10-day complete cycling route through southern Albania

A transfer of around two hours follows the Shkumbin Valley towards Qafë Thanë. After the bicycle fitting and final checks, begin with the descent from the pass at around 950 m and continue along the shore of Lake Ohrid.

The mostly level lakeside section passes fishing villages and reaches Tushemisht. An optional extension crosses into North Macedonia to visit Saint Naum Monastery before returning to the hotel.

Depending on the chosen route, there may be time for a swim or a walk through the village before dinner.

Ride through Pogradec and begin the sustained climb towards Plloçë Pass. As the road gains height, views open across Lake Ohrid before the route reaches the agricultural plateau below the Morava Mountains.

The road levels towards Korçë, situated at around 800 m. The town’s broad streets, villas, cathedral, Museum of Medieval Art and covered market provide several options for the late afternoon.

This is the first substantial climb of the journey, followed by an easier approach to the hotel in the town centre.

Leave the Korçë plateau and climb steadily to Bramash Pass (1,159 m). The route then crosses the Kolonja Highlands near the Greek border, with views towards the Gramos Mountains (2,523 m).

Continue through Ersekë before the road becomes rougher and quieter on the approach to Gërmenj. Forest sections and mountain springs provide shade and possible rest stops along the way.

The stage ends at rural accommodation where dinner is served. This is one of the more demanding inland rides of the itinerary.

Begin with a climb of around 150 m before following the winding road towards Leskovik. Beyond the town, descend into the Vjosa Valley and continue through Çarshovë towards Petran.

Riverside cafés and restaurants provide possible stops along the route. From Petran, an optional detour leads to the warm pools at Benja, which remain at around 25°C and lie beneath an Ottoman stone bridge.

Finish in Përmet beside the Vjosa River. The day combines a short initial climb with a long descent and easier valley riding.

Follow the Vjosa River towards Këlcyrë and the narrow gorge cut through the surrounding mountains. The road through the valley has limited ascent and includes several riverside places to stop.

After leaving the Vjosa, cross into the broad Drino Valley and continue towards Gjirokastër. The stage ends at a centrally located hotel below the old town.

Spend the evening walking through the cobbled streets and Ottoman-era neighbourhoods of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

The bicycles are transferred to Muzinë Pass for the descent towards the Ionian coast. Stop at the Blue Eye karst spring, then continue beside the Bistrica River on quieter roads through farmland and citrus groves.

A small ferry crosses the channel to the archaeological site of Butrint, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman remains occupy the peninsula. After the visit, continue towards Ksamil and Sarandë, with possible stops for lunch or a swim.

The stage can be shortened by around 39 km and 250 m of ascent using the planned transfer option.

Leave Sarandë with a demanding climb towards Nivicë and Shën Vasil. After reaching the higher ground, continue along the Ionian coast through villages, olive groves and citrus orchards.

The route reaches Porto Palermo, where you can visit the peninsula castle and see the former submarine facilities in the bay. Continue north to Himare, with the coastal mountains on one side and the sea on the other.

The day ends at a hotel near the beach, with time to rest after the initial climb and long coastal stage.

The final ride begins with the long climb from Himare towards Llogara Pass. The road gains height through repeated bends and reaches viewpoints above the Ionian coast before crossing the pass.

Descend towards Radhimë, where the riding stage ends and a transfer continues to Tirana. Travellers who prefer not to complete the climb can remain in Himare and join the afternoon transfer at 15:00.

The final night is spent in Tirana after the longest coastal climb of the journey.

Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk through central Tirana or a museum visit. The journey ends with the planned transfer to Tirana Airport or the international bus station.