Hiking in Southern Albania – 3 Recommended Routes

Hiking › Hiking in Southern Albania – 3 Recommended Routes

Hiking in southern Albania took my heart by surprise. It is one of the last secrets in Europe, a country between Europe and the East. If you go hiking in Albania, you will not only discover the country between Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece from a completely different perspective, but also get to know the locals. Hopefully, the country’s coast in particular will be spared from developers and all-inclusive offers and will be able to retain its unspoilt character.

Beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountains make hiking in Albania particularly attractive. On my last trip to Albania, I visited the south coast and the Albanian Alps. In this post, I’ll give you tips on where to go hiking on the coast of south Albania and get a feel for the original way of life.

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Feeling Wanderlust? Off to Albania!

You will probably fly into the capital, Tirana, or arrive on the Greek island of Corfu. From Greece, you can easily take the ferry to the port city of Sarande in Albania. There is also a ferry connection from Bari in Italy to Dürres. Alternatively, Albania can be reached by intercity bus from Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia.

It’s best to choose a city as your starting point and start day hikes from there. If you are travelling light, it’s easier and you can flexibly switch between several consecutive hiking days. Alternatively, you can use the services of specialised tour operators who will take care of planning, booking and luggage transfer for you.

My accommodation tip in Dhermi by the sea: Essos Villas

Why to go hiking in southern Albania?

If you are still unsure whether hiking on holiday is for you, then I would like to give you a few great reasons to chose an active holiday. For me, hiking is one of the best ways to experience the nature and beauty of a region. It is an activity suitable for both experienced and beginner hikers. In southern Albania, you can choose from a variety of hiking trails that cover different levels of difficulty and landscapes. Whether you prefer hiking with a view of the sea, along rivers or on mountain peaks, you are guaranteed to find the right route in southern Albania.

Hiking has many benefits for both body and mind. It is a great way to get physical exercise while enjoying nature. Hiking can help you to leave the stress of everyday life behind and recharge your batteries. Getting exercise in the fresh air improves your physical fitness and strengthens your immune system. As exhausting as the hike may be at the end of the day, you are guaranteed to fall asleep happy and in the best of moods.

You might like as well: Hiking in Albania – The most beautiful trails

Hiking To Gjipe Beach

To kick off, I’ll introduce you to an easy hike that’s an insider tip. The hiking trail to Gjipe beach runs parallel to a canyon. You’ll be looking out over the azure blue Ionian Sea the whole time. It’s better than any photo wallpaper or Instagram picture!

Once you reach the beach, you can relax, swim or climb the rocks if you have climbing equipment with you. Don’t forget to explore the canyon. A small natural pool awaits you there after a 40-minute walk.

There is a Spartan campsite down there. You could theoretically bring your tent. Please check on site to see if it still exists and if camping is allowed there. Otherwise, you have carried all your stuff for nothing if camping is not allowed.

Hiking route with GPX data on outdooractive.com

From Kudhës to Qeparo

The hike from Kudhës to Qeparo is easy and offers you many insights into local Albanian life. Kudhës is a small mountain village in the Laberia highlands with stone houses, vegetable gardens, communist slogans and a new main square with an impressive view of the gently rolling mountains and olive plantations.

The hike to Queparo takes about 2 hours. You will pass through pastures with cows and goats, as well as sections with olive groves and mountain meadows.

Queparo is one of the many villages that suffer from the emigration of young people. For some time now, people have been settling up here in the mountains, which offer a unique view of the Ionian Sea. These are mainly foreigners who are breathing new life into old, abandoned stone houses.

It is possible to spend the night here in (Upper) Qeparo and hike down to the sea to (Lower) Qeparo the next day. Or on the same day (duration: 3.5 hours and 7.8 kilometres).

Hiking options:

• Hike in the opposite direction, from the coast to the mountains
• Round trip as a day hike starting at the sea
• Extension to Himare along some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania

From Dhërmi to Himarë – Coastal Trail

The hike from Dhmeri to Himarë is easy, but at 15 kilometres longer than the others. It follows the coast and takes 6 hours. Let the deep blue sea tempt you to take a swim and stop for a longer break at one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Albania. There are accommodation options and bars along the hiking route. However, these are often closed before June and after mid-September. The descent to Gjipe Beach is part of the route for this hike.

Zagori Valley – Experiencing the untouched Southern Albania

In the highlands of southern Albania, hidden by mountain ranges, the Zagoria Valley extends to the Greek border. A multi-day trekking tour here takes you to its remote villages, where you can enjoy authentic Albanian hospitality, homemade food and fascinating insights into local life. You can complement you itinerary with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Site like Butrint, Ottoman stone bridges, Orthodox churches and the thermal baths of Benje.

This region lies in the still largely unknown southern Albania. Discover the beauty of the hidden Zagoria Valley and enjoy breathtaking landscape with majestic mountains, rivers and hot springs. While staying with host families in small villages and visiting Gjirokaster, the ‘city of stones’, this hiking trail combines nature and culture in perfect balance.

Stay safe with these tips

When hiking in southern Albania, you should follow a few safety tips. Here are a few:

Keep an eye on current weather conditions

Check the current weather conditions before you go hiking and be prepared for possible changes in the weather. Avoid hiking in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or storms.

Stay on the marked trails

Only hike on marked hiking trails and do not leave them. This is for your own safety and also helps to protect the sensitive natural environment.

Water and snacks

You should take enough water and snacks with you on every hike. This is the only way to stay hydrated and have enough energy to cover the distance.

Equipment

Wear comfortable hiking boots, weatherproof clothing and a backpack with the necessary hiking equipment (map, compass, first-aid kit, etc.). Also, don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.

Hike in company

If you are a stranger to the area, it is always safer to hike in a group or with a guide. If you do feel confident hiking alone, please inform a trusted person in advance about your planned route and your expected return time.

Recommended hiking equipment

When hiking in southern Albania, it is worth investing in good equipment to make your hikes more comfortable and safer. Here is a list of personal recommendations:

Hiking boots:

Invest in a good pair of hiking boots that are comfortable and sturdy. They should provide grip and support to make hiking on different types of terrain easier.

Backpack:

A sturdy backpack with enough space for water, snacks and your other equipment is essential. Backpacks with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt for added comfort are a plus.

Hiking map, compass, GPS:

Get a detailed hiking map and also take a compass with you to help you find your way around the region. These tools are especially important if you want to hike off the beaten track. I also recommend a GPS.

Water bottle and snacks:

Take enough water and snacks with you so that you have enough energy for the hike. Nuts and dried fruit are excellent.

Weatherproof clothing:

The weather in southern Albania can change quickly. That’s why I recommend that you take waterproof clothing with you to be prepared for possible changes in the weather. A rain jacket, a light down jacket or vest, and a cap/sun hat are recommended.

First-aid kit:

A small first-aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, painkillers, and blister plasters should always be with you. Better safe than sorry.

Local guides and tour operators for hiking in southern Albania

If you want to get the most out of your hiking holiday in southern Albania, it is advisable to book a local guide or a tour operator. A guide will not only show you the best routes, but will also provide interesting information about the region, nature and culture. And at the same time, they can bridge possible language barriers.

Albania travel guide:

Albania Holiday: Guide To The Balkan Destination

Other hiking regions in Albania

If you have already explored southern Albania extensively, then I definitely recommend a detour to the north, to the Albanian Alps.

And now that you’re so well trained, here’s the next challenge. How about a demanding multi-day trekking tour through different Balkan countries? Simply cross political borders on foot and discover that countries sometimes have more in common than you think.

The ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trail is a fantastic trekking project in the Albania-Kosovo-Montenegro tri-border region.

My conclusion: hiking in Albania – an insider tip

This article only covers a fraction of the great hiking trails and treks that the country of Albania offers on its southern coast. Invest a little time in your travel planning and route selection. Alternatively, you can book your hiking holiday with a tour operator and concentrate fully on hiking. The coast is also ideal for activities such as mountain biking, paragliding or sailing. So nothing stands in the way of an exciting active holiday.