10-Day Complete Cycling Southern Albania

After breakfast at your hotel, a driver picks you up for the two hour transfer through the Shkumbin Valley, farmland and Albanian countryside. Your tour kicks off with a warm-up ride along the shores of Lake Ohrid. After a final bike check, you start cycling down the Thane Pass (950m) switchbacks with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Soon you will find yourself riding leisurely along the level shoreline. Boats and roadside vendors selling fish indicate fresh catch and the restaurants in the villages Podgradec and Tushemisht make for a good lunch break. If you're up for it, you may cross the border into North Macedonia for a visit to a standout attraction of the region - the UNESCO-listed site of Saint Naum Monastery. The return ride takes you back to the hotel in Tushemisht. After check-in, there should be still time to swim or explore the nearby village alleys before dinner.

Your day begins in Tushemisht with a warm-up ride through Pogradec before tackling the steep but rewarding climb up Plloce Pass. With every turn, enjoy stunning views of Lake Ohrid until you reach the rim of the highland plateau. Here, vast farmland stretches before you, where horse-drawn carts outnumber tractors, and friendly locals wave as you pass.

The ride levels out as you approach Korça, a vibrant town set at 800m beneath the Morava Mountains. Known for its folk traditions and distinctive cuisine, Korça charms with its elegant villas, broad boulevards, and rich history. Explore landmarks like the iconic cathedral and the Museum of Medieval Art, or join locals on their evening stroll through the lively bazaar. End your day with a well-earned coffee or beer at one of Korça’s welcoming cafés.

Leave the Korça plateau behind as you embark on one of the trip’s most demanding and rewarding stages. Begin with a steady climb to the Bramash Pass (1,159m), following one of Albania’s most scenic routes. Pedal through the Kolonja Highlands, skirting the Greek border alongside the majestic Gramos Mountains (2,523m), and marvel at the wildflowers of the Germenj-Shelegur Park.

After passing through the quiet town of Erseka, the road becomes rougher but more serene, with fewer cars, shady forests, and fresh mountain springs. Once you arrive at the your destination, unwind with a hearty farm-to-table dinner and relax under the star-filled skies at this serene mountain escape.

After a farmhouse breakfast, begin your day with a short climb (150m) through a fresh alpine landscape, followed by a winding road leading towards the village of Leskovik. Along the way, take in the vibrant wildflowers, shepherds tending their flocks, and colorful beehives that dot the hillside.

Beyond Leskovik, the route descends into the stunning Vjosa Valley, shaped by one of Europe’s last wild rivers. The road levels out as you pass through the village of Çarshovë—perfect for a coffee stop before the final stretch.

Enjoy lunch in Petran by the Vjosa River, where a few local restaurants offer a scenic and delicious break. From here, you can take an optional detour to the nearby warm springs (around 25°C), a delightful dip in the thermal waters beneath snow-capped peaks. Relax under an Ottoman stone bridge and soak in the serenity.

End the day in Përmet, a small town nestled by the Vjosa River, where the peaceful setting invites you to unwind after your ride.

Follow the Vjosa River as it gently slopes downhill towards Kelcyra, where the river has carved the dramatic Kelcyra Canyon. The ride through the valley feels like a peaceful escape, with cool river air and minimal elevation gain, making for a relaxed yet scenic journey. Along the way, take a break at a riverside café perched above a waterfall—perfect for a refreshing rest. After passing farmland and enjoying stunning river views, cross a steel bridge that leads you into the expansive Drinos Valley. In the afternoon, arrive in Gjirokaster, where you’ll check into your centrally located hotel. Spend the evening strolling through the charming cobbled streets, surrounded by the fortress-like Ottoman mansions of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

After breakfast, the bikes are loaded onto a local car for a short drive to the Muzina pass. From here, enjoy a thrilling downhill ride towards the Ionian coast. Stop to visit the “Blue Eye,” a mesmerizing karst spring set in lush, jungle-like surroundings.

After a winding descent, the road flattens as you cycle alongside the Bistrica River. Continue through quiet farmland roads toward Butrint, with views of the lake and citrus groves. Cross the narrow channel to the UNESCO-listed site of Butrint by a rustic ferry, and explore this ancient city’s Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins.

Enjoy a seafood lunch in Ksamil and take a swim to the nearby islands. Finally, cycle the last stretch to your hotel in the seaside town of Saranda.

Shortcut: Today’s stage can be reduced by around 39 km of distance and 250 m of elevation gain.

Begin your ride heading away from the coast, with a challenging climb to the villages of Nivica and Shen Vasil—the most demanding part of the day. Once at the top, the remainder of the ride offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea, often visible to your left. Cycling along the Albanian Riviera, you'll be treated to dramatic scenery: shimmering beaches on one side, rugged coastal mountains on the other. The road winds through charming villages, olive groves, and citrus orchards, leading to Porto Palermo, famous for its submarine pens and the historic Ali Pasha Castle. Stop here for lunch, and take a short walk to the castle for panoramic coastal views. Arriving in Himare in the afternoon, unwind on the pebble beach just across from your hotel, then enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant along the promenade.

After breakfast, gear up for one of the longest climbs in coastal Albania. The road winds upward through the epic switchbacks of the Llogara Pass, offering spectacular views along the way. Just before reaching the highest point, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic balcony with sweeping vistas of the Ionian coast. Following the challenging climb, descend into the valley to arrive in the coastal village Radhime. From here, a transfer will take you to your accommodation in Tirana. If you prefer a more leisurely day, skip the ride and enjoy the beach in Himare instead; a transfer will depart at 3:00 PM. In the evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner and a glass of wine in vibrant Tirana, reflecting on your successful journey through Southern Albania.

Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity to enjoy a last stroll through Tirana before departure. Sip a coffee at one of the lively cafés as the city wakes up, or browse the bustling New Bazaar for edible souvenirs to take home.
If time permits, don’t miss Bunk’Art 2 or the House of Leaves, two remarkable museums dedicated to Albania’s communist era, both just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square.
When it’s time to leave, we’ll take care of your 30-minute transfer to the airport or international bus station. By default, this is scheduled 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight. Thank you for joining us on this journey - we look forward to welcoming you back for more discoveries in the Balkans!