7 Fantastic Single Day Hikes in Albania

Albania is a lesser-known hiker’s paradise with its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and stunning natural surroundings. This small Balkan country offers outdoor enthusiasts an unforgettable experience, from snow-capped peaks in the north to sun-soaked coastlines in the south.

While often overlooked by Croatia or Greece, Albania offers spectacular hiking opportunities that equally rival its neighboring countries. With its varied landscapes and terrain, it allows the visitor to explore uniquely different climatic zones in a short period of time.

This guide will provide details on the seven best single day hikes in Albania, that focuses on both the southern and northern region. In addition, this article will outline other essential information like getting around Albania and where to stay.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

Mount Tujanit, Tirana

• Distance: 5.5km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 475m
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy

READ MY FULL TRAIL GUIDE HERE

Begin your journey with a small taste of the capital city of Tirana and the surrounding areas. The perfect little mountain escape is located on the outskirts of Tirana.

The hike to Mount Tunjanit is accessible via the Dajti Ekspres (cable car), which extends for 4km and reaches elevations over 1000m.

This easy 5.5km out and back hike is suitable for all ages, as the trail is wide and gains elevation slowly through a series of switchbacks. The summit will provide beautiful views of the city below, nearby mountains and Bovilla Lake.

Tip: Remember to buy your return ticket for the Dajit Ekspres at the lower level, as you will not be able to purchase tickets at the upper level.

Accommodations in Tirana

Rose Boutique Hotel: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Lot Boutique Hotel: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Hotel Stela Center: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Selca Waterfall, Selcës

• Distance: 7km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 495m
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate

READ MY FULL TRAIL GUIDE HERE

Travel to the far north and view one of the tallest and stunning waterfalls in Albania. The waterfall is 30m tall and can be found in the small village of Selcë.

The Kelmend region is stunning, and this trail is a great introduction to the mountainous area. This 7km loop is rocky and has sections of exposed cliffside but is suitable for most fitness levels.

Tip: There are several gorgeous natural springs along the way to cool off in. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit if you hike in the hot summer months.

Accommodations in and around Selcë

Selca Cem: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Te Cemi – Restorant – Hotel: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Sofra Kelmendit: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Grenbit Peak, Vermosh

• Distance: 13km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 836m
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

READ MY FULL VERMOSH GUIDE HERE

Venture to the most northern village in Albania and explore true wilderness. Hiking to Grenbit Peak is remote, isolated, and exceptionally beautiful.

This 13km hike explores the forested areas around Vermosh and climbs steadily towards a plateau, before pushing forward once again to the summit. This hike can be shortened and turned into a loop, avoiding the final climb to the peak if necessary.

Tip: Visit and cool off at the Bashkimi Canyon, located 3km from the village center of Vermosh.

Accommodations in Vermosh

Peraj Guesthouse: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Columbus Villas: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Hotel Vermoshi TDC: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Berat Castle, Berat

• Distance: 5km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 200m
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Want to explore Berat and the castle more? Check out this tour here.

For a small introduction to Albania’s history and to get your steps in, visit the ancient Berat Castle. The castle dates back to the 4th century BC and was built by Illyrians. Sights along the way include Roman baths, Ottomon mosques, and The Onufri Museum.

At the highest point and viewpoint, the beautiful Osum River Valley can be seen, along with the old district which contains buildings from the Ottoman Empire, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodations in Berat

Hotel Ansel: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

White House Berat: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Hotel Borklad: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Maja e Qores, Llogara National Park

• Distance: 9.4km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1000m
• Route: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

READ MY FULL TRAIL GUIDE HERE

Qores Peak (Qorra) is a hidden gem and a spectacular journey that climbs over 1000m into the southern Ceraunian Mountains.

Found in the Llogara National Park, this unique and relatively unknown hike overlooks the beaches of Dhermi and the famous Llogara Pass. This steep hike gains quite a lot of elevation in the final last kilometers.

Tip: If you have extra time, attempt the trek to Maja e Cikes, just a short few extra kilometers from Qores Peak along the ridgeline

Saint Andreas Bay, Llogara National Park

• Distance: 20km roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1500-1600m
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

READ MY FULL TRAIL GUIDE HERE

Saint Andreas Bay is an isolated bay in the southern Riviera of Albania. This intense hike rewards the hiker with a white pebble beach, aqua blue water, and privacy.

As there are limited ways to reach this bay, don’t be surprised if you have the entire place to yourself! This trail does not have a lot of traffic, meaning you may have to bushwack your way in certain areas.

Tip: If you prefer to skip the hike, you can take a boat tour to reach Saint Andreas Bay and other stunning coves and beaches in the area. Grama Bay is one of the more popular coves to visit. Check out tours here.

Accommodations in Llogara National Park

Hotel Sofo: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Hotel Alpin Llogara: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

The Chalet: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Mill Trail, Dhërmi

• Distance: 3km one way (6km roundtrip)
• Elevation Gain: 150m
• Trail Type: Point to Point or Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy

READ MY FULL TRAIL GUIDE HERE

Explore both the Old Town and waterfront with this easy 6km walk through the seaside resort town of Dhërmi. Beginning in the Old Town, this path follows the Mill Trail: a trail scattered with old water mills, waterfalls, and streams.

This trail ends at the beautiful Dhërmi Beach, where you can walk the length of the beach or enjoy the crashing of the waves. The route is suitable for all fitness levels.

Accommodations in Dhërmi

La Brisa Boutique Hotel: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Rahoni Park & Suites: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Luna Hotel: CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

The Best Time to Hike in Albania

Albania’s climate varies demanding on which region you are visiting. 

The mountainous region in the north has chilly, wet winters and high snowfalls. Many hiking trails and roads become inaccessible during the winter months between December-April.

As with many mountainous areas, the best time to plan your visit for hiking is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During these months, temperatures are at their highest and trails will be clear of snow. Wildflowers will be blooming and there will be plenty of daylight to hike in.

While it is possible to hike through the snow to reach summits, I would not recommend it, especially for this itinerary. Winter can be very unpredictable in the mountains, and changed is weather can occur abruptly. There is an increased risk of avalanches, slips, falls, and venturing off route during the winter.

The southern region of Albania has a warmer Mediterranean climate, especially around the Riviera. Winters, while rainy, are typically mild (8-10 degrees Celsius). Temperatures can range from the mid-20s to 30s Celsius during the summer months and there is endless sunshine and humidity.

I visited Albania in early April which is technically the off season. While the hiking trails and beaches were free of tourists, the more mountainous summits in both the south and north were covered in waist deep snow.

I was informed this was a rare occasion, and by April the mountains in the south are usually snow free. Many accommodations and tourists’ facilities were closed during the off season, especially in the north.

For these reasons, I would recommend hiking through Albania during the late spring to fall, between the months of May to October. This will not only allow for snow-free ascents on the trails but allow for water activities near the beach hikes as well. There will also be more options in terms of accommodation in the north.

How to Travel Around Albania

There are several ways of exploring the many breathtaking regions of Albania including taking taxis, public transit, car rentals and tours.

As this itinerary is jammed packed and spread across the country over a short period of time, I would suggest the use of your own vehicle or creating a private tour.

FIND YOUR VEHICLE HERE

Public transit, while found throughout the country, can be unreliable at times. Information regarding prices, timelines and routes are not widely advertised throughout the internet.

Planning your transportation using the bus system will add difficulty as there are several areas with low frequency. With your own vehicle, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Most of the recommended hikes can be accessed by foot (from suggested hotels) or have available parking nearby.

As a solo traveler and unfamiliar with the country and language, I choose a custom private tour with Go As Local to explore all across Albania. I had a limited budget and time to work with and the company was very accommodating. They specialize in historical and adventure tours, both day trips or multi-day.

What I really appreciated about the company was their selection on hikes. While they do offer hikes in more popular areas such as Theth, they are also constantly seeking out new and exciting trails to explore. Their friendly staff made the trip even more enjoyable.

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE