Spring Hiking Destinations in Albania

Spring is a wonderful time to explore Albania’s natural beauty. As the weather warms up, the country’s landscapes come alive, and it makes the perfect conditions for hiking and other outdoor activities.

In this blog, we’ll share some spring hiking destinations in Albania if you’re planning on visiting the country soon.

Theth to Valbona Trail

Distance: Around 17 km (10.5 miles)

Duration: 6 to 8 hours (depending on your pace)

Elevation Gain: About 1,000 meters

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (some steep sections)

Best Time to Go: Late May to September (outside this window, snow can make the trail difficult or impassable)

If you’ve already done some research on Albania, you probably know that one of the most famous activities you can do here is the Theth to Valbona hike.

Located in the Albanian Alps, this trail connects Theth and Valbona, two beautiful villages located in the Albanian Alps (also known as the Accursed Mountains). Theth is known for its traditional stone houses, the Lock-In Tower, and Theth National Park, while Valbona is a mountain village surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Valbona National Park.

Getting There

Most travellers take a minibus from Shkodër to Theth (about 3-4 hours). After completing the hike, you can take a ferry across Komani Lake on your way back to Shkodër or Tirana.

Accommodation

Both Theth and Valbona have guesthouses, many of which offer home-cooked meals and a warm, local atmosphere.

Guides

I highly recommend hiring a local guide to avoid unexpected challenges and maximise your hiking experience.

Gamti Mountain and Bovilla Lake

Distance: 3.5 km (2.15 miles)

Duration: 1-2 hours (depending on pace and stops)

Elevation Gain: 220 meters (722 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections require climbing at the end)

Best Time to Go: Spring to early autumn (March–October), as summer can be very hot with little shade.

Just a short drive from Tirana, the hike up Gamti Mountain gives you the chance to experience the beautiful views of Bovilla Lake. The trail is moderately difficult and takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip. Springtime provides clear skies and comfortable temperatures for this hike.

Getting There

The hike is located about 15 km from Tirana. A car or taxi is recommended since public transportation does not reach Bovilla Lake.

Llogara (Maja e Thanasit)

Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 miles) round trip

Elevation Gain: 347.8 meters (1,141 feet)

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Type: Out-and-back

Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours

The Maja Thanasit hike in Llogara National Park is a great choice for those who enjoy exploring nature. The trail takes you through forests and open areas, leading to a stunning viewpoint at the top.

The hike is well-marked and not too difficult, though it does have some uphill sections. As you walk, you’ll pass through shady pine forests and open stretches with clear views of the sea and mountains. The final part of the trail leads to a peak where you can stop to rest and take in the scenery before heading back down.

If you’re planning to visit more places in the south of Albania, check out our itinerary for the best spots to explore!

Maja e Jezercës

• Height: 2,694 meters (8,839 feet) (highest peak in the Accursed Mountains and the Dinaric Alps)
• Distance: 16 km (10 miles) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
• Duration: 10 to 12 hours (can be done as a long day hike or split over two days)
• Difficulty: Challenging (steep, rocky terrain with some scrambling required)
• Best Time to Go: Late June to early September (before or after this, snow can make the hike more dangerous)

What to Expect

Maja e Jezercë is the highest peak in Albania and the Dinaric Alps, making it a bucket-list hike for experienced adventurers. The trail is steep and demanding, but the views along the way are worth the effort.

You’ll pass through forests, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows before reaching the summit, where you’ll get a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks.

Hiking Routes

1. From Valbona

• Starting Point: Valbona Valley
• Time Required: 10 to 12 hours round trip
• Trail Details: The trail is steep and includes rocky sections where you may need to use your hands for balance. A helmet is recommended due to possible rockfall.
• Difficulty: Very challenging (good fitness level required)

2. From Theth

• Starting Point: Theth Village
• Route: Hike to Qafa e Valbonës, then continue through Lugu i Valit at 1,450m (4,757 ft)
• Time Required: 16 hours total (typically done in two days)
• Trail Details: The first part of the hike takes about 4 hours and offers camping opportunities. The second stretch to the summit is steep and takes another 4 hours.

Mali i Thatë

• Starting Point: Village of Alarup, accessible via a 30-minute drive from Pogradec.
• Distance: Approximately 13.6 kilometres (8.5 miles) round trip.
• Elevation Gain: Around 1,238 meters (4,062 feet).
• Duration: About 7.5 hours total; 4.5 hours ascending and 3 hours descending.
• Difficulty: Challenging; the trail includes steep, rocky terrains and open meadows.

Mali i Thatë, or “Dry Mountain,” is a prominent mountain range in southeastern Albania. It forms a natural divide between Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid. The highest peak, Pllaja e Pusit, stands at 2,288 meters (7,507 feet) and offers hikers breathtaking views of both lakes and the landscapes nearby.

The hike begins in Alarup and ascends through oak and hornbeam shrubs. After approximately 2 kilometres, hikers reach the Cerveni Well at 1,500 meters.

Continuing upward, the trail passes the notable “tree of life” at 2,000 meters, a solitary tree serving as a landmark. The summit, Pllaja e Pusit, provides panoramic views of Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa, and the surrounding regions.

Mali me Gropa

• Starting Point: Near the village of Shëngjergj at about 900 meters (2,953 feet) above sea level.
• Distance: Approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) round trip.
• Elevation Gain: Around 900 meters (2,953 feet).
• Duration: Roughly 5 hours total; 2.5 to 3 hours ascending and 2 hours descending.
• Difficulty: Moderate; the trail includes both soft and rocky terrains.

Translated as “Mountain with Holes,” this area is known for its unique karst formations. Located near Tirana, the hike is relatively easy and offers scenic views of rolling hills and valleys. Spring is ideal for witnessing the area’s greenery.

The hike begins with a gradual uphill trek from Shëngjergj, leading to an old shepherd’s hut after the initial 700 meters (2,297 feet) of elevation gain. Hikers can choose to rest here or continue an additional 200 meters (656 feet) to reach the peak.

7. Dajti Mountain

• Distance: Approximately 5.3 kilometres (3.3 miles) round trip.
• Elevation Gain: Around 425 meters (1,394 feet).
• Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours to complete.
• Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for hikers with a basic fitness level.

Dajti Mountain, located just east of Tirana, is a great destination to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Standing at 1,613 meters (5,292 feet), it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Getting There

The most popular way to access Dajti Mountain is via the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car. This ride takes you from the outskirts of Tirana up to the mountain in about 15 minutes. Once at the top, a variety of activities and trails await.

One of the most recommended hikes is to Maja e Tujanit, the highest accessible peak on foot.

• Starting Point: After exiting the cable car, walk past the field with horses until you reach an old, abandoned hotel. The trailhead is located directly behind this building.
• Trail Details: The path is well-marked with white and red trail markers and winds through dense forests, providing shade and a serene environment. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Tirana, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding mountains.

Tips to Consider

• Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in mountainous areas.
• Consider hiring local guides, especially for less-marked trails. They can enhance your experience with their knowledge of the area.
• In rural areas, guesthouses are common and offer a chance to experience Albanian hospitality. It’s advisable to book in advance during peak seasons.

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