3 Day VALBONA ITINERARY (Albania): Hikes & Things to do

Soaring mountains, stunning valleys, cute guesthouses, epic hiking trails, and friendly locals are all things you can expect in Valbona Valley National Park. In this post I’ll outline the best things to do in Valbona and a 3 day, stress-free Valbona itinerary.

Valbona is a must-see spot in Albania – it’s the prettiest national park in the country. The wicked 2,000m+ mountains here are part of the Accursed Mountains, specifically the Dinaric Alps region. Valbona has vibrant fields of wildflowers, epic hiking trails, and a quiet mountain culture providing you with a relaxing, but memorable mountain getaway.

This Valbona guide will first go over important information regarding how to get to Valbona, typical costs for visiting Valbona, best time of year to visit Valbona, what to pack for Valbona, etc before getting into the best Valbona hikes and a 3 day Valbona itinerary.

If you’re planning to do the classic Shkoder/Theth/Valbona loop, here’s my 1 week north Albania itinerary.

Skip ahead:

How to get to Valbona
Best time of year to visit Valbona
Where to stay in Valbona
Where to buy food in Valbona
How much does it cost to visit Valbona?
What to pack for Valbona & Luggage Storage
Things to do in Valbona & Valbona hikes
3 day Valbona itinerary

ALBANIA

BALKANS

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3 day Valbona itinerary

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Albania Google Map – 200+ pins

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Quick Albania Travel Guide:

**Find my recommended Albania itineraries linked in the section below**

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Best Time to Visit: May to September.

Best Activities: Looking for the best tours and activities around Albania? See my Viator shop for my top recommendations.

Currency: Albanian LEK (aka ALL). This is a closed currency so you’ll need to wait until you’re in Albania to withdraw/exchange money. Make sure you exchange any leftover money before you leave the country too. Credins ATMs don’t charge a service charge.

Transportation: to enter the country you’ll 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 and there are no trains within the country. Taxis are fairly expensive.

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. Vodafone storefronts can be found in bigger cities (Tirana, Saranda, Shkoder, etc).

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

Safety: I found Albania to be very safe. I and my fellow travellers had no trouble with theft and I felt comfortable walking around as a solo female at night. People are generally very welcoming here, but always keep your wits about you – no matter where you travel.

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.

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.

Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.

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

Helpful Albania Blog Posts

Albania Itineraries: 1 week south | 1 week north | 2 weeks whole country | 1 month for backpackers

3 day Valbona itinerary

How to Get to Valbona

There are three ways to get to Valbona – hike from Theth or journey from Shkoder/Tirana.

3 day valbona itinerary — From the Maja Rosit hike in Valbona

If you’re visiting Theth prior to Valbona, you’ll have to hike between the two parks – there’s no road access between the two and backtracking the way you came is time consuming. The trail, point-to-point, is approx 15kms one-way depending on where your guesthouses are situated. I recommend visiting Valbona prior to Theth as this way makes more sense itinerary and transportation-wise.

My Valbona-Theth hike guide has more detailed information about this trail:

VALBONA-THETH HIKE GUIDE

For your Valbona itinerary I recommend visiting Valbona prior to Theth.

Before you go to Valbona, ensure you carefully read the information listed on this website and the email confirmation you receive after booking the mini bus/ferry to Valbona. Information like prices and pickup points can change over time.

Valbona Itinerary

If you’re going to Valbona from Shkoder you’ll have to take an early morning mini bus to the Komani Lake Ferry Port. A ferry will take you from the port to Fierza where you’ll catch another mini bus that will drop you off at your guesthouse of choice in Valbona.

If you’re going to Valbona from Tirana, the same information applies as the directions from Shkoder, except your pickup is at 5:00am/5:30am (depending on the time of year) from here. The bus from Tirana to Komani Lake is €12.

The mini bus pickup in Shkoder is at 6:30am in front of the Rozafa Hotel (GPS coordinates) – DON’T BE LATE. The van will have “Ferry Berisha” written on it. It costs €8 and you will arrive at the ferry port around 8:30am for the 9:00am ferry departure.

The ferry to Fierza from Komani Lake costs around €10 and takes 2.5-3hrs. You’ll arrive in Fierza around noon, where you’ll find a large parking lot filled with a million mini buses. It’s a bit confusing figuring out where to go, but it somehow all works.

The drive from Fierza to Valbona costs another €8 and takes around 1hr so you should arrive in Valbona by 1:00pm ish. If your guesthouse is located further into Valbona you’ll be dropped off last as the mini bus stops at each guesthouse on the way.

3 day Valbona itinerary for hikers

Komani Lake Ferry Booking Info

You can book your Komani Lake ferry tickets and mini bus from Shkoder/Fierza here. Try to book tickets in advance as spaces do fill up during summer.

If you stay at the Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder prior to leaving for Valbona, you can ask the staff to help you plan/book your trip in advance. You can also store extra luggage at the hostel while you’re away in the alps.

You can take your personal vehicle on the Komani Lake Ferry for an additional fee of €8, however you must book the ferry tickets far in advance as there’s limited vehicle space. Keep in mind if you drive to Valbona you will have to take the same journey back. You can’t drive to Valbona to Theth.

If you’re returning to the ferry port from Valbona opposed to hiking to Theth, you must book return transport in advance. Hotel pickups in Valbona are at 10:30am.

Valbona itinerary - Shala River — Boat ride to the Shala River

I recommend spending one night on the Shala River before going to Valbona. The Shala River is known as the “Thailand of Albania.” It’s a serene natural area attached to Komani Lake. You can take a day trip here from Shkoder or spend a night on the river before taking the ferry toward Valbona.

MY GUIDE TO THE SHALA RIVER

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Best Time of Year to Visit Valbona

The best time of year to visit Valbona depends on what type of activities and weather you’re after. I personally think June and September are the best months to visit Valbona, but below I explain each month so you can choose the best timeframe to suit your Valbona itinerary.

In the winter months Valbona receives heavy snowfall. Snow begins to fall in Valbona from late October to early November/ The snow in Valbona begins to melt around late April to early May.

By late June the peaks and higher altitude zones should lose their snow and become accessible – aka a great time of year to go hiking in Valbona. June in Valbona equals low crowds and cooler temperatures. 10-15 degrees during the day and 5 degrees at night; cooler at higher elevations if you’re hiking.

July and August are nice months to visit Valbona as this is when other backpackers will be around, fields of alpine wildflowers will bloom, and there’s next to no rain. I visited during July and temperatures at elevation reached 35 degrees+ which made hiking difficult though. I ran out of water and started hiking at 4:00am to beat the heat.

September and October is when autumn strikes Valbona. September is similar to June for temperatures and this is when the fall colours change. October’s weather varies year-to-year and is a bit unpredictable.

3 day Valbona itinerary

Where to Stay in Valbona

Almost all accommodations in Valbona are family-run guesthouses or campgrounds – there are however a few new upscale options popping up. Make sure you book your guesthouse in advance for your Valbona itinerary as they fill up during summer – especially the popular ones.

where to stay on a 3 day Valbona itinerary — One of the guesthouses in Valbona

Before you get to Valbona I recommend staying at Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder. It’s the best hostel in Shkoder, the staff will help you plan your trip to Valbona, and you can store your extra luggage here while you’re away hiking in the alps.

Once you arrive in Valbona the following are the best lodging options:

Upscale Option: Drino’s Guesthouse is absolutely lovely. I stayed here one night and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Drino’s family owns a delicious restaurant nextdoor too.
Luxury Stay: Valbona Resort & Spa
Budget Stay: Bujtina Albjoni
Popular Choice: Villas Jezerca

3 day Valbona itinerary

Where to Buy Food in Valbona

There are currently no supermarkets or shops in Valbona. This means all the food you eat will be cooked in the guesthouse you lodge at. Breakfast is usually included in your stay and lunch/dinner typically cost €10-€20 each.

Many guesthouses offer a “packed lunch option.” If you plan to be out all day hiking they’ll typically put together a sandwich and some snacks for you which is super convenient.

To save a few bucks you can purchase food in Shkoder and bring it to Valbona. Most people bring snacks to Valbona and purchase meals at their guesthouses.

3 day Valbona itinerary

Albania Google Map – 200+ pins

Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?

My Albania map is for you.

Get my 200+ recommendations for hiking trails, beaches, activities, and must-see spots all in one place.

One click and everything is saved to your Google Maps app – a digital tour guide that fits in your pocket.

DOWNLOAD MAP

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How Much Does it Cost to Visit Valbona?

Let’s talk about cost for your Valbona itinerary. The cost of visiting Valbona varies depending on how long you stay and whether or not you decide to include Theth in your itinerary.

Here’s my guide to Theth which includes a cost analysis. Typically the Theth portion of the journey costs around €100-€200.

Assuming you’re hiking to Theth after Valbona, transportation to Valbona from Shkoder including mini buses and the ferry will be around €26. You could also utilize taxis, however this will increase your budget by at least €200.

Guesthouses and food will typically cost between €30-€70 in Valbona. Breakfast is usually included in your stay, however each meal after that is around €10-€20.

Once you arrive in Valbona hiking and sightseeing is free. You can pay the locals or guides to take you hiking which can cost around €30-€50+, but this is not necessary.

If you stay in Valbona for 2 nights you should expect to pay around €115 on a mid-range budget. You can add another €100 if you plan to hike to Theth and stay there for a couple nights too.

3 day Valbona itinerary

What to Pack for Valbona & Luggage Storage

What you pack for Valbona varies slightly depending on the season. Need a reminder of Valbona month-by-month? Scroll back.

3 day Valbona itinerary for hikers — The mountains in Valbona at sunrise

Here’s my go-to packing guide/travel essentials

I think 30-35L is the perfect size backpack for Valbona. Generally you’ll need to pack your clothing, toiletries, travel towel, proper footwear (running shoes at the minimum – trail runners or hiking boots are best), snacks, and “camp shoes” – I like Crocs or sandals.

Keep in mind you can store your additional luggage at Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder if you opt to stay there before you leave for Valbona.

What to Pack for Valbona in Spring/Autumn (May-June/September-October)

This time of year can be chilly. You’ll want to pack pants, a long sleeve, a light jacket, and warmer sleeping clothes. I always like to have thin gloves and a toque on hand at this time of year too. Rain is unlikely, but possible so a waterproof layer may prove to be handy.

Gore-tex shoes and an extra pair of socks is ideal in spring as the snow melt can create muddy terrain.

What to Pack for Valbona in Summer (July-August)

This time of year is HOT. Shorts, T shirts, and light sleeping clothes are best. I brought a sweater but didn’t use it when I was there late July. You’ll want to bring sun protection, a hat, and sunglasses. A bathing suit is great if you want to take a dip in the river or jump in the Blue Eye once you get to Theth.

I recommend carrying minimum 3L of water in a bag like this.

What to pack for Valbona in Winter (November-April)

Visiting Valbona in winter is uncommon. If you do visit, plan for cold temperatures and lots of snow. Winter boots, plenty of layers, and warm accessories/base layers are required.

3 day Valbona itinerary

Things to do in Valbona & Valbona Hikes

Everything mentioned below has been marked with photos, links, and descriptions in my Albania Map for your planning convenience.

Here’s my 3 day Valbona itinerary

Popular Albania Tours

From Berat: 4×4 tour: Mount Tomorr & Sotira Waterfall | Bogove Waterfall & Osumi Canyon | Osumi Canyon Rafting

From Gjirokaster: Vjosa River Rafting

From Permet: Benja Hot Springs & Lengarica Canyon | Horseback Riding

From Tirana: Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake Hiking Tour | Bike Tour | Traditional Cooking Class | Zipline

From Tirana or Shkoder: Day trip to the Blue Eye & Grunas Waterfall | Shala River Day Trip

From Vlora: Boat tour to Haxhi Ali Cave & Sazan Island – Karaburun | Snorkelling

From Saranda/Ksamil: Paddle boarding the Islands | Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Lekuresi Castle – 1 Day | Day Trip to Gjirokaster | Catamaran to Korez & Kokomo Beach

UNIQUE: Multi-day hiking tour: Peaks of the Balkans

You can find more Albania tours I recommend here

MORE UNIQUE ALBANIA TOURS

Walk to Xhema Lake

Xhema Lake (“Liqeni I Xhemës” on Google Maps) is a 40 minute walk from Valbona’s centre. Follow the Google Map directions, then enter the trees and take a left to find the lake.

The “lake” is more like a pond filled with algae. It wasn’t overly impressive however it was a nice walk.

GPS coordinates.

3 day Valbona itinerary

Photograph Valbona’s Old Mill

Valbona’s Old Mill (“Mulliri i Vjetër I Valbonës” on Google Maps) is only a 15 minute walk from Valbona’s Centre. You can visit the Old Mill and Xhema Lake back to back during your Valbona itinerary.

The Old Mill is a great photo-op and easy walk in Valbona.

GPS coordinates

Valbona itinerary – 3 days of hiking

Hike Maja Rosit

3 day valbona itinerary with hikes — From the Maja Rosit trail looking into Montenegro

Maja Rosit is easily the prettiest hike in Albania. The trail is long and steep, but the view at the end makes you feel like you’re living in a National Geographic film. The lack of people on this trail means you’ll likely have it all to yourself too.

The Maja Rosit trail crosses the border into Montenegro looking into Prokletije National Park. If you hike in July you’ll find fields of wildflowers.

My Maja Rosit trail guide has everything you need to know about this hike:

MAJA ROSIT HIKE GUIDE

3 day Valbona itinerary with hiking trails

Hike to Theth

The Valbona-Theth hike is the most well known trail in the Balkans. It’s around 15kms and connects Theth and Valbona – it’s the only way to travel between the two parks without having to backtrack to Shkoder.

This hike isn’t complicated and although a bit long, it’s doable for hikers of all abilities levels. The highlight of the trail is when it crosses the mountain pass dividing Valbona and Theth. The viewpoint here is breathtaking. If you aren’t interested in completing the entire hike, you can hike to the pass then return to Valbona the same day.

This trail is best hiked in the direction of Valbona to Theth.

Here’s my all-things-Theth blog post

VALBONA-THETH TRAIL GUIDE

3 day Valbona itinerary

3 Day Valbona Itinerary

I recommend spending at least 2 nights/1 full day in Valbona at the minimum. More time is best as there are plenty of trails in the area to enjoy, but 2 nights is enough to see the highlights.

Valbona itinerary - 3 days of hikes — Keep an eye out for Valbona’s free roaming cows

This Valbona itinerary begins in Shkoder opposed to hiking in from Theth. I highly recommend visiting Valbona before Theth and spending 1 night on the Shala River (aka the “Thailand of Albania”) prior to arriving in Valbona.

In Skhoder I recommend staying at Wanderer’s Hostel the night before you leave as you can store your extra luggage here while you’re in the alps. Wanderers does an early breakfast daily so you can grab something to eat prior to leaving for the ferry. They set this hostel up specifically for travellers visiting the alps.

3 day Valbona itinerary

Day 1: Shkoder to Valbona

Have an early breakfast at your hotel/hostel or pack breakfast to go the night prior (I recommend staying at Wanderer’s in Shkoder)
Catch the early bus to the Komani Lake Ferry Port (around 6:30am here) – DON’T BE LATE
Depart at 9:00am on the ferry and arrive in Fierza around 11:30am/12:00pm
Depart for Fierza right after arriving on the ferry. Arrive in Valbona around 1:00pm
Grab lunch at your guesthouse when you arrive
Walk to Xhema Lake and the Old Mill of Valbona
Eat dinner at your guesthouse and watch the evening alpenglow over the mountains
I recommend staying at Villas Jezerca in Valbona

Day 2: Maja Rosit

Have breakfast at your guesthouse and request a packed lunch to-go (make this request the night before)
Hike to Maja Rosit – this should take the majority of the day
Have dinner at your guesthouse and relax the rest of the evening

Day 3: Valbona to Theth/Shkoder

On day 3 of this Valbona itinerary you’ll either return to Skhoder the way you came or continue on to hike to Theth. I recommend hiking to Theth so you can see the Blue Eye, Grunas Waterfall, and the Theth Church.

And that concludes my 3 day Valbona itinerary from Shkoder.

I hope you enjoy this Valbona itinerary and have a great time hiking through the Albanian Alps.