10+ Albania Hikes WORTH DOING

Most travellers don’t know that 75% of Albania is covered in mountains which makes Albania a great hiking destination. From secret canyons, to beaches, to epic summits, these Albania hikes will thrill even the most avid hikers.

I was pleasantly surprised during my time in Albania, specifically by the rugged peaks of the northern national parks. These mountains soared well above 2,000m which was really exciting to the peak bagger in me.

In this blog post I’ll first cover the best time of year for hiking in Albania and what to wear on an Albania hike, then outline best Albania hikes around the country.

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~ Taylor ♡


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

Then my Albania map is for you!

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  • Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
  • Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
  • Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
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**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 have 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 and taxis are pricey in comparison. Driving is chaotic and 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. 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. Most hostels/guesthouses/hotels have laundry facilities.

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!

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



Best Time of Year for Hiking in Albania

Albania hiking trails
Hiking through the Albanian Alps

July and August are the hottest months of the year which makes hiking in Albania tricky at this time of year. There are plenty of hikers out on trail during this timeframe, however the 30 degree+ temperatures (at altitude) were a bit much for me, personally. I found myself having to start my hikes round 4:00am to beat the heat and I typically always ran out of water. This time of year is when the wildflowers are out though which is beautiful to see.

June and September and the best months of the year to hike in Albania. These shoulder season months mean there are fewer people out on trail and the temperatures are a bit cooler. In mountainous regions a light jacket may be useful, but everywhere else a T shirt and shorts will more than likely be fine. September is when the fall colours begin to change in the north.

April, May and October bring variable weather and conditions for hiking in Albania. If you have warmer clothes you’ll be totally fine to hike in Albania during these months, however you may experience some grey skies and precipitation – more so in the northern mountains.

During winter, November to March, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures hit the northern regions of the country. You can still hike in Albania during winter, but you must have gear and avalanche training as dangerous winter conditions exist in the mountains.

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What to Wear on Albania Hikes

Albania hiking trails
Hiking in Valbona Valley National Park

If you’re hiking in Albania during the summer months (June to August), temperatures are HOT and there’s next to no rain. Lightweight clothing is best. I found myself wearing shorts, a hat, and a long sleeve rather than a T shirt to avoid sunscreen as I’d just sweat it off anyways.

If you’re hiking in northern Albania (Theth and Valbona) temperatures and hiking clothes will look a little different as the higher elevations change weather patterns. July and August can be treated the same as the rest of Albania, however the shoulder seasons (May/June and September/October) can bring cooler temperatures and slightly more precipitation. Having a jacket and some warmer layers may be beneficial during these months.

For footwear, Albania hikes require no more than running shoes (during summer), although trail runners or hiking boots are best. If you’re hiking in May/June, snow and mud may be present – Goretex boots recommended. For Albania’s canyon hikes sandals or Crocs are ideal.

I do recommend bringing a water bladder and carrying at least 2-3L of water with you in the summer months as hiking in Albania during this time is hot and there are next to no water sources available on trail. This is my favourite water bladder.



About Hiking in Albania & Hiking Tours

Albania’s hiking trails are just being discovered which means there are minimal people on the trails, however this will change quickly. The exception being popular trails like Valbona-Theth or the Blue Eye of Theth which are packed. Mostly you can still expect to find plenty of solitude on Albania hikes and in nature in general.

About hiking trails in Albania - what they're like & things to know before you go
Theth National Park at sunset

Trails are generally not marked or not well marked outside the popular tourist routes. I you plan to tackle any “non-popular” hiking trails in Albania you’ll need route finding skills and some sort of navigation device. I do not recommend doing any serious “out there” type of adventures in Albania unless you have prior hiking and adventuring experience.

Temperatures during summer are often very hot for hiking in Albania and there are limited natural water sources available. Bring more water than you think you need. On popular trails, like the ones mentioned above, there are small cafes or stands selling overpriced food and drink where you can grab some basic stuff like coffee, water, and snacks. They are usually cash-only so come prepared.

Many popular hiking trails in Albania are accessible directly from towns or cities by foot and by bus. You therefore don’t need a car to hike in Albania, however if you want to get to any “off-the-beaten-track” trails you’ll need a car to do so.

Most hiking knowledge comes from locals. There are currently limited resources online regarding hiking trails in Albania aside from the popular ones. Talk to the locals who can provide more trail recommendations.

Popular Albania Hiking Tours:



Hiking in the Albanian Alps

The best place to hike in Albania is definitely the Albanian Alps which are located at the most northern part of country.

Hiking trails in Albania
Hiking in Valbona at sunrise

To hike the Albanian Alps, you must make the journey to Skhoder then take a series of ferries and mini buses to get to the national parks: Theth and Valbona. In these parks you’ll find mountains soaring well above 2,000m, alpine rivers, and waterfalls. It’s magical.

There’s a famous trail connecting Theth and Valbona which is the only way to get between the two parks, unless you want to spend 2 days backtracking to Shkoder. I’ve written about this hike in this post.

Before you travel to the Albanian Alps for some A-list hiking, read my guide linked below. It has everything you need to know regarding packing, travel tips, where to stay, best hiking trails, best food options, and so much more.

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

Then my Albania map is for you!

Get my 200+ recommendations all in one place for:

  • Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
  • Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
  • Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
  • Planning: lodging, restaurants, bus stops & tedious details

see what other travellers are saying about my map



Best Hikes in Albania

Here are the best hikes in Albania spanning from the south all the way to the north. These Albania hikes range from easy to difficult trails and feature all kinds of scenery like waterfalls, mountains and secret beaches.

Every hike and trailhead below is marked on my Albania Map for your convenience.


1. Maja e Tujanit

Hikes in Albania - Maja e Tujanit
Maja e Tujanit summit in Tirana
  • Distance: 5.3kms
  • Elevation gain: 425m
  • Type of trail: out & back
  • Trailhead GPS

Maja e Tujanit is one of the more accessible hikes in Albania. The trail starts at the top of the Dajti Ekspress gondola which is accessible by bus from the city of Tirana.

From the top of the hike you’ll have a view of Bovilla Lake in Dajti National Park. The trail is not well known so it’s likely you’ll have it to yourself or at least see minimal people.

This Albania trail isn’t super well marked, but I found it easy enough to follow. I’ve written about the trail in detail in the guide linked below.


Where to Stay in Tirana



2. Valbona-Theth Trail

Hikes in Albania - Valbona-Theth trail
Valbona Pass
  • Distance: 15kms
  • Elevation gain: 850m
  • Type of trail: point to point

The trail connecting Valbona National Park and Theth National Park is the most popular hike in Albania. It’s the only way to get between the two parks unless you spend 2 days backtracking to Shkoder.

The trail is long, however anyone can complete it. It’s easy to follow the trail and there are tons of people around.

The highlight of this Albania hike is the pass between the two parks, coined “Valbona Pass.” This pass stands at 1,795m and offers an incredible view down Valbona Valley.


Where to stay in Theth:



3. Maja Rosit

Hikes in Albania - Maja Rosit
Maja Rosit looking into Montenegro
  • Distance: 16.1kms
  • Elevation gain: around 1,200m
  • Type of trail: out & back
  • Trailhead GPS

Stats above are to the pass, not all the way to Rosni Peak**

Maja Rosit is easily the most beautiful Albania hike. The trail starts in Valbona and meanders through the alpine which has beautiful wildflowers late July/early August.

The trail goes all the way up to Rosni Peak, however I stopped just below the pass at the 2,040m mark as the trail is long and steep – the hot July temperatures had me out of water by this point. If you plan to do this hike in July/early August pack minimum 3L in a bladder like this as there’s no water source along the trail.

Around the pass you can cross the border into Montenegro which will put you in the stunning Prokletije National Park where you can admire giant faces of rock that seem to jet right out of the ground.

Past this point to the summit it’s a scramble. Only attempt the remainder of this trail if you’re an experienced hiker. Wait until July to ensure all snow is gone off this trail and don’t hike past early October as snow starts to fall late October/early November in this region.


Where to stay in Valbona:



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

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

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

From Tirana or Shkoder: Day trip to the Blue Eye of Theth & 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



4. Lengarica Canyon

Hikes in Albania - lengarica canyon
Lengarica Canyon

Lengarica Canyon happened to be one of my favourite Albania hikes. There’s no official trail as you get to freely wander through a canyon filled with green vegetation and milky blue water. You can go as far as you’d like so there’s no pressure to make it to any kind of “end point.” Go at your own pace.

This trail starts at the Benja Hot Springs near Permet which are said to heave healing powers. There’s currently no bus here so you either have to go with a guided tour (linked below), rent a bike and do the gruelling uphill climb from Permet, or hitchhike. I solo hitchhiked there and had no issues.

I recommend wearing Crocs or at least sandals on this Albania hike. There are rocks which can be a bit tough on the feet.


Where to stay in Permet:



5. Mount Gamti

Albania hikes - Gamti Mountain
View of Bovilla Lake from Gamti Mountain

Gamti Mountain is near Tirana but it’s only accessible via tour or if you have your own 4×4 vehicle – no taxis will come here and there’s no form of public transportation to the trailhead.

On a guided tour you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Bovilla Canyon, then hike 30 minutes to a viewpoint overlooking Bovilla Lake. You’ll have a nice lunch, the be driven back to Tirana.

If you plan to hike to Gamti summit (personal 4×4 vehicle required), know the trail is not well marked and it’s overgrown. If you plan to go to the summit you should have proper navigation skills as this will have to be a self-led hike – download the Alltrails map to help with directions. Wear long pants to avoid scraped legs.


Where to Stay in Tirana



6. Blue Eye of Theth

Hikes in Albania - Blue Eye of Theth
Blue Eye of Theth
  • Distance: around 20kms from the centre of Theth Village
  • Elevation gain: around 1,000m
  • Type of trail: out & back
  • Trailhead GPS

The Blue Eye of Theth is arguably one of the most famous hikes in Albania – right after the Valbona-Theth hike. The Blue Eye is a small waterfall which feeds a pond-size body of icy cold, blue water. It’s the perfect place for a polar dip as the temperatures remain freezing cold even during the peak of summer heat.

If you have a car, you can drive the paved road to this point. From here it’s about approx 5kms (roundtrip) with 200m of elevation gain. This should take you about 45mins-1hr one-way.

If you’re hiking from the centre of Theth where the majority of the guesthouses are situated, reference the GPS coordinates and stats above for where you leave the paved road to start hiking on the actual trail. Remain on the east side of the river. The trail is a bit longer on this side, however you’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature opposed to hiking on the open road with no sun protection.


Where to stay in Theth:



7. Grunas Waterfall & Canyon

Hikes in Albania - Grunas Canyon
Grunas Waterfall on the Blue Eye of Theth Trail
  • Distance: 7kms
  • Elevation gain: 340m
  • Type of trail: out & back
  • Trailhead GPS

The Grunas Waterfall and Grunas Canyon are two stops you can make along the hike to the Blue Eye or do as a quicker walking tour from Theth Village. Grunas Waterfall is located here whereas the Grunas Canyon viewpoint is located here.

Roundtrip this hike is around 7kms and should take around 2-3hrs total. I recommend doing it the same day you hike to the Blue Eye though as you will be taking the same trail to get to both spots.


Where to stay in Theth:



8. Gjiri Filikuri Beach

Hikes in Albania - Gjiri Filikuri Beach
Looking out over the walls near Gjiri Filikuri Beach

Gjiri Filikuri was one of my favourite hikes in Albania. It’s an Albania hike to a secret beach that requires some scrambling and a rope.

The walk to the beach takes around 1-1.5hrs from Himara, however on the final section you literally have to hold onto a rope and climb down to the beach. Good footwear required.

Once you make your way down to the “secret” beach it’ll likely be much quieter than the other beaches in Himara – no chairs, but more and more people are showing up via boat. If the rope section scares you, you can rent kayaks from Himara and paddle over.

For reference, the beach is located here. I highly recommend reading the guide linked below for detailed directions with photos for how to get there.


Where to stay in Himara:



9. Ali Pasha Bridge

Hikes in Albania - Ali Pasha Bridge
Ali Pasha Bridge, Gjirokaster

The Ali Pasha bridge (an old aqueduct) in Gjirokaster is the perfect trail to add to your Albania hiking list. This trail starts off in the centre of town, then gains fairly steeply elevation through cobblestone streets lined with old stone houses. Once you’re out of the neighbourhoods you’ll find a packed trail that boasts some colourful mountain scenery.

There are plenty of goats roaming around the aqueduct and you may even be lucky enough to see a Shepard roaming around herding his sheep – I was.

It can be slightly confusing finding the Ali Pasha Bridge, so I recommend using Google Maps the whole way. One way, this Albania hike should take around 30 minutes/1.5kms.


Where to stay in Gjirokaster:

  • Stone City HostelStone City Hostel is the #1 place I recommend staying in Gjirokaster. The hostel is social, it’s located right by the Bazaar, they serve a great complimentary breakfast, and they offer tours for their guests. The atmosphere here is great, there’s tons of outdoor garden space to relax in, a water filter (no buying water in plastic), and there’s ample space to store your luggage.
  • Friend’s Hostel – The Friends Hostel is a great alternative if Stone City is fully booked.
  • Old Bazaar1790 – If you’re after a cultural experience complete with traditional Albanian decor and food near the heart of Gjirokaster’s Bazaar, Hotel Old Bazaar is for you.
  • Hotel Kalemi2 – there are multiple Hotel Kalemis in town, however Hotel Kalemi 2 has the most traditional Albanian feel and a yummy local breakfast.
  • Hotel Domino – if you’re simply after a mid-range hotel for the night, Hotel Domino is just that.


10. Osumi Canyon & Bogove Waterfall

Hikes in Albania - Osumi Canyon
Looking down Osumi Canyon

Osumi Canyon is not your typical Albania hike. This trail is more about swimming, canyoning, and (optional) cliff jumping than anything else – it’s one of my favourite adventures I had during my entire 1.5 month trip to Albania.

There’s a guided tour here from Berat (linked below) which includes transportation, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide who’ll bring you to multiple viewpoints along the drive as well as bring you to the best parts of the canyon. You’ll also have a quick stop/hike to the Bogove waterfall in the morning which has some of the iciest water in Albania – perfect for a midsummer polar dip.

I wore crocs on this excursion which I found to be the perfect footwear choice.


Where to stay in Berat:



11. Lekursi Castle

Hikes in Albania - Lekursi Castle
Sunset at Lekursi Castle

Lekursi Castle is not necessarily an Albania hike like the other trails mentioned in this blog, however you can make it one. Rather than walking up the road or hitchhiking, you can walk up the front of the mountain starting here.

There was vaguely a dotted trail on Maps.Me that I tried to follow, but as I started walking up I quickly realized it was more of a “choose your own adventure” hike. There’s nothing blocking your view the entire way up so you can see the castle and know where you’re going the whole time. If you choose to hike to Lekursi Castle just trail-blaze your own path.

This Albania hike is best at sunset. You can grab dinner while you’re up there too!


Where to stay in Saranda:



12. Balkoni Hike

Hikes in Albania - Shala River
Balkoni Hike at sunset overlooking Komani Lake

This is one of the more “adventurous” hikes in Albania. It’s fairly difficult to access and requires scrambling. This entire trail I found myself sliding all over the place, hanging onto vegetation to help me climb and descend. It was a doozy. Proper footwear required for this Albania hike.

The Balkoni hike is on the West side of Komani Lake, connecting the Shala River beach with Riverside Komani Lake Guesthouse on the other side of the mountain. Most hikers do this hike in and out & back fashion starting from the trail behind the Blini-Park Guesthouse rather than completing it in a point-to-point fashion.

At the top of the trail there’s a unique pillar of rock and a small window allowing you to climb up and over the mountain. The views from the top are really breathtaking so if you’re a confident hiker I’d recommend giving this one a try. Some of the local guesthouse owners/employees may do the hike with you if you inquire.

More information about the Balkoni hike can be found in my Shala River guide liked below.


Where to stay on the Shala River:



Albania Hikes FAQ

Is there cell service on Albania hikes?

All Albania’s popular hiking trails mostly have service. The exception being in the alps cell service can be a bit spotty or weak.

What is the most popular hike in Albania?

The most popular hike in Albania is easily the trail connecting Valbona and Theth National Park. My Valbona-Theth trail guide has everything you need to know about this hike + trail stats.

What is the easiest hike in Albania?

There’s an easy walk around Tirana Lake in Tirana. Although not a “hike” this walk is easily accessible and has a nice natural component.

Are there waterfall hikes in Albania?

Yes there are waterfall hikes in Albania. Bogove and Sotira waterfall near Berat along with the Blue Eye and Grunas waterfall in Theth.

Albania waterfall hikes
Bogove Waterfall near Berat

What should I wear while hiking in Albania?

What you wear for a hike in Albania depends on the weather, season, and location in the country. I’ve written more about this above – scroll back.

What is the most beautiful hike in Albania?

Although not the most popular hike in Albania, the most beautiful hike in Albania is definitely Maja Rosit in Valbona. My Maja Rosit trail guide has all the details for this hike.

Is hiking in Albania dangerous?

No. Hiking in Albania is not dangerous. There are minimal hazards here, although general mountain safety should always be practised and you should stay on trail. There are still landmines near the border of Kosovo so it’s crucial you stay on trail here.

Do I need to be aware of wildlife while hiking in Albania?

There are bears and other forms of wildlife in Albania however you likely won’t come across any if you’re sticking to popular hikes like the Valbona-Theth trail during the busy summer months. If anything you’re more likely to come across farm animals like sheep and cows.

Can I hike alone in Albania?

Absolutely you can hike alone in Albania. I hiked solo in Albania all the time and never had any issues. In saying that, hiking in groups is always the safest option and there are guided hikes available if hiking alone in Albania makes you nervous.

Can I hike in Albania in winter?

It is not advised to hike in Albania during winter, but not impossible. Hikers who attempt to hike in Albania in winter should be prepared with proper winter hiking gear and have avalanche training. Winter hikes in Albania’s mountains can be very dangerous as there’s heavy snowfall making it very difficult and hazardous to hike.



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

Then my Albania map is for you!

Get my 200+ recommendations all in one place for:

  • Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
  • Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
  • Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
  • Planning: lodging, restaurants, bus stops & tedious details

see what other travellers are saying about my map





Happy adventuring!

Taylor ♡


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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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