Albania Adventure

Why Albania Surprised Me

Most people think of Italy or Greece when it comes to sunshine and history. I certainly did. But tucked just across the Adriatic lies Albania. Originally, Albania wasn’t on my list of places to visit. But in May, one of my favourite times to travel, I was planning my next trip. Albania came to mind during my research stage. I noticed a lot of adventure companies now including organised trips there. At one point, I was torn between Albania and the idea of revisiting the Azores, this time to climb Mount Pico. 

I took a moment to dig a little deeper. what was the one thing I most wanted to experience if I went? And could Albania deliver on that? A few ideas surfaced, one of them being hiking. In the end, I chose Albania: somewhere new, full of mountains, culturally different, and completely off my usual radar. I’m so glad I did.

First Impressions

As many of you know, hiking is one of my favourite things to do when I travel.

Without meaning to, I’ve started something of a personal tradition: climbing the highest peak in each country I visit, when it’s doable, of course. In Albania, that turned out to be Mount Korab.

I contacted a few tour companies offering guided hikes and eventually went with Black Drin Adventure. They were quick to respond and answered all my questions beforehand, which really helped put my mind at ease, enough to know they were the right company to go with.

Once the hike was booked, I planned my trip around it. I flew in four days earlier to explore a little of what Albania had to offer before tackling the highest peak. From my research, I knew it had countless trails, towns steeped in history, the chance to enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine at great prices and most importantly, it was safe. The rest, I’d discover for myself.

My first impression came at Tirana Airport, which felt surprisingly modern. I took the LU-NA bus into the city, some areas seemed a little run down, but it was bustling with life. Every encounter I had was friendly and helpful, setting the tone for the rest of the trip.

Tirana

I had eight days in Albania. There are plenty of ways to divide that time, but I chose to base myself in Tirana to avoid long travel days. Although there are glorious coastlines, I decided to leave that for another time. Accommodation was basic but very affordable. I paid on average €15 per night for a hotel room during my whole stay in Albania. Visiting in May meant there were plenty of available options.

Tip:

• Don’t expect Wi-Fi on buses. If you’re relying on mobile data, consider using an eSIM like Airalo.
• Always carry cash. Many places listed on Booking.com don’t charge through the app. You’ll often need to pay in person with cash or Revolut.

Day Trip to Krujë

What I loved about this trip was that, although I was based in Tirana, there were so many nearby day trips that each day felt completely different. The variety was great.

Heading North: Peshkopi and Climbing Mount Korab (2,764 Metres)

Staying just one night in Peshkopi seemed like plenty. I wasn’t expecting much from this small rural town, just a quick stop-off, nothing more.

But it’s always worth doing a bit of research before your next stop. That’s how I discovered that this seemingly simple town is home to some incredible thermal waters, something I could’ve easily missed had I not done a little digging. Rich in sulphur and minerals, the waters are known to help treat various ailments and offered the perfect way to unwind. I ended up spending the whole afternoon there, and if I’d stayed longer, I would’ve gone back every other day.

Fully refreshed and after a good night’s sleep, I was ready to meet up with Black Drin Adventure for my climb.

The Mount Korab hike starts from the village of Radomirë, which meant an early 6 a.m. pick-up. The drive from Peshkopi took just over an hour. The road was rugged, but it wound through charming villages and offered stunning mountain views another chance to soak in the natural beauty of this incredible country

The climb was absolutely worth it. We were so lucky with the weather, aside from a bit of snow and mist near the summit, conditions were ideal for our small group of four. We passed only a few others along the trail, which made it feel like we had the mountain all to ourselves.

Our guide brought local food to share, which was a thoughtful touch. The trail isn’t well-marked in places, and although some people do it without a guide, I wouldn’t recommend it.

 Taking a breather on the way up Mount Korab

Along the way, we saw waterfalls, narrow mountain paths, a man herding cows, and even protective dogs guarding livestock. The hike took about seven hours, and reaching the summit was incredibly satisfying, even though we didn’t get the clear 360° views. On a good day, since Korab sits on the border, you can see into both Albania and North Macedonia, with rugged peaks and deep valleys in every direction.

We slid down snowy patches on the descent, laughing the whole way. Afterwards, we celebrated with a delicious Albanian meal before heading back to the city. Once again, I witnessed the warmth and hospitality of the people.

Final Days in Tirana

A bustling city with a mix of old and new. From unique skyscrapers and striking architecture to bunkers and relics from the communist era, Tirana is full of layers. A walking tour with GuruWalk helped me understand the city’s complex history.

After all that city walking, what better thing to do than eat? On my guide’s recommendation, I headed to Oda Traditional and Tymi (Ver Reci) both excellent spots. Coffee houses are everywhere in Tirana, and coffee here is more of a social ritual than just a caffeine fix. At times, though, it was harder to find somewhere to eat more than once I walked into a place only to find they only served coffee!

On my last couple of days, I visited Bunk’Art 2 and took the Dajti Express cable car to Mount Dajti. The views over the green park were stunning, and there were great hiking options at the top. Definitely recommend visiting. I kept it light with a one-hour walk since I was still feeling Mount Korab in my legs.

On my last morning, I relaxed with a book at Skandberg Square. The sun had come out, and I soaked up the peaceful atmosphere while people-watching. I even bought a stunning oil painting from a local market, which now hangs proudly in my mother’s home. I love collecting small pieces from my travels, especially when I’m supporting local artists and giving back to the community.

Albania surprised me in all the best ways. It was a thought-provoking journey, walking through historic towns, exploring the trails of Dajt National Park, and experiencing the genuine warmth of the people.

It wasn’t a polished holiday, and that’s exactly what made it so special. I tend to gravitate towards trips that offer plenty to discover and aren’t too comfortable, the kind that takes a bit of courage to do on your own.

There’s so much I’ve brought home with me and a lot to reflect on. If Albania isn’t yet on your list, maybe it should be. And if you do decide to go, I’d love to hear how you spent your days and what stood out for you most.

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