Albania has a high natural diversity within its territory. But, only in recent years the attention is being directed beyond the sea and cuisine and every day more and more is being “discovered” the other Albania. Some of the favorite destinations that are returning to the current trend are: Kurvelesh Province; Sotira Waterfall; Shala River; Cyclops Eye (4 km below Krraba); Erzeni Canyons; Lake Bovilla; Brari Bridge (at the entrance of Tujan Staircase where Tujan Castle is located); Pëllumbasi Cave; Sleeping Beauty (cave near the source of Drini i Bardhë), Grama Mirrors (on Grama Mountain, near the village of Sllovë), Hiking in Lëpushë and Vermosh, Malësi e Madhe; Kayak in the lakes Ulëz-Shkopet, Mat; Exploring the Pëllumbasi cave, Tirana; Caravan with mules towards the sacred mountain of Tomorri, Berat; Riverhiking and exploration of Osum Canyons, Skrapar; Rafting on the wild river of Vjosa, Përmet; Double flight in Llogora, Vlora; Walking towards Krorëz and snorkeling, Himara.
Kurvelesh Province
The province of Kurvelesh has a total area of about 70 km. It is a mountainous area, built mainly of Cretaceous limestone rocks and partly of flysch, with high and rugged relief in most of it, which in the Upper Kurvelesh takes on the character of a plateau very fragmented by streams with beds of deep and narrow gorges in the form of canyons (up to 150 m deep), cliffs and abysses (as in Nivica, Lekdush, etc.).
One of the pearls of nature has started to be explored by local and foreign tourists. Sotira Waterfall is located about 22 kilometers away from Gramsh and to reach the waterfall area you have to walk about an hour from the village Sotira from where it got its name waterfall.
To the northeast of Tomori, lies the large spring coming from a longitudinal fissure in the steep limestone cliff. The height of the water drop varies from 5 meters to 20 meters high. The landscape of the slope where the water comes out, between the forests and the oak trees, is wonderful. The sound of water can be heard far away.
Shala River
The Shala River originates at the foot of the Albanian Alps. It is 37 km long from the source at the top of Radohina to Dri, it springs at the source of Shtraza at the top of the village Theth, at the foot of the top of Radohina, from where it descends down through the valley of Shala, from Thethi, Ndërlysa and Musha from Breg-Lumi to Porta e Shalës (Gorge of Rrshqëm), through Lotaj and in the valley of Shoshi, until its discharge goes to Lesniqe in Dri (today Lake Koman). The Shala River is rich in a variety of fish, but the most widespread is trout, which grows only in freshwater. The cool blue color of the water is characteristic of this river, the steep cliffs that surround it, seem to touch the sky by hand. There is a rare beauty in the Shala River, which is hard to say in words.
The eye of the Cyclops
The Eye of the Cyclops, or as it is called the Cyclops Trail, is located about 4 km below Krraba, in the village called Skëterrë, in the valley of the river Erzen. It is about 20 meters wide and 120 meters deep like a gem hidden in the gorge of Krraba.
A small abyss sits at the bottom of the Krraba rocks, and below it is a lake of emerald water, which is said to be the place where the beast breathed and behind it remained a heart-shaped lake.
Erzeni Canyons
These canyons are located along the course of the river Erzen. The water of this river flowing in a rocky terrain over the centuries has created spectacular canyons. The crystal clear water and the depth of the canyons create opportunities for bathing or swimming. In the part where the river has a break of about 10 meters a waterfall has been created inside a cave. In front of the waterfall at the canyons there are bathtubs which, in the hot season, are used for bathing and sunbathing. To get to these canyons, follow the road that leads to the Pëllumbasi Cave, as they are located below it on the Erzen River. The Erzeni River is 108 km long, with a flow of about 102 l / sec. Erzeni Canyons are a good choice for any adventurous soul. Their nature has thought of everything.
Lake Bovilla
Bovilla is located in an area of wonderful natural beauty and Lake Bovilla, from which a large part of Tirana receives drinking water, is included in the itinerary of several tour operators and groups that organize outdoor trips.
This is probably the closest area to practice the sport of rock climbing in the capital region.
Brari Bridge
Brari Bridge is located near the village of the same name, east of Tirana, 7.6 km from the center of Tirana. It is the first route of the road at the beginning of the Tirana Highlands at the entrance of the Tujan Staircase where the Tujan Castle is located (late antiquity). The bridge is built only by an arch, at the junction of which the cobblestone of the bridge rises in the form of a ridge with a slope on both sides. The arch supports are placed on rocky shores that rise quite high from the river bed.
Pëllumbasi Cave
The Black Cave of Pëllumbas is located on the rocky heights of Mount Pashkashesh. About this cave and its location until a few years ago no one knew about it, except the locals, but even from them had rarely visited. Referring to the geographical position, the Black Cave of Pëllumbasi is located about 350 meters above sea level.
sleeping Beauty
Radac Cave, or as it is called “Sleeping Beauty”, is located near the source of Drini i Bardhe, close to 11 kilometers from the city of Peja. The entrance of the cave is oriented from the northeast, at an altitude of 578 meters.
The cave was created mainly by the flow of the Drini i Bardhë, which once passed through these corridors, but over time the water has changed its flow and the water no longer passes. As a result of the slow flow of water, baths have been created, which at the same time represent the most special part of the cave.
Grama Statements
They are located on Grama Mountain, near the village of Sllova, 1900 meters above sea level. It is a large stone with a gypsum composition of the selenium type, which shines. That is why it got the name “mirrors”. It is up to 500 meters long, up to 200 meters wide. They have scientific, didactic and cultural values. It is visited, taking the road Peshkopi – Slovo and then continues on foot to the monument.
Hiking in Lëpushë and Vermosh, Malësi e Madhe
In Kelmend is a valley of glacial origin, at 1,100 meters above sea level. On both sides of the valley are mountain slopes covered with forests and pastures. There are 45 peaks over 2,000 meters high, each with its own name. The vegetation consists mainly of beech trees and firs. It is known for its landscapes and snowfall that lasts about 100 days each year.
Kayak in the lakes Ulëz-Shkopet, Mat
Ulza Regional Natural Park is located not far from Tirana, about an hour and a half by car and kayak can be done by all people who love water and love nature and greenery. In addition to fresh air, what attracts visitors is natural and fresh food. The lake fish, as well as the dairy products of the cattle grazing around, give the lunch the typical taste of the area.
Exploring the Pëllumbasi cave, Tirana
The Black Cave, also known as the Pëllumbasi Cave, a natural monument (650 meters above sea level), is considered one of the rarest karst caves and prehistoric settlements in Albania.
The skeletons found in this cave, according to the Museum of Natural Sciences at the University of Florence, belong to the cave bear (Ursus Speleaus), who lived 400,000 to 10,000 years ago. Across Europe, there are only five such caves.
Caravan with mules towards the sacred mountain of Tomorri, Berat
If you want to visit one of the most magnificent mountains of Albania and experience the blessing and harmony from the shrine of the gods, mastering a view of the whole horizon, join the mule ride to Mount Tomorri. During the ancient and medieval period and in romantic literature, this mountain is imagined as the Olympus of the Albanians and the home of the mountain fairies, the Oracle that foretells the future of the nation.
Riverhiking and exploration of Osum Canyons, Skrapar
Visit the Osum Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Europe, swimming in a natural pool surrounded by the canyon’s unique and green ecosystem. Walk along the banks of the Osum River, through an unspoilt landscape of Mediterranean forests and plants. Visit interesting places like Cathedral, Love Waterfall, Devil’s Gate, Crocodile Head and experience the feeling of being the character of the Avatar, King of the Rings and Tarzan movies.
Rafting on the wild river of Vjosa, Përmet
Help preserve the biodiversity of the Vjosa River by experiencing rafting in the small and beloved town of Përmet. The Vjosa River, one of the last flowing rivers in Europe, across 270 km is wild, unpolluted and adorned with beautiful canyons, small islands and crystal clear water. To relax in the evening, you can visit the Benja Thermal Baths and climb the Langarica canyon where you can relax and swim in their natural waters.
Double flight in Llogora, Vlora
Llogara National Park is the place with the most beautiful landscape for double flight. Near the Llogara Pass there are many interesting trees and crown shapes, as a result of the tides and the wind. A wonderful example is the “Flag Pine”, a rare natural monument with scientific and tourist values. This park has attractive landscape and characteristic areas with dominant points. Its vegetation consists mainly of conifers such as black pine.
Underwater diving in Saranda
Few other countries in the world can have such an unexplored coastline. Here you can see an Italian transport ship, sunk 300 meters from the bay of Saranda in 1944. This is a 120 meter ship. Divers can explore this ruin at depths of 4 to 21 meters. No current. Visibility 8 – 12 meters.
Walking towards Krorëz and snorkeling, Himara
Lukova is a small, traditional village with wonderful beaches and blue Turkish waters. When you arrive, you will start a relatively easy walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Krorëz. Opportunity to see what this unspoiled harbor has to offer; exploring crystal clear waters with snorkeling.
Cycling in Korça
Cycling is one of the most tempting alternatives that Korça offers. It’s time to discover the magic through 19 itineraries, 864 kilometers of pedaling in the city and through fertile agricultural fields, stunning lake shores, breathtaking peaks and picturesque landscapes to remember. You will stop in the tourist villages where it is not wrong to give in to the temptation to try some more wine or brandy, while quenching your hunger with the best tastes of local cuisine.
