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 area. It is the place that surprised us the most on our last trip to Albania! You will have the opportunity to unwind and connect with nature. We could call the Albanian Alps a mountain paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are many hiking spots and wild landscapes. In this article, you will find the ultimate travel guide to 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. Get ready for remote places that retain their authenticity over the years. Roads are narrow and steep, so you need to be extra careful while driving. Most people go to the Albanian Alps for hiking in the mountains. So, if you love the outdoors, you will enjoy your time in the Alps. For any adventure trip, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, in case the unexpected happens. 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.
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 by car. If you are not traveling with your 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, as it 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. 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 a 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.
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. 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 recommend opting for a mode of transport that will offer you flexibility and safety. So, for us, car rental or organized travel is the way to travel to the Albanian Alps.
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! During these months, there will be more crowds. Unlike other famous European Alps, the Albanian Alps are quite secluded. Thus, they are not accessible in winter due to snow.
Where to stay in the Albanian Alps?
The villages of Valbona (“Valbonë” in Albanian) and Theth are the two main villages. They mostly have guesthouses, but there are also some hotels and resorts. Since they are old villages, you should expect cozy places. Most of them offer breathtaking mountain views. If you want to have a full experience of the Albanian Alps, you can spend half the days in the first village and the rest 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.
Best places to visit in the Albanian Alps
1-Valbona Valley National Park
Words and pictures cannot do justice to how magical this National Park is. The clear sky, the amazing mountains, and the adorable houses 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 place to disconnect and enjoy nature. Hiking in the Albanian Alps is considered one of the best travel experiences in Albania. 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 took a road trip through the Albanian Alps is to properly explore this incredible region. We had the ultimate freedom to find hidden gems. A few kilometers before Valbona, you will find the Valbona River, which has greenish-blue waters. The rock formations, greenery, and clear waters make for perfect photo opportunities. 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. The water in Valbona is famous for its purity.
3-Xhema Lake
We found out about this lake from Instagram. Xhema Lake is situated a few kilometers from Valbona. It is easy and quick to get there. Once you arrive, 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 mountains. We visited just before sunset, and it was a beautiful way to end our day.
4-Theth Village
Theth is the most beautiful and popular village in the Albanian Alps. In this hidden gem, you will find old, beautiful 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 a must-see place in the Albanian Alps. This adorable village is surrounded by stunning mountain 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 strolls. There is a charming church, wooden cabins, and a river that creates a beautiful atmosphere. You can also enjoy the Albanian specialties made from fresh products! There are some other adventure activities like going to Grunasi Waterfalls (1-hour walk) or Blue Eye (called “Syri I Kalter” in Albanian). It is not easy to reach it, since it takes about 5-6 hours round-trip. So, the best way to get there is by car or jeep. It is worth adding it to your itinerary, as it is a unique natural phenomenon with aquamarine water.
5-Komani Lake
Visiting the hidden paradise of Komani Lake is the best way to end your time in the Albanian Alps. The lake itself is 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. We also highly recommend booking 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 the Koman ferry dock or the Fireza ferry dock. Lastly, 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 beauty. The impressive mountain and lake views will not disappoint you. In case you want to visit all the above without taking organized tours, we recommend the following itinerary. Start your journey from Theth, head towards Valbona, and leave Komani Lake as the final destination of your epic journey to the Albanian Alps.
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