Albania remains one of Europe's last hidden gems for hiking, offering a secluded and authentic experience for walkers, with some of the best walking trails in the world. As more travellers explore its unique charm, Albania is gradually becoming a sought-after destination. The country also represents some of our most popular walking holidays! Discover the true essence of this beautiful country on foot - the best way to explore its untamed beauty. This European destination boasts a wealth of national parks and magnificent scenery, with highlights being the ragged Accursed mountains, the spectacular Llogora National Park and plenty of breathtaking coastal walks.
Guided-group holidays
On our guided-group walking holidays, you can gain an insight into the country from the local guide, and benefit from their expert assistance with navigating! They're also a great chance to meet fellow travellers as they provide a sociable way to explore the world on foot and are popular with solo travellers.
The Accursed Mountains
This walking holiday is truly a special European hiking adventure. The spectacular accursed mountains are untouched and exceptionally striking. Inspired by Robert Carver’s book ‘The Accursed Mountains’, discover the remote Theth National Park and Valbona Pass, take a boat ride across Lake Koman, cross the Shala River and meet friendly local communities on this 8-day journey across Albania that also skirts along the Montenegro border. Take on challenging mountain terrain and enjoy rich cultural experiences.
Highlights: Thethi National Park; trekking the Diagonal and Thore passes.
Ideal for: Hikers who want a blend of physical challenge and local culture.
Walking grade: Demanding
Balkan Peaks Border Trek
Discover the stunning Balkans whilst walking some of the best trails on the official Peaks of the Balkans route, exploring Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Hike across rugged peaks, high passes, dramatic borders, and vibrant villages on this 12-day walking holiday (our longest in our Albania portfolio). We explore the Grunas Canyon, Lake Shkodra, Valbona National Park and hidden gems near the trail. With breathtaking scenery and rich culture, this adventure offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Highlights: Ridge of Berizhdol and Perja Pass
Ideal for: Seasoned trekkers looking for a challenging, extensive and immersive experience across multiple countries.
Walking grade: Demanding
In the Footsteps of Byron: Walking in Southern Albania
Follow in the steps of history on this 8-day tour across a variety of trails, from beautiful mountains to breathtaking coastal paths as you retrace the steps of Lord Byron. Beginning in the beautiful Llogora National Park, embark on a trek to mount Cika through pine forests and walk the steep elevation to Qore. Explore Greek, Roman and Ottoman ruins and immerse yourself in the history of Albania, on this exciting walking holiday with a mix of historical sites, coastal walks, and mountain treks.
Highlights: Greek, Roman and Ottomon ruins, and climbing Mount Cika.
Ideal for: Those interested in literature, history, and nature.
Walking grade: Moderate-Demanding
Self-guided holidays
If you prefer solitude and self-exploration, our self-guided walking holidays are perfect for parties of two hikers or more! Navigating the hiking trails via route notes and GPS files, they're ideal for the adventurers wanting a little more independence and flexibility.
Albania’s Ionian Coast
As all of our walking holidays to Albania, the trip begins after arriving at Tirana airport before you head south. This coastal walk takes you through the beautiful Albanian Riviera, overlooking the exquisite looking beaches, mountainous paths, rural villages, and exploring the Llogara National Park and Ionian Coast (also known as the Albania Riviera). During the trip, you stay in a range of accommodation, which are typically family-run guesthouses or hotels, and enjoy plenty of free time after hikes which can be spent exploring, swimming or relaxing on the beach. If you want a 2-week holiday in Albania and to experience the mountains and valleys of the interior, consider combining this itinerary with our Hiking Albania's Zagoria Valley tour.
Highlights: The views from Dhjopuri saddle peak and hiking to Borsh Beach.
Ideal for: Those who want a combination of coastal and mountain scenery, with opportunities to relax on the beach after a day's hike.
Walking grade: Moderate
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
This trek is the same route as our Accursed Mountains trip, but allows you to discover the isolated part of Northern Albania self-guided, which is a real adventure. Enjoy spectacular views of dramatic peaks, rolling valleys and pristine lakes at your own pace. Highlights include a boat trip across Komani Lake to Valbona Valley National Park, a Theth hike. This hiking adventure is a little outside the Balkans and holds a sense of mystery and excitement - it’s certainly not one to miss!
Highlights: Hiking the Valbona Pass, boat trip across Komani Lake, and hiking to the Blue Eye.
Ideal for: Experienced hikers seeking adventure and solitude and discovering remote areas and high peaks of Albania.
Walking grade: Demanding
Hiking Albania's Zagoria Valley
Discover the Zagoria Valley, where history and nature intertwine as you make your own way through the beautiful trails and venture off the beaten track. Hike through charming traditional villages, witness Ottoman architecture, traverse picturesque mountain passes, and take a break in natural springs. Meet local families and shepherds, who give you a warm welcome at the end of a day on foot, and get a glimpse into their everyday life with four nights spent in homestays. This walking adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience local traditions, and visit the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastra with its charming traditional houses and cobbled streets.
Highlights: Experience rural life, hike in the footsteps of Bill Tilman and explore Gjirokastra.
Ideal for: Hikers who want an insight into rural Albanian life and to go off the beaten path.
Walking grade: Moderate
Is a holiday in Albania expensive?
Albania is a budget-friendly destination, with accommodation and food available at a reasonable price, of course depending on where you are staying. Our walking holidays in Albania offer excellent trekking opportunities with comfortable accommodation at a good value, ensuring you get the most out of your walking holiday.
What to pack for hiking in Albania?
Depending on the time of year you go, packing will vary. We recommend hiking in the summer months from June to September, where temperatures sit at a comfortable 20-30ºC. With this in mind, bring thin clothing which you can layer for the cooler evenings, sun protection, and a waterproof jacket (just in case!). Hiking boots are a must for this terrain, or trainers with good grip. Walking poles are inexpensive and can be hired from hotels and walking shops.
When to hike the Albanian Alps?
Hiking the Albanian Alps is best during the summer months, when the snow has melted in April and the temperature is mild. Whilst the scenery of the mountains is already picturesque, summer brings with it blue skies and beautiful wildflower meadows, adding a certain charm to the already idyllic mountains.
Find out more about all our Albania walking holidays, or to book, contact our expert team.
