You cannot leave Albania without visiting the mesmerizing region of the Albanian Alps. Green-blue rivers, beautiful lakes, iconic roads, magical sunrises and sunsets are what you should expect from your trip to this unique region. It is the place that surprised us the most on our last trip to Albania ! It is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. It is actually synonymous with outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, as these mountains are perfect for hiking. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the Albanian Alps.
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Things to know before visiting the Albanian Alps
The Albanian Alps are located in the northern part of the country near the borders of Kosovo and Montenegro. Theth and Valbona are the 2 main villages of this incredible area and each one of them is really worth a visit ! Get ready for remote places that retain their authenticity over the years. Roads are narrow and steep, so you need to be careful while driving. Most people come to the Albanian Alps for hiking in the mountains. So, if love the outdoors and adventure, you will definitely enjoy your time in the Alps. For any adventure trip, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. In case the unexpected happens (especially in remote areas), it is essential to be covered !
Since Albania is not in the Schengen zone, you will not be able to use the free European roaming. That is why we suggest buying a digital e-SIM card to save time and money. You do not want to be in the remote villages of the Albanian Alps without mobile data to contact your loves ones, connect to GPS etc. It is one of the first things to take care of, especially when you are going to visit secluded places.
How to get to the Albanian Alps ?
1-Access to the Albanian Alps by car
The most convenient way to get to the Albanian Alps is definitely by car. If you are not traveling with your own car, you can easily rent one in Tirana or other towns. Car rental is very affordable in Albania, especially in less touristy places or off-season. However, we would suggest renting a car directly at Tirana airport to avoid public transport which is not the best service in the country. So, once you get your rental car, you have to drive towards the villages of Valbona or Theth. Keep in mind that driving through the Alps is not the easiest task, since the roads are quite narrow. Therefore, you need to be an experienced driver to navigate the Albanian Alps !
2-Access to the Albanian Alps by minivan
The second option is to reach the Albanian Alps by minivan that you can take from Shkodra. In the summer, there are daily expeditions to the Alps, but only once a day. The journey takes about 2 hours and the cost is 12€ per person. The easiest way to book your tickets is to ask your hotel receptionist. You cannot book your tickets online to travel anywhere in Albania ! You must pay the driver directly upon boarding any bus or minivan. If you choose this means of transport, you will need to take a flight to Tirana where you can spend 1-3 nights. Then, we advise you to head north (Shkodra) to catch the minibus to the Albanian Alps. It is a good alternative if you do not feel comfortable driving alone in the mountains.
3-Take an orgnized 3-day trip
Taking an organized trip is the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Albanian Alps. Everything will be taken care of without worrying about your transportation, activities, accommodation, breakfast etc. We would also recommend it if you are traveling solo and want to have a group of people to hike with. The Albanian Alps offer some of the most fascinating views we have ever seen not only in Albania, but in Europe as well. They are really worth a visit. So, if you do not feel confident about visiting secluded places on your own, an organized trip would be right for you !
How to get around the Albanian Alps ?
If you go to the Alps by car, you can easily use it to get around and find hidden gems ! But, in case you choose the minibus, the only options available are to either walk anywhere or ask your guesthouse or hotel to drive you where you want to go. We would recommend opting for a mode of transport that will offer you flexibility and safety. So, for us, car rental or organized travel are the way to travel to the Albanian Alps.
Where to stay in the Albanian Alps ?
As we said earlier, the 2 main villages of the Albanian Alps are the villages of Valbona (Valbonë in Albanian) and Theth. They mostly have guesthouses, but of course there are some hotels and resorts ! Since they are old villages, you should expect cozy places and most of them offer breathtaking mountain views. If you want to have a fully experience of the Albanian Alps, you can spend half the days in the first village and the other days in the second. If you plan to visit during the peak summer season, you should book in advance for more options available at better prices. However, accommodation in the Albanian Alps is mostly affordable.
The best time to visit the Albanian Alps
The tourist season for the Albanian Alps is from May to September. During this period, the weather is ideal for hiking and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. You should expect warmer temperatures in July and August ! Plus, during these months, there will be more crowds. Unlike other famous European Alps, the Albanian Alps are still quite secluded. Thus, they are not accessible in winter due to snow.
Best places to visit in the Albanian Alps
1-Valbona Valley National Park
Words and pictures do not justice to how magical this National Park is. The clear sky, the amazing surrounding mountains and the adorable houses of the village of Valbona give you the feeling of entering a fairytale landscape. Since it is a remote village, almost in the middle of nowhere, it is the perfect places to disconnect, enjoy nature and find peace. Especially if you are an adventurer, hiking in the National Park will leave you in awe !
It is truly considered one of the best hiking experiences in Albania. Please note that your must be in good shape to do this hike. More specifically, the Valbona Pass hike is considered a moderate hike with the highest point being at 1,795 m. Even if you make it to the Alps alone, we would not recommend doing the famous Valbona to Theth hike on your own. It is a long hike of about 16 kilometers with many steep spots. You will need 6 to 8 hours on average to complete this trek.
2-Valbona River
One of the main reasons we chose to take a road trip through the Albanian Alps is the absolute freedom we gained from having a car to explore this incredible region. It gave us total freedom to find hidden gems. Just a few kilometers before Valbona village, you will find Valbona river which has greenish blue waters. The rock formations, the greenery and those amazingly clear waters make for the perfect spots for beautiful photos. Plus, it is the best feeling to climb the rocks and dip your feet in the cool waters on hot summer days. However, you have to be brave enough to swim in the icy waters. Keep in mind that the water in Valbona is famous for its purity !
3-Xhema Lake
We found out about this lake out of the blue on Instagram. But, we could not find its name or its location. Luckily our guesthouse knew about it and told us how to find it. It is located just a few kilometers from Valbona. After a few minutes, you will find yourself in front of this incredible lake called “Liqeni i Xhemës” (in Albanian). The green waters of the lake blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. You will also have the Albanian Alps as a backdrop. We visited just before sunset and it was a beautiful way to end the day. The path to get to the lake is like straight out of a movie. It is easy and quick to reach the lake.
4-Theth Village
Theth village is the most beautiful and popular village of the Albanian Alps. In this hidden gem, you will find some authentic houses and stunning mountain scenery. Since it is an old village, walking through its little alleys is like stepping back in time. It has been declared a Protected Historic Center by the Albanian Government ! So, it is an incredible place to visit not only in the Alps, but also in Albania in general. This adorable village is surrounded by stunning moutain peaks, lush greenery and beautiful flowers. If you are a mountain lover, it is the perfect place to explore while admiring the spectacular views. Since the road to Theth is normal, you can either take the bus (from Skhodra) or drive yourself.
If you want to spend some relaxing time in the village, you can take romantic walks. There is a charming church, wooden cabins and a river that create a beautiful atmosphere. Of course, you can also enjoy the Albanian specialties made from fresh products ! You will have delicious meals while feeling the fresh air of the countryside. However, you can do some more adventure activities like going to Grunasi Waterfalls (about 1 hour walk) or Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter in Albanian). It is not easy to reach it, because it takes about 5-6 hours round trip. So, the best way to get there is definitely by car or jeep. It is really worth adding to your Theth itinerary, as it is a unique natural phenomenon with aquamarine water. You can even swim, but the water is freezing.
5-Komani Lake
Visiting the hidden paradise called “Komani Lake” is the best way to end your time in the Albanian Alps. The lake itself is absolutely stunning with turquoise waters offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains ! The best way to fully experience its beauty is to take a boat ride to admire this enchanting place that makes you feel like you are in Thailand or somewhere in the tropics. You can book a day trip to Komani Lake. Alternatively, you can reach the lake from Tirana or Shkodra and then book your ferry tickets. If you are on a road trip through the Albanian Alps, it is accessible by Koman ferry dock or Fireza ferry dock. However, keep in mind that the Valbona National Park is the closest place to Komani Lake.
Final Thoughts
The Albanian Alps should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you are short on time, you can take a day trip to the Alps to get a first taste of their unique beauty. The impressive mountains and lake views will not disappoint you ! In case you want to visit all the above places and still do not want to go on organized tours, we recommend the following itinerary. You should start your journey from Theth, then head to Valbona and leave Komani Lake as the final destination of your epic journey through the Alps. Get ready for carefree days close to nature !
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