Albania may be gaining notoriety as southern Europe’s newest beach destination – but did you know it’s also home to epic cycling routes?
That’s right – cycling in Albania is no joke, as the country is 93% mountainous. The routes here are not for the faint of heart, with inclines as dramatic as the scenery, pushing your heart rate to its limits.
Cycling in Albania feels different than in other, more established destinations. Here, the roads are largely empty and haven’t yet been discovered by the masses. Dramatic elevation changes and untouched landscapes that shift from coast to mountains within a single ride make it one of Europe’s most rewarding hidden gems.
And after a full day of riding, experiencing Albania doesn’t stop on the bike – it continues at the table, where traditional food, music, and hospitality come together in experiences like Albanian Night, in Tirana.
If you’re planning on a self-guided cycling tour of Albania and want to know what the best scenic routes are, we’ve got you covered. Here are the five best routes for cycling in Albania:
1. Llogara Pass Mountain Climb
Forested Uphill Ride | Dramatic Mountain Views | Epic Downhill Adrenaline Rush
First up is the crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera: Llogara Mountain Pass, one of southern Albania’s most iconic roads. This zigzagging highway takes you through a forested climb that gradually opens up to sweeping views of the Ionian Sea below. As you gain elevation, the air cools and the scenery becomes more dramatic, with sharp turns and panoramic viewpoints at every stage. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding, making it a favorite among experienced cyclists. And once you reach the top, the descent delivers an unforgettable rush, with smooth curves and breathtaking coastal views of the iconic coastline of Dhërmi and Palasë all the way down.
2. Lake Ohrid Loop (Pogradec area)
Lakeside Cruising | Flat Scenic Terrain | Cross-Border Views
Next up is Lake Ohrid, Europe’s oldest lake – home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Albanian village of Lin and the North Macedonian monastery of Saint Naum and old town of Ohrid. This route is perfect for cyclists looking for a more relaxed ride, as it is largely flat along the Albanian side, making it ideal for all levels. With just a passport, you can easily cross into North Macedonia, where a short climb marks the transition before returning to flat, scenic lakeside roads. The full loop can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on your pace, with the option to stay overnight in Ohrid or return to Albania the same day.
3. Shkodër Lake Loop
Relaxed Circular Route | Quiet Village Roads | Lakeside Landscapes
The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Shkodër is the perfect spot to spend the day biking if you like bird-watching and peaceful, nature-filled landscapes. This relaxed circular route takes you through quiet village roads, wetlands, and open lakeside stretches where you’ll often have the road entirely to yourself. The terrain is mostly flat, making it ideal for a leisurely ride or recovery day. You can also cross into Montenegro by heading north from Shkodër toward the Hani i Hotit or Muriqan border crossings! From there, the route continues toward lakeside towns like Virpazar, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
4. The Albanian Alps
Remote Mountain Terrain | Rugged Climbs | Untouched Natural Beauty
If you’re looking for the most raw and challenging cycling in Albania, the Albanian Alps deliver. Routes around Shkodër, Boga, Theth, and Valbona take you deep into some of the most dramatic terrain in the Balkans, such as the Accursed Mountains, where paved roads quickly give way to rough asphalt and gravel. You’ll definitely need a mountain bike for these routes! The climb from Koplik toward Boga, for example, is long, uneven, and relentless, with gradients that spike without warning and few places to recover. We recommend doing this route with an experienced guide and an accompanying van to help you replenish supplies.
5. Leskovik to Barmash Pass (Qafa e Barmashit)
High-Altitude Riding | Long Steady Climbs | Wide Open Landscapes
Our favorite biking route in Albania, the Leskovik to Barmash Pass is a new and quiet route that hugs the mountains of southern Albania. Starting near the Greek border, this ride takes you through some of the most untouched landscapes in the country, with long, steady climbs leading up to high-altitude plateaus. The roads are smooth, traffic is minimal, and the views stretch endlessly across rolling hills and alpine terrain. Unlike the dramatic coastal routes, this ride offers a peaceful, almost meditative experience. It’s best suited for experienced cyclists, but the reward is one of the most scenic and undiscovered rides in Albania.
That’s it for the top routes for cycling in Albania. If you spend a night in Tirana and want to see more than just rugged mountains and dramatic landscapes, don’t forget about this beautiful country’s intangible cultural heritage, which you can experience at the Albanian Nigh show.
