8-day relaxed cycling in southern Albania

Transfer from Tirana towards Korçë, passing the Lake Ohrid region before reaching the south-eastern plateau. After the bicycle fitting, begin cycling across farmland beneath the Morava and Gramos mountains.

Continue through the Kolonja highlands towards Ersekë and the village of Rehovë. The route combines broad plateau roads with views towards the Greek border.

A shorter option reduces the stage by around 17 km and 360 m of ascent. The night is spent at village accommodation in Rehovë.

Leave Rehovë on quieter roads that include sections of worn asphalt. The route climbs towards Barmash Pass before descending past forest and roadside springs.

A final rise leads into the Gërmenj area, where the cycling ends at rural accommodation. The rougher surface and repeated climbing make this the most active inland stage of the relaxed itinerary.

Dinner is served at the guesthouse after the ride.

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 morning is free in Himare after the cycling stages. You may swim, walk along the waterfront or rest near the beach.

In the afternoon, transfer to Tirana. The road journey takes around four hours, depending on traffic and stops.

The final night is spent in the capital, with the evening free to explore independently.

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.