One of the best things about Tirana is that its nature and countryside are easily accessible.
Whether you’re looking for an intense, all-day hike or to spend a pleasant hour or two unwinding in nature with spectacular views, Tirana has trails and options for everyone.
And we’re not talking about the Grand Park – which is definitely worth a visit, but isn’t exactly what we’d consider a hike!
These are four incredible hikes to do in or around Tirana on your next visit to Albania. Buckle up for incredible views, gorgeous nature and myth-inspiring landscapes that will take your breath away on your next Albania trip:
1. Lapidari and Tirana’s Hills at Sunset
The first Tirana hike on our list is Lapidari, the Communist-era obelisk overlooking the city.
Tirana is surrounded by a network of rolling hills that provide the perfect easy hike for nature lovers looking for a quick escape from the concrete jungle. These hills are easily accessible from the heart of Tirana: a 20-25 minute walk from the Komuna e Parisit neighborhood towards the Kodra e Diellit 2 residential complex takes you to the beginning of the trail, which meanders through the hills lining the outskirts of the capital.
Walk southeast towards Lapidari to get one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Tirana from the platform of the obelisk, which is itself a testament to the country’s dark second half of the 20th century.
Lapidari is also accessible from the Grand Park of Tirana: from the southern side of the lake head to the veterinary hospital and it’s an hour to the obelisk, although most of the path follows a paved road.
This area is free for exploration and admiration, with the gorgeous landscape of the Tirana countryside unfurling before you on this casual, even walk in the hills. We recommend keeping an eye out for cherry trees, qaj mali (mountain tea plants) and sheep on your relaxed stroll through the Albanian countryside.
2. Cyclops Eye
Would you dive headfirst into the Cyclops Eye?
Located an easy one-hour hike from the village of Krrabë near Tirana lies a natural pool named after a famous Albanian legend that makes for an excellent swimming spot, place to unwind in nature or a perfect hideaway for chilling on a hammock while listening to birdsong.
Once upon a time, long ago, there was an evil, multi-headed serpentine creature called a kucedra. The kucedra would fly around the Albanian countryside and wreck havoc on its villages, terrorizing their inhabitants and making their lives impossible. One day, the villagers of Krrabë decided to hunt down this evil creature and came together to push her out of the village, all the way to the edge of the Krrabë Cliff (which you will go past on your hike to the swimming hole).
The villagers pushed the kucedra off the cliff; the fall was so immense and her impact so heavy that the kucedra sank deep into the river below. All that could be seen of her body was a single, peering eye, which looks up at the sky even today from the natural pool formed under the cliff.
Travelers who passed by the area didn’t know that it was the kucedra’s impact which had shaped the swimming hole and called it the Cyclops Eye after the legend of the single-eyed ogre.
Drive and park your car here to start the hike – this route will take you through the charming village and offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
3. Gamti Summit at Bovilla Reservoir
Bovilla Reservoir, the main source of Tirana’s drinking water, is situated 15 kilometers away from Albania’s capital. This increasingly popular destination for those seeking a fun, outdoor activity near Tirana offers pristine waters, beautiful cliffs, rugged, unexplored terrain and more!
Gamti Mountain is no joke; the trail to reach its peak can take 2-3 hours each way, so come prepared! Once at the top, the peak does not disappoint, with a stunning, sharp cliff drop providing amazing views of the lake below. The trail is dotted with medicinal herbs and will bring you plenty of close encounters with (harmless!) wild goats munching on the mountainside vegetation.
And once you’re done with your hike, you can snap another beautiful picture of the reservoir from the balcony built into the opposite side of the mountain. A set of steel stairs drilled into the side of the mountain offer a balcony from which to view the beautiful waters of Lake Bovilla. This platform is a great place to relax and enjoy a small adrenaline rush (this spot might not be for those who have vertigo!).
4. Maja e Tujanit – Hike Mount Dajti
Mount Dajti is a short bus ride away from the city center. However, most visitors prefer to take the majestic cable car up to the mountain. At walking distance from Bunk Art 1, the Dajti Ekspres lower cable car station will take you on a short, 20 minute ride to the upper cable car station. On this ride you will get some of the most beautiful views of the city, especially if you decide to take it during sunset.
The trail to the Tujani Peak is a short and refreshing hike that takes around one hour and a half from the cable car station. At the end of this hike you will be rewarded with breathtaking, 360-degree views overlooking a massive valley, the mountain of St. Mary Miçek and Bovilla Lake, all at the same time! This accessible and relaxing hike gives you the feeling of being immersed in nature.
The trail starts right behind the abandoned communist mountain resort ahead of the cable car station and continues through the quiet, pristine forest behind it. Follow the signs for the peak and enjoy views of Tirana behind you as you clamber up the last quarter of the hike to the summit.
Reaching the summit, you’ll find a peaceful escape from the city, with crisp mountain air and an incredible panorama stretching in every direction. Whether you take a moment to rest, snap a few photos, or simply soak in the view, the hike to Maja e Tujanit is a rewarding experience that perfectly captures the wild beauty just beyond Tirana’s busy streets.
That’s it for this post. Whether you’re after a heart-pumping climb or a laid-back stroll through nature, Tirana and its environs offer something for everyone. With each step, you’ll discover a new perspective on the city and its surrounding landscapes!
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