Untouched by mass tourism, Albania is one of the best European destinations for outdoor lovers. With rugged and unexplored mountains and stunning Adriatic coast, this Balkan country offers plenty of fun for the wild souls, from rafting, through bird watching to backcountry skiing. If you’re looking for ideas for adventurous holidays, even on a budget, check out the best outdoor activities in Albania.
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Rafting the Vjosa River
Nowhere in Europe is it possible to find a river like Vjosa. A home to more than 1100 animal species, unaltered by the human hand, Vjosa freely flows from the Greek Pindus mountains to the Adriatic.
Rafting on this wild river guarantees you a shot of adrenaline in the majestic gorges and breathtaking views of the unspoilt mountains around.
If you’re looking for an expert local guide, I recommend you book a trip with Robert from Albturist Permet. He grew up in the area, so he knows the river better than anyone! After rafting, you can stay at the campsite Robert and his lovely wife Dona own. It is my favourite place in Albania, with its laid-back atmosphere, lots of laughter and top-notch views of the mountains.
Hiking from Theth to Valbona
The 17 km hike from Theth to Valbona takes you to the most spectacular corner of Albania – The Accursed Mountains. It is a historical mule trail surrounded by jagged peaks and lush pastures.
If a one-day hike doesn’t satisfy your cravings, you can continue wandering on the famous Peaks of the Balkans trek. Theth to Valbona is the first stage of this 192 kilometres long trail that later crosses Kosovo and Montenegro.
Before heading to the mountains, take some time to inhale the serene atmosphere of the Theth village. The people living there are very open and friendly. I spent a long morning chatting with the guest house owner about the challenging life in the remote mountain village and about her family.
There are also plenty of shorter hikes in other parts of Albania, each offering breathtaking views and solitude on the trail. You don’t even need to leave Tirana – the Dajti mountain northeast of the capital is easily accessible and makes you feel at the end of the world.
Climbing near Tirana
You don’t need to travel far from the Albanian capital to experience the thrill of a mountain adventure. Only 45 minutes drive from Tirana, you will find the stunning Bovilla Reservoir. The gorge by the lake is a perfect playground for climbers, with around 30 routes.
Since I have a massive fear of heights that stops me from climbing, I am not going to pretend I can give you any advice on climbing in Bovilla, but this article will provide you with comprehensive information about this and other climbing sites in Albania.
If you’d like to do some canyoning, you should also try climbing in Gjipe Canyon or Langarica Canyon.
Kayaking + bird watching in Divjake-Karavasta National Park
Located between the coastal towns of Durres and Vlore, the Divjake-Karavasta National Park is home to about 230 bird species, among them the super rare dalmatian pelican (also known as the curly pelican).
Kayaking the largest lagoon in Albania – Karavasta Lagoon – is a great way to spend an active day surrounded by thriving nature and peaceful views. Don’t forget mosquito repellent! I didn’t have one, and these tiny flying beasts successfully turned my camping trip in the Divjake-Karavasta forest into a nightmare.
Cycling across the country
Not many people consider Albania when choosing a cycling destination. Its drivers and roads don’t have the best reputation. It’s a common misconception to think that cycling in Albania is dangerous. There are plenty of quiet mountain roads with little to no traffic and endless trails for adventurous mountain bikers.
If you’d like to learn more about cycling in Albania, check out my bike touring guide and my stories from this country.
Horseback riding
With its unspoiled nature and plenty of dirt tracks, Albania is a terrific destination for horseback riding. One of the most splendid routes is the King Skerdilajd Army route.
From the horseback, you will see the historic sites, raw mountains, the sea and, of course, the communist bunkers. You will have a chance to swim in the Adriatic and explore the ancient ruins, and the Albanian hospitality, with raki and traditional food, will make you want to stay there forever.
The Kind Skerdilajd route starts in one of the most beautiful cities in Albania – Gjirokaster. It is worth arriving there early to explore the beautiful cobblestone streets, majestic fortress and vibrant bazaar.
Off-road driving
Full of rugged mountain trails previously used by smugglers and shepherds, Albania is a paradise for those who want to experience the freedom of off-road driving.
Albania is the wildest country in the Balkan peninsula, and exploring it by a 4×4 car is an adventure you cannot find elsewhere in Europe. You’ll have plenty of river crossings, rocky roads, and if it recently rained, a lot of mud. And since Albania is still one of the most underrated and least visited countries of the Old Continent, you will have its untouched nature all for yourself.
Some of the best routes for off-road driving are Shkoder to Theth via Boge, Osum Canyon to Langarica Canyon and Kukes to Rreshen.
Camping
Wild camping in Albania is uncomplicated and rewarding. I have had some of the most picturesque camping spots there, and even camping solo as a woman, I felt very safe. Wild camping in Albania is legal (except for some national parks), so you can enjoy a night in the wild without worrying about being bothered by the police.
Sleeping in your tent is the best way to connect with the wondrous Albanian mountains and fully immerse yourself in the raw Balkan nature. In remote areas, there is no light pollution, which gives you perfect conditions for star gazing.
Backcountry skiing
While Albania still lacks alpine skiing facilities, the country’s wild mountains offer perfect conditions for those looking for a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Backcountry skiing is the best way to explore Albanian nature in winter.
One of the best destinations for this sport is the Valbona Valley, with the majestic Albanian Alps. You can read more about it on Kellie’s blog.
Paragliding
If you want to see the awe-inspiring Albanian landscape from a bird’s eye view you should try paragliding in Albania. Are you a sea lover? Book a flight from Llogara, the spectacular mountain pass near Vlora. Are you more of a mountain person? Paragliding in Morava, near Korce, will take you over endless summits and green valleys.
Those are only a few ideas for activities for outdoor lovers in Albania. Have you tried any adventure sports in Albania? Let me know in the comments!
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Hi Joanna;
Actually this concerns your recent Albania post. So apparently you have toured in central asia Tajikistan etc [hope spelling OK]. If true. Which was more fun/adventure? Central asia or Albania?
DM
Hi Dennis, thank you for your comment. I haven’t toured Tajikistan yet (although The Pamir Highway is at the very top of my list!) but I’ve been to Kyrgyzstan and it was absolutely mindblowing. The nature there is unbelievably beautiful and the culture is quite fascinating too. I would say both Albania and Central Asia are really fun but Central Asia is like a next-level adventure!