8-Day Highlights Cycling Southern Albania

Start your day with an 8:00 AM pickup and a three-hour transfer passed Lake Ohrid and into Korça region. After a bike fitting, begin your scenic ride through rolling farmland, where horse-drawn carts are common, and friendly locals wave as you pass. The route offers a mix of gentle terrain and vibrant rural views, leading inot Korça, a town rich in culture and history, nestled beneath the Morava Mountains.

Once in Korça check into your hotel, use the afternoon to stroll across the charming Old Bazaar, visit the renowned Museum of Medieval Art, stroll along the lively boulevards, or simply soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Conclude your day with a traditional dinner, accompanied by Korça’s famous live serenades - a delightful immersion into local culture.

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 hearty breakfast, set off towards Leskovik, where you will enjoy a scenic downhill ride that brings you closer to the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river. As you pedal through the valley, take in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, marked by dramatic mountains and lush greenery.

Upon reaching the village of Bënjë, take time to relax and rejuvenate in the curative thermal springs, known for their soothing waters and serene setting. It’s the perfect way to unwind after your ride.

Later, a convenient transfer will take you to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër, where you’ll check into a charming hotel in the heart of the old town. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the town’s atmospheric local restaurants, surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic stone houses. Gjirokastër offers a rich cultural experience, with its blend of Ottoman and Albanian heritage, making it the perfect place to end a memorable day.

Shortcut: Today’s stage can be reduced by around 6.5 km of distance and 150m of elevation gain.

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!