Valbona Pass to Theth
Albania's most celebrated hike, and deservedly so. The route from Valbona (or the higher trailhead at Rragam) climbs through old-growth beech forest to the Valbona Pass at roughly 1,800m elevation, then descends into the postcard-perfect Theth valley.
The views from the pass are extraordinary: serrated limestone peaks in every direction, with the rustic stone homesteads of Theth visible far below. Guesthouses in both valleys provide accommodation for the classic two-day version. Many hikers take the ferry from Shkodër to Koman and the speedboat to Valbona the day before hiking.
Mali i Thatë — The Dry Mountain
Mali i Thatë — "the Dry Mountain" — is one of Albania's most visually dramatic summits, stretching 25km along the southeastern border with North Macedonia. What makes it truly unique is its double-lake panorama: no other mountain in Albania offers simultaneous views of both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, two of the Balkans' most ancient and biodiverse lakes.
The established hiking trail begins in the village of Alarup, accessible by asphalt road from Pogradec (the main gateway town on Lake Ohrid's Albanian shore). The ascent moves through alpine meadows and occasional beech and oak forest on the eastern slopes. The summit plateau is broad and grassy with steep drops on both sides — the contrast between the dry, windswept ridge and the vivid blue of the lakes below is extraordinary.
The mountain lies within a region of exceptional biodiversity. Its name ("Dry Mountain") refers to the sparse alpine vegetation near the summit, while the eastern slopes host rich mixed forests.
Theth National Park Trails
Theth is a remote stone-built village nestled in a glacial valley of the Albanian Alps — one of the most beautifully preserved traditional settlements in the Balkans. The village and its surrounding national park offer several well-marked day hikes to suit all fitness levels.
Key attractions within the park include the Grunas Waterfall (a 30m cascade, ~2 hour round trip from the village), the Kulla e Ngujimit (a historic blood-feud lockup tower), and the spectacular Blue Pool (Syri i Kalter of Theth — different from the spring near Saranda). The surrounding canyon walls and alpine meadows offer endless exploration.
Llogara National Park Ridge Walk
Llogara National Park sits atop a dramatic pass at 1,027m where the mountains plunge almost vertically into the Ionian Sea. The ridge offers some of the most scenic hiking in all of Albania — ancient pines on one side, panoramic Riviera views on the other.
Trails wind through old-growth black pine forest (Pinus nigra) with occasional clearings that reveal jaw-dropping views of Dhermi, Himara, and the Albanian Riviera below. Llogara is also one of Europe's premier paragliding sites — hikers frequently watch pilots launching from the ridge above.
Osumi Canyon
The Osumi Canyon is one of Albania's most dramatic natural landmarks — a 26km limestone gorge carved by the Osumi River, with sheer walls rising up to 80 metres. The canyon offers multiple experiences depending on the season.
In spring, snowmelt swells the Osumi River into an exciting Class II whitewater rafting run. In summer, water levels drop to reveal sandy banks, natural swimming holes, and passages perfect for canyoning — a combination of hiking, swimming, and rope-assisted descents. Rim trails above the canyon offer aerial views year-round.
Mount Korab — Albania's Roof
Mount Korab is Albania's highest point at 2,764m, straddling the border with North Macedonia — and uniquely, it is the highest peak of both countries simultaneously, one of only two such summits in Europe. The ascent from the Albanian side requires no special permits, unlike the approach from North Macedonia.
The climb is long and demanding, crossing high alpine terrain, boulder fields, and narrow ridges. The summit reward is a 360° panorama spanning parts of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo — a truly epic Balkan vista. The route typically departs from villages in the Dibër region and requires a full day with a very early start.