Summer is around the corner, and with it comes the promise of glistening Mediterranean beaches, delicious seafood and incredible mountain vistas.

That is, if you’re coming to Albania.

Long closed off to the outside world, this pearl of the Balkans is now a sizzling summer vacation destination, with millions streaming to its pristine beaches and gorgeous alpine mountain passes to enjoy an affordable and beautiful summer vacation away from home.

We put together this summer 2025 Albania travel guide for the summer to help you put together your itinerary for the Balkans.

The biggest question to ask yourself when planning a trip to Albania is: north, or south? Albania is a small country, but going from Theth all the way to Saranda can take 6 to 7 hours, usually longer than people want to spend driving.

We’ve created an itinerary that gives you options to start in Tirana and go to the north of the country or head to its most famous beaches in the south. 

Ready? Here’s what to do in Albania this summer on a 5-7 day itinerary. You can easily update this itinerary and spend extra time in each destination as you see fit so that it covers more than just five days.

 

Tirana Itinerary

How to Get from Tirana International Airport to Tirana

If you’re coming to Albania, chances are you’re landing in Tirana airport. Taxis from the airport cost (as of May 2025) 20 euros if you get them from the stand, or around 11 or 12 euros if you order them ahead of time with a local taxi company. We recommend taking Luna Bus, which departs every hour from the airport for Skanderbeg Square – it costs a little more than four euros, is quick and takes you right to the center of Tirana.

Day 1: Tirana, Albania’s Cultural and Culinary Capital

Tirana is fast-becoming known as a top European capital for culture, history and excellent eateries, with Tirana restaurants competing with Western European and American restaurants while still offering affordable prices.

 

What to do in Tirana

Not sure what to do in Tirana? The touristic center of the city is small and can be navigated by foot, so don’t bother renting a car. You can spend the day exploring Skanderbeg Square, the central meeting point for all Albanians where the statue of Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeju, the Albanian national hero, keeps watch. The square features marble from all the different corners of Albania, symbolizing the ultimate melting pot and meeting point for Albanians of all backgrounds.

Skanderbeg Square’s main attractions are Et’hem Bej Mosque, an Ottoman-era mosque with intricate calligraphy and porticos that will leave you breathless (entry is free), Bunk’Art 2, a communist-era nuclear bunker turned museum documenting life under the brutal regime of Enver Hoxha, and House of Leaves, which documents the brutal tactics of the Sigurimi secret police who kept tabs on Albanians during the 45 years of communist rule.

The first Tirana restaurant we recommend hitting, if you’re still in the square, is Cafe Botanica, which is a great spot for healthy brunch options. The service is great, the food fresh and you can sit outside to people-watch passerby in the square. Prices here are a bit higher since you’re in the touristic center of the city, but the quality is superb.

The National Historical Museum is unfortunately closed (as of May 2025) for a few years due to renovations. You’ll want to get your steps in at the Grand Park of Tirana, a 100% artificial park built during the communist era by mandated “voluntary” laborers. The artificial lake is a great spot to disconnect after all the history and culture you’ll have soaked up in the center. 

As evening draws near, head to Albanian Night, Albania’s version of Broadway that’s more than a show – in the nightly music and dance show, participants get to wear traditional Albanian clothes as they partake in a recreated traditional Albanian wedding. Performers and actors explain key aspects of Albanian culture to guests in an interactive and enjoyable fashion that immerses visitors deep in the heart of Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. 

And if you’re looking for where to eat in Tirana after such a long day so you can eat traditional Albanian food, make sure to book the dinner and show option – the Albanian Night dinner is a mouthwatering 7-course meal that samples Albanian food from all the different corners of the country, plus a dish from Kosovo!

Albanian Night is also the perfect place in Tirana to buy souvenirs: its Albanian Bazaar is home to thousands of handcrafted gifts made by local artisans. The biggest souvenir shop in Tirana, Albania and the Balkans, the Albanian Bazaar is home to gorgeous and unique jewelry, textiles, furnishings and art.

If you want a more in-depth explainer of what to do in Tirana, check out our first blog we ever published about the 15 best things to do in Tirana.

 

Where to Eat in Tirana

We’ve already written extensively about the best restaurants in Tirana, as well as the best places to eat traditional food in the capital of Albania.

Here are a few more of the best Tirana restaurants for you to try traditional Albanian food on your trip:

• Era: this upscale restaurant offers higher-end versions of traditional Albanian foods like qofte (meatballs), perime zgare (roasted vegetables) and fasule (bean stew). The dishes sound simple but pack a lot of flavor, and Era has two beautiful locations – one in Bloku, the other closer to the Air Albania stadium. The quality and service here are top–notch, and you’ll definitely want to come back for seconds!
• Bujtina e Gjelit: this traditional restaurant is in a hotel in the Don Bosco neighobrhood and is well known among locals as a top stop for traditional Albanian food. You can see chefs slow-cooking meats here and enjoy delicious local wines in an upscale yet traditional setting. This restaurant is a bit far from the center but worth the trek!
• Tek Zgara Tirones: this is an Albanian meat restaurant that serves up massive portions at affordable prices; it’s so successful, they’ve opened a second location. If you want to try different cuts of local meats with a glass of cold Albanian beer, this is your spot.

Where to Stay in Tirana

With so many things to see in Tirana, you’ll be exhausted at the end of the day. If you’re wondering where to stay in Tirana, we’ve got you covered – the best hotels in Tirana are located right next to Skanderbeg Square. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, try Marriot, Plaza or the Rogner, the first luxury hotel in post-communist Albania which quickly became a hub for diplomats, business travelers and international events. 

If you’re looking for a more affordable stay, you can still find reasonably-priced accommodations near Skanderbeg Square on AirBnB or Booking. If you’re a party animal and are willing to put up with some late-night noise, Blloku also has plenty of stays that will keep you right next to all the top bars and clubs. 

Tirana’s main touristic zone is tiny – staying in Komuna e Parisit, near the Grand Park or in Pazari i Ri will allow you to still walk around the city center and access everything easily enough.

Day 2: Tirana’s Countryside

The next day, we recommend going to Mount Dajti by gondola. The Dajti Ekspres cable car station is accessible by bus from the center of Tirana and offers incredible panoramic views of Tirana and the countryside. This four-thousand-three-hundred meter long journey is the longest cable car route in the Balkans and takes approximately twenty minutes each way. 

Once at the top of the mountain, you can breathe in the sweet mountain air and discover the Albanian wilderness. A well-marked trail to Maja e Tuajanit, a popular peak that involves an elevation gain of approximately 470 meters, will take about two and a half hours to complete roundtrip, including a serene walk through a forest and (even more) panoramic views of Tirana. At the top of the mountain, you’ll be able to see Bovilla Lake as well as a network of central Albanian mountain peaks which make the trek up this mountain well worth it.

On your way back, we recommend eating at Dajti Balcony – the traditional Albanian food here is fresh, locally-sourced and delicious! If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat near the window, you’ll be able to see the valley below on a clear day. Prices here are affordable, and the service is generally quick.

An alternative day trip from Tirana is to go to Bovilla Lake. The road to this massive reservoir is challenging, so we recommend renting your own four by four or to go with a local guide. This lake is an incredible electric blue hue and offers some of the best picture-taking spots around Tirana. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up to Gamti Peak for the best views of the reservoir and the opposite peak. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, bring some snacks and picnic next to the Bovilla Balcony, where you can also snap pictures of yourself floating in the sky against the beautiful waters of the reservoir below. The drive to the reservoir takes about an hour and entry to the balcony, which involves an easy 10-minute hike, costs 100 ALL. 

And the best part? Bovilla Restaurant offers delicious traditional food, with a special focus on delicious, tender meats that will leave your mouth watering. Snag an outdoor table and enjoy great views of the water while you dig into sallatë fshati (village salad) and other local specialties.

That’s it for Tirana! Now we’ll give you the best Albania itineraries for northern and southern Albania.

 

Southern Albania Itinerary

The south is home to the best beaches in Albania, most famously Ksamil, which has become the most well-known village in the entire country due to its jaw-droppingly beautiful waters and picturesque islands. 

But there’s more to Albania’s southern and central regions than just beaches. We highly recommend stopping in Berat for a night on your way to the south to admire some incredible Ottoman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage town that’ll take your breath away.

Day 3: Berat

You can either sleep in Berat or make a pit stop in what’s been described as an open-air museum frozen in time. This tiny, picturesque city is a perfect place to stop at on the way to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

What to do in Berat

This mystical town is packed with history, culture and beautiful sights you don’t want to miss – and the best thing is that you can stay in an Ottoman-style house on AirBnB or Booking in the old town, truly immersing you in the feeling of walking back in time!

The Castle of Berat is undoubtedly the best thing to do in Berat and the most important historical fixture of the town. The panoramic views over the Osumi River and the Managalem and Gorica neighborhoods is the perfect spot to relax and imagine the movement of empires that have laid their claim to this strategically-located Albanian town in the center of the country.

People still live in this castle, and you’ll love walking through its meandering alleyways and checking out traditional rugs for sale in the cobble-stone lined streets. The Onfuri Iconography Museum is the perfect stop if you’re interested in discovering the Orthodox influence on the town’s development. You can also see the well-preserved Red Mosque remains, which used to serve as a house of worship for Ottoman garrisons in the empire’s heyday.

After you’ve snapped your pictures from the Castle Tower Viewpoint, you can walk down from the castle (or drive) to the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods. On your way down, you can make a pit stop at the Solomon Jewish History Museum, maintained by a lovely older woman whose husband, Professor Simon Vrusho, studied how Albanians saved over 2,000 Jews during World War II. This site pays homage to the incredible legacy of the Albanian people, showcasing documents, photos, and items from the Jewish community which was saved by Albanians in Berat who hid them from Nazis.

Down in the Mangalem Quarter, you’ll find Xhamia e Sulltanit – The Sultan’s Mosque. This massive cultural monument features intricate designs inside its central dome, and stands as a testament to the Ottoman influence on the city’s development.

The alleyways and roads of this quarter will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time – this part of town’s name comes from the Turkish word mangal, which means fire pit. Ironsmiths and smelters lived in this part of the town, making their living fashioning everyday goods working with furnaces.

Cross the iconic Gorica Bridge – this is the best spot to take pictures of “The City of a Thousand Windows,” as Berat has become known – to experience a different vibe. The Gorica neighborhood – the name means “hill” in ancient Slavic languages – is a quieter and more laidback version of the rest of the city. Here, you can see charming villas and the ruins of 16th century churches, as this was known as the Christian quarter of town. 

Check out our full Berat blog post for a more detailed explanation of all the city’s major attractions.

 

Where to Eat in Berat

The best place to eat in Berat is undoubtedly at Klea Restaurant in Berat Castle. The cheese served in this down-to-earth, welcoming establishment is mouthwatering, as are the eggplant dishes, qofte (meatballs) and stuffed grape leaves (dollma or japrak). The prices are reasonable despite its central location, and the staff are welcoming. You’ll get a real taste of traditional Albanian cuisine here and leave quite satisfied!

Another great Berat restaurant makes its home in the Gorica quarter – Antigoni, right off of the bridge, is a picturesque and charming place to eat roasted vegetables, stuffed eggplant and biftek (steak) as you look out over the Osumi River on its balcony. Ask the waiter for local raki, Albanian spirits, or wine – the region of Berat is known as the Tuscany of Albania for its fertile grape-cultivating conditions and dozens of family-run vineyards.

 

Days 4 & 5: Saranda

After you’re done soaking up Albanian history and culture in Berat, you’ll want to head south to the Albanian Riviera. 

The Albanian south is home to unique, incredible beaches that’ll seriously make you consider staying in this country once you’ve visited. There are plenty of things to do in Saranda, and it’s a great place to base yourself as you explore the Albanian Riviera.

 

Where to Stay in Saranda

Saranda has seen an explosion in development the past couple of years, so there are plenty of hotels in Saranda to choose from. The best Saranda hotel if you’re looking for an upscale, all-included experience is probably the Santa Quaranta “Premium Resort,” which boasts a pool, breakfast, sea views and beautifully-furnished rooms. We recommend staying close to the beach – you’re coming for the water, after all.

But if you’re looking for more affordable hotels in Saranda, you can easily find something farther away from the coastline and enjoy even better views of the city.

 

Best Beaches in Saranda

The best Albanian beaches can be found in and around Saranda – you won’t be disappointed by these incredible coves and pebbly paradises along the Ionian coast.

The top beaches Saranda has to offer are a bit out of the city – we recommend taking a boat tour, bookable on the Saranda boardwalk, to reach the most remote beaches. Some of these boats will take you to hidden coves where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and soak up the sun on secluded shores. It’s the perfect way to experience the untouched beauty of Albania’s Ionian coast and make unforgettable memories.

We’ve already touched on the best beaches in all of Albania in a previous post you can also check out.

Here are four beautiful secluded Albanian beaches these boat tours will take you to –

• Krorez Bay: A stunning, secluded beach surrounded by forested cliffs, only reachable by boat or a challenging hike from Saranda, known for its pristine waters and untouched beauty.
• Kakome Bay: A dreamy, curved bay with crystal-clear waters, often compared to beaches in Thailand, offering a serene spot for swimming and relaxation.
• Grama Bay: A bit farther away but well worth the joruney, this  bay is the alleged former landing site of Ceasar and other notable historical figures whose stamps are on the marble walls today. Grama Bay is a gorgeous pebbly beach that offers fantastic panoramic viewpoints.
• Tongo Beach: A lesser-known, secluded beach from which you an see the Greek border, this island offers secluded caves and shores.

 

For those looking for a more comfortable experience and to stay in the city, Mango Beach and Santa Quaranta Beach are top choices. Mango Beach, a popular spot with crystal-clear waters and larger pebbles, offers comfortable sun loungers, umbrellas, a bar and a restaurant, but requires renting two sunbeds and an umbrella for around 1500-2000 lek (15-20 euros) per day, making it slightly expensive. Santa Quaranta Beach, known for its lively vibe, provides similar amenities including restrooms, sunbeds and dining options, with costs comparable to Mango Beach.

Another popular yet less expensive beach option outside Saranda is Pulebardha Beach, located between Saranda and Ksamil. The road to get here is rough, but the water is beautiful with gorgeous rock formations offering beautiful contrast against the azure blue sea. A restaurant right on the beach offers delicious seafood, and beach loungers with an umbrella cost 1500 ALL for the day.

 

What to do in Saranda

The best things to do in Saranda aren’t just lying on the beach, though you’ll definitely want to do plenty of that! 

If you’re trying to figure out what to see in Saranda besides beaches, there are plenty of options: the city’s boardwalk is the perfect place to go for a pleasant stroll along the water. There are plenty of restaurants, ice cream stalls and bars here that make it a lively destination on summer nights, and the boulevard is lined with plenty of historical status and monuments that give you a glimpse into the city’s history.

The Saranda Archaeological Museum and Saranda Museum of Traditions also provide quick and interesting under-the-curtain peeks into local culture. These museums cost just two euros for entry (for both) and will showcase ancient archaeological finds that explain the city’s Byzantine, Roman and Venetian history. Traditional costumes are on display at the Museum of Traditions, as well as explanations about the emergence of the modern Albanian nationalist movement that created the modern-day Albania we know and see today.

And don’t miss out on the nearby Saranda Synagogue Complex, right across from the bus stop to get to Butrint. These ruins form what remain from a fifth-century synagogue with intricate frescos that depicted traditional Jewish symbols; the structure was eventually converted to a Basilica, again showing just how diverse the country’s influences and different civilizations were

You probably didn’t know it, but Saranda also has an incredible sunset-spot: Lekursi Castle! This magnificent citadel was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman, and is today an upscale restaurant and bar where you can sip a cold glass of white wine while watching the sun set over the bay of Saranda. We recommend coming here half an hour before sunset to catch a good spot, and to bring your best outfits for snazzy pictures.

 

Day Trips from Saranda

You can also easily do day trips from Saranda to nearby Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage town well-worth the hour-long drive or bus ride. The incredible Castle of Gjirokastër offers breathtaking views over the Drino Valley and boasts the best museum in Albania where you’ll learn all about this country’s fascinating history. After exploring the castle, wander through the charming Gjirokastër Bazaar, where you can shop for handmade Albanian souvenirs and sip rakia amidst the lively atmosphere of this historic merchant hub. For a glimpse into Ottoman-era life, visit the Zekate House, a beautifully preserved tower house offering stunning valley views and a peek into the opulent lifestyle of the city’s former elite.

(Check out our full guide on what to do in Gjirokastër here.)

Ksamil and Butrint National Archaeological Park are also nearby, with buses leaving from the center of Saranda regularly in the summer to take visitors to the archaeological site and popular village. You don’t want to miss Albania’s best-preserved archaeological park: Butrint has an ancient amphitheater and pagan temples that tell the story of multiple civilizations that laid their claim to this corner of the Balkans. You can easily spend 2-3 hours walking around the ruins and learning about the Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Venetian and other eras of southern Albania before heading to Ksamil’s pristine beaches for a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.

Ksamil is beautiful, with an island you can easily swim or pedal boat to. The waters here are clear and the colors absolutely breathtaking. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend planning a lazy beach day here, however, since it gets very crowded and prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years (unless you are planning to visit off-season, when prices and the number of visitors are considerably lower).

 

Where to Eat in Saranda

Saranda restaurants are known for serving top-notch seafood, and offer plenty of options for those seeking Italian, Greek or traditional Albanian fare!

These are some of the best Saranda restaurants we recommend:

• Limani Bar & Restaurant – this seafood restaurant is right along the water and Saranda boardwalk. The cocktails here are top-notoch, as are the seafood salads, fresh shrimp and even pizza. This long-established restaurant has been serving customers since 1998 – and it shows! The service is quick and the food is delicious.
• Haxhi – this vaunted seafood joint is the perfect place to enjoy seafood pasta and octopus in Saranda! The decor is eclectic and fun at this family-friendly restaurant, and the service is top-notch. 
• Maria Magdalena Pizzeria – everyone loves a good pizza, and this restaurant offers just that, at affordable prices and friendly and attentive staff in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Authentic wood-fired pizzas and local specialties like seafood pasta make this restaurant a standout eatery for both tourists and locals.

That’s it for the south of Albania, with its gorgeous beaches and excellent seafood options. Ready for the north?

 

North of Albania Itinerary

If you head to the north of the country, get ready for beautiful mountain ranges and crystal clear rivers and springs, along with picturesque bujtina guesthouses dotting the countryside where you’ll eat locally-sourced food.

 

Day 3: Shkodër 

The route from Tirana to the most famous village in the north will take you through Shkodër, which is worth spending the night! This culturally significant city is home to some of Albania’s most vaunted myths and cultural icons, as well as a slow and laidback vibe that’s completely different from what you’ll feel in Tirana.

What to do in Shkodër

Shkodër offers a great mix of urban and natural attractions. The absolute best thing to do in Shkodër is to visit Rozafa Castle, a massive citadel ruin overlooking the city and countryside. Dating back to the 4th century BC and expanded by Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, Rozafa Castle is a historic stronghold that has guarded Shkodër for millennia, symbolizing the city’s enduring cultural and strategic importance.

 

This castle takes its name from the myth of Rozafa, an Albanian woman who – in order to save the castle walls from crumbling – agreed to be buried in the walls, so long as she could continue breastfeeding her newborn child. Inside the museum on top of the castle, you can see the famous statue of Rozafa still nursing her child.

Shkodër also has a contemporary vibe, with a mix of old-school history and artsy energy that’s easy to love. Check out the Marubi National Museum of Photography, where you can see an incredible array of Albania’s oldest photos, snapped by Italian artist Pietro Marubi, showing what life was like here 150 years ago (many of these photos are also on display at Albanian Night’s Costume Hall). Right outside, Kol Idromeno street is perfect for an evening stroll, packed with cozy cafes, quirky shops, and art spots where you can grab a coffee or just soak in the buzz.

This town is also home to the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Shkodër, where you can rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard for the day. During the spring, water lilies here bloom quietly in a dazzling display of white and yellow against the calm waters of this lake, making it the best time to visit. 

And if you go all the way down the Buna River streaming out of the lake, you can stop at various waterside church ruins and cafes!

On your trip to Shkodër, you’ll also notice there are plenty of cyclists. Biking is considered a favorite pastime of this city, and you can rent a bike for as little as five euros a day and discover the nearby villages of Shirokë, which offer placid views of the lake and delicious local restaurants with waterfront seating. 

 

Where to Eat in Shkodër 

Like the rest of Albania, Shkodër offers up world-class and down-to-earth restaurants that you can’t miss. Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants in Shkodër:

• Fisi Restaurant – Traditional Food – tucked in the heart of Shkodër, this spot is a go-to for hearty Albanian dishes like their famous fasule bean soup and grilled meats. Open since 2008, they’ve nailed the traditional recipes, and the cozy vibe makes it great for both locals and travelers. The prices are wallet-friendly, and there’s even veggie options to keep everyone happy.
• Puri – this place is all about classic Albanian comfort food, especially their mouthwatering pilaf me mish, rice with meat. Right off the lively pedonale, it’s a favorite for its warm, family-run feel and super affordable prices. You’ll leave stuffed and smiling!
• Scutari Garden – a gem for a relaxed meal, this restaurant serves up tasty Mediterranean dishes in a gorgeous garden environment. Think fresh fish, wood-fired pizzas, and friendly staff who make you feel right at home. It’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day wandering the city

 

Where to Stay in Shkodër

Shkodër is a tiny city, and its touristic center is even tinier. We especially love Atelier Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, which offers upscale rooms – some even have massive bathtubs – and a delicious restaurant downstairs, right in the center of town. You can also easily find affordable, central stays next to the Kol Idromeno boulevard online; backpackers especially love the eclectic mix of hostels available in the center of town.

 

Days 4 & 5: Theth

Two hours from Shkodër lies Northern Albania’s most gorgeous valley, Theth.

This village and valley have gained international fame for the Theth-Valbona hiking trail, which offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains and paths that follow charming forest trails. 

But the north has more to offer than just hiking. Theth is home to cultural and historical landmarks, natural swimming pools and delicious local cuisine you don’t want to miss.

This is your guide for what to do in Theth, northern Albania’s rugged and picturesque mountain village that’s just waiting to be discovered. (You can also check out our full list of the best things to do in Theth in our previous blog post, here.)

 

What to do in Theth

Theth is Northern Albania’s hidden gem, a valley straight out of a postcard with rugged peaks, crystal-clear streams and a vibe that feels like stepping into a simpler time. 

The absolute must-do here is the Theth-Valbona hiking trail, a 17 kilometer trek that takes about 6-8 hours and rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the Accursed Mountains, lush meadows, and waterfalls. You can arrange for transportation to take you back to your bujtina at the end of the hike, or sleep in the opposite village (if you start in Theth, you’ll end up in Valbona, and vice versa). Make sure you bring your hiking boots, snacks and plenty of water! It’s best to do this hike on cooler days.

Even if hiking isn’t your thing, you’ll get to explore the village’s charm; this small town is still home to local farmers, shepherds and families that tend their crops and lead packs of sheep to graze in the lush mountain valley. As you walk around, you’ll find yourself led to the Theth Church, a quaint 19th-century stone chapel that’s as perfect for snapping photos as it is peaceful. 

After the Church of Theth, you have to visit the Lock-in Tower, a historic hideout tied to Albania’s blood feud history. Stepping inside Theth’s 400-year-old Lock-In Tower, you’ll feel like one of the villagers who once hid here from local conflicts, bandits and Ottoman forces, and where today, for a few euros, a descendant of the original family will walk you through its dark, storied past.

And finally, you’ll enjoy the spectacle of a thirty meter waterfall that creates a never-ending rainbow in the afternoons. The walk to Grunas Waterfall takes about 45 minutes from the village of Theth, perfect for a quick dip in the cold pool at its bottom and epic photos. 

That’s it for your first day in Theth – rest up and head back to your guesthouse, where your host will have likely prepared a hearty local meal for you consisting of slow-cooked lamb, homemade bread, fresh mountain cheese, and a glass of raki to end the day the Albanian way.

The next day, you’ll head to Ndërlysaj, where the trail to the infamous Blue Eye of Theth begins. You can hike, bike or take a shuttle to this village – we certainly recommend the hike, which is easy and follows the Theth River and reconnects you with nature at a slow and relaxed pace. It’ll take up to an hour and a half or two, and if you’re tired at the end of the day, you can take the shuttle from Ndërlysaj back to Theth, bookable on the spot.

Otherwise, the shuttle takes 5-10 minutes and costs 500 ALL each way; the bike ride takes about twenty minutes to Ndërlysaj, a bit longer on the way back (since it’s uphill).

Once you arrive in Ndërlysaj, you’ll find a few small cafes and restaurants near where the shuttle drops you off, right by the hydroplant. It’s a great spot to grab a quick coffee or snack before the hike, and the calm, clear pool of water nearby already gives you a taste of what’s to come at the Blue Eye. The area has a peaceful charm, and the river flowing past the eateries sets the tone for the scenic trail ahead.

The hike from Ndërlysaj to the Blue Eye takes about an hour, following a well-marked path that winds alongside the river. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic rocky outcroppings and rushing waters – especially powerful in spring and winter – through what some have nicknamed the “Stone Groves of Ndërlysaj.” There’s even a perfect swimming spot about halfway through that’s hard to resist. Once you reach the Blue Eye, brave the icy water, cross the rickety bridge, and head up to the small restaurant above the spring for the best view. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a smooth natural slide that drops straight into the stunning turquoise pool below.

And if you’re still up for even more hiking, you can discover the nearby forgotten village of Kaprre, a slightly eerie yet gorgeous alpine village that’s no longer inhabited. The silence here is deafening, and you can discover a nearby stone mill next to the river where villagers used to grind their wheat. It’s easy to imagine what life must have been like in this idyllic village!

Where to Stay in Theth

Theth is full of authentic guesthouses run by locals, and we recommend staying at one of them. This helps stimulate the local economy and puts tourism dollars directly into the pockets of those who need them most. We recommend Rupa Guest House, an affordable and down-to-earth traditional guesthouse that also offers delicious breakfast and dinner (ask ahead of time!). The property features a hammock and is centrally-located, with jaw-droppingly beautiful views of the surrounding mountains from the front yard.

 

Albania is an incredible country – tiny, yet packed with gorgeous cultural sites, a rich history and incredible beaches. Whether you’re hiking through remote mountain villages, diving into icy blue springs, or wandering ancient ruins by the sea, there’s a sense of discovery around every corner. This itinerary is just a starting point – take your time, talk to locals, try the food, and let the unexpected moments shape your journey. Albania has a way of surprising you, and chances are, you’ll leave already planning your return.