8-day cycling highlights of southern Albania

Transfer east through the Lake Ohrid region towards the Korçë plateau. After the bicycle fitting, begin riding through rolling farmland beneath the Morava Mountains.

The route follows gentler terrain into Korçë, where broad streets, the Old Bazaar and the Museum of Medieval Art provide options for the afternoon.

This introductory stage focuses on the plateau landscape before the longer ride through the Kolonja Highlands.

Leave the Korçë plateau and climb steadily to Barmash 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.

Ride from Gërmenj towards Leskovik and descend into the Vjosa Valley. Continue towards the warm pools at Benja, which lie beside Lengarica Canyon beneath an Ottoman stone bridge.

There is time to bathe in the pools before the planned transfer to Gjirokastër. The stage can be shortened by around 6.5 km and 150 m of ascent using the supplied route option.

The night is spent in a hotel in Gjirokastër’s old town.

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.

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.