Are you an outdoor person? If yes, then Albania has adventures waiting for you. And do you know the amazing part? It’s still peaceful there, not as busy as nearby countries. But it has a lot of big mountains, clear rivers, and secret paths you can explore. If you love hiking or nature and want beautiful, challenging places without lots of people, Albania is perfect for you. In this guide, I’ll guide you to the best nature and hiking spots that are away from usual tourist stops.
Top Nature and Hiking Destinations in Albania
Theth National Park
If you love hiking, you will love Theth National Park in the Albanian Alps. The best part is the Theth to Valbona trail. You’ll walk about 17 kilometres, and it’ll take 6 to 8 hours. This trail joins two small villages that are hidden in the mountains. It goes up to the Valbona Pass, which is around 1,800 meters high. The park has cool natural stuff to see. You can walk to the Grunas Waterfall in about 45 minutes from Theth. There’s also the awesome Blue Eye of Theth, which is a natural blue pool. This place is simple and natural.
This place is simple and natural; there are no big ski resorts or huge buildings, just small places to stay and dirt roads. If you are planning to visit and looking for a flight to Albania from the UK, you can come between May and October, depending on the snow.
Valbona Valley National Park
If you want to know what is on the other side of the Theth trail, it’s Valbona. It’s a huge valley that has tall mountains and green fields. You can find all kinds of walking paths here. Some are easy and short, while others are long hikes that can even take you to Kosovo and Montenegro on the “Peaks of the Balkans” path. If you love to explore culture, Valbona is calling your name. You’ll see old stone houses, eat local meals (like trout and beans), and sleep in nice mountain places to stay. When it’s summer, it’s warm, and the temperature is about 20–28°C, which makes it perfect for hiking.
Llogara Pass and National Park
Now, just imagine that you are standing high up on the mountain pass, so high that you’re about 1,043 meters above the bright blue Ionian Sea. When you look down, you see that there’s a beautiful, huge sea right below you. The air feels fresh and cool even on a warm day. You see, all around you are tall green pine trees, making the air smell wonderful. Are you feeling like you are on top of the world? You can literally experience the same in a place called Llogara Pass. In Albania, there’s a place by the sea where big mountains are right next to the sea. It’s a truly amazing view.
If you enjoy more challenging hikes, you can climb Mount Çika. It’s the tallest mountain around, at 2,044 meters (about 6,706 feet) high. You can visit any time of year, but because it’s so high, it can sometimes be cloudy and windy.
Mount Dajti National Park
If you’re in Tirana and want to experience nature, Mount Dajti National Park is an awesome choice. It is really close, only about 25 kilometres away. It’s super close, only about 25 kilometres away! You can even take a cable car, the Dajti Ekspres, right up to the top of the mountain. Once you are at the top, there’s lots to do! You can eat at restaurants, walk on easy paths, and explore the woods by walking or even riding a mountain bike. If you are a nature lover and want great views, climb this 1,613-meter mountain. You can walk on its easy paths to see amazing views of Tirana and the countryside. It’s a favourite place for people to visit on weekends, and you can go any time of year.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
If you want to explore the mystery, it is just 22 kilometres from Arandë that lies The Blue Eye. It’s a natural spring. You’ll see a very deep, bright blue part in the middle. And you what? Divers have gone more than 50 meters deep, but the true depth is still secret. No matter the time of the year, the water is always about 10°C and cool.
You won’t find major hikes here, but you can enjoy simple walks in the woods. It is amazing to swim in the cold water when it’s hot. You can easily visit this place along with Gjirokastër or Butrint National Park.
Final Words
What if you could find amazing nature, interesting culture, and great prices all in one holiday? This is exactly what you’ll get in Albania. It is perfect for hiking and nature lovers! It has beautiful, quiet places and cool cultural experiences, and it’s cheap to visit. You can hike in the big Albanian Alps mountains or take a relaxed walk in the forests by the sea. You’ll find awesome things to see and do, and there aren’t many tourists like in other famous spots. It is easier to reach there than ever because Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines all offer convenient flights to Albania, so your next adventure is just a flight away. If you’re planning a hiking trip to the Balkans, make sure Albania is on your list.
