Hiking in Albania: Top 6 Trails + Tips

Hiking › Hiking in Albania: Top 6 Trails + Tips

Albania is a natural treasure for active holidays and hiking especially. You can choose between hikes along turquoise-blue bays or challenging treks between rugged rock faces. In northern Albania, you will discover the most beautiful Balkan valley: Valbona. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gjirokaster, with its alleys and pretty wooden decorations, invites you to take a leisurely stroll during your study trip with hiking.

Lush green valleys and imposing peaks – the scenery in Albania is impressive and can best be explored on foot. There are numerous waterfalls, beautiful coastal walks and lonely mountain ranges. Add to that the warmth and hospitality of the locals, the delicious food and an exciting culture. If you are still looking for inspiration for your hiking trip, this article will give you our best tips for hiking in Albania.

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When is the hiking season in Albania?

The best time for hiking in Albania is from mid-May to late June and from early September to late October. In the height of summer in July and August, it gets very hot and dry in the mountains, and some of the water sources in the hiking areas dry up. In the higher altitudes in the north and east, snow is possible from the beginning of November until April. Passes and streets are not being cleared and cannot be used by car. Many hotels and restaurants on the coast are closed from mid-October to early May. A winter season is not (yet) established.

If you prefer to spend your time on the coast and go hiking there, you should go to Albania in spring or autumn. Outside the summer holidays, the beaches are emptier, the accommodation is cheaper and, above all, it is not as hot as in July or August.

You can find out more about the best time to travel to Albania in the blog: Best time to travel to Albania

The best hiking trails in northern Albania

The Blue Eye in Theth National Park: Syri i Kaltër

• Highlight: Waterfall and wild nature
• Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours
• Starting point: Theth Village

The small waterfall in the middle of Theth National Park attracts hikers mainly because of the turquoise-coloured water and its beautiful surroundings. Unlike the Blue Eye Sarande in the south of the country, the water here is ice cold. Those who want to cool off after the hike can jump in.

The hike itself is about 16 kilometres long and should not be underestimated. However, the paths are relatively easy and the hike is not technically demanding. There is a steeper incline at the beginning and end of the hike. On the way, you can also make a detour to the beautiful Grunas waterfall.

Theth is also the main starting point for the popular Peaks of the Balkans Trail that leads you through Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo in a 10-day lopp.

Panoramic views in Valbona Valley

• Highlight flora and fauna, spectacular views
• Duration approx. 3 – 4 hours
• Starting point: village of Valbona

The Valbona Valley is almost untouched by tourism and offers some very pristine natural surroundings. The route follows the Valbona river through pine forests and past towering peaks.

The well-signposted panoramic route is a great way to discover the most beautiful corners around the village of Valbona. You will have to conquer a few metres of altitude (~ 650 metres of altitude), but the round trip is easily manageable for hikers who are not completely unfit.

The highest mountain in Albania: Korab

• Highlight: The Highest mountain in the Western Balkans
• Duration: Day tour
• Starting point: Radomirë

At the highest point in Albania, you have a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Before you reach the summit at 2,754 m, you have to cross the ridge.

No special technical skills are required for this hike. However, since the tour is very long and you have to climb about 1,500 metres of altitude, you should definitely be physically fit and well equipped. It is best to hike with an experienced guide.

The best hiking trails in southern Albania

In Llogara National Park: Mount Maja Thanasit

• Highlight Pine forest and Beach
• Duration 1-4 hours depending on the route
• Starting point: Llogara

The Llogara Pass is one of the highlights of a trip to Albania and the drive offers spectacular views of the mountains and the coast. The national park itself is a popular destination for hikers and offers numerous routes, information about which can be found locally.

A beautiful hike with a view of the sea is the ascent of Maja e Thanasit, a 1,381-metre-high summit. The paths of the approximately 7.5-kilometre hike are easy to manage and not particularly challenging.

Coastal hike through Gjipe Canyon

• Highlight: Canyon and Beach
• Duration: 2-4 hours depending on the route
• Starting point: Vuno

Gjipe beach is one of the most beautiful in all of Albania and can only be reached on foot or, for the brave, by 4×4. Although this beach gets very crowded in summer, in the low season you will almost have the bay to yourself and can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.

There are several starting points for the hike. Easy paths with viewing platforms start at the parking (about 1 hour), while longer paths lead from the beautiful village of Vuno through the lush green gorge down to the beach.

Southern Albanian summit plateau of Maya e Dhëmbelit

The small town of Përmet is the starting point for a day trip in the Trëbëshinj-Dhëmbel-Nëmerçka mountain range. The hiking trail passes through diverse Albanian vegetation and offers fantastic views of the Vjosa river. The summit plateau of Maya e Dhëmbelit is still used by many shepherds as pasture land. But these are probably the only Albanians you will meet here. But be careful of their herding dogs! This hike is long with many metres of altitude, so it is only suitable for experienced hikers.

• Difficulty: difficult
• Distance: 17.5 km
• Duration: about 9 hours
• Starting point: Përmet

Tips for hiking in Albania

Packing list for hiking in Albania

The route and the time have been chosen, but what should you definitely pack for your hiking adventure in Albania?

This belongs in your luggage:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Hiking poles if necessary
• Sun screen
• A hat to protect yourself from cold and sun
• Sufficient drinking water, Food

Accommodation when hiking in Albania

There are not many classic hut-to-hut hikes in Albania yet, as there are in our Alps. However, the following accommodation options are available:

Hotels There are plenty of hotels in the larger tourist towns. It is more difficult in the countryside. The standard is usually lower than in our country.

Private rooms Everywhere in Albania. If you meet someone on the street, they will probably offer you a room or at least take you to a relative who has a room.

Typical guesthouses Here you get a bit of a cabin feeling and get to know the way of life of the locals in the mountain villages.

Wild camping is allowed outside of nature reserves. You can use a tent or a camper van. There are designated campsites in the national parks.

Typically Albanian food

What would a strenuous hiking holiday be without good food? Probably only half as nice. But you don’t have to worry about that in Albania. Albanian cuisine is very diverse with various influences from Greece, Turkey and the rest of the Balkan countries. In the countryside, you will be served hot meals with lots of lamb in typical inns, while on the coast you can enjoy fresh fish and small specialities everywhere. For example, try stuffed peppers, spinach-filled pies or the cucumber dip Trator. Prices are comparatively very affordable and dishes in Albania are usually shared with the whole table.

Albania – 5 insider tips for outdoor fans

1. Caribbean feeling: the Ksamil peninsula and the offshore islands are among the most beautiful coastal sections in Albania. Explore them by sea kayak!
2. Sea view all the way: hike along the coastal path to Himarë and experience the Albanian Riviera at its most beautiful
3. Raft through the Osumi Canyon: this is only 4 metres wide at its narrowest point. But it is 13 km long, so you get your money’s worth when rafting!
4. Hike through one of the wildest corners of the Albanian Alps, the Valbona Valley.
5. Trek along the Via Dinarica: this trekking tour in the tri-border region of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo is one of the most exciting tours on the Balkan Peninsula.

Go hiking in Albania now!

Do you want to lace up your hiking boots and put on your backpack right now? Then browse through my tours in Albania and soon you will be hiking through the Albanian Alps or along the Riviera yourself. Whether in a group or alone, on a relaxed round trip or a strenuous hiking holiday – you are sure to experience unforgettable moments in Albania.