to Fierze takes around 2 hours and from here you will take a ferry across Lake Komani. This lake is actually part of a river and was created by the dams constructed on each side.

Once you arrive in Komani, there will be another van waiting for you to bring you to the center of Shkoder. They also do transfers to Tirana, but unless you’ve packed very lightly and have taken everything with you, you will need to stop in Shkoder to pick your things up and I believe there is no public transport from Shkoder to Tirana anymore at that time. So if you want to do this and your accommodation is close to the roundabout terminal, you can contact the company directly (WhatsApp numbers are available on the website) to ask if they go via Shkoder and if they can stop at your accommodation so you can pick up your luggage.

The Counterclockwise Itinerary for the Albanian Alps

In order to get from Shkoder to the Lake Komani ferry, you need to book the pick-up service through them. There is no public transport that will take you there. You can book the pick-up when you book your ferry ticket. Do book this! We thought we could just catch it from the roundabout, but when we asked where it leaves from we were pointed to a bus that goes to the power plant in Koman. From here it’s still a 2k walk uphill to the ferry. Luckily the van from the ferry company past us and let us jump on. They explained that you need to book it in advance and we made sure to book the way back on the spot!

As the pick-up service is with the same company as the ferry, you’re guaranteed to make the ferry. We even had time for a coffee and a quick bite to eat before boarding the ferry. It takes about 2 hours to cross the lake, which is actually part of a river and created by dams constructed on either side. 

Once you arrive in Fierze, there will be another van ready to take you to Valbonë. This trip also takes about 2 hours, So you’ll arrive in time to go for a stroll and take sunset pictures after you drop your stuff at your accommodation . 

Day 2 – Hike to Theth

Today is the big day! The hike from Valbonë to Theth is about 17 km and takes about 7 hours to complete. We did it in 6 hours but were unlucky with the weather. So we didn’t make many stops and stayed in a hotel about 3 km closer to Theth than Valbonë, giving us a headstart. 

As it’s a long hike, which includes quite some elevation gain and loss, I recommend starting early. Especially if the weather is nice. There is no need to rush and there are plenty of nice places on the way for picture stops or for breaks in general. It looks like there are some places for food and drinks as well. They were closed when we were there, but you might be able to buy something during the high season. Do bring enough water and food with you just in case though! You don’t want to find yourself without food or water halfway through the hike. 

Hiking from Valbonë to Theth means an easy start. The first 10 kilometers more or less are false flat. So not entirely flat, but only slightly uphill. Then it’s a steep uphill until you reach the top of the pass, and you get to enjoy the well-deserved beautiful views.

Heading down, you’ll still have some beautiful views over the mountains until you hit the forest. Here you’ll have some protection from the weather. Whether it’s the sun, wind, or rain you need hiding from. It’s a longer downhill than it was uphill (not counting the false flat part) but there are plenty of nice spots to take a break on your way down.

If you still have the energy after yesterday, I recommend hiking to the Blue Eye today. It’s another long hike, but there is not as much elevation gain and loss, so it’s easier. On the way, you’ll pass Grunas Waterfall which is a nice stop as well. If you feel that hiking all the way to Blue Eye is too much, you can just turn around from here. Looking for something in between? Just keep walking along the river until you’re ready to turn around.

Day 4 – Theth to Shkoder

There is no regular public transport between Shkoder and Theth, but shared vans/cars can pick you up and drop you off in central Shkoder. Pick-up time in Theth is around 10 am, so enough time for breakfast.

We traveled back to Shkoder with Zef (Whatsapp +355 68 246 8693) who was great. You can also ask your accommodation to book a car for you or you can find more contact numbers here .

As you’ll arrive in Shkoder around noon, you’ll have plenty of time left to pick up the rest of your luggage and head to your next destination or to explore some of Shkoder. I recommend heading up to the castle in the afternoon and staying for sunset. The sign said it would close before sunset, but nobody came to kick us out, and people were still entering when we left.  

Visiting the Albanian Alps as daytrips

If you don’t want to make the loop recommended in this itinerary for the Albanian Alps, it’s also possible to explore these places as day trips from Theth and Shkoder. As vans/cars between Shkoder and Theth only leave once a day in the morning, it’s not possible to do the hikes as day trips from Shkoder. You’ll need to base yourself in Theth for the hikes. Lake Komani can be visited as a day trip from Shkoder.

You can visit the lake on a day trip from Shkoder with Berisha. They run both the ferry and the transport between Shkoder and the Komani port from where you’ll take the ferry. Note that the ferry runs roughly from April to the beginning of November and once a day. Check their page for the current schedule and price . You’ll need to book the van to the port in advance, which you can do while you book your ferry tickets.

Pick-up in Shkoder is about 2.5 hours before the ferry is scheduled to leave Koman, and the ride takes about 2 hours. So you’ll have time for a coffee and to go to the toilet if you need to. There is a toilet on the ferry as well. The ferry ride across the lake takes about 2 hours and you’ll have another 2 hours to enjoy a drink or a snack in the port of Fierze before heading back the same way. 

Valbonë pass

As mentioned before, you’ll need to base yourself in Theth to hike the Valbonë pass as a day trip. Cars leave Shkoder at 7 am and arrive in Theth at around 9 am. So you can drop your luggage off and head off right away if you want to! Do bring a packed lunch in this case, as Theth doesn’t really have shops. We saw one, but it was closed most of the time. Another option is to ask your accommodation in advance if they offer packed lunches and can prepare one for you on the morning of your arrival.

The difference between hiking the Valbonë pass as part of the loop and as a day trip is that with the first you hike up on one side, and down the other. If you’re doing a day trip, you’ll head up and back down the same way. The most beautiful views are from the pass itself and the upper part of the trail, so you’re not missing out on a huge deal if you just hike back the same way.

Tip: You could technically do this hike as a day trip from Valbonë as well. This could make sense if the reason you don’t want to do the loop is because of luggage you need to take with you, or if you traveling with a car for example. Do note that Valbonë is further away from the pass than Theth though. It’s nearly twice as long (22 km in total for the return). It does save you almost 200 meters of elevation gain and loss, but unless you really have your mind set on hiking from Valbonë, I’d recommend hiking to the pass from Theth as it’s a lot shorter.

The Blue eye and Gruna Waterfalls are another nice day hike from Theth. It’s another long hike, but there is not so much elevation gain and loss compared to the Valbonë pass hike, so it’s easier. On the way, you’ll pass Grunas Waterfall which is a nice stop as well.

If you feel that hiking all the way to Blue Eye is too much, you can just turn around from here. Looking for something in between? Just keep walking along the river until you’re ready to turn around.

This was: Make the most out of your trip to the Albanian Alps: A 4-day itinerary

If you’re looking for more tips of your trip to Albania, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Albania .

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• Nov 7, 2022

The Albanian Alps: Perfect 3-5 Day Hiking Itinerary for Valbona & Theth National Park

Updated: Nov 8, 2022

The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, are located in the north of Albania and occupy about 8% of the country’s territory. This is the finest hiking area in Albania , home to dramatic mountain peaks, deep green valleys, and thick forests. It’s the most attractive and fascinating part of the country in our opinion, but also relatively isolated since there are only a couple of roads in and out. In fact, there is no road connecting the two most famous parks: Valbona and Theth, and you have to hike over a mountain pass to get from one to another. In this article, we’ll break down the best 3 to 5 days hiking itinerary for Valbona and Theth National Park and some other information that could be useful while doing it.

Check out our video on the Albanian Alps to see this full itinerary through our camera!

Things to know before you go to the Albanian Alps

Best time to visit.

The best time to travel to the Albanian Alps is between the end of May and the end of October . In the summer it can get hot during the day but in the evening it gets very cold. Most accommodations in the mountains don't have heating so make sure you bring warm sweaters and even a winter jacket! We visited at the end of September and on some nights it was literally freezing.

Bring enough cash

There are no ATM's in Valbona and Theth . This means you need to bring enough cash to pay for your accommodation and food. Also, the guesthouses don't take card payments which is very common in Albania in general. If you happen to run out of cash, you can go to the supermarket in Theth and ask to exchange cash for a credit card payment in the store. However, you'll have to pay a rather hefty fee for that!

Food and groceries

Tourists are generally expected to eat at the guest house. While breakfast is included, lunch and dinner are usually not included in the room price. There are no stores in Valbona, but there is a small one in Theth where you can buy bread, snacks, and some fruits.

The Best Hiking Itinerary For The Albanian Alps

We’ll break down how to spend 3 to 5 days in the Albanian Alps while visiting both national parks. Even for non-hikers, this is such a great trip! Click the interactive map below to get directions to any of the hikes and areas we mention in this article.

DAY 1: Shkodra - Komani Lake - Valbona

The itinerary starts and ends in the city of Shkodra and can be completed in either direction since it’s a circle. If you have a rental car, it’s best to leave it in the city so you can make the most out of your visit to the Albanian Alps. We left our car and big backpacks at the hotel and only took the essential items in our day-packs.

In Shkodra, you can ask your accommodation to organize a package to Valbona. This package includes the shuttle bus to Koman Lake , the ferry from Koman to Fierze , and the bus from Fierze to your accommodation in Valbona. During the summer months, it’s best to arrange this package a few weeks in advance with your hotel as the spots fill up quickly! You can also reserve your spot on the ferry if you would like. Note that the ferry only runs from April until the end of October.

The minivan picks you up as early as 6:30 AM from Shkodra. After two hours of driving, you board the ferry over the gorgeous Komani Lake, which is a man-made reservoir on the Drin River. The ferry takes you for almost 3 hours over the emerald waters that meander for over 70 kilometers or 43 miles through the mountains. In some places, it gets very narrow with vertical canyon walls towering on both sides. And even though you’re technically not in the Albanian Alps yet, this is already a highlight of the trip!

After you arrive in Fierze, you hop into another minivan, which takes you to Valbona in about 1.5 hours. As you arrive in the afternoon, there is only a bit of time left for a short hike in Valbona. We hiked to the beautiful Kukaj Valley and the ridge to the right side. You can find the trail on Maps.me, but it unfortunately doesn’t have a name (Search on maps.me for the ridge near Thatë peak).

We stayed at Guesthouse Skender Selimaj and highly recommend it!

DAY 2: Hike in Valbona Valley National Park

On the second day, it’s time to fully explore Valbona Valley National Park , which boasts the most beautiful natural scenery in all of Albania. Most people only spend a night here before trekking to Theth , which is such a shame as there are a wealth of excellent hikes in the area.

We hiked to the mountain saddle on the Montenegrin–Albanian border at the base of Rosi peak . This actually ended up being our favorite hike in all of Albania. It’s an out-and-back trail that is about 17.5 kilometers or 11 miles long with 1,280 meters or 4,200 ft of elevation gain. From the pass, you can also continue to Rosi peak, which adds another 400 meters or 1,300ft of elevation. This is considered the easiest peak hike in Valbona Valley as the other ones are more technical and harder to reach. Nonetheless, this trail offers panoramic views that will take your breath away! Enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks in serenity as you won’t encounter many other people while hiking!

Alternative trails include Jezerca Lakes and peak, Thatë peak , and Kolata peak .

DAY 3: Hike the famous Valbona to Theth Trail

On day three, you’ll hike to Theth National Park via the famous Valbona to Theth Trail. Keep in mind that this trail gets very busy, especially during the peak summer season. This point-to-point hike is about 17 kilometers or 10.5 miles long, depending on where you start and finish it. We would say the difficulty level is medium, and you don't need to be fit or have a lot of mountain experience to complete the trek. Just make sure you can walk for 6 to 9 hours!

The beginning of the hike is flat and rocky on a dry riverbed. You can actually skip that part by taking a 4x4 taxi if you want. The path then turns into a dirt trail and starts to climb gradually steeper until you reach the Valbona Pass . From here, you’ll observe the most beautiful view of Valbona Valley with endless mountain peaks surrounding you from all angles. It’s a stunning rest area. Heading down the other side of the pass is almost entirely in the shade through an old-growth forest. It’s a long, but relatively gentle descent to the village of Theth.

Theth is the most popular destination in the Albanian Alps and you’ll notice that it’s a lot more developed than Valbona. There are many newly-built guesthouses and hotels to pick from as well as a little supermarket and a few coffee shops. The town has been developing quickly in the last decade, bringing larger crowds of tourists to the park.

For this part of the hike, we stayed at Bujtina Miqesia in Theth which was an amazing place to stay with a beautiful view.

DAY 4: Hike in Theth National Park

On the last day, you can explore the sights in Theth National Park. If you're tired from the previous day hikes, we recommend doing a half-day hike to the iconic Theth Church , Grunas Waterfall , and the Blue Eye . If you plan to hike all the way to the Blue Eye, keep in mind that it’s 17 kilometers or 10.5 miles total. The hike is not intensive as it’s fairly flat, but the distance makes it a 6-hour trip. Alternatively, you can hike to the Church and Grunas Waterfall only, which is a lot shorter and you’ll only need about 3-hours.

If you want to spend a full day hiking in Theth instead, we don’t recommend hiking this extremely crowded trail! Instead, opt for a more rewarding trek to one of the peaks, caves, or glacial lakes. You can find other trail options in the tourist center in town. Options include: the cave of Thethi, the lake of Peja, the Castle of Shtegu i Dhenve, the waterfall's cave, the canyon of Grunasi, and Okoli's Springs.

DAY 5: Take The Bus Back To Shkodra

We took the bus back to Shkodra at 2PM, which was the last bus for the day. It was a crazy ride and felt very unofficial. We heard it's better to take the bus back in the morning. It’s best to check the bus timetable in advance at the local supermarket. That’s also where you purchase your bus ticket.

Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To The Albanian Alps

Booking.com for places to stay

Skyscanner for cheap flights

GetYourGuide for local tours

Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Other Top Albanian Alps resources:

If you're looking for some other suggestions and tips on the Albanian Alps and hiking in Albania, here are some great articles that will help you:

A Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps: Trails, Planning, Itineraries by The Holistic Backpacker

More information about the Albanian Alps from the website of Albania

Here Is Where To Go Hiking In Albania by Chasing The Donkey

Need more travel inspiration? Check out our Albania Travel Guide or other destinations and other articles about Albania:

Gjirokaster, Albania: The Best Things To Do

Saranda, Albania: A Guide To Albania's Most Popular Beach Destination

Tirana, Albania: A Complete Guide To Albania's Capital City

Berat, Albania: The Ultimate Guide To The Town Of A Thousand Windows

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Hi! We are Ine & Zac. An international travel couple from Belgium and the US. We created World Wild Hearts to inspire life-changing travel experiences like we've had. Use these tips, stories, and guides to inspire your next adventure of a lifetime!

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COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PLANNER

Theth National Park

The complete guide to hiking the albanian alps.

When researching top things to do in Albania, everyone seemed to mention the mountain pass hike from Valbona to Theth. I honestly had never heard of these places, but when I saw the photos, it very quickly went to the top of our itinerary!

In the very north of Albania, close to the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo, the Albanian Alps is an absolute stunner. Some of the most phenomenal scenery in the whole of the country, maybe (dare I say it?) the whole of the Balkans, is right here. Crystal clear rivers, snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, meadows dotted with brightly coloured flowers and lofty mountain passes with views that seem to go on endlessly. Standing in awe, your mind clears while it tries to comprehend the sheer magnificence of what lies before you; almost like a mental recalibration.

Komani lake

This is actually so much easier than getting to the start of the hike in Valbona. A furgon (minibus) will pick you up from your Theth accommodation and drop you off back in Shkoder. Again, you can buy your ticket ahead of time in Shkoder. Some people want to experience the Albanian Alps without the hiking, and so they visit Theth on a day trip as it is only an hour outside of Shkoder.

Albanian Alps Hiking: 3-6 Day Itinerary for Valbona & Theth N.P.

The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, offer a captivating and rugged landscape that any nature lover or adventurer would find irresistible.  If you are looking to do some Albanian Alps hiking, look no further as this post will outline the best 3-5 day itinerary, so you can spend less time researching and more time outside.

Located in the northern region of Albania, this mountain range boasts stunning peaks, deep valleys and dramatic cliffs that create a breathtaking panorama.  Hiking through the Albanian Alps provides an opportunity to explore remote and untouched wilderness, where pristine rivers and shimmering lakes are hidden among lush forests.

This is the best hiking area in Albania.  In this article I’ll go into detail the best way to spend your days hiking in the Albanian Alps, provide other day hike recommendations, and fill you in on any tips you may need to know before visiting to ensure the best time possible.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Albanian Alps Hiking Itinerary

Most people spend 3 days in the Albania Alps trekking the Valbona pass on the second day, with Valbona and Theth National Parks as the bookends to their 3 day adventure.  I personally spent 6 days on an Albanian Alps hiking adventure.  If you only have 3 days, follow day 1, day 3 and day 4.

If you have the gift of time, I recommend spending more than 3 days in the Albania Alps, there are plenty of other hikes and things to do in Theth and Valbona National Park that you won’t be able to experience unless you spend more time in Valbone and in Thethi.

Here’s what my itinerary looked like.  Fore more details about a specific activity/event click on the blue links below.

• Shkoder to Valbona via Lake Komani Ferry 
• 2 Nights Accommodation in Valbona
• Hike Valbona National Park
• Trek Valbona to Theth
• 3 Nights Accommodation in Theth

Day 4 & 5:

• Theth Village , Theth Church & Theth Waterfall
• Trek to Blue Eye Waterfall
• Transfer from Theth back to Shkoder to pick up your luggage.

Albanian Alps Hiking Vlogs

Would you rather see for yourself what an adventure through the Albanian Alps looks like?  We filmed several vlogs as we hiked, trekked and traveled our way through the Albanian Alps.

Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up.  It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.

🎥 Watch our Albania Series on YouTube

Day 1: Shkoder to Valbona via the Lake Komani Ferry

The first day of your Albanian Alps adventure will start in the town of Shkodër.  This is the gateway town to the Albanian Alps.  From here you can either make your way to Valbona Valley National Park via the Lake Komani Ferry or arrange transportation to Theth.

In my opinion, traveling from Shkoder to Valbona is the best direction versus the other way around.  Getting from Shkoder to Valbona is an all days adventure.  Plus accommodations in Valbona are more spread out than in Theth.

It takes 3 modes of transportation to travel from Shkoder to Valbona.  2 minivans and 1 ferry.  You can book tickets for transportation as a package at most hotels in Shkoder or you can book tickets separately yourself.

• Mini-van from Shkoder to Komani Lake (1.5 – 2 hours)
• Lake Koman ferry to Fierza (2.5 hours)
• Mini-van transfer to Valbona (1 hour)

Minivan tickets for transfer from Shkoder to Koman costs 800 Lek (7€) and pickup time is at 6:45am.  Joe and I arrived at 6:30 and pickup was closer to 7am.  The minivan to Koman takes about 2 hours.  The route offers panoramic views of the majestic mountains and lush forests.

Next, hop on the Lake Komani Ferry which takes about 2.5 – 3 hours to travel from Koman to Fierze.  The Lake Koman Ferry was extremely crowded.  I had purchased transportation tickets as a package with my accommodation.

To avoid the crowds I would purchase tickets individually by yourself.  Check out the article below for more details on how to book travel from Shkoder to Valbona by yourself.

☕️ Read Next:   How to Get from Shkoder to Valbona via the Lake Komani Ferry 🎥 Watch on YouTube: Travel Day on Lake Komani Ferry

Once docked, it’s an hour minivan transfer to your accommodation in Valbona.  You’ll get to Valbona around 2 or 3 in the afternoon.  Spend the evening eating a hearty meal, watching sunset, and prepping for a day of hiking in Valbona Valley National Park.

Valbona Accommodation

Book 2 nights accommodation in Valbona .  We stayed at the Guesthouse Skender Selimaj .  Price was extremely affordable and location was great, walking distance to the Rosi Peak Trailhead.  It was however a little dirty which is a reflection of the price.  Here are a few other accommodations to check out in Valbonë.

• Villas Jezerca – $$ Comfortable, Clean and Peaceful.
• Vila Alexander B&B – $$ Location & Attention to Detail
• BUJTINA Valbonë – $$ Views & Central Location
• Villa Dini – $ Secluded in Nature

Day 2: Hiking Valbona National Park

Day 2 of 6 hiking the Albanian Alps.  Today you’ll get to explore Valbona Valley National Park.  There are many different hikes to choose from geared towards various skill levels.

Joe and I hiked Rosi Peak which is a strenuous hike that ends at the border of Albania and Montenegro.  There wasn’t a ton of information online but I completely underestimated this hike.  I thought it was going to be a moderate hike but it ended up being pretty tough.

Majat e Rosi Hike in Albania

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Duration: 1 Day
• Distance: 10km out and back
• Peak Elevation: 8,280 feet at the summit
• Elevation Gain: 2,391 feet

The hike was beautiful as it passed through fields of wildflowers, shaded forest and epic mountain views.  Once at the summit, you are greeted with stunning views of the mountains in Montenegro.

I thought this hike would be a pleasant warm up for hiking to Theth tomorrow but it ended up being 2,500 feet higher than the Valbona Pass on the trek to Theth.  Don’t let this deter you from attempting this hike.

The views can’t be fully expressed in a photo, you have to see the beauty for yourself.  It’s one of the best day hikes in Valbona Valley National Park.

🎥 Watch on YouTube:   Hiking Rosi Peak

Other Hikes in Valbona Valley National Park:

• Jezerca Lakes and Peak
• Thatë Peak
• Kolata Peak

Day 3: Albania Alps Trekking from Valbona to Theth

Day three of hiking through the Albanian Alps.  For most people, this is a highlight of the trip.  The only way to reach Theth National Park from Valbona Valley National Park is on foot as there are no roads that connect the two parks.

Valbona to Theth Trek Stats

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 9.5km from Rrogam to Theth (15-16km from Valbona village, from trailhead to trailhead)
• Peak Elevation: 5,760 feet at Valbona Pass

Hiking Valbona Pass on the Valbona to Theth hike was the highlight of my summer spent traveling through the Balkans.  The Theth Valbona hike is a A to B day trek that takes you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Albania.

Today, you will be trekking up and over Valbona Pass with your pack.  This is why it is important to pack smart and pack light.  Along the way there are cafes to take a break and order an iced frappe.  It’s amazing.  For more details and everything you need to know about the Valbona Theth Trek.

🥾 Read Next:   24 Essential Tips for Valbona to Theth Trek

Theth Accommodation

Once you make it to Theth, book accommodations for 3 nights.  If I had to choose, I’d say that Theth is more beautiful than Valbona.  You feel more surrounded by the mountains.

I stayed at Bujtina Kometa but it was a 40 minute walk outside of Theth which wasn’t super enjoyable after a long 2 days of Albanian Alps hiking.   Very affordable, clean, great views and lovely hosts though!  Here are a few other accommodations in Theth to check out.

• Molla Guest House – $$ Views, Food and Authenticity.
• Guesthouse Marashi – $$$ Great location close to Theth Church
• Bujtina Miqesia – $$ Views and Location
• Guest House Rrashkadoli – $ Albanian hospitality at its finest.

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Day 4 & 5: Exploring in & around Theth

Spend day 4 and day 5 exploring Theth and its surroundings.  Theth is a tiny village in northern Albania completely surrounded by towering mountains.

With a population of 370 people, it can hardly be classified as a town.  But once you visit this secluded village tucked away in the mountains, you’ll quickly see why travelers make the journey.

There are a lot of really rad things to do in Theth. That’s why you should spend 2 full days exploring Theth and one day trekking from Valbona to Theth.  Grunas Waterfall and Thethi Church were personal highlights of mine.

Things to do in Theth

• Theth Church
• Theth Waterfall (Grunas Waterfall)
• Take a Dip in the River
• Experience a Local Homestay
• Peak of the Balkans

☕️ Read Next:   Theth, Albania Travel Guide

Day 6: Theth to Shkoder

To return to Shokder from Theth is more simplified than getting to Valbone.  It’s one minivan ride to Shkoder which on the new road takes about 2 hours.

Minivans leave at 10 am in front of the only “grocery store” in Theth (mini market Jezerca) and cost 1200 Lek (12€) pp.  You can pay in Lek or Euros.  I booked our transportation from Theth the night before we left via whatsapp with Thethi Transportaion.  They were very prompt on the response and spoke perfect English, here’s the #355 69 556 7089.

You can also book transportation back with your accommodation in Theth, there were several minivans, all the same price and seem to all work together in some sort of fashion.  Transfer from Theth back to Shkoder to pick up your luggage.

📍 Read Next: 12 Best Things to do in Shkoder Best Places to Stay in Shkoder

Tips for Visiting Theth, Albania

Best Time to Go Hiking in the Albanian Alps

The best time to go Albanian Alps Hiking is during dry/hiking season which runs May to October.  July and August are the peak months, which mean higher crowds and hotter days.  For obvious reasons, it is not possible to hike in the Accursed Mountains during the winter months.  Unless you’re an alpinist which is pretty bad ass.

My advice is to embark on this journey during the shoulder season May – June or September – October.   There will be less crowds and the weather won’t be as brutal as peak season.  I hiked the Albanian Alps mid June and had amazing weather. Be prepared to be annoyed by a ton of flies.  

What to Pack for the Albanian Alps

If there is one thing I’ve learned about trekking, it’s to pack smart and to pack light. I unfortunately learned this the hard way when I trekked my first multi-day trek on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu .

Here are a few key items you should bring with you when hiking in the Albanian Alps.

• Danner 600 Hiking Boots
• Northface Rain Jacket
• Ear Warmer 
• Hiking Pants
• Flannel or Warm Fleece depending on what month you’re visiting Theth.
• Life Straw Water Bottle
• Hiking Poles (optional)

Luggage Storage for Albanian Alps Hiking

Where to store your luggage?   For obvious reasons you won’t be trekking through the Albanian Alps with all of your luggage.   We stored our roller bags at the Bed Station Hostel for 6 Euros a day per bag.

You can book luggage storage online here .   The hostel is located in the middle of the pedestrian street which is central to most hotels in Shkoder.

Albanian Alps Accommodation

There are plenty of guesthouses in Valbona and Theth to choose from depending on your travel style and preferences.  Most if not all the accommodations in Valbona and in Theth will require you to pay cash once you arrive at the property.  Breakfast will also be included in the price of accommodation.

These are the best places to stay in Valbona and the best places to stay in Theth for all budgets.

Valbonë: Villas Jezerca – $$ Comfortable, Clean and Peaceful. Vila Alexander B&B – $$ Location & Attention to Detail BUJTINA Valbonë – $$ Views & Central Location Villa Dini – $ Secluded in Nature Guesthouse Skender Selimaj – $ This is where I personally stayed, it was very affordable, delicious food and great location to the Rosi Trailhead hike. Theth: Molla Guest House – $$ Views, Food and Authenticity. Guesthouse Marashi – $$$ Great location close to Theth Church Bujtina Miqesia – $$ Views and Location Guest House Rrashkadoli – $ Albanian hospitality at its finest. Bujtina Kometa – $ This is where I stayed but it was a 40 minute walk to Theth which wasn’t super enjoyable after 2 tough days of hiking.  Very affordable, clean, great views and lovely hosts though!

• No ATM’s in Theth.
• Bring Ample Cash.
• Pack Light if you are trekking to or from Valbona.
• Book accommodation in Theth, not outside of town.
• Book accommodations in advance if traveling during peak season – July & August.
• The Theth to Valbona Trek is so worth it!

How Much Does it Cost?

If you are traveling on a budget , then Trekking in the Albanian Alps is a great thing to do Albania. Below I’ll list the average cost of this excursion based on 5 nights – 2 night in Valbona and 3 nights in Theth.

Transportation:

• Getting to Valbona from Shkoder via the Komani Ferry – 2800 Lek.
• Theth to Shkodër – 1200 Lek
• Optional Ride to the trailhead – 30 €
• Total = 30-69 € PP (33-76 USD)

Accommodations in Valbona and Theth:

• Valbona Accommodations – average $40
• Theth Accommodations – average $60 per night
• Total = 243€ or $260

More than likely breakfast will be included in the price of your guesthouse.   Most guesthouses will also offer dinner for 10-12 euros per person.  Portions are plentiful and who can say no to a home cooked meal?!

• Dinner – 50 € Per Person
• Snacks, waters, victory beers – $30
• Luggage storage in Shkoder  – 6 € Per Person
• Total = 34 € or 36 USD

Grand Total = $246 per person.  This is splitting the average cost of a room, not including a ride to the trailhead and pricing dinners out at 10 Euro per person.  Of course this can be more or less depending on what style of accommodation you book and how much you eat and drink.

There are no ATM’s in Valbona or Theth so I’d bring a little extra cash for miscellaneous expenses and emergencies.

The tranquility and serenity found in this remarkable natural treasure make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and camping.  Additionally, the warm hospitality of the local Albanians, their traditional way of life, and the opportunity to experience their unique heritage further enrich the journey through the Albanian Alps.

Albania Travel Tips

📍Plan your Trip: 16 Amazing Places to Visit in Albania Renting a Car in Albania 🗺 How long to travel Albania? 3-6 Day Albanian Alps Hiking Itinerary 1 Week Albania Itinerary +Bonus Days 🛂 Visas: Up to 90 Days on arrival for most countries. ☔️ Best Time to Visit:  Peak season = July & August.  May, June, September & October = Less crowds & costs. 💰 Average Daily Budget:  Expect to pay 50 USD’s a day for basic accommodations, sit down meals at a cafe and entrance fees. ⛺️ Albania accommodation Guides: Where to Stay in Berat Charming Hotels in Gjirokaster Best Places to Stay in Shkoder 13 Best Hotels in Saranda 🪂 Highlights Tirana's Coffee Culture Berat - a Town of a Thousand Windows Trekking Valbona to Theth N.P. Gjirokaster Castle The Albanian Riviera Shkoder - the Gateway to the Albanian Alps Theth National Park Lake Komani Valbona Valley National Park Peak of the Balkans for the experienced Trekker 🧳 What to Pack : What to Pack for Albania 🎥 Watch our Albania Series on YouTube Get on my Email list to see what I’m up to and all the best travel content!

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5 Best Hikes in Albania – Hiking in Albania 101

Last Updated on April 26, 2024

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Albania is a country in southeastern Europe, and it has become one of the most popular travel destinations for hikers because of its untouched scenery and beautiful views. 

The hiking in Albania will change your life it is one of the best things about Albania. With its rugged mountains, charming villages, sweeping valleys, amazing views and lush green forests, your Albanian hiking journey will bring you euphoric moments and cherished memories.

Albania hiking trails are extensive, and contain some of the best hiking in the Balkans. You can either choose to book a tour and gain access to your very own tour guide or head out with your friends on a self-guided tour! There are a total of 5 incredible hikes in Albania that every hiker should experience while visiting.

These Albania hikes will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country from rivers to mountain peaks and gorges and everything in-between.

This blog post will provide tips on how to plan your Albania hikes, what to bring with you, as well as going in-depth about each hike.

So let’s explore some of the most picturesque and exhilarating hikes in Albania and trekking routes – and maybe even talk about the best hike in Albania!

Table of Contents

Is Hiking in Albania Safe?

Yes. Albania is a safe country to visit, and it’s safe to hike alone. It’s relatively easy to hire a personal guide who can be your eyes on the ground if you are not comfortable with hiking by yourself.

Keep in mind that if you go into hiking trails in Albania that are not so popular, there are wild bears and dogs. However, it’s not so common for tourists to be bumping into them. But it is a good idea to keep this in mind!

The bears mostly live in dense forests right in the north of Albania, and into Kosovo. So if you want some bear-free walking in Albania, head to the southern Albania!

What is the Best Season to Go Hiking in Albania?

That’s a great question! The best time of year to go hiking in Albania is during spring, April to June, or in Autumn, which starts in September and ends in November as this is when you will find the best weather conditions.

Why? Well, December through March is when they have their harsh winters, and trekking in Albania becomes a whole lot more difficult.

The temperature can get as low as -9°C (15°F), and there may be snow on the ground that could make it hard for you to trek through the dirt roads with your hiking boots.

And if you’re going in the summer months (July or August) then those are months where it’s mostly hot weather.

This means sometimes that people might not want to take their Albania hike at this time, because of the high temperatures which become overwhelming.

🧳  MUST-HAVE:  Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance.  My #1 recommendation is  SafetyWing !

The Best Albania Hiking Tours to Do

If you don’t feel comfortable hiking alone in Albania, there are plenty of guided tours that you can do instead.  Check out the best hiking tours in Albania here .

What Should I Pack for my Hike in Albania?

Hiking in Albania can be an incredible experience, but it is important to pack the right equipment. Do not forget your water and backpack!

You will also need a camera or mobile phone with GPS if you want to take pictures of the scenery.

Bring clothes that are durable for hiking up hills as well as dry quickly – this includes technical clothing made from synthetic materials like polyester (or other quick-dry fabrics).

Don’t forget sun protection! Make sure you have enough food before leaving home so that you don’t end up starving when out exploring either.

Pack light snacks such as dried fruit or nuts which are easy.

List of packing items I recommend:

• Hiking shoes , good sneakers or boots (good grip and ankle support)
• Waterproof jacket  for rain/wind protection
• Light, waterproof trousers  with reinforced knees and seat area to avoid wear on the fabric from sitting down – also good if it rains as you can keep your legs dry under
• Maps.me  app is a fantastic resource to have on your phone which outlines the trails throughout the country without the need for WiFi
• Torch or headlamp  for walking in the dark at night
• Wool or fleece clothing  layer to keep warm during winter months
• Sun protection:  sun hats ,  sunglasses  and  high SPF sunscreen
• Waterproof bags  that can be clipped onto your belt loop so you have easy access to them during a rainstorm

Now that you’re prepared, let’s discuss the best 5 trails for hiking in Albania.

📦  PACKING TIP:  Don’t leave home without a  solar powered battery pack  so you can keep your devices connected at all times.

1. Theth-Valbona Hike

Distance:  About 10.5 miles or 17 km

Hours:  6-8 hours

Difficulty level:  Medium

Theth to Valbona  is the most popular hike in Albania and the most spectacular, crossing a vast mountain range.

It is an astonishing experience that will take your breath away at every turn!

You’ll climb through woodland, past high mountain meadows and up into dramatic areas of limestone cliffs before descending down to the green Valbona Valley.

This Valbona Pass hike takes from 6-8 hours depending on how many times you want to stop for photos, and trust me, that will be a lot! After all, it’s considered the best hiking in Albania for a reason.

The times will also depend on where your accommodation is from the trail. If you stay at a lodge that’s far from the trail, you may want to consider getting a ride to the start to cut some time off the end.

The nearest accommodation to the start of the trail in Theth is  Guest House Gjelaj  or  Marash Rrgalla Guesthouse .

And the nearest accommodation option to the trail starting in Valbona is  Hotel Margjeka .

This hotel was so amazing and they also have one of the best restaurants in Valbona so it’s a great place to stay if you need a hearty bite to eat before or after the hike!

2. Kakome to Krorez Hike

Hours:  1.5 – 2 hours

Difficulty level:  Easy/Medium

If you’re looking for hike which takes you to pristine beaches, this is the hike for you!

This is one of the best locations for hiking in Albania and it has some of the best views in all of Albania. It is relatively easy and takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery along the Albanian Riviera.

The Kakome to Krorez hike takes about 2 hours to complete and is a beautiful walk that hugs the coast.

The coastal trail takes you through forests, past bunkers and even 2 monasteries before reaching Krorez beach on the other side of the mountain

You will have to catch a taxi or drive your car to the entrance of Kakome gate. You will see a big closed gate blocking the entrance to the beach.

It is safe to leave your car on the side of the road there.

This long hike follows a trail uphill, first going past one of the oldest monasteries in Albania, the Monastery of Saint Mary.

This peaceful setting is a great stopover before continuing uphill towards the beach of Krorez.

Once you have had a wander around then continue to follow the trail which leads uphill and hugs the side of the mountain.

You will reach a second monastery – Manastiri i Krorzes and from there you will descend down to the beach.

📸  PRO TIP:  My go-to camera for all my travels is  the Sony A7iii  – I highly recommend it!

3. Hike to the Blue Eye from Theth

Distance:  12 miles

Visiting the Blue Eye  is a great thing to do for the day, and one of the most rewarding hikes in Albania.

The hike takes around 3 hours and is easy/medium difficulty but as this hike is quite a long way from the main villages, you will get to explore so much of Albania’s nature. If you’re  visiting Theth , then you really cannot miss out on this Albanien hiking experience.

You can walk all the way there which takes about 3 hours or you can take a 4×4 to the entrance of the hike and then walk the last 45 minutes to the Blue Eye.

I loved walking the whole trail as parts of the trail had so many spectacular views along the way.

Fun fact: many American tourists looking to hike Trailsday hikes in June choose to visit the Blue Eye on these Albania trails!

4. Hike to Theth Waterfall

Hours:  45 minutes from Theth church

The Theth waterfall hike is one of the best places to go hiking in Albania, and it is one of the easiest to finish with a lot of flat terrain – perfect for a laid back Albania walking holiday!

You can find the waterfall in Theth National Park.

This quick hike is great if you want to explore the local area of Theth and only have an afternoon as it takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the waterfall.

Treking Albania on this route is highly rewarding: once you do reach the waterfall your breath will be taken away.

📚  P.S. Grab access to my  Travelling Albania Guide on Amazon  to get a comprehensive insight into the best places to visit in Albania   (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)

5. Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Sometimes the best hiking trails take you to amazing places, and on this route you’ll get to experience spectacular mountains and more!

The peaks of the Balkans trail goes through 3 countries in total – you’ll be hiking in Albania, hiking in Kosovo and finally hiking in Montengro.

The route is approximately 192km long, and is one of the most challenging multi day hikes Albania has to offer.

A full traverse takes around 10- 13 days depending on how fast you would like to do it and how long you would like to stay in each place.

If you prefer doing a guided version of this hike, then this tour is a great one to take!

With the peaks of the Balkan trail, you will stay in each of these places along the way depending on where you would like to start/finish:

• Theth, Albania
• Valbonë, Albania
• Çerem, Albania
• Dobërdol, Albania
• Milishevc, Kosovo
• Reka e Allagës, Kosovo
• Liqinat i Kuçishtës, Kosovo
• Babino Polje, Montenegro
• Plav, Montenegro
• Vusanje, Montenegro

You can find more in-depth information about the Balkans hiking trail on  this website .

This hike is definitely for those who are more comfortable with hiking and have a little more experience than the average person.

But the Balkans hiking trail is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience and some of the best mountains in Albania!

Even More Hikes in Albania!

Hikes are a great way to explore the natural and cultural beauty of this country.

There are some really interesting hikes in Albania, with stunning views that will make you want to keep exploring for days at a time.

There are plenty of  other hikes to explore in Albania  too that I have not mentioned in this post which covers other regions within the county.

There are more great Albania hiking routes in the north, in south Albania and even in central Albania, such as the Gamti mountain hike which can be reached easily if you’re hiking Tirana and the surrounding area.

One of the other most popular hikes in Albania is Mount Çika hike in Llogara National Park.

This is a mountainous area in Albania and is truly beautiful!

If you have other Albania best hikes to add to this list, let me know down below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes it is! Albania has all kinds of terrain – from valleys and rivers to snowy mountain peaks – for hikers to explore.

The peaks of the Balkans trail passes through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe.

To get the best weather without baking under the hot summer sun, hikes in Albania are best made in the month of September.

Other articles you will love:

• Albania Travel Guide for First Timers
• How to Get to Gjipe Beach, Albania + Essential Tips
• Best Things to Do in Saranda, Albania

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The Comments

Anita, Thank you for the great article! Also the link to the trail system called the “Peaks of the Balkans”. I am in New Hampshire right now and will be headed back to Saranda hopefully by mid October. Look forward to seeing you and possibly organizing some hikes of those sections of the trail especially in Kosovo. I hope you are having a great summer season and say Hi to everyone at the Anchor bar!

Ines Bradesko

Hi. I have two questions 😉 First is about the Kakome to Krorez trail – is it marked in any way and do you maybe have time to go with me in september?:) The second one is – do you know any guides that would go with me to Mount Cika or at least if the path is marked from Llogara? Thank you

Bryson Fico

Thank you for the very well-detailed post on hiking trails in Albania. I did not expect the trails to be so well-groomed. Your photographs inspired me to plan an outdoor vacation to Albania.

Loved your tips. Just wanted to add something about the Valbona theth trek!

I would like to suggest adding a paragraph that in the summer this is a good trek one can do without a guide but the pass is not always accessible. In spring for example (may and sometimes June) it’s really important to check whether one can pass the pass and whether there is snow. If the latter is the case do not attempt without a guide and proper equipment, nor attempt the “summer route”. There is a winter route which is not without risks and safer than the summer route. Yesterday a Swiss tourist died by taking the wrong route without a guide. We just did the winter route with a guide and we’re glad we bumped into others and therefore had 3 guides to help us to the top. I think it’s important we inform fellow travelers well.

https://top-channel.tv/english/swiss-tourists-fall-during-hike-in-mountains-of-valbona-one-of-them-loses-his-life/

https://www.imalbania.com/kosova/the-tourists-who-fell-into-the-abyss-of-valbona-are-transported-to-the-hospital-one-of-them-lost-his-life-2/

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• Route planner

Hiking in Albania

In 1991, when Albania tentatively opened its doors to the world following half a century of Communism, few could have imagined the smorgasbord of natural wonders contained within its modest borders. Walks in Albania are utterly incredible, from its gorgeous sun-kissed Ionian and Adriatic coastlines to its staggering mountain ranges.

Boasting no less than 15 national parks, you are absolutely spoilt for choice. Experience the rocky coves, gorgeous beaches and sea air of the Albanian Riviera, the last of all of Europe’s coastlines to be discovered. Inland, adventures in wolf-inhabited forests, through monumental gorges and below snow-capped peaks await.

The best walks and hikes in Albania

Thethi waterfall – syr il kälter- the blue eye loop from theth, fantastischer ausblick – valbona pass loop from theth.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Wasserfall bei theth – thethi waterfall loop from theth, perfect viewpoint. – viewpoint loop from valbonë, zauberwald – blick über die küste loop from green coast residence, blue eye – syr il kälter- the blue eye loop from ndërlysaj, viewpoint – panorama loop from valbonë, aussichtsplattform – syri i kaltër loop from pecë, brücke über den osum-canyon – entry canyon trekkingtour loop from çorovodë, viewpoint – peja-pass loop from theth, explore these walks and hikes on the map.

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Albania

Hiking Collection by komoot

Find the perfect Tour

Explore the most popular tours in albania, discover the most popular attractions in albania.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Albania below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

• Gjirokastër
• Rezervat Natyror I Menaxhuar "Liqeni Pogradecit"
• Parku Nacional i Liqenit të Shkodrës
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Explore more : Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

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Albania’s Hidden Gems: Epic Hiking Adventures in the Accursed Mountains and Beyond

Home » Albania’s Hidden Gems: Epic Hiking Adventures in the Accursed Mountains and Beyond

• December 2, 2023

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Europe, Albania is a true hiker’s paradise that is still largely undiscovered by mass tourism. Flying into Albania, you immediately see how mountainous this country is – about 75% is covered in mountains or hills. From the towering peaks of the Accursed Mountains to the enchanting valleys and wild rivers, Albania offers hiking trails to suit all abilities. There is something for every interest as well. For the culturally-curious wanderers, Albania offers a unique capital city and ancient villages worth exploring on foot. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy walks along the many rivers, lakes and wetlands. Beach lovers get coastal hiking with opportunities to swim in the uncrowded turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera.

We spent a week in Albania in September 2023, just enough time to hike one of the most epic trails in the country and aimlessly wander two of Albania’s largest cities. You’ll find our personal stories about that trip at Voyage from Valbona to Theth . For a quick but thorough guide on Albania’s hiking opportunities, keep reading.

Table of Contents

Where to Hike in North Albania

The North Albanian Alps, located in the northern part of the country, are home to some of the highest peaks in Albania, including Maja e Jezerces which stands at 8,839 ft (2694 m). The trails in this region offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This mountain range is part of the larger Dinaric Alps which follow the Adriatic coastline from Italy down to Albania.

The formidable Accursed Mountains ( Prokletije ) are here, as is Theth National Park and the Valbona Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. If you’ve read about Albania or seen photos recently, this is probably the region that was mentioned.

Best Day Hikes in Albanian Alps

Most hiking enthusiasts come to Albania for this region, specifically near the villages of Theth or Valbona. If you want to book your own accommodations and design your own trip, this is the best Thethi Guide online .

Valbona to Theth

7mi (12km) rough estimate, depends on location of guesthouse

If you only have time for one trail, this is the one to do. This hike takes you through the Valbona Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Albania, and the towering peaks of the Accursed Mountains. It’s the most popular hike so you’ll need to book lodging early to get the best guesthouses. It’s possible to hike from Theth to Valbona but we don’t recommend it, the descent into Theth is steep and it would be miserable to begin your hike climbing up. 

Getting to Valbona requires hours of road and boat transport, so plan accordingly and do your research. This is our favorite site for all things Valbona and the less-touristy (but equally gorgeous areas of Tropoja).

Blue Eye of Theth

4mi (6km) roundtrip from Nderlysaj

9mi (14km) 1-way from Theth

The Blue Eye ( Syri i Kalter ) is a SUPER popular destination with locals and tourists, so expect crowds and arrive early. You can hike this from Theth or drive/taxi to the parking lot in Nderlysaj where you will find cafes and toilets before you begin your hike to this famous blue lagoon.

Lëpushë to Maja e Vajushës

5.6mi (9km) roundtrip from Lëpushë

Trail signage isn’t good for this route but locals will tell you, you HAVE to hike Lëpushë ! It’s a beautiful village and a gorgeous hike up to Mt. Vajushës. For better signs, begin this hike from Montenegro’s Grebaje Valley – both are equally beautiful. Excellent winter hiking in  Lëpushë.

Maja e Rosit

11mi (18km) roundtrip from Valbona National Park

A long day with over 5,000ft elevation gain, but well worth the challenge for the views. A good option if you want a less crowded trail and prefer to return to Valbona instead of hiking to Theth.

Kalabak Peak (Maja e Kalabakut)

15mi (9km) loop

This route is part of the High Scardus Trail and offers a greener, softer side of Albania through the Sharr Mountains.

Where to Hike in South Albania

Venture south into Albania and discover a realm of rugged mountains, pristine lakes and ancient villages. The Qeremti National Park , home to the striking Korab Peak, Albania’s highest point, is a welcome challenge for experienced hikers. Close to Berat, the Vjosa and Osumi Rivers offer excellent day hikes with rafting or kayaking.

Best Day Hikes in South Albania

Mount korab.

10mi (16km) roundtrip from Radomirë

Vastly different from Albania’s Northern Alps, the summit to Mt. Korab takes you through the Radika Mountains which border Albania and North Macedonia. Wide open grasslands and lakes make this a uniquely beautiful mountain trek.

Kallamas Loop

7mi (11.5km) loop

One of Albania’s hidden gems in the lesser-known Prespa National Park, the Kallamas Loop is perfect for those who love wildlife and ancient ruins. The trail takes you around a lake and offers the chance to see eremite churches from the 14th and 15th centuries that were built into cliffs.

Where to Hike in Coastal Albania

Albania’s crystal clear coastline isn’t just for sunbathing, it’s an excellent place for coastal hiking. Llogara National Park provides a blend of seaside vistas and mountainous terrain. Hike to the peak of Maja e Çikes, the highest point in the park, and enjoy panoramic views of the azure sea and surrounding mountains. Nearby Karaburun Peninsula offers a rugged stretch of land, hiking through olive groves, along secluded beaches, and up to the ancient ruins of the Karaburun Castle with breathtaking views of the coastline.

Best Day Hikes on the Albanian Riviera

Mt. çika trail.

8mi (13km) roundtrip

This popular trail in Llogara National Park begins at the parking lot near Llogara Pass. It’s a climb made famous by Lord Byron, featured in his poem “Childe Harold Pilgrimage.”

Sant Andreas Bay (Shën Andre Bay)

10.5mi (17km) roundtrip from Palasë

This coastal hike near Llogara National Park takes you to a secluded beach with turquoise waters that look like the cover of a travel magazine. If you love a long day of hiking, the walk to Grama Bay makes this a total 16mi (26km) roundtrip.

Maja Thanasit

4.6mi (7.4km) roundtrip

This trail in Llogara National Park is inland but still offers views of the sea. A good hike for cool or cloudy days as it’s wide open with little to no shade.

Cities and Villages to Explore on Foot

Walking Albania’s urban centers and villages is as rewarding as hiking their countryside. Our favorite moments in Albania were the evening walks ( xhiro ) we took every night in Shkodër and Tirana. If you love street markets, people watching, history and architecture, you will love walking these towns.

Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” due to its unique architecture, Berat is also a great base for hiking Mount Tomorr or exploring Osumi Canyon. To truly appreciate the history of this ancient town, book a tour with Berat City Tours.

Gjirokastër

This UNESCO World Heritage City is a must-see for any hiker. The city is home to a number of Ottoman-era buildings, as well as a number of hiking trails.

This lovingly preserved village at the base of Gramoz Mountain is very much a hidden gem. It’s in Albania’s eastern region near Korçë and you’ll find opportunities to hike in nearby Prespa National Park .

This historic city is located on the shores of Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. The city is a great base for exploring surrounding mountains and an hour or two of walking the grounds of Rosafa Castle . Like all cities in Albania, expect to see lots of trash on the streets, but don’t let this prevent you from falling in love with this friendly place. We LOVED Shkodra!

Albania’s vibrant capital city is perfect for exploring on foot. Its compact, pedestrian-friendly center is home to a captivating blend of Ottoman-era architecture, modern landmarks and bustling plazas, all within easy walking distance. The  Liqeni Loop provides an easy 3.5mi ( 5.6km) walk around Tirana’s Liqeni Lake and park.

Long Distance Trails in Albania

Peaks of the balkans.

112mi (180km)

The most well-known long-distance trail in the Balkans, this epic trek traverses Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. It’s a well-developed trail system and is possible to navigate and plan on your own, but we still recommend using a local company to help with transport and lodging (your trip will be MUCH smoother if you do).

Via Dinarica

1,243mi (2,000km) depending on route

One of the longest and most challenging trails in Europe, the Via Dinarica follows the Dinaric Alps from Slovenia to North Macedonia. It is divided into several sections, with the Green Trail, the Blue Trail, and the White Trail.

High Scardus Trail

225mi (362km)

Another multi-country trail, High Scardus crosses through Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. This is the new kid on the block but it may surpass the other long distance Balkan routes in popularity because it is simply stunning!

Albanian Coastal Trail 

40mi (65km)

The Albanian Coastal Trail, stretching from Dhërmi to Saranda, has the potential for a beautiful village to village hike, but recent construction and development issues prevent it from being a reliable route. We mention it, however, because it was created by Zbulo (one of our favorite Albanian tour operators) and it’s worth watching their site to see if this trail reopens.

Best Hiking Tour Operators for Albania

Zbulo discover albania.

Our top choice for hiking tours in Albania, Zbulo covers Peaks of the Balkans, High Scardus, Albanian Alps and the Hidden Valley village to village trek in Zagoria and Gjirokaster.

Outdoor Albania

This well-established operator based in Tirana offers multi-day hiking tours covering northern routes and southern routes. We especially love their Journey into the Albanian Alps and Hiking in Scenic Southern Albania tours.

Undiscovered Balkans

Based in Montenegro, this is one of our favorites for guided hiking tours in the region. Their Cross-Border Hiking from Montenegro to Albania tour is a fabulous choice.

Albania Rafting Group 

We love their 13-day North to South tour that covers the best hiking, water routes and cultural activities that Albania has to offer.

Go As Local

This young Tirana based company is an excellent choice if you want a full service travel agency that can help you design a customized journey that isn’t entirely focused on hiking.

Travel Tips for Hiking Albania

• Download maps.me app to your phone – it will be your best friend on the road and the trails!
• With the exception of popular national parks, trail signage is unpredictable and it’s difficult to find current trail conditions in English, so hire a guide for less popular trails.
• Bring water filtration straws or tablets. While water is usually safe to drink on the mountains it is not safe to drink in the cities. We alternated using our LifeStraws with buying bottled water, which is easy to find everywhere in Albania.
• Get help, don’t try to completely DIY this trip. Albania is still rough around the edges when it comes to services for foreign travelers. It’s safe but they are still trying to “figure things out” so hiring local drivers and hiking guides can save you a lot of stress, time and money. Especially if you plan to cross borders.
• Do your research before deciding to drive here. I’ve seen crazed drivers with no care for rules, but Albanian drivers are on a whole different level!
• Bring allergy medications if you’re allergic to smoke. Albania and this entire region have a heavy smoking culture and while some establishments are beginning to regulate smoking indoors, you will most likely be surrounded by second-hand smoke throughout your visit here.

We’ve barely scratched the surface with this guide, there is SO MUCH more to explore in Albania! We focused on the best hiking currently available for foreign tourists, but if you speak Albanian or can easily navigate unmarked trails, then this country can keep your feet busy for months.

Stay tuned for our next guide on Hiking Montenegro.

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• The Most Incredible Hikes In...

The Most Incredible Hikes in Albania

Despite its small size, Albania offers many activities for its visitors. From mountains to the sea, from archaeological parks to UNESCO heritage towns, from contemporary art museums to incredible hikes: Albania has it all. The country is an exciting destination located on the Balkan trail and is one of the best places to enjoy outdoor activities. Read our list of the top five hikes to do in Albania.

1. valbona and theth.

Hiking Trail, Park

The most famous, and perhaps most beautiful, hiking trail in Albania is the one from Valbona to Theth , through the Accursed Mountains. It is a not-to-be missed chance to admire one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Balkan Peninsula and to experience the beauty of the Albanian Alps. The hike, called Peaks of the Balkans, because it also crosses over into the neighboring countries of Kosovo and Montenegro, follows an old mule track, is almost 20 km long, and can be completed in one day because it takes a total of eight hours with several stops to enjoy the views and take pictures. Both Valbona and Theth have been declared national parks of Albania and are two of the most beautiful areas of the country.

Valbona Valley National Park, Albania

Theth| © Open Street Map Albania/Flickr

Grunas Canyon

Grunas Canyon is one of the most incredible natural places you’ll see in Albania. It can be found on the south side of the Thethi National Park and can be visited only with expert guides that will lead you to admire this gorgeous two-km-long and 60-meter-deep canyon. The path that leads to the canyon is simply gorgeous and offers incredible views over the Thethi River, which with its crystal clear water is the most beautiful river in the country. Luckily, the river has enough water for canoe sailing year-round, so if you are a fan of this kind of activity, don’t miss the chance to try it.

Grunas Canyon, Albania

2. The Blue Eye of Theth

Theth is perhaps the most famous place in Albania to hike, and once here you’ll easily understand why: it is the most beautiful place in the Albanian Alps surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. Not all places are reachable by car, so it is a really good area to explore on foot. If you want to visit the gorgeous Blue Eye of Kaperre ( Albania has two blue eyes, the other is near Saranda, in the south), you need to walk a lot: from Theth you need to pass through Grunas Canyon and Kaperre, then you’ll arrive at one of the most incredible places you’ll see in your life. The Blue Eye is a natural pool formed by the erosion of the cliff by the river that created several waterfalls and swimming holes.

Blue Eye of Theth, Albania

View this post on Instagram A post shared by E Bukura Shqipëri🇦🇱 (@albania_in_photos) on Feb 1, 2018 at 10:35am PST

3. Peshkopi

Near the Macedonian border lies Peshkopi, a town that doesn’t have so much to offer visitors. But for once, forget the historical and cultural sights, because from here you can reach the surroundings that are plentiful with hiking paths not yet discovered by tourists. To hike here, you need to be prepared, however, since you’ll walk for kilometers surrounded by nature without seeing a single human being. A plus here is the presence of natural hot springs, close to the town, perfect for relaxing after a long hike.

Peshkopi, Albania

View this post on Instagram Arnavutluk Peshkopi dağları. Çok güzel dağlar. Fotoğraf Ozan Gülek / 2017 The Albanian Peshkopi Mountains. Very beautiful mountains. Photo by Ozan Gülek / 2017 #photography #art #photo #artphotograpy #instaphoto #instamood #in #like4like #likeforlike #like #photographer #nature #tagsforlikes #Albania #Kukës #Peskopia #oldhouse #ff #instalike #instagram #followme A post shared by Ozan Gülek (@ozan_gulek) on Feb 10, 2018 at 2:15am PST

4. South Albania

A hike in the south of Albania is one of the most gorgeous adventures to try in life. Why? It offers spectacular views over one of the most beautiful coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, lapped by turquoise waters, from one side, and surrounded by great mountain panoramas, on the other side. The hike includes Tomorr, Mount Çika, and the Ceraunian Mountains in the west, two mountains that are close to Llogara National Park, the most famous mountain pass in Albania.

Llogara Pass, Albania

View this post on Instagram Misssssing summer😯😯😯😯😯😯😯😯😯😯😯😯!!#albanian #llogara #llogaranationalpark #shqipria #visitalbania #tourism #tourist #tourismalbania #love #photography #photooftheday #l4l #followback #followme #instagood #bigalbania A post shared by Albania (@albania_eagles_land) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:25am PST

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Trekking type, hiking in albania: discover the albanian alps & riviera.

Hiking in Albania, where to start? This small country in south-eastern Europe is one of many in the Balkans. Albania is remarkably diverse, with landscapes ranging from the snow-capped mountains of the Albanian Alps to the warm and sunny shores of the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Find your way to Albania and discover golden beaches, blue lakes, unique culture and more important; friendly people! At Bookatrekking.com we know the most beautiful sights to visit and summits to encounter, in this blog we will tell you more about it. Here we go! Or in Albanian: "Ja ku po shkojmë!"

Together with Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro, Albania is part of the Western Balkans. Hiking in Albania is a great way to get to know this beautiful country. Join a hiking adventure in Albania and discover small but beautiful villages like Theth, go kayaking in mountain lakes or sleep under the stars on an empty Grama Bay beach in southern Albania. No matter if you have plenty of time or just a few days off, when it comes to hiking in Albania, there are plenty of options for everyone! At Bookatrekking.com, we share our experiences with you!

Why Hiking in Albania?

Albanian alps - valbona & theth, albanian riviera: sleep on the beach and discover the south, discover albania, kosovo & montenegro: peaks of the balkan trail, what is the best season for your albanian hikes, where do i start my albania hikes, hiking in albania; with or without a guide, where do i stay along the albania hiking trails, price-break-down: how much will my hike in albania cost, is luggage transport also possible, where can i book my walking holiday in albania.

Albania may not be your first association when thinking of a beautiful mountain hike, but it really should be. At Bookatrekking.com, we know Albania has an adventure for everyone. Northern Albania contains the foothills of the Dinaric Alps where you can do several treks to explore this region. It is also the starting point of the Peaks of the Balkans Trail , where you also cross the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. In southern Albania, you'll find Mt Çika and Grama Bay, just to name a few. Climb the summit or spend the night on the beach, there are plenty of options in the south too!

Albania is comparable to Belgium in terms of surface area. Feelingly, this country may be tucked far away in the Balkans with neighbours like Montenegro, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia and Greece. However, take the boot of Italy in mind and imagine yourself standing on the heel of the boot, you can see Albania on the other side of the Adriatic Sea. The country holds beautiful mountain peaks, white beaches and the most beautiful waterfalls. Plenty to discover! Read more about the Albanian Alps with Valbona & Theth or the Albanian Riviera.

5-day Komani Lake, Valbona Valley and Theth Trek (Guided)

5-day Hiking Tour in South Albania (Guided)

Did you know that we can book all huts and refuges for the Albania for you? Check out all our options here .

By now you know that the foothills of the Alps also reach into Albania! The Dinaric Alps or Albanian Alps doesn't have the peaks you'll encounter in Austria or Switzerland, but with a maximum altitude of 2694m, it's definitely not a walk in the park. Discover hidden lakes, enjoy the views over the Valbona Valley or trek along the steep rock formations. A visit to Theth is also not to be missed! Below, we have highlighted the various highlights you should not skip while trekking in this region.

Komani Lake & the Ferry

Along the way, you will pass beautiful landscapes and cross Lake Komani. The ferry that operates several times a day provides connections between the remote mountain villages. After all, roads are hard to find in this region. The crossing takes about 3 hours and is full of breathtaking views. No need to get bored on the ferry! After arriving on the other side, there is a chance you will see the first shepherds passing by with their flocks.

Trek from Valbona to Theht over the Valbona Pass

Start your trek in Valbona from where you can climb some stunning peaks. In 4 hours you will be on the summit of Maja e Rosit (2533m), to name one. Valbona is also the starting point for a trek to Theth. From Valbona, you will hike to Theth in about 5 hours, an 8-kilometre trail and a real eye-catcher! The trek to Theth is undoubtedly worthwhile! The route used to be an old mule track and passes through a landscape full of impressive mountains. At one point, you can see the Theth Valley on one side and the Valbona Valley on the other. The Valbona Pass (1795m) is the absolute highlight! In whatever way you want to explore this region, this one really should be included.

Theth & Blue Eye of Theth

If you search on Theth you will come across fairytale pictures. Located just 15 kilometres from the border with neighbouring Montenegro, this mountain village is considered a hikers' paradise! Follow your nose into the old town and pass many characteristic old stone houses where you feel like you are going back in time. In the direct surroundings of Theth, you will find the Blue Eye of Theth, definitely worth a visit! From Theth, a trek to this hidden gem is easy to undertake. If you still have time to spare, the Grunas Waterfalls are worth a visit as well. The waterfall is located just outside Theth, on the western slope of the Theth Valley. From the centre of Theth, you can get here in about 50 minutes.

The Albanian Riviera stretches from Sarandë in the south to the Llogara National Park in a northerly direction. It is also where the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea merge. The coast is flanked by steep mountain cliffs where you will encounter both pebble and sandy beaches. After the fall of communism, some of the population left for more prosperous Greece, although some have since found their way back as well. It makes the Albanian Riviera still pure and unspoilt and is the holiday destination of choice for locals.

Lying on the beach at Dhërmi, enjoying the wonderful Mediterranean climate with views over beautiful mountain peaks. In the local travel guide you read more about this peak, this must be Mount Çika, at 2044m the highest peak in this region. In a few days, you completely unwind, until restlessness reappears. You've heard about the Butrint and Llogara National Parks and have become curious about the view from Mount Çika.

Llogara National Park & Mount Çika (2044m)

Established in 1966, Llogara National Park is cut in half by the Llogara Pass. The park is known for its diversity of sharp mountain peaks and a sun-drenched coastline. The winds coming from the Mediterranean Sea leave their mark on the oak forests in this area as many trees grow crooked as a result. Explore this park on foot and feast your eyes, chances are you will see vultures hovering above you. Mount Çika (2044m) can be seen from the meadows, as mentioned, the highest peak in this region. Start early as temperatures can rise in the afternoon. Some physical fitness is required to reach the summit in about 4 hours, the view does not disappoint!  

Camp on the Beach of Grama Bay

West of Mt Çika you will find Grama Bay (Gjiri i Gramës in Albanian) on the Karaburun Peninsula. The national park of the same name has few roads and for this reason has remained pure and unspoilt. Explore this peninsula on foot and spend the night on the beach.

The Albanian Riviera or Northern Albania are starting to get familiar to you. Let's extend our horizons and leave Albania just for now! This has only come into play in recent years since the land borders with Kosovo and Montenegro remained closed earlier. With the introduction of a Cross Border Permit, it is possible to cross different land borders with one permit. This is how the Peaks of the Balkan Trail

Peaks of the Balkan Trail

The Peaks of the Balkans are a collection of beautiful and spectacular mountains that are shared by Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The Peaks of the Balkan Trail connects the three countries with a circular hiking trail. It is home to the brown bear, as well as animals such as the wolf and lynx. Through the so-called Balkan Green Belt initiative, set up in 1999, these animals are protected without being limited by the different country borders.

This hidden gem has many picturesque mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. Using shepherd trails, this path winds through the high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level, passing through mountain landscapes with a diversity of breathtaking views ranging from green valleys, crystal clear mountain lakes, waterfalls and rivers. Explore this region on a self-guided trek or follow the lead of a local guide. And decide between a seven-day or 10-day trek. In all cases, the Peaks of the Balkan Trail is not to be underestimated, daily you will be on the road for 5 to 8 hours. Climb Maja e Berishdolit (1977m), enjoy hospitality in Doberdol and climb the roof of Kosovo, the Peaks of the Balkans hold everything for a great adventure. 

Not sure yet or want to discuss your plans for the Albania with one of our trekking experts? Get in touch today and turn your dreams into memories!

The best months to visit Albania are from mid-June to mid-September . The summer months are relatively warm due to its geographical location. Average temperatures in July, August and September are around 25 °C in the Riviera, while temperatures are lower in the Albanian Alps. The beaches are crowded during this period and you will meet most people on the trails. September, October and the first part of November.

In winter (November, December, January, February and March), temperatures can drop considerably. You will encounter snow in the mountains, making northern Albania in particular very suitable for winter sports. The transition periods between winter and summer are very unstable. A day with temperatures of 25 °C is certainly not unusual, however, the next day can be 15 °C cooler. This applies mainly to the months of April, May, June and October. From mid-May to around the end of June, weather conditions are good for a nice trek and you won't meet as many other hikers on the route.

The starting point in Albania is Tirana, the capital. The city can be reached by plane as it has an international airport. From the airport, it is about half an hour's drive to the city centre. Travelling to Tirana by train is also an option, although direct connections to Tirana are limited. You then travel by train via Milan to Bari (Italy) to cross by boat. A ferry is waiting for you to take you to the port city of Durrës. In Durrës, you can travel on to Tirana, or you can choose to travel directly south to the Albanian Riviera. Vlorë is considered the starting point for this region, the second largest port city in the country after Durrës. It takes about 1,5 hours to reach this destination. For the Albanian Alps, choose Theth as your starting point, about a 4-hour drive northwards from Tirana. From Theth, follow the Peaks of the Balkans trail or visit the Bue Eye of Theth. Or cross the Valbona pass towards Valbona.

Whether you want to trek independently or opt for a guided trek, both is possible! On an independent trek you are on your own, with remote support if needed, and you get every chance to clear your head. On the other hand, a guided trek is perfect for people who don't want to worry about the route to follow. We at Bookatrekking.com know that not everyone is the same, and we have adapted our offer accordingly!

Whether you want to go for the Peaks of the Balkan Trail , explore the Albanian Riviera or do a trek from Valbona to Theth , you can always choose between a self-guided or a guided trek. If you're not quite sure yet, we'd like to list some of the pros and cons for you:

You Are up for the Challenge of Going Out on Your Own

• You are completely on your own to clear your head
• As an avid map-reader, you will get your money's worth
• You set your own pace
• You are never completely independent, remote support is available
• Not unimportant: self-guided is considerably cheaper

You Choose the Convenience of a Guided Trek

• Get told where to go without worrying about the route to follow
• Discover the secrets of the region shown by your local guide
• In case of unforeseen circumstances there will always be someone with you for support

There is nothing better than taking off your shoes after a long day of walking and plopping down on your bed, we know the feeling! In Albania, you will come across different types of accommodation, some more luxurious than others, but all equally welcoming!

Guesthouses

The so-called guesthouses are provided by locals and offer hikers a simple place to sleep. They are often small but cosy accommodations where you get the chance to meet the locals. Sheets, blankets and pillows are available at most guesthouses.

You will be welcomed with open arms and get to enjoy fresh meals made from local products. Salads consisting of cucumber, tomato and onion, or stuffed peppers with green beans stewed in milk. In short, something for everyone. Finish off the whole thing with a cup of Turkish coffee! Don't drink your mug completely empty, there's always a bit of coffee-drap left behind.

Shepherds' Huts

The shepherd's huts are basically the same, although you can expect a little less comfort here. The facilities are basic but certainly sufficient for a good night's sleep! Enjoy the simple but nutritious stews or have a slice of crumbly white cheese. With a bit of luck, you can taste some of the homemade jam.

We save the best for last! The Albanian Riviera is home to several bays that can only be reached on foot (and boat of course). You get the chance to pitch your tent there and be hushed to sleep by the swell of the sea. The first thing in the morning is a refreshing dip in crystal-clear water. We call this an authentic experience!

You're taking up the Albania challenge - an excellent idea! But what costs should you take into account? Hiking options in Albania range between €400 and €1600 per person. Whether you want to hike for a few days or challenge yourself a bit more, there's something for everyone! As for the trek, you are completely covered. However, there are still some costs to take into account.

• First of all, the trip to Tirana . For a return flight from London to Tirana (Albania) you will pay around € 300,-.
• Accommodation before and after the trek, for a half-board you pay around € 25,- per night.
• Show your appreciation by tipping . It is certainly not an obligation, but as a token of good service, a tip of € 5,- to € 10,- per day is a good guideline.
• And finally, any personal expenses , a nice souvenir from Tirana or a drink at the bar. Reserve another €100,- for that.

At Bookatrekking.com, we not only book your huts, we also send you on your way with a comprehensive hiking guide with the most important information for your Albania, including interactive Komoot maps. Browse all our options here and turn your dreams into reality.

You will be travelling for several days, you won't make it with just a toothbrush. Whether you are going to explore the Albanian Riviera or cross the Valbona Pass, you will be carrying a backpack! The trick is not to take too much, but certainly not too little either. But should you always carry your own stuff? Fortunately not, we like to bring our best donkey!

Stubborn but sweet, and it makes your adventure just a little more authentic. Besides bringing a donkey to carry your luggage, there is also someone along to accompany the donkey. A local who knows the region like the back of his hand, but communication will be difficult unless you speak Albanian! If you prefer the convenience of a donkey carrying your gear, ask our trekking experts about the possibilities .

At Bookatrekking.com you can book many treks in Albania. We take care of all the details for you, give you personal trekking advice and give you the best service possible. Find all our offers for Albania here . Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of Trekking Experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is a walking holiday in Albania not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our following blog posts:

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• Salzburger Almenweg
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• Palaronda Trek
• Alta Via del Granito
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Home > Theth To Valbona Hike In The Albanian Alps

Theth To Valbona Hike In The Albanian Alps

Written by our local expert Bram

Bram was born and raised in Belgium and has traveled the Balkans & beyond. He is a professional freelance travel writer and photographer specializing in outdoor travel with an emphasis on national parks, nature, and wildlife.

One of the greatest and most popular hikes in Albania, the epic Theth to Valbona hike runs through the spectacular Albanian Alps.

The Theth to Valbona Hike in the Albanian Alps is a day hike worthy of a spot on any hiker’s bucket list . Connecting two spectacular national parks in Albania —Theth and Valbona Valley National Parks—it winds its way over mountain passes, across beautiful alpine meadows, and underneath towering peaks.

As far as hiking in Albania and the Balkans goes, this village-to-village trail is the cream of the crop. In addition to exploring the country’s unique towns, such as Shkoder, Tirana , and Saranda in the south, an adventure in the ominous-sounding Accursed Mountains rounds off the ultimate Albania travel experience. Afterward, you can relax and rest up at one of Albania’s glorious beaches .

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about hiking the Theth to Valbona trail, including how to get there, where to stay, a recommended itinerary, and other tips for hiking in the Albanian Alps.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Hiking The Theth-Valbona Trail: An Overview

Historically a mule trail through the Albanian mountains, a wild landscape of jagged summits, deep valleys, and forested slopes, the route links two villages—Theth and Valbona—which are the gateways to their respective national parks .

You can hike this one-way trail in either direction, from Theth to Valbona or from Valbona to Theth. In this post, we’ll outline the journey from Theth to Valbona. (To hike in the other direction, reverse the route.)

This is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the Balkans , a popular trek that requires a bit of planning and preparation. Even though it’s “just” a day hike, that doesn’t mean the whole journey is a day trip , too. The Theth-Valbona hike is actually a part—and the highlight—of a multi-day trip around the Albanian Alps.

Theth is a relatively remote mountain village, located deep in northern Albania’s mountains, so you’ll have to take a bus there. The most common Theth to Valbona hike itinerary (see below) is a loop that involves buses, the hike itself, and a boat ride.

Since it’s a one-way journey, we don’t recommend using a rental car to do this—in this rare case, public transportation offers much more freedom and less hassle.

When you get to Theth, there are a couple of other day hikes in the area you can (and should!) do. This is why we recommend spending at least two days in the village before starting your Theth to Valbona hike.

In Theth, definitely make an effort to hike up to Denelle and back and do the day hike to the famous Blue Eye . Both are amazing hikes in Albania , too, and some you won’t want to miss when you’re in the area. Another point of interest is the Grunas Waterfall.

Theth To Valbona Hike

When you’re done exploring the greater Theth area, it’s time to hit the Theth to Valbona trail. The trailhead is pointed out clearly in the center of Theth, and you shouldn’t have any trouble locating it.

The first section of the trail is a gradual and strenuous climb toward Valbona Pass, the trail’s highest point. This part will take about three hours, but there are plenty of places to take a break , including viewpoints and even two cafés with water, coffee, and food.

Once you reach Valbona Pass, don’t forget to look back to the way you came. The views from the pass are sensational, but you can also follow a short gravel path to the right, which leads to the true summit and offers even better views. Spend some time enjoying the panorama—this is one of the most incredible mountain views in the Balkans!

The trail leads back downhill from the pass, again at a gradual—and gentler—level. After less than an hour, you’ll come across a third café, another excellent stopping point where you can fill up your water bottle .

The last part is relatively easy and along a flat trail and riverbed. You’ve finished the Theth to Valbona hike when you arrive at a paved road in the town of Valbona.

From the point where the trail hits the road, you might have to walk a couple more kilometers along that road to reach your accommodation. This is another reason why you should put some thought into your Theth-Valbona hike beforehand.

Choosing your accommodation carefully could prevent you from having to walk more after finishing the actual hike. See below for recommended Valbona accommodation options.

The Valbona Valley is a fantastic place to wind down after your long trek through the Albanian Alps. Bisected by a wide-banked river, this is an oasis of peace, quiet and stunning scenery. Spend the night in town before making your way back south.

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Our recommended 4-day theth to valbona hike itinerary.

Like we said above, while the Theth to Valbona hike is “only” a day hike, the entire trip takes much longer. We recommend allocating four days to this Albanian Alps excursion to make the most of the journey and not skip major highlights.

• Day 1: Travel from Shkodra to Theth + hike to Denelle / overnight in Theth
• Day 2: Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth (possibly including the Grunas Waterfall) / overnight in Theth
• Day 3: Theth to Valbona hike/overnight in Valbona
• Day 4: Travel from Valbona to Shkodra

Theth To Valbona Hike FAQ

What is the best time to hike from theth to valbona.

In winter , the Accursed Mountains are covered with a thick blanket of snow, making virtually all mountain travel either a challenge or impossible. The optimal period to do the Theth to Valbona hike is from May through September .

The trail is completely open from late spring to early fall, while the weather is at its kindest toward hikers. Note, however, that even in summer, these rugged mountains see occasional heavy rainfall and even thunderstorms. It’s smart to check the weather forecast before you start this trip.

How Long Is The Theth-Valbona Hike?

The Theth to Valbona trail is about 17 kilometers long . Most people complete the hike from Theth to Valbona in 7-8 hours, including stops at the cafés and regular breaks to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect day hike in the Albanian Alps.

What To Pack For a Theth To Valbona Hiking Trip?

Because your Theth to Valbona hiking trip will take at least four days, you should think about what you need and don’t need . Leave everything that’s not 100% necessary at your accommodation in Shkoder; take only what’s essential for hiking in the Albanian Alps .

Some absolute necessities include the following:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Insulating rain jacket
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Only essential toiletries (guesthouses will have shampoo and soap)
• Cash (see below)
• Extra underwear and socks
• Snacks and lunch materials (see below)

How Can I Travel To/From Theth?

Although Theth is a remote mountain village, getting there from Shkoder is surprisingly convenient. If you’re wondering how to get from Shkoder to Theth, the answer almost couldn’t be simpler.

Almost all guesthouses and hostels in Shkoder provide transportation from Shkoder to Theth in Albania . If you’d like them to arrange your transfer, see them at the reception the night before, and you’ll have your seat in no time.

You’ll typically get picked up between 7.15, and 7.30 am. The Shkoder-Theth bus or van trip on the adventurous Theth Albania road , the only road to Theth, takes about 3 hours. We do recommend double-checking the Shkoder to Theth bus timetable at your accommodation the night before your departure.

How Can I Travel To/From Valbona?

After hiking the Theth-Valbona trail, the trip back from Valbona to Shkoder is via beautiful Komani Lake . From your accommodation in Valbona, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Komani Lake, which can, again, be arranged by your accommodation.

The bus will drop you off right at the ferry port in Fierze. The ferry ride across the lake is gorgeous, so make sure to get outside and enjoy the scenery. This part takes approximately 2 hours.

At the port of Koman, several buses will take you straight back to Shkoder. This 2-hour drive will put you back at your Shkoder accommodation in the late afternoon.

Book your bus & ferry tickets here.

Again, you can—and should—book your transportation from Valbona to Shkoder the night before. You can also book your bus and ferry tickets yourself weeks in advance for more peace of mind.

Accommodation In Theth

Theth is home to various guesthouses, comfortable places to get a great night’s sleep and enjoy tasty belly-filling dinners after a long day of hiking in Albania . Here are some top-rated options:

• Guesthouse Gjin Thana
• Gurra Family Guesthouse
• Bujtina Berishta Theth

Accommodation In Valbona

Valbona, too, has its fair share of guesthouse and hotel options. It’s crucial here, however, to find accommodation close to the end of the trail to avoid having to walk all the way across town after your hike. These are our suggestions:

• Hotel Margjeka
• Guesthouse Jezerca
• Guesthouse Lazer Cardaku

Find affordable hotel deals here. 

Some more theth-valbona hiking tips and info.

You’ll find plenty of water in the towns of Theth and Valbona, as well as several cafés on the Theth-Valbona trail. Take a water bottle, fill it up at those locations, and you’ll be just fine.

There are no ATMs in either Theth or Valbona, so it’s essential to withdraw enough cash before leaving Shkodra to cover expenses like accommodation, food, drinks, transportation…

While you can do the there-and-back day hikes from Theth with just a daypack (and leave the bulk of your stuff at your accommodation), the actual Theth to Valbona hike is a one-way journey.

Remember that you’ll need to take your full backpack on this hike, so it’s recommended not to bring too much. A great option is leaving the things you don’t need at your accommodation in Shkoder for the days you’re gone.

Sun protection

In summer, hiking in Albania probably involves hiking in bright sunshine (although some rain showers are always possible, too). Don’t forget to slop on a sunscreen layer and wear a hat on sunny days to avoid getting a nasty sunburn. Clear skies combined with the high elevation can cause you to get sunburned faster. Protect yourself!

There aren’t many places you can stock up on food in Theth, so you’re encouraged to buy most of what you’ll need in Shkoder. This includes hiking snacks like granola bars, nuts, and fruits and some easy lunch materials such as bread, peanut butter, jams, and the like.

This is a good idea because you don’t want to spend your time in Theth walking around to find a store—remember you won’t have any transportation but your own feet there.

On the Theth-Valbona trail, you can also grab some food at the cafés on the way, which are super-convenient stopping points. They also have a selection of beverages. However, bring enough food to sustain you throughout the entire Theth to Valbona hike since there’s no guarantee the cafés will actually be open when you’re there.

As far as dinner goes, the best guesthouses in Theth and Valbona serve hearty and sizable meals to refuel after those days hiking in the Albanian Mountains.

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Comments (9)

Beware that Theth and Valbona have become the most frequented mountain tourism destinations in the region. With 70.000 and 120.000 visitors per year overtourism is on the verge of doing more harm than good. While this may not apply to a Corona year, the dark sides of tourism became more visible than ever in 2019. Reverse back to 2005 and Theth received the first 300 visitors, four guesthouses offered a room or two with beds, an outhouse and improvised shower to curious guests. Today almost every house of the village has a guesthouse sign and many have capacity for over 50 people. Power and water consumption as well as the production of greywater and trash have risen exponentially. The honor of hosting a guest has become a daily routine, Albanian hospitality is slowly turning into a regular commercial transaction as the few visitors that made it there have grown into regular weekend invasions. It’s time to look beyond promoting two villages in a country that is full of hiking opportunities.

Besides Theth and Valbona the Albanian Alps feature the Kelmend Region (Vermosh, Lepushe, Nikc, Selce…), Nikaj Mertur (Curraj i Eperm, Vrane…) and Gjakova Highlands (Cerem, Doberdol, Sylbice…). Consider the Peaks of the Balkans Trail or leave the beaten path beyond to explore the High Scardus Trail (mainly area near Peshkopi) on the Eastern border with Northern Macedonia. In spring and autumn the Southern Highlands offer multi-day treks around Permet and Zagoria Valley, the coastal backcountry’s “Mysterious South”, namely the Kurvelesh Region with Shushica Valley (Terbac, Vranisht, Kallarat, Kuc…) and Nivice and Progonat Canyons but also the Ceraunian Coastal Mountains encompassing the Llogara National Park and a network of paths all along the Albanian Riviera.

I’m one of the co-founders of Zbulo! Discover Albania, we’re offering active adventures across the country and beyond. Our team helped create the Peaks of the Balkans and High Scardus Trail linking the most attractive regions of Albania, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia and Montenegro but also including previously unknown locations to spread visitors more equally across the region. We have marked many a trail and worked with publishers like English Cicerone and German Rother to produce hiking guides that make it easier for individuals to travel the country. Please consider the many other beautiful and amazing destinations that are welcoming visitors with true Albanian hospitality.

Hi, thanks for such a detailed explanation. My husband and I are planning to do this hike at the end of September with our dog (golden retriever), so I would like to ask you whether the transport (4×4, ferry, minibus) is pet-friendly?

Yes they are! Beware of the stray dogs in Albania.

Hi! Can we drive from Shroder to Theth? Read that the roads may not be suitable for a normal car but just wondering if the conditions may be better now for a mini.

They made proper road last year (2021) and you can travel there by all cars.

Hi! Can the Theth To Valbona Hike In The Albanian Alps be made in late November? Or too snowy and cold. Want to see the sites but not be miserably wind blown and cold. Thanks!

Great article. I’ve visited your website for over a year. We visited the coast last year and lived it. We’re thinking of flying into Tirana ans taking this trip to Theth. Is it better to organize a tour? Which includes transport? What kind of foods can we get in Skoder? I’m worried we may not be able to find meat. Or peanut butter in the town. How busy is it during August or September? Thank you!

Hi, We are planning to visit Theth this May (First week) will there be snow fall or rain? Because I want to experiance nice green weather :)

Hi, I am planning a trip to Theth-Valbona. I wonder if there is any “Tour-Guide” that helps us to see around and be more informative while making some acquaintances with new strangers. Also we are not that young. Thank you for your writings. Regards, Alexander

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Off the Beaten Path in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

Hiking the heart of the balkans.

From $4,595

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Arrive: Tirana, Albania

Depart: Tirana, Albania

• Witness the spectacular alpine landscapes of Valbona and Theth national parks
• Follow trails through the jaw-dropping scenery of Montenegro's stunning Grebaja Valley
• Hike on Mt. Trekufiri (7,762'), the three-border peak, and cross into Montenegro on foot
• Visit the 14th century Visiko Decani Monastery, an awe-inspiring World Heritage Site
• Savor the cuisine at Mrizi I Zanave, Albania's organic Slow Food restaurant

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Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

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• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
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Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Cocja

Shkodër, Albania

Day 1 (1 night)

Rezidenca B & B

Valbona, Albania

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Hotel Happy

Gjakova, Albania

Day 5 (1 night)

Moonlight House

Vusanje, Montenegro

Days 6-7 (2 nights)

Villa Gjecaj

Theth National Park, Albania

Day 8 (1 night)

Mrizi i Zanave

Fishte, Albania

Day 9 (1 night)

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Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Vlatko Bulatovic

Stanislav Simicic

Mirjeta Shatri

What the Trip is Like

• 1,800 feet gain/loss
• Day 6: 10+ miles, 5 hours, 1,500 feet gain/2,900 feet loss

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Valbona Theth Hike in Albanian Alps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is everything you need to know to be well-prepared for the Valbona Theth hike in Albanian Alps.

The Valbona (Valbone) to Theth (Thethi) hiking trail is located in the Accursed (Prokletije) mountains, Northern Albania. It is a spectacular one-way day trek between two idyllic mountain villages.

Originally an old mule route, the trail winds through the heart of Valbona Valley and Theth National parks. Halfway it crosses over the epic Valbona Pass, offering the most stunning vistas of the Albanian Alps. Accursed Mountains’ landscapes of snow-covered peaks and lush valleys are shared between Albania , Kosovo, and Montenegro .

Trekking over the legendary Valbona Pass in Accursed Mountains deserves to be at the top of your must-do things list in Albania. In fact, hiking from Valbona to Theth along with the Komani Lake ferry ride were the two activities that inspired me to visit this less-explored Balkan country.

Once I started planning for the hike, I realized that it is not as straightforward as I would expect the one-day trek to be. Although it only takes 6 to 10 hours, the Valbona-Theth hike, due to its remoteness and logistics, requires 3 days in your Albania travel itinerary . The journey has multiple changes of minivans and a ferry ride.

I know that at first glance it may seem a bit too much of an effort to be put into one day trek, but trust me it is all worth it. With a bit of advance planning, the journey to Albanian Alps will be one of the best experiences this country can offer you.

Keep on reading this post where I share all the practical tips, answer the most important questions and provide a step-by-step guide that will help you to get ready for the unforgettable Valbona-Theth trekking adventure!

Note:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase by clicking a link. This helps to keep my blog growing and filling up with detailed honest travel advice for you. 

Valbona Theth Hike in Albanian Alps- Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Valbona-theth hike highlights video (1-minute cinematic footage).

Before we jump into planning, I invite you to watch this video to get a little bit of a taste of what to expect on your Albanian Alps journey. I was documenting our Valbona to Theth hike from the start to finish and compiled it into a short moody 1-minute cinematic clip. Enjoy watching!

Valbona-Theth Hike Overview

Distance: 9.5 KM from Rrogam to Theth trailheads (12 to 19 KM from Valbona to Theth, depending on your starting and ending points).

Duration: 5-8 hours of moving time, depending on your speed and distance (6-10 hours with stops).

Difficulty Level: moderate to difficult (depends on your fitness level).

Minimum and Maximum Elevation: 780 m and 1800 respectively.

Elevation gain and loss: 800 m and 1018 m respectively (direction Valbona- Theth).

Mobile network and Internet connection: poor or none (weak signal available closer to the villages and at the peak).

Is a guide needed? The trail is well-marked, thus, a guide is optional.

Minimum water requirement: carry 2 liters (several refill spots available at water springs and mountain cafes).

Kids friendly? Small kids no, age 8-10+ yes.

Summary: Valbona-Theth hike features steep inclines and declines with a mix of sandy and rocky terrain, some scree slopes and a few boulder sections, forest paths, leveled walks, several water sources.

STEP 1. Albanian Alps Trip Itinerary and Map (route Shkoder-Valbona-Theth-Shkoder)

When planning the Valbona Theth hike, you should dedicate 3 days as a bare minimum, where 2 days are for traveling and 1 day is for the hike itself. You might also want to spend longer if you are planning to do other hikes in Valbona and/or Theth.

We could only spend 3 days in the Albanian Alps, therefore, our itinerary looked as follows:

• Transfer from Shkoder to Komani Lake Ferry by minibus with hotel pick up at 6:30 am
• Boarding the ferry from Koman to Fierze at 9 am
• Minibus from Fierze to Valbone at 12 pm
• Arriving at accommodation in Valbone at 1 pm, overnight in Valbone.
• 6 am drop off at the end of Valbona village (closer drop off possible in Rrogam)
• Valbona to Theth hike
• Overnight at Theth village
• Exploring Theth village early morning
• 12 PM minibus to Shkoder (pick up at accommodation in Theth)
• At 3 pm returning to Shkoder

If you prefer to have everything organized for you, check out this 4-day Valbona Pass hike and kayaking tour starting from Tirana which includes accommodation, transportation, and food. Click here for prices and availability.

Route Map: Shkoder-Valbona-Theth

STEP 2. When is the best time to do Valbona Theth hike?

The hiking season in Albanian Alps starts around May and lasts until mid-October, depending on the ever-changing weather.

  July and August are good months to complete Valbona-Theth hike because most of the snow on the trail will have melted by then. Also, the rainfall possibility is much lower. The downside, though, it is also a peak hiking season, hence, the trails get very busy.

I would say, September must be a perfect time to do this hike as there are fewer people on the trail and the weather is still good. While shoulder season in May-early June could be an option. However, chances are that paths will be still covered in snow and ice.

Finally, winters are known for heavy snowfalls. That means it would not be possible to trek from Valbona to Theth in winter. We hiked in July and still came across a section of snow that was a little sketchy and required extra caution to pass it.

It is also worth noting that mountain weather is still very unpredictable. Even in summer, you can expect heavy rainfall to appear out of the blue sky. Therefore, it is always a good idea to constantly check weather forecasts.

As mentioned before, our girls’ group hiked during the last week of July. The worst weather during the whole trip caught us by surprise while driving from Berat to Shkoder. Skies and weather forecasts predicted heavy storms and lightning throughout the next few days, including areas of Valbona and Theth. We were concerned that the hike might not even happen.

However, we had the best luck with the weather changing completely on our hiking day. Each and every weather forecast website predicted heavy rains and thunders while in reality sun was shining early morning, followed by beautiful clouds at the peak in the afternoon, and not a single raindrop ever after.  

Hence, this is just proof of how unpredictable mountain weather can be. But remember to always be prepared for the worst of it (but expect the best as we did).

STEP 3. Which Way is Better: Valbona to Theth, or Theth to Valbona?

I advise hiking from Valbona to Theth. After completing the trail, I was glad that I chose this direction rather than the opposite.

Here are the 7 reasons (in no particular order) why hiking from Valbona to Theth is by far a better option:

• The journey from Shkoder to Valbona village is long with multiple transportation changes. However, you will still arrive at Valbone early enough to take a good rest before the next day’s hike. Also, it is better to deal with all this long commuting at the beginning of the trip rather than at the end when you are exhausted from the long hike (trust me you will be).
• The trail on Valbona side starts with a more gradual ascend and a good amount of leveled walk. Only the last bit closer to the peak is steeper, and even that still has some straight surfaces to give your legs a break.
• The path from Valbona Pass down to Theth village is mostly in the forest. On a hot afternoon, it will be an advantage.
• The path from Theth to the peak is a constant incline, with no leveled breaks. We saw many people coming from Theth side who looked completely out of breath and miserable.
• The trail starts in Rrogam- which is around 4km or more away from Valbona (where all the accommodation is). However, you can always arrange a ride to drop you at the trailhead, or at least at the end of Valbona village. This way you will save at least an hour of walking which you most likely couldn’t avoid if you were coming from Theth side (as there simply be nobody to give you a ride).
• The trail leading from Valbona to the peak is more scenic, to my opinion, therefore it is great to enjoy it while you are still full of energy and driven by the purpose of reaching the peak. On the way down, once in the forest, you will most likely feel tired and willing just to get over the rest of the hike as soon as possible.
• It is more pleasant to hike the exposed Valbona side early morning than in the afternoon to avoid the burning heat during the summer months.

What about trekking one way to the peak and back?

Some of you may wonder if trekking to the peak and back is feasible. I would say, not really unless you absolutely have to. Some blogs advise trekking from Theth to Valbona pass and back. However, you would be missing out on a more beautiful side of the trail on Valbona side. Moreover, you will have to hike a more physically demanding section of constant incline and decline of over 1000 meters. If you were to choose Valbona to Valbona Pass and back direction, then you would be missing out on the Theth side. Theth village is more charming than Valbona. Moreover, the ride from Theth back to Shkoder is also stunning.

STEP 4. Valbona-Theth Transportation (how to book mini vans and Komani ferry tickets)

How to get from shkoder to valbona using komani lake ferry.

The trip to Valbona mountain village, which is around 200 KM away from Shkoder, involves using ground and water transport: 2 minivans/minibusses and 1 ferry ride. Route Shkoder-Koman-Fierze-Valbona is by far the best way to go. 

The journey will take around 5-6 HRS starting with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Shkoder. I advise you to pack some breakfast/lunch as there won’t be many options for food on the ferry (we only ordered a cup of coffee to go along with our takeaway sandwiches).

A breakdown of the journey from Shkoder to Valbona:

• 6:30-7 AM pick up from Shkoder accommodation
• 7 AM- 9AM: minivan/minibus from Shkoder to Koman Ferry terminal
• 9 AM – 11:30AM: Koman Lake Ferry to Fierza
• 11:30 AM- 1 PM: minibus from Fierza Ferry terminal to Valbona accommodation

It is also possible to drive from Shkoder to Valbona directly for around 5 hours, but it is definitely a more exhausting way. Also, I am not sure if a 4×4 is required for this drive. And most importantly, you would be missing out on the highlight of this section- the Komani Lake Ferry ride.

Komani Lake Ferry is an attraction and a real treat on its own. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world, but still is relatively unknown! A 2.5 to 3 hours long ferry ride will take you through the so-called Albanian “Fjords”. Indeed, you will be surrounded by high cliffs while gliding through narrow gorges in the turquoise waters of the beautiful Komani Lake. The scenery reminded me of Thailand, and it felt like we were not in Europe anymore.

Komani Lake Ferry Itinerary and Tickets

BERISHA FERRY with minivan services

The easiest way to arrange this whole trip is to book everything (including the minivan) using one of the most popular companies Berisha. You can make reservations for both ferries and minivans on their website . Note that Komani Ferry runs daily from April to November.

The ferry ticket price with Berisha is 7 EUR (800 LEK) which will be discounted by 20% when booked online and paid by Paypal. Ferry also has limited space for cars for 7EUR per square meter (you have to measure the surface of your car to get the price-strangest thing I’ve ever seen).

How to book a pick-up service for the whole Shkoder-Koman-Fierze-Valbona route with Berisha?

We have reserved our journey to Valbona in advance using the Berisha website. The total cost of the journey was 18 EUR (2500 LEK) per person with door-to-door pickup and drop-off. Berisha also offers transfer services from Tirana (from the bus station).

In order to book the whole trip, you will have to fill in the form on the Berisha website here , indicating the date of travel and the name of your accommodation in Shkoder if you are going from there. The instructions and costs of all the services are provided here . You can only pay online for the ferry, while the remaining 12 EUR for the minivan you will have to pay in cash to the driver (both EUR and LEK are accepted).

USEFUL TIP: Berisha ferry is very popular during peak season in July and August. Therefore, it is mandatory to book tickets in advance to ensure your seat. We booked everything a couple of weeks before our trip.

Berisha Ferry or Boat Dragobia?

There are two types of ferries offered by Berisha company- Ferry Berisha and Boat Dragobia, both depart Komani at around the same time at 9 AM. Ferry Berisha is a much bigger 3-level boat with the capacity for cars and motorbikes. It also offers more space to move around on the “ground level” open deck, the upper deck with seats, and the roof cover. Therefore, it is much better for taking pictures. Inside seating space with the coffee shop and bathroom is also available. Dragobia, on another hand, is a long-tail passenger-only boat with seating inside only. Therefore, views from it will be different, and more difficult to take cool pictures.  

Other Komani Lake ferry options

Besides, Berisha, there are 2 other companies operating in Komani Lake: Rozafa Ferry and Alpin Ferry .

ROZAFA FERRY

Rozafa was parked next to our Berisha ferry and was much emptier than the latter. I was even tempted to make a swap as Berisha was really busy. However, Rozafa ferry doesn’t seem to have such a well-developed service, and I am not sure that booking online is even possible (I tried opening their website with no luck, but they are active on their Instagram account). Nevertheless, in case you need to catch a ferry last minute, it seems like you can easily get a seat in Rozafa without any advance reservation. Rozafa also departs from the Koman Lake ferry terminal at 9:00 AM.

ALPIN FERRY

More upscale and much bigger, the Alpin ferry offers an opposite timetable than Berisha and Rozafa. It departs from Koman to Fierze at 11 AM and is slightly more expensive- 8EUR for a passenger. This option would suit those of you who are willing to go to Valbona later in the afternoon. You can make ticket reservations on the Alpin website. Note that you will then have to arrange your own ground transport from Shkoder to Koman and from Fierze to Valbone if you choose this ferry. I am certain you can organize a car from Shkoder through your accommodation, but I am not sure how it works from Fierze to Valbone. Chances are there might be minivans waiting to pick up travelers without a need to reserve in advance.

How to Get Back from Theth to Shkoder?

Getting back from Theth to Shkoder takes only 2.5-3 hours as the windy mountain roads have recently improved. You can book your seat in a minibus through your accommodation in Theth a night before the trip .

The minibus departs at 12 PM every day and will pick you up from the place you stay in Theth. We reserved seats in a minibus to Shkoder immediately after our hike once we reached Theth guesthouse. Our hosts made a quick call and it was done.

I believe there must be multiple buses operating daily, especially during the hiking season as there are many tourists and locals traveling from Theth to Shkoder. Still, once you have your accommodation in Theth booked, it doesn’t hurt to email your hosts and asks them to book a minibus for you in advance.

Can I drive to Valbona or Theth?

UPDATE: the road from Shkoder to Theth village has been paved and now any type of vehicle can access the village. The same goes for the road to Valbona- you can drive any vehicle to Komani Lake Ferry station and then from Fierza to Valbona.

If you have a 4×4, you could drive to Theth or Valbona. I am not sure if you need 4×4 for Valbona though, but for Theth, I would say, you should avoid sedans as roads at some parts closer to and in the village are not everywhere paved. However, the big disadvantage of going in your own car is that you will have to hike back to either Valbona or Theth (depending on where you leave your car) or make a massive loop back to either of the towns via Shkoder. This option doesn’t make much sense, obviously.  

Looking for car hire in Albania? Check Localrent which offers the best rates and conditions for renting a car in Albania!

Rent a Car in Albania

Look for the best rates for your rental car at Localrent.

ALSO READ: Ultimate guide to renting a car and driving in Albania.

STEP 5. Accommodation in Valbona, Theth, and Shkoder

SHKODER is the northernmost biggest town in Albania at the banks of Skodra (Skadar) Lake. It also serves as a base for trips to the Albanian Alps with a good variety of places to stay before and after your mountain trip.

Both VALBONA and THETH have guesthouses that can be booked through booking.com or other accommodation booking platforms. I always check reviews and prefer booking homestays. Hosts of which always prove to be very hospitable, often including free breakfast and homemade dinner at a reasonable rate, Moreover, they are willing to help with any logistics-related queries.

When booking accommodation in VALBONA , check the map and try staying closer to Rrogam side if you are planning to walk to the trailhead from the guesthouse. Although you can easily book a drop-off with your accommodation. Valbona village, differently from Theth, is very spread out along the long riverbed of the Valbone Valley. It also has fewer guesthouses to choose from.

For THETH , after finishing the hike, we had to walk an extra 30min to our accommodation which was close to the Theth church. I have picked this location simply because of the convenience to take some images of the beautiful church at sunset. However, you can find guesthouses that are just outside Valbona-Theth trailhead.

Do I need to carry my heavy-duty luggage with me when going to the mountains?

No, you don’t. Since the Valbona-Theth is a very popular one-way trek, most travelers leave their big luggage at a hotel in Shkoder. Many accommodations in Shkoder will allow storing your main luggage (usually for a small additional 1 EUR fee) for the days you are away hiking. That means you don’t have to worry about dealing with your huge suitcases and just take the bare minimum for those 3 days. Remember, you will have to carry everything with you from Valbona to Theth.

It is feasible to book the same accommodation to stay at before and after your mountain trip (taken you are staying a night in Shkoder after coming back from Theth). Also, it is always a good idea to read travelers’ reviews on booking sites to see what they are saying about luggage storage at a particular hotel or guesthouse.

USEFUL TIP: if you are traveling during the peak season, I highly recommended booking accommodation in advance to make sure you get the best guesthouses to stay at.

We were really happy with our choice of accommodation in Valbona, Theth, and Shkoder. Therefore, the following are my recommendations for the places to stay in Shkoder, Valbona, and Theth:

• Shkoder: we stayed in two different accommodations before and after the hiking trip. Both are very different but great places to stay, and they also allow you to store big luggage while you hike. HOTEL LEGJENDA – artsy vibe chalets with exceptional quiet surroundings, garden, pool, ground for campervans, walking distance to Rozafa Castle (go there for sunset), 4km from Shkoder city center. All Seasons Apartments – a self-contained very cozy new two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Shkoder but still on a quiet street. The owner of the apartment was extremely helpful and kind- I would stay there again.
• Valbona: VILLAS JEZERCA – cozy chalets with fantastic mountain views, delicious food and amazing hospitality of the family running this accommodation. They prepared us takeaway food for the hike and dropped us closer to the trail at the end of Valbona free of charge (it added us just 3km of a beautiful walk along the river bed to Rrogam where the trailhead is).
• Theth : Guest House Bec Villi – lovely traditional village guesthouse featuring a beautiful garden, serving delicious homemade food. They also can help organize minibus back to Shkoder. Guest House Marashi – a bit more upscale Instagrammer-loved stylish wooden rooms, some of which have bathtubs inside the room overlooking the mountains and/or lovely private terraces. Great homemade food is also served at this guesthouse.

Camping Valbona and Theth

As far as camping goes, there are no restrictions as such where you can pitch your tent, at least along the trail. You can also find designated areas for camping in both mountain villages for a small fee. On the trail, you may want o camp somewhere with water access. We met a lady who was planning her overnight camp in the mountains. From what we saw, water access was next to mountain cafes, one of them at the very beginning of the trail on the Valbona side, while the other one was around two-thirds into the trails closer to Theth side.

STEP 6. Valbona to Theth Hiking Trail: Terrain, Length, and Difficulty

Valbona to Theth hike is moderately challenging featuring breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps trough out the whole route. Here are all the answers to the questions I had and therefore, I believe you may have as well, about the Valbona Pass trail.

VALBONA TO THETH HIKE DIFFICULTY

Valbona to Theth hike can be rated as a moderate plus hike. The route is well-marked and features a good variety of rugged terrain, sandy mountain, and forest paths, some scree, and a few boulder areas. It has steep inclines but with portions of leveled walk allowing for rest. The decline after the Valbona pass is mostly continuous, with a very little leveled walk. That is why if you hiked from Theth, it would be a tough workout (people coming from that side looked out of breath).

The trail is not technical and does not require any special equipment (except hiking poles which could be useful to have but not a must).  

People who claim to be unfit are still successfully attempting this hike. We saw hikers of different age groups and fitness levels trekking.

Definitely, there are parts to struggle through, especially at steeper ascends and descends, however, go at your own pace, take as many breaks as you need and you should be just fine. Also, the maximum altitude is only 1800 meters, so you should not be affected by the altitude.

VALBONA TO THETH HIKE DISTANCE

The distance of the whole hike will depend on the starting and finishing points. The official trail length is 9.5 KM. It starts in Rrogam and finishes in Theth. However, it is very likely that you will be covering much more ground if you start from your accommodation in Valbona. It could easily add at least 4KM to the trail (or even 9 KM, if you stay far from Rrogam).  Also, you will definitely have to walk a little bit to your guesthouse in Theth. Some of which are situated a few kilometers away from the finish line.

We did in total 19 KM, 9.5 KM of which was part of the walk from and to the villages. Our starting point was at the end of Valbona village (that’s where we got dropped off by our hosts). You can arrange a drop-off at Rrogam, which requires a 4×4 car and may be subject to additional fees. Since we didn’t pay for a lift, I am not sure how much it would be, but I read online it may cost around 20 EUR.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE FROM VALBONA TO THETH

Hiking from Valbona to Theth can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours. It depends, on how fast you go and how many breaks you take. Very fit hikers can make it in under 5 hours (but this is pure running through the trail, which is not fun to me).

Also, it depends on the distance you are meant to cover (as explained above).

According to my Wikiloc recording, it took us 9 hours to complete 15.8 KM (we started 3.5 KM before Rrogam- where the trailhead is) with 6 hours of moving time. It makes an average speed of around 2.6 KM. We spent around 1 hour at Valbona pass taking pictures and enjoying the views. A remaining couple of hours were distributed between shorter stops at mountain cafes and random breaks. Note that it took us additional 40 minutes to get to the guest house in Theth from the finish line, totaling almost 10 hours and 19 KM of hiking.

AT WHAT TIME SHOULD I START HIKING TO VALBONA PASS?

I can’t stress enough- you must start early. Unless you are planning to run through the trail like an athlete, you should start trekking from Valbona as early as 6-7 AM, or  8-9 AM latest. This will give you ample time to complete the hike at an average walking pace, plenty of time for breaks, and finishing with daylight.

Also, if it is a sunny day, starting early would allow you to avoid the boiling summer heat on the exposed side from Valbona to the peak. Moreover, there will be fewer people on the trail breathing back to your neck.

We took off at 6:30 AM because we wanted to avoid big groups of hikers which usually take off later. Also, finishing before the late afternoon storm which was predicted for the late afternoon. We have successfully avoided both, except the Valbona peak crowds. Unless you leave at night, chances are by midday everyone will arrive at the peak and there will be big groups of hikers hanging around.

VALBONA TO THETH HIKE DIVIDED INTO SECTIONS

To give you a better idea of what to expect, and, therefore, how to allocate your time, I have split the hike into the following sections:

Section 1: flat walk over the rocky riverbed to the trailhead- 3.5KM.

This is the easiest section which starts as leveled walk for 3.5 KM from the end of Valbona village to the trailhead in Rrogam. You will be passing over a dry rocky riverbed surrounded by pine trees, and towering peaks of Accursed mountains dominating the background. There is no incline in this section.

Section 2: getting used to the incline- 2.5 KM.

During the next 2.5 KM from the Rrogam Theth trailhead sign, the path starts ascending. At first slightly, but then it gets steeper and tougher but still with good portions of flat surface walk. At the beginning of this section, you will pass some farmhouses that also operate as guesthouses, and Emanueli café (which we skipped as it was too early for a break). After the café, you will realize that the climbing business is getting serious. The trail starts to present more rocky terrain and much steeper inclines than before. Pace yourself, there is more to come.  

Section 3: steep ascent before the summit – 1.6 KM.

Let’s mark the start of the 3 rd section with Simoni café where you can have a mountain tea (or coke) break before the real hike begins. Immediately after passing Simoni café, you will start tackling rocky and steep terrains. Soon after a short stretch in the forest, the beautiful valley view starts to open up and you will be hiking the bare mountain face. Welcome to the toughest but extremely scenic part of the trail.

Section 4: conquering Valbona pass – 700 M.

The last bit, before reaching Valbona pass, is a narrow road winding around the side of the mountain. Here we faced a couple of minor challenges.

One was a 15 meters long chunk of snow hanging over a cliff. It was only two feet wide. Thus, it took a little bit of courage to pass a narrow slippery snow path- but I guess it looked scarier than it was dangerous.

Second, which I was more concerned about than the snow, was a pure scree slope. At that section, the path was completely gone for a distance of a few meters. We had to carefully step through it- the slope was steep, angled at around 35-45 degrees. Not to scare you off, just go slowly watching your steps and you will be fine.

Section 5: Valbona pass and the summit- 200 M.

Once you reach Valbona pass, you will enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and Accursed mountains from two sides. Note, that the flat space at the pass is quite small, and it got very crowded shortly after we reached it.

Luckily, you can climb another 200 meters to the vantage point on the left. Not everybody is willing to go higher up because of the steep sandy path. Once at the top, you will be able to walk further to the right side or continue even higher up to the other peaks.

You might feel already tired, but it is definitely worth the effort. I went a little bit further away from the hotspot and was completely alone enjoying the glorious views of the Prokletije mountain range, peacefully flying my drone.

Section 6: steep descent through the forest to the last mountain café- 2 KM.

Path to the other side of the Valbona pass is a steep descent through rocky terrain and a beautiful forest. Views of the mountains and valleys appear sparse, but on a hot day, you will be relieved to have shade. In this section, you will reach the last café simply called- Bar Café Restaurant. Take a break here as there is still some ground to cover and your knees may not like it.

Section 7: continuing steep descent through the forest to Theth – 5.3 KM.

The last bit of the trail is the most painful. The steep descent is really hard on the knees. Moreover, there are parts with loose gravel where you should take extra caution not to slip and fall. I have to admit this bit was my least favorite- it felt long and boring. Despite going through beautiful forest and bits of alpine meadows, I was still looking forward to finally reaching the guesthouse in Theth, which, to make things tougher for us, was another 3 KM away from the trail end.

The total distance of the trail we did was 15.8 KM (from Valbona to Theth trail end). But in total, we walked around 19 KM because we chose the guesthouse which was a bit further away. No regrets though, as the location of our accommodation was fantastic.

STEP 7. HOW TO PREPARE FOR VALBONA THETH HIKE

Having done many long day treks in the UAE , I already know by heart what works best on hikes. In Valbona to Theth scenario, however, I had to plan well for 3 days because, for everything I took, I had to carry on a hike.

The most important piece of advice I can give you for this hike is to take the absolute minimum and only items you cannot survive without. Wear the clothes that you will hike in, including boots. Take only a lightweight change of outfits for the final day. Leave whatever you won’t need because every, even the smallest thing you take, adds up to the weight of the backpack. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING AND WEAR FOR VALBONA THETH HIKE?

Being well-prepared for any hike is crucial. However, you have to pack for 3 days, you have to filter absolute must-takes from the fancy additions to your trekking gear. Here are my notes on the Valbona Theth hiking essentials.

HIKING GEAR AND FOOD

Hiking Boots: I recommend not messing around with footwear and getting yourself proper waterproof hiking boots with a good grip . Although people still do this hike in sneakers, however, it is safer and more comfortable to wear sturdy hiking shoes which will protect your ankles and reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Windbreaker/Raincoat: In Albanian Alps, rains are unpredictable and the wind on the top of the mountain is strong. Therefore, a proper waterproof windbreaker, for example, like this Colombia jacket , is a lifesaver.

Layer Up: Wear a couple of light layers of sweat-absorbing fabric tops for your own comfort: a t-shirt and a long-sleeve thermal shirt . For colder weather, especially mornings and evenings, instead of a heavy hoody, lightweight fleece is the perfect option.

Water: Luckily on this hike, there are at least 2 spots to refill your water reservoir. The first one is at Simoni Café after almost 6 KM hiking from Valbona trailhead. The second one is at the Café Bar Restaurant when descending to Theth. And I believe there were some water streams along the way too. Therefore, I only carried 2 liters of water in my Camelbak bladder as opposed to at least 5 liters which would be usually needed for this type of hike.

Food: We took our takeaway breakfast and lunch from the guesthouse in Valbona. The guys packed us so much bread that we would have survived for a few days. We also had some protein and snickers bars with us. Luckily, if you finish all your snacks early and get really hungry, the second café on the descent to Theth served some basic food.

Comfortable Backpack with Water Bladder: a comfortable backpack that fits what’s needed for a day hike, and has proper padding, waist, and chest holders, goes long way on long hikes. Consider getting a water bladder with a straw instead of a usual refillable water bottle. Something like this Camelbak serves to be very useful when distributing the weight in the backpack equally, plus no need to remove it each time you want to drink (because of the easily accessible straw).

Trekking Poles: optional, but I wish I had them when descending, it would have reduced the load on the knees significantly. For a day trek, the best are lightweight foldable hiking poles, like these Cascade Mountain Tech walking sticks .

Sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses: On a sunny day you may get sunburned easily, therefore a small bottle of strong sunblock is a must. The same goes for a cap and sunglasses.

First Aid Kit: a basic plaster for blisters and some Panadol at least to be on the safe side.

Waterproof Cover for the Backpack, Gear, and Documents: rains in Albanian Alps are ruthless, so make sure you not only have protection for yourself but also a good waterproof cover for your sensitive items such as photo cameras and passports.

NAVIGATING VALBONA THETH TRAIL- IS IT WELL MARKED?

Valbona-Theth trail is marked with a red painted circle with a white dot in the middle, or red-white-red painted flags throughout the whole trail. Those markings appear very often on the trees and rocks (say every 50-100 meters or so).

Moreover, you can pre-download the trail on the Wikiloc app which also works offline. I have recorded this trail on my Wikiloc account here .

INTERNET CONNECTION ON THE TRAIL

Internet connection was weak around Valbona and Theth villages and mostly unavailable during the hike (we got some signal at the peak though).

DO I NEED A GUIDE FOR VALBONA THETH HIKE?

If you are comfortable navigating mountain trails and have done some longer hikes before, you won’t need a guide, especially knowing that this trail is well-marked. I would only advise a guide for those people who have never done any long-distance hikes in the wild mountains before. Even then, this trail is very popular and you will definitely see other people trekking, which also will give you more confidence doing it without a guide.

IS IT SAFE TO HIKE VALBONA PASS SOLO?

For an experienced hiker, it is absolutely fine to do the Valbona Theth trek alone. Note that it might not be the case for everyone, especially those people scared of heights.

If I had to do this trail on my own, I would confidently go ahead. Besides, if you are on your own, you most likely will find other hikers to pair up with.

CAN KIDS HIKE VALBONA THETH TRAIL?

The hike is quite steep, with few exposed sections, and also very long. Therefore, I would say it is not suitable for young kids, but for older ones, starting 8-10+ who are used to hiking, should be fine to do it. I have to admit, we haven’t seen kids during the whole hike, but we saw elderly people doing that (true inspiration to look up to).

IS VALBONA THETH TRAIL DOGS FRIENDLY?

We saw stray dogs at Valbona pass, so yes dogs can walk this trail too. The only thing that I am not sure about is if it is allowed to have your dog on a minibus or a ferry. We have not seen pets on public transport while traveling to the mountains.

Other things to be aware of while hiking on Valbona Theth route

There are wild animals in the Albanian mountains: wolves, bears, and lynxes.  We could hear wolves howling far in the mountains when we were at our Valbona guesthouse. However, wild animals don’t like interacting with people and wouldn’t go to the trails. That being said, make sure you stay on the marked route and don’t wander anywhere far inside the forests.

What if I have luggage that I cannot/do not want to leave in Shkoder?

The only way to solve this dilemma is to base yourself in Valbona or Theth and hike halfway to the peak and back to your base. It is not an ideal option, but it is there if you do not have another choice.

BUDGETING VALBONA THETH HIKE: expenses breakdown per person

Transport from Shkoder to Valbone: 18 EUR for the whole trip, including Komani ferry.

Transport from Theth to Shkoder: 10 EUR (1200 LEK) for a minivan.

Accommodation in Valbone: 15 EUR including breakfast (45 EUR for triple chalet).

Accommodation in Theth: 10 EUR including breakfast (30 EUR for triple room).

Dinner: 8-10 EUR for 1 dinner.

Drinks at the mountain cafe: 2 EUR per drink.

Total cost: approx. 75 EUR per person

USEFUL TIP: Take cash because there are no ATMs in Valbona and Theth villages. Both LEK and EUR are accepted at transport and guesthouses.

To Sum Up:  the main 5 tips for Valbona Theth Hike

• Choose the hiking direction from Valbona to Theth (instead of the reverse).
• Leave your main luggage in Shkoder at a guesthouse or hotel and take the bare minimum because you will need to carry all your stuff with you on a hike.
• Reserve accommodation and ferry tickets in advance (at least 2 weeks) if you are travelling during the peak season
• Bring cash as there are no ATMs in the villages.
• Account for unpredictable weather and bring a good waterproof jacket and covers for your most important items.

Last but not least, please keep the trail clean, and take your trash with you.

If you have any more questions about this hike, drop me an email. Otherwise, I wish you safe and enjoyable hiking!

A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THETH (THINGS TO DO AND SEE)

The sleepy alpine village of Theth comes to life during the hiking season. With clusters of guesthouses sprinkled along the dreamy valley walled by Accursed mountains, Theth today is an ultimate hiker’s base camp. Regardless of its growing popularity, Theth is very atmospheric. The time seems to have stopped here, you can see piles of hay dotted around the village, and meet herdsmen with their sheep peacefully roaming around.

Theth is considered to be the more picturesque of the two mountain towns. Therefore, it is also a good reason to spend more time there exploring other things this charming mountain village has to offer.

Theth Church- a little gem for beautiful photography

A highlight, and probably the most photographed object in the village, is a small 19th-century stone-and-shingle Theth church. It is hidden further away from the main gravel road, toward the end of the village. I advise visiting the church at dusk when it gets lightened up. Its silhouette against the tall mountains with burning orange sunset skies looks incredibly mysterious.

Lock-in Tower of Theth

Hundreds of years old historical structure which was used to imprison the deadliest criminals back in the olden days, Lock-in Tower of Theth is now one of the main tourist attractions. You may visit it as well on a guided tour led by one of the descendants of the family this tower belonged to.

Drink Coffee with a view

Opposite the Lock-In tower, we came across a simple cafe. At first, we didn’t pay any attention to it as we were headed to see the tower. Soon a friendly local on a motorbike showed up and invited us to sit on the terrace, from where fantastic views of the mountains open up. It was a fantastic start to the late morning a day after our long Valbona hike. I highly recommend checking this no-name café out.

Go on Day Hikes from Theth

Although we only had time for one night in Theth, we would have loved to stay a few nights more and go on other hikes around the area.

The most well-known is the hike to The Blue Eye of Theth , which is around 17 KM (6 hours) return trek to the turquoise alpine pool. I have already added it to my bucket list for my next trip to Albanian Alps!

ALBANIA TRAVEL RESOURCES

Planning your trip to Albania soon? Below are some useful links to help organize your trip.

• My TOP TIP : The best way to explore Albania is by self-driving. Look for the best rental car rates at Localrent or Discover Cars .
• Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Albania from your location.
• Accommodation: book your perfect stay using Booking.com .
• Before You Go: 90-day tourist visa is free for most nationalities; if not apply for an Albania visa easily at iVisa .
• Travel insurance : for safe traveling in Albania. Get a quote at SafetyWing .
• Guided tours: look for the best-rated Albania tours on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a sim at Tirana airport arrivals hall. The best coverage is provided by Vodafone. A tourist pack with 70 GB of data and free local calls costs 2000 LEK (17 EUR).

More Albania Travel Resources:

• Driving in Albania: everything you need to know before renting a car
• Plan your trip to Albania with my suggested Albania road trip itinerary.
• Check how to spend a day or two in Tirana with my detailed Tirana Itinerary.
• Do you want to explore more of the Balkans? Check out my Epic 2-week Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary .

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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PEAKS OF THE BALKANS

Peaks of the Balkans trek is the best way to experience Kosovo, Montenegro & Albania’s unforgettable combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. Moreover, the “Peaks of the Balkans” guide leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2300 m above sea level.

Peaks of the Balkans trail is a 192-km cross-border trekking trail through the Accursed Mountains of Albania , Kosovo, and Montenegro. Considering the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, especially during the communist period, it was impossible to move across these places. No longer. Nowadays, the trek has become very popular and people around the world are coming to visit this very remote area.

Peaks of the Balkans trail is a must-do for any hiker.

The level of difficulty ranges from easy to moderate + but requires good physical condition and mountain equipment.

Peaks of the Balkans is a trekking route that passes through the high mountains of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. It covers a distance of approximately 200 km and offers scenic views of the region's rugged landscapes and remote communities. The itinerary below starts from Albania, however, when booking, you can choose where to start and where to end up.

PEAKS OF THE BALKANS TRAIL, GUIDED TOUR

DAY 1 Meet your fellow travelers in Tirana and drive to Thethi National Park.

Meet and greet with the guide in Tirana city, followed by a transfer towards Theth, passing through the beautiful Valley of Boga, gate to the Albanian Alps.

We will stop at Qafe Thore – the diagonal Pass, to enjoy the spectacular mountainous landscape unfolding in front of us. We will switch to a local van and drive downhill to a nice guesthouse in the village where we will stay overnight and enjoy a tasty homemade meal.

In the afternoon, we will have a short walk into Thethi National Park.

Note: We can arrange transfer from Podgorica as well.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Lunch, Dinner Drive: 2hr 10min.

DAY 2 Hike from Theth to Valbona via Spectacular Valbona Pass

Today our trail heads towards spectacular Valbona Pass. It's not a particularly hard walk and is one that is attempted by many first-time mountain walkers. For the next couple of hours, the trail climbs slightly more steeply towards higher ground and we walk over a pass known as Valbona Pass. After several hours hiking uphill, we stop at the Zefi’s housing for a hot mountain tea.

Resuming our hike for another 45-min, we continue ascending to the Valbona col (1792m) where we have outstanding views of the Albanian Alps and the Valley of Valbona.

After lunch, we make our way down to the valley. Of course, we can choose whether to independently continue walking down on the main wide dried up riverbed road or take a van to avoid it.

Trek : 16.3Km; Uphill: 1040m, Downhill: 945m; Maximum altitude: 1759m; Time: 6-7hrs Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 Hike up the epic and remote “Prejsllopi Pass” trail. Overnight in Cerem

After a hearty breakfast and a cup of hot mountain tea with honey, we will start ascending the steep zig-zag trail to the epic and remote Prejsllopi Pass. Having several hours of hiking, we'll reach the highest point of our trip today (2000m) as we hike a series of switchbacks over a pass that offers outstanding views of the snowcapped peaks of the Alps Range in every direction.

After crossing the border and thrusting into Montenegro, we will stop for lunch at Bori Pass, a flat spot with grass, a meadow for many shepherds from Cerem and Vuthaj. It’s a perfect place to have a nap.

From here, we continue trekking another 30 minutes toward the shepherd's hut where we'll enjoy a final coffee and mountain tea. Henceforward we can see the village of Cerem where we'll stay tonight after another 2 hours of further hiking downhill to reach our destination.

Trek : 13.5Km; Uphill: 1150m, Downhill: 870m; Maximum altitude: 2039m; Time: 7-8hr Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Trek from Cerem to Doberdol, a vast alpine pasture

After the breakfast and a cup of hot mountain tea, we continue the trek to Doberdol. Leaving Çerem and the Kollata massif behind, we walk slowly in the forest for a couple of hours.

Today’s hike is a relatively long hike with lots of ups, downs and mostly is into the forest. We briefly cross the Montenegro border and return in Albania until we reach the ruins of the old military border post. Further on we take a picnic break at the hamlet of Balqin, which is used by the shepherds during the summer season. After a hearty lunch and coffee break, we continue to walk along a mostly flat, scenic trail through patches of beech forest. We finally reach Doberdol pasture.

Trek : 15.6Km; Uphill: 1025m, Downhill: 440m; Maximum altitude: 1922m; Time: 6-7hr Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 Hike up the three border-summit & enjoy the beautiful lakes of Tropoja

Today is a short and easy day that could consider as a rest day after couple of multi-day hikes.

After an early breakfast, today's hike begins through bilberry covered meadows of Dobërdol in the direction of the mountain ridge, which forms the border between the three countries. Our lovely trek tops the magical Three Border summit 2366m, the highest peak for this tour leads us up a trail with views of the Albanian Alps behind where we walked days before. Overnight in Gacaferri mountain hut, Kosovo.

Trek : 7.5Km; Uphill: 690m, Downhill: 630m; Maximum altitude: 2236m; Time: 3-4hr Difficulty: Easy Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 Hike from Gacaferi hamlet towards Milishefc

After a peaceful night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we set out for another full day of walking from the hut towards Milishefc pasture. Following one-third of the remaining path, a refreshing swim in a natural pool caps an unforgettable day! Our day finishes at our cozy guesthouse with time around the campfire. All meals included.

Trek : 16.4Km; Uphill: 950m, Downhill: 1045m; Maximum altitude: 2150m; Time: 6-7hr Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 Border-Crossing from Milishevc to Babino Polje

Today’s trek starts with an early breakfast before we head off on our first full day of trekking. This is a relatively short hike which passes the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. It goes through beautiful mountain areas which passes featuring colorful breathtaking views. After passing the border we go gradually down to Babino Polie.

Trek : 13.8Km; Uphill: 840m, Downhill: 920m; Maximum altitude: 2167m; Time: 5-6hr Difficulty: Easy / Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 Babino Polie – Plav. Explore old town of Plav

After breakfast, we set out on beautiful lake Hrid Jezero for a cool swim in the middle of a forest. After having rest, we continue to a vantage point providing magnificent views of the surrounding landscape where You enjoy a picnic lunch in this picturesque setting surrounded by a lot of beech trees.

The mostly off-trail route passes through typical patches of forest with panoramic views of the Prokletije including Albanian Alps off in the distance. There is free time for a stroll through town, visiting the lake or to relax at our guesthouse, before we gather for dinner.

Trek : 21.2Km; Uphill: 607m, Downhill: 1190m; Maximum altitude: 2068m; Time: 7-8hr Difficulty: Moderate Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 Walk overlooking the spectacular of Karanfili's massif

Enjoy waking up with a hot drink, then settle in for a hearty breakfast, snap a few last-minute photographs, then prepare for a short drive to Grbaja Valley.

Our trek starts out with a gradual uphill passing through the forest and ultimately arriving at Vallushnica Peak, the first peak for today's hike. The views here are fantastic! The last part of the trail passes across the ridge before the final ascent, Taljanka Peak, 2056m. Finding the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, we take time to soak in all of the beauty of this special spot. After lunch, we’ll descent down to the Valley and then take a transfer back to Vusanje. All meals included.

Trek : 9.93Km; Uphill: 1020m, Downhill: 964m; Maximum altitude: 2056m; Time: 5-6hr Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Drive: 40min both ways

DAY 10 Spectacular hike from Vusanje to Theth – Drive to Shkoder

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and watch as the fog burns away opening to spectacular views of the Albanian Alps. We start with a short 4x4-drive to Ropojana Valley, the starting point of the trek.

Today’s cross-border trail into Prokletije National Park, crossing from Montenegro to Albania is certain to be a memorable one.

The path passes along the craggiest part of the Prokletje/Bjeshkёt e Namuna/Alpet Shqipёtare Mountains. Almost the entire hike is surrounded by steep mountains with stunning views. This itinerary allows us a glance into the region’s past when it was a forbidden zone during the Communist era. A border military post, some bunkers and the border crossing pyramid sign still remain by the crossing. We will have picnic lunch in lush Alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers and full of butterflies. The hike finishes in Theth, where it all started. We'll celebrate for the beautiful day and newfound friendships.

Transport from Theth to Shkoder after the hike.

Trek : 17.8Km; Uphill: 788m, Downhill: 1231m; Maximum altitude: 1734m; Time: 6-7hr Difficulty: Moderate Meals : Breakfast, Lunch Drive: 2hr 10min

Note: The guided Peaks of the Balkans trail has been adapted slightly to meet the needs of most travelers. The tour can be booked for a minimum of two people, private groups, or can be taken on a self-guided tour.

"We have hiked many spectacular trails both within and outside the US and the trail from Theth to Doberdol to Gjeravica was one of the most varied and beautiful".

- Warren Wallis -

Albanian - English words

Peaks of the balkans map.

Customized tour

We can adapt the trail based on your requests: as many days as you want to hike, transport, local 4x4 transport, luggage transport as well as transport from and to Tirana, Podgorica etc.

Opening hours Telephone                     CET Mon-Fri : 08-20:00 Sat-Sun : 14-17:00

Opening Hours Chat Mon-Fri : 08-23:00 Sat : 10-18:00 Sun : 13-21:00

       Chat        +383 49 601 007         Say hello

Support 24/7

Nonstop support by phone and local staff around the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

Open Groups

Open groups for solo or friend travelers joining a tour are maximum 6 to 7 pax.

Don't see the dates you're looking for? Feel free to contact us for other departure dates.

The following checklist has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Feel free to give us a call at 00383-49-601-007 if you have any questions regarding the gear list.

- Good Hiking shoes - Day pack (20L – 35L) - Trekking Poles - Sunhat, Sunglasses, Sun cream - Ear Plugs - Fleece Hat - Rain jacket - Warm fleece jacket or jumper - Rain pants - Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight) - Trekking trousers - Anti-bacterial hand gel - Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight) - 2 x 1-liter water bottle - Insect spray - Water purification tablets (Water is provided, but very often this is from local wells or mountain streams and is not chlorinated. If you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we suggest you bring a supply of water treatment tablets.)

• Flashlight or Headlamp - Shorts - Trainers or sandals - Bandana - Liner Socks (Synthetic) - Shoes for Travel and Free Time - Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable) - Spare laces - Luggage Tags and Locks - Pen-knife - Camera and Accessories - Reading and Writing Materials - Small Binoculars - Whistle - Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

- English-speaking local guide - Transport from Tirana/Podgorica to Theth and back - Private accommodation during the trek - All food during the hike - All land transport required by the itinerary - Border permits - Luggage transport

- Hotels before or after the trek - Alcoholic beverages or soft drink - Items of a personal sort - Tips for the guide and local staff - Other transport not required by the itinerary - Airline tickets and travel insurance

CONSIDER AS YOU BOOK UP

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Airline Tickets (Confirmation and Itinerary) & Passport

The unit of currency in Albania is the Lek (ALL). However, the Euro is accepted. The unit of currency in Kosovo and Montenegro is the Euro. Note: Buying Lek is possible only in Albania

ATM Availability (While Trekking)

• Bajram Curri (17Km away from Valbona)

LOCAL TIME: Time zone: GMT +1

ELECTRICITY: Electric supply and plugs: 220V, 50 Hz, two-pin round plugs.

• Western Balkans - Lonely Planet
• The Accursed Mountains - Robert Carver
• Kosovo: Gillian Gloyer - Bradt
• Albania: Gillian Gloyer - Bradt
• Broken April - Ismail Kadare
• High Albania - Edith Durham

Albania No visa is required for most nationalities, including UK passport holders, most other EU nationalities, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand.

Montenegro Check out if you need a visa to enter Montenegro .

Kosovo No visa is required for most nationalities, including UK passport holders, most other EU nationalities, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand.

Vaccinations

Kosovo - Albania - Montenegro

There are no specific health risks.

BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURING IN KOSOVO & ALBANIA

6 DAYS HIKE IN PEAKS OF THE BALKANS

Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro

PEAKS OF THE BALKANS SELF GUIDED TOUR

Self Guided

Walking In Albanian Alps

North Albania

Please contact us if there are any questions:

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AI - 3 Week Itinerary thoughts - Albania Forum

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I asked AI for a 3 week itinerary without Croatia, starting in Albania and ending in Sarajevo wondering what the experts think as below is EXACTLY what it gave me

Posting in Albania as that's the start

### Week 1: Albania

- Explore Tirana, visit Skanderbeg Square , the National History Museum, and Blloku district.

- Day trip to Kruja, visit the castle and the old bazaar.

- Relax at Dajti Mountain National Park for panoramic views.

**Day 5-7: Southern Albania (Berat & Gjirokaster)**

- Travel to Berat, explore the UNESCO-listed old town with its castle and Ottoman architecture.

- Continue to Gjirokaster, visit the castle, old bazaar, and the birthplace of Enver Hoxha.

### Week 2: North Macedonia & Kosovo

**Day 8-11: Skopje & Matka Canyon**

- Travel to Skopje, explore the Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge, and visit museums.

- Day trip to Matka Canyon for hiking, boat rides, and cave exploration.

**Day 12-14: Ohrid**

- Travel to Ohrid, visit the Old Town, St. John Kaneo Church, and enjoy Lake Ohrid's beaches.

- Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman theater and Samuel's Fortress.

**Day 15-17: Pristina & Prizren (Kosovo)**

- Travel to Pristina, visit the Newborn Monument, National Library, and Ethnological Museum.

- Journey to Prizren, explore the old town, Sinan Pasha Mosque, and Prizren Fortress.

### Week 3: Montenegro & Bosnia and Herzegovina

**Day 18-21: Montenegro & Sarajevo**

- Travel to Kotor, explore the Old Town and climb the city walls.

- Continue to Budva for beaches and nightlife.

- Journey to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Explore the Old Town, Latin Bridge, and Bascarsija Quarter.

- Visit the Tunnel of Hope, Vrelo Bosne Park, and enjoy Bosnian cuisine.

This itinerary allows for a more in-depth exploration of each destination, giving you ample time to soak in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Adjustments can be made based on your interests and travel preferences.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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